No Fooling: The Next Game Counts!

by Nico on Apr 1, 2007 3:48 PM PDT in News

The A's win 8-5, as Oakland sweeps the Giants in the exhibition season series and finishes the spring 17-11-2. Somehow, I still love this team despite everyone's best efforts to prevent fans from enjoying the experience. Despite the fact that...

* The A's TV ads are so dull you want to check the listings to see what's on the "Watch Paint Drying" channel

* The radio broadcasts are now delayed, so you can't even enjoy the play-by-play experience along with a telecast

* Seating capacity has been intentionally reduced so that thousands of fans can't come to the most attractive games

* The team prints 8 pocket schedules which are then cleverly hidden under different rocks throughout the Bay Area

* When a player complains of an earache it is diagnosed as an inflamed toe and the recommended treatment is "more weightlifting"

...I heart my Lovable Muppets, and today I'm seeing silver linings because tomorrow is Opening Day! Said linings include:

* Roster decisions that will allow Nick Swisher to play 1B, thus giving the A's an outstanding infield defense and the kind of offensive production associated with the first base position.

* The excitement and intrigue of Travis Buck, 50 games removed from single-A. With Buck in the OF and Gaudin in the rotation, there may be potential for crash and burn but you have to like the talent. It's all about upside right now.

* If today was a "futures game" of sorts the best prospects shone, with Danny Putnam banging out three hits, Suzuki mashing a homerun, and even the "scrubs" collectively picking up where the regulars left off without missing a beat.

* As of right now, Harden, Haren, Calero, Duchscherer, and Street are healthy, and that alone could keep the A's afloat until Loaiza, Kotsay, and Johnson return.

* With the Angels banged up, it's looking like perhaps it won't take 93-95 wins to take the AL West this year. Maybe this year 90 gets it done? 88? The A's, in their current physical condition, may not look like a great team--but a good team might be enough to get you to the ALDS.

We'll see, and we'll see starting tomorrow. PLAY BALL!

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I may not like MLB

but I love baseball...and my team

I'll be in the stands Opening Night (April 9)

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2007 3:51 PM PDT reply actions

That's a good way to put it

Love me some Swishee. Love me some MaEl. Love me some Duke. Love me some Krazy Klown. And so on. Nothing's going to change that.

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 Apr 1, 2007 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

plan on heading to work early

so i can get off early for the opening pitch on mlbtv or better yet if it is on regular tv up here with FSNW

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

by ak_A on Apr 1, 2007 3:55 PM PDT reply actions

How long does it take you

to shovel the driveways of all the igloos in the neighborhood, anyway?

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 Apr 1, 2007 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions

depends on how much sled dog piles need scooping

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

by ak_A on Apr 1, 2007 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Can't Understand the Idiots who ..

.. predicted us to come in last place this year .. but that is their problem, let's go out and make fools of them !!!!! ....

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 4:07 PM PDT reply actions

From what I've seen...

...there aren't very many out there picking the A's to finish last. Mostly Angels to finish first, with some picking the A's to win the West.

I'd put down some links, but FoolshGame22 has already done it for me. :)

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 1, 2007 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I haven't seen

any comments about getting together for tomorrow's game. I'm going to try to get to Triple Rock as soon as possible after the game starts - anyone else?

by sslinger on Apr 1, 2007 4:08 PM PDT reply actions

wish I could

but I have a work meeting that I can't ditch -- especially since I'm planning on ditching the following Monday's meeting to get to the ballpark early for opening night!!

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2007 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Great idea

I'll make it there with my son for an hour or two...

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Apr 1, 2007 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Also Can You Imagine the Tiger Faithful Last Yr..

With Buck in the OF and Gaudin in the rotation, there may be potential for crash and burn but you have to like the talent. It's all about upside right now.

.. substitute ..

With Granderson in the OF and Verlander in the rotation, there may be potential for crash and burn but you have to like the talent. It's all about upside right now.

.. Well maybe it's a stretch but I'm just sayin ..

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 4:12 PM PDT reply actions

Or...

"With Jared Weaver and Howie Kendrick..."

I can understand concerns about Buck skipping AAA, but let's remember that Huston Street pitched all of 26 minor league innings (all of 2 innings at AAA) and was 21 years old when he made Oakland's roster in 2005.

Buck is 23.5 years old and played 50 games at AA. The jump is a leap all right, but it's totally doable--and has been done before.

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 Apr 1, 2007 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Said on A's radio that Miggy skipped AAA too ..

.. if I heard them correctly .. which is always a distinct possibility that my nearly senile ears did not do so .. {g} .. but I thought I did hear that ..

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions

that's what they said

by sslinger on Apr 1, 2007 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Indeed he did...

and hit .233 in his first full season. Luckily, Buck won't have a 20-1 swing to take ratio.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2007 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I guess it was about time

Travis Buck will be the first A's farmhand to jump direct from AA to the bigs in Billy Beane's tenure as GM.

Insert new, original, thought provoking sig line (...HERE...)

by grover on Apr 1, 2007 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Perez?

Any ideas about his non-baseball issue?

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Apr 1, 2007 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

BEISBOL! Te amo!!!

Let's play ball, kids. Tonight is that sleepless night before the first day of school. Let's go, A's!

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

by LAXile on Apr 1, 2007 5:05 PM PDT reply actions

The player Buck is most similar to

Is usually said to be Andre Ethier who had a very strong season with the Dodgers after we traded him for a bust.

http://thebaseballcube.com/players/B...

http://thebaseballcube.com/players/E...

Ethier had more twice the experience in the minors that Buck has but Buck spent his age 22 season in AA instead of A+ and held his own. I believe his addition to the team is all about upside. There are only so many times you can get borderline veterans before going with the young talent. Establishing him in the lineup will help the team figure out where it's young talent is.

"E-Lo pitched a whale of a ballgame," A's manager Ken Macha said.

by niallmack on Apr 1, 2007 5:08 PM PDT reply actions

Wouldn't really call Bradley a bust.

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Apr 1, 2007 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions

me neither

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll be there...

in heart anyways.

Watching mlb.tv from East Texas. Deep in the heart of Ranger country. Look for me in Right field in late April when the A's come to beat the Rangers in Arlington. :)

Go A's!

by Gromit1025 on Apr 1, 2007 5:11 PM PDT reply actions

Just got home from the game

Here are some brief thoughts I had today:

Love watching the River Cats beat the Giants! Really is a very beautiful thing.
Suzuki (sp?) made me look really good today. No sooner had I said, oh yeah, this guys is kinda good, did he slam a ball over the left field wall. Thanks man! Appreciate that!
Buck in, FREAKING FABULOUS!
Perez Out, even better!!
Love how many A's fans came out to the Phone Booth yesterday and how few Giants fans came out to the coliseum today. Our fans RULE ALL!
Seeing Bobby actually on the field again made me so happy I almost cried!
Melhuse in High Socks!!! {dies}
Baseball is BACK!! It is a very beautiful day! =D

"I'm already in Barry's head! He doesn't want to play against ME!" - Kotsay on facing Zito, Fan Fest 2007

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Apr 1, 2007 6:03 PM PDT reply actions

Oh man. Melhuse rockin' the high socks was GREAT.

I hope he keeps 'em -- they were a mighty fine look for him. :) Someone should tell him that statistically, players in high socks get more playing time than non-socked players.

I still can't believe how Suzuki CRUSHED that ball. It warms my bitter, shriveled spirit.

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

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2007 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Hell yea

Giants fans will talk alot of mess from afar, but they know they want no part of Oakland. We scare them...lol

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Apr 1, 2007 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Well...

not many fans of either team came to the Coli today. 17,000-something was all.

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

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

You know what's really dumb?

Pitchers hitting.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2007 6:04 PM PDT reply actions

Except Glavine

5-0 Mets and counting...

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 Apr 1, 2007 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm OK with duller ads this year

if it means there's an actual marketing campaign afoot to, I dunno, get people who aren't already diehards to attend some games. I mean, I loved Kotsay dreaming of Stomper, Ruby pitching tacos with extra giraffe meat, and Macha with a bazooka. But I already go to tons of games...an ad campaign geared at actually attracting new fans might make for a pleasant change.

Not that there's reason to expect that from this year's efforts either.

"He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man." --Dr. Johnson

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Apr 1, 2007 6:31 PM PDT reply actions

Designing ads that will attract only

die-hard fans makes about as much sense as posting billboard telling people where to call to get help if they can't read.

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 Apr 1, 2007 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Braille on the drive thru ATMs

with signs (not in braille) saying no walk ups?

by DMOAS on Apr 1, 2007 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions

E-mail addresses re the radio delay

The A's web site (Roster>Front Office) lists Warren Chu as the Broadcasting Services Manager. His address is wchu@oaklandathletics.com. When I questioned him about this matter a few weeks ago, he responded:

Sports radio always attempts to deliver their broadcast in real time as promptly as possible. Fans at the game listen to the broadcast and the game is also heard throughout the stadium.

Uh-huh.

When I sent an e-mail on this subject to KIFR 106.9 I got a "response" (cookie-cutter) from Jason Insalaco, the program director. He is at insalaco@sfradio.cbs.com.

Buan got a call about the delays during his Extra Innings show. I don't think the A's are much happier about this situation than we are. He sympathized with those doing the mute the TV sound thing (but did not indicate that anything will be done to solve this), and said that they are exploring using a low power radio transmitter at the Coliseum to provide a live broadcast to those listening in the stands.

by Soaker on Apr 1, 2007 6:53 PM PDT reply actions

Soaker: I've written a sample letter

for people to mail, email, or fax to people at CBS, KIFR (106.9 FM), and 1550 AM, and I've included as much contact info as possible (I'll add the info you've listed, thanks).

But I'm planning to wait until Tuesday morning to post it because I figure more people will be on AN once the regular season starts. I'm going to urge the community to bombard these places with correspondences; only big numbers of correspondences will have any chance of making an impact.

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 Apr 1, 2007 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh, Soaker, maybe you can help:

I need the email addresses for the marketing departments of as many of the A's radio advertising sponsors as possible (Round Table, Coors, Shed Shop, 5-A Rent A Space, etc.).

If you or anyone else can help round those up it would be mucho helpful.

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 Apr 1, 2007 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Getting e-mail addresses

With larger companies, you usually fill out an online form on their website to comment on something and indicate that you want a reply via e-mail. Then, when someone replies, you've got their e-mail address. That's how I got the addresses for Chu and Insalaco. For example, go to roundtablepizza.com and in the "Contact" section, go to "Comment on our ads" and fill out the form.

Shedshop.com is a small-time operation. If you call the phone number of either the Fremont or Martinez office and ask to speak to the president of the company, I bet they'll connect you.

5aspace.com has a lame website. I see how you can e-mail the individual locations but I don't see any contact info for the corporate office. Best I can do there is the general phone number (800)5A-SPACE and the general e-mail address customerservice@5aspace.com.

by Soaker on Apr 1, 2007 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Rotation

So, it looks like Blanton will get a start vs. his favorite team, The Mariners.

Haren

Blanton

Harden

Gaudin

Kennedy

by Colorado Fan on Apr 1, 2007 7:08 PM PDT reply actions

Maybe a mis-placed dump

but a nice article about Geren and catcher-managers here:

http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1476...

Just call me Waddy Lad, cattle rustler.

by LawDaddy on Apr 1, 2007 7:40 PM PDT reply actions

A's commercials boring?

I don't think the A's 07 commercials have actually started running. I haven't seen any of the ads on TV that the A's debuted in a corporate sponsors event I attended. And they were anything but boring. The Swisher little league spot is classic.

by Papago on Apr 1, 2007 8:06 PM PDT reply actions

The one I've seen the most

is about Harden/Haren and runs at the speed of dull. What makes a casual fan want to go to the ballpark is seeing the excitement--a clip of a spectacular DP or Bradley's walk-off against B. J. Ryan will entice people a lot more than cute copy read in a slow drawl. If I weren't already an A's fan, the ads sure wouldn't get me even slightly interested.

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 Apr 1, 2007 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions

that's the only one i've seen

and it made me laugh out loud, literally, which doesn't happen very often when viewing commercials.

the part that got me was the whole 'harden throws hard thing and haren is (cut to haren's face) hairy.'

by fadedash on Apr 1, 2007 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree with Nico on this one

Yes, to diehards like us they're funny. But to the casual fans that these ads should be geared to they're confusing and fail to sell the product.

by DMOAS on Apr 1, 2007 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions

same agency that does the giants ads?

their billboard ads i mean. one, that i've seen on buses all over sf, reads "two chardonnays and a cha-cha" with the slogan "do you speak giant?"

that seems even more limited than the a's one

by fadedash on Apr 1, 2007 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I never said

nor would I ever say that the Giant's are good. Ew. Seriously, if they were trying to turn me off of baseball, Giant's ads would do it.

by DMOAS on Apr 1, 2007 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Postseason

Has everyone seen the nice response to the Giants' ads about "do you speak Giant?" When you come across the Bay Bridge, look at the new electonic billboard on your right. It's classic:

"POSTSEASON. Do you speak Athletic?"

Brilliant.

by McBricks on Apr 2, 2007 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions

I Sure Hope We Make It this Year!

Most if not all the pundits are predicting against it, including some local guys, for example:

A's, Giants unlikely to be in playoffs

I exchanged a few emails with this guy, he still thinks we will finish second ..

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 2, 2007 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions

que new A's spot:

Scene; Tilden Park
Nico in full A's fan garb walking Poochini with green A's dog jacket.

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

by ak_A on Apr 1, 2007 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions

That's the only one I've seen on TV,

and I was really disappointed with it. Last year I hatedhatedhated the ads with the voiceover. HATED.

But the Coli Diamondvision today showed a commercial about ambidexterity, featuring Milton & Swish, that I thought was cute. Even with the voiceover.

There was also a really stupid "GM's Drive It Outta the Park Friday" ad with Swish & Huston, something about a car key being hit into the bleachers? I have no idea.

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

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2007 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions

How bout I now officially start the

Travis Buck for Rookie of the year campaign. Three ROTY in four years, who is with me on this one?

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Apr 1, 2007 8:11 PM PDT reply actions

Me!

Why not?

He's got the hair that legends are made of.

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

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2007 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Somebody in Novato needs to do this...

"Novato" means rookie, as "Novato del An(n)o".

Sorry, couldn't get a "tilda" on the "Ano".

"- J. Duchscherer relieved J. Duchscherer" per Yahoo! Sports Box Score

by One won lost won on Apr 1, 2007 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions

If Gaudin bangs out...

...a great start, will the A's continue to look at him as a possibility to start? I know they said it's solely temporary, but would one good turn deserve another?

by fadedash on Apr 1, 2007 8:13 PM PDT reply actions

I think some of it depends on Loaiza

ELo is actually eligible to come off the DL on April 9th and whenever he's ready he will definitely bump Gaudin out. If ELo only misses 1-2 starts, then Gaudin won't have enough chance to prove himself. Kennedy probably wouldn't be pulled from the rotation before May 1st no matter how badly he might pitch and Gaudin's other opportunity would be to supplant Kennedy in the #5 spot.

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 Apr 1, 2007 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions

you know there is a big part of me

That would not mind one bit if Loaiza never came off of the DL.

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Apr 1, 2007 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions

REALLY?

I'm not a big Loaiza fan, but I think he's head and shoulders above what you can expect from Kennedy and Gaudin. I feel like until he returns the A's aren't really a contending team; they're just a team hanging in there until they're healthy enough to contend. Kind of like May, 2005.

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 Apr 1, 2007 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

yeah.

the dj/kotsay injuries are manageable, but losing e-lo for an extended period of time would cause some pain.

by fadedash on Apr 1, 2007 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Yea I can agree with that...

And It would be awesome to get a healthy consistent Loaiza back. If Loaiza comes back from the DL and pitches like he did in August of last year, then our Starting pitching would be very formidable. I just don't know if that's the Loaiza that we are going to see coming back from the DL. What were his spring Numbers like? Didn't he miss more than one start this spring?

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Apr 1, 2007 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions

He actually pitched pretty well

for a guy with no fastball. But I'm encouraged that he's shutting it down for a week instead of insisting on lobbing batting practice and getting shelled while further injuring himself. It means we may not have to endure him being absurdly awful and he may come back strong soon instead of at 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 Apr 1, 2007 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions

JINX

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2007 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Doubt it.

I can't see them keeping him in the rotation when Loaiza comes off the DL, barring a no-no (and even then, I can't see Billy being kind). But I'm assuming that it'll at least keep him at the top of the list when the inevitable another-starter-on-the-DL happens. Though if Kennedy sucks for his first 3-4 starts, I could see a swap happening.

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

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2007 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I live in SF

and can't find a wallet schedule anywhere. The downloadable schedule is horrible too since it doesn't give times or TV scheduling.

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

by humdinger on Apr 1, 2007 8:39 PM PDT reply actions

Uh...

ignore everything in this post, if you haven't already.

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

by humdinger on Apr 1, 2007 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Walker didn't look to sloppy on D today,

He might just be able to play some first base. So Perez got the old heave ho...thank you Billy. Halsey has a bit more to prove, and Walker is riding the pine? Do I have it about right so far? If so, what's our starting lineup tomorrow? Really confused fans with short attention spans want to know.

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

by alox on Apr 1, 2007 8:46 PM PDT reply actions

the lineup--

--hey, pay attention, I'm over here!--will be:

Kendall - C
Stewart - LF
Bradley - CF
Piazza - DH
Chavez - 3B
Swisher - 1B
Crosby - SS
Buck - RF
Ellis - 2B

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 Apr 1, 2007 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions

What???

Oh yeah...the lineup.

This doesn't look to bad at all. Can anyone imagine the high that Buck must be on tonight? Other than the 35,000 foot flight path to Seattle? AA to the Show. Not to put any pressure on you TB, but the expecations of thousands of fans for the season now rest squarely on your untried shoulders.

Good luck with that.

We will boo.

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

by alox on Apr 1, 2007 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

with TB here, I wish we still had Saars. nt

by fadedash on Apr 1, 2007 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, with E-Lo

opting to make his extended winter break an annual event with Oakland, I fear that I will be missing Saarloos too. Enough so that I am going to monitor his progress in Cinci closely. That way, I can reach into my own chest cavity are pull out my liver to gnaw on if he shines.

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

by alox on Apr 1, 2007 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions

Who's Higher

Jay Marshall or Travis Buck?

by Colorado Fan on Apr 2, 2007 8:29 AM PDT up reply actions

sounds right

was that officially announced? just wondering

by fadedash on Apr 1, 2007 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes, Geren announced it

after today's game. Apparently he writes the lineups, not the players.

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 Apr 1, 2007 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Lovin the /a's]

by mrod on Apr 1, 2007 9:29 PM PDT reply actions

me too

go A's! Sock it to the Halos!

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Whoops!

This little laptop is a bit tricky! So I am totally stoked that T. Buck made the team and I absolutely believe it is the right call on the A's part.

Antonio Perez we barely knew you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And anybody else see that nasty swat Suziki put on the ball today???? That shit was second deck and Jason Kendall.....................you just been called our brotha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's go Oakland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by mrod on Apr 1, 2007 9:34 PM PDT reply actions

Suzuki got some serious 'pop' in that bat!

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I meant

"You just been called out" ....damned small keys!

by mrod on Apr 1, 2007 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions

No doubt brotha!

And Heatmeiser looked pretty solid with the wood today as well. Ya know, it is not looking to shabby so far and I cant wait to see the whole lineup go at it together tomorrow!

by mrod on Apr 1, 2007 9:38 PM PDT reply actions

We got the offense {i think} ..

.. just need to get our pitching rotation set ..

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 1, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Kielty looked great--

It was definitely an "Oh god Bob please play me oh please oh please don't bench me for the kid pleaaase" day for Ronnie Mac.

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

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2007 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Well if the pen can glue the fifth spot

together till Loaiza gets back and Kennedy doesn't implode I think the A's will be just fine. I actually really like seeing Gaudin out there starting because it really gives him and the team a different look. Not to mention the fact that he provides an invaluable flexibility to the pitching staff which is never a bad thing. I actually like the way things are looking right now and the sooner the whole team gets healthy, it is just a bonus in my mind.

by mrod on Apr 1, 2007 9:51 PM PDT reply actions

And I might as well post it here, too,

because it makes me happy.

Longtime A's public-address announcer Roy Steele, who was ill for much of 2006, was back behind the microphone Sunday and is expected to resume full-time duties during the regular season.

link

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

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2007 10:03 PM PDT reply actions

I thought I was hallucinating!

I kept thinking "No, it can't be -- that's -- but it sounds like -- nahhhh."

YAY!!!! (Time for Roy Steele Day, yes?)

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

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought I was hallucinating,

and then I thought I was hearing Roy Steele, and then I realized it was both.

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 Apr 1, 2007 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Spending pregame with Haren again?

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

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm pretty sure it was the post-game bash

Sometime around 4:20 if I'm not mistaken.

by DMOAS on Apr 1, 2007 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions

AWESOME!!!!!!!

"[Frank's] a big battler. He's the mother of battleships."

-Nick Swisher

by kaweahkaweah on Apr 2, 2007 7:15 AM PDT up reply actions

very very nice news

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

by ak_A on Apr 2, 2007 7:33 AM PDT up reply actions

"The Voice Of God Cometh"

again.........................................................now we really can be excited for A's baseball! Best news I have heard so far!

by mrod on Apr 1, 2007 10:16 PM PDT reply actions

Gaudin and Buck

It was nice to see Buck have a good spring, but as we all (should) know, spring stats have no real predictive value. Buck looks promising, and ZiPs likes him to the tune of .271/.331/.439, but he's never had an AB in AAA. Keep in mind that Tejada hit .202/.240/.333 after the same jump. That's okay for a team desperate for a SS, but if Buck can't beat his projection in LF that's not going to help the A's out much.

Gaudin is another enigma. You have to like the numbers he puts on the radar gun, but his peripherals last year were bad. He walked more guys than he K'd as a reliever, and now he has to back off a bit to be a starter.

I don't want to sound so pessimistic, but these are two very risky moves the A's are making.

by MrIncognito on Apr 1, 2007 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

you're right

on the other hand the A's other options weren't much better

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2007 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Anybody catch the attendance # today?

It was clearly a much more partisan crowd here than in the Booth. Parking lot seemed fuller than it was because of the Warriors, who, I'm told will also be there Opening Night. Drivers will wanna get there early.

/rant on

Oh, and will somebody pls replace the stoopid goddammed dot race? It is the clearest proof that people are idiots and will cheer for absofarkinglutely N-E-thing. Or nothing at all.

/rant off

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Apr 1, 2007 11:03 PM PDT reply actions

Buan said it was just a shade under 18,000

not bad for an exhibition game...

by OaklandSi on Apr 1, 2007 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

How injured is this team?

Even the stadium announcer has an injury update. Hopefully, Roy Steele can stay healthy all year!

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 1, 2007 11:39 PM PDT reply actions

Wasn't Travis Buck injured last year?

How do the A's know that this guy can even play daily?

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 2, 2007 2:12 AM PDT reply actions

Everybody gets injured ..

.. it's part of baseball, even in the minor leagues .. so I guess Buck would be no greater injury risk than Kielty, Stewart, Bradley .. and one hopes that his youth favors {lends odds on the side of} health ..

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 2, 2007 5:52 AM PDT up reply actions

I googled and found this ..

Farm Feed: Travis Buck
12/17/2006
by Adam Loberstein
Project Prospect Columnist
http://www.projectprospect.com/ff12-17/

Midland brought yet another twist to the rapid-changing career of Travis Buck. In July, the injury bug hit Buck for the first time in his professional career in the form of a hip flexor ailment. Playing through the pain, Buck somehow continued his offensive assault with a vital line of .302/.376/.472 over his 50-game stretch in a Rockhounds’ uniform before being shutdown for the remainder of the season. The only problem was that Buck's hip was fine. As he continued his rehab at the Arizona Fall League, Buck reaggravated the injury. Three months after the original diagnosis, Buck’s injury was correctly diagnosed as a sports hernia, putting him even further behind schedule.

.. doesn't sound too bad .. the article ends with:

Over the course of his minor league career, Buck has posted a batting average well over .300 to go along with his impressive on-base clip, put up a strong .511 slugging number, and used his speed and arm strength on defense playing as an excellent outfielder. Look for Travis Buck to bring his five-tool package to a big league stadium near you sometime soon.

.. guess we are about to witness the "package" first-hand for ourselves now ..

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

by Randy Bell on Apr 2, 2007 6:20 AM PDT up reply actions