DE-FENSE! (Clap! Clap!) DE-FEN... Uhoh.
by louismg on May 2, 2007 7:38 PM PDT
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PrintConsidering the way tonight's game started, with Josh Beckett looking practically unhittable, the A's were fairly lucky to have taken the final score all the way to 6-4 with their battered lineup against a team sporting one of the top three records in all of baseball.
From Kendall's shockingly unexpected two run single in the fifth, to a two out RBI by the suddenly hot Dan Johnson and a 9th inning two out hit by Todd Walker that brought the potential tying run to the plate, there were positive signs in the offense. In fact, all four of the A's runs tonight came with two out - a situation we haven't been known for much over the last few seasons.
Tonight, we can't blame the offense much. The biggest issue for our green and gold tonight came when they were in the field.
Langerhans and Putnam waved the matador's cape in the outfield, while Kendall seemed to mimic his batting style while chasing down Mike Lowell in a rundown, throwing the ball down the middle and over second. Add up the three errors which led to two unearned runs, not counting Danny Putnam's flub that saw Youkilis score in the 9th, and you've got either a tie game or the A's leading by one. Either way, you have a completely different ballgame. It's small consolation that the two outfielders aren't exactly our first tier options.
Lowell's takedown of Piazza was horrible, to be sure, but in the bang-bang play atmosphere, it's very likely he wasn't thinking, and I doubt any of us believe it was malicious. Meanwhile, we got the chance to see Swisher isn't ready to do much of anything besides let his hair grow. The GIDP he offered up in pinch hitting for Piazza was painful to watch, both for what transpired and in seeing he would have been beaten out to first base by your average DMV clerk.
Tomorrow the A's have a day off to let the pain dissipate and rest up. It's clear they need it.
UPDATE: The A's acquired outfielder Chris Snelling from the Washington Nationals for outfielder Ryan Langerhans after the game.
UPDATE II: Piazza is expected to be out from 4 to 6 weeks, after suffering a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, according to the Chronicle's Susan Slusser (via A's Asst. GM David Forst). Options include yet more trades, or calling up Daric Barton from AAA.
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As banged up as we are, a split in Boston
.. isn't too bad - I'll take it! :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 7:36 PM PDT reply actions
Still Scrappy
That's how I see this team. I know they're not perfect, hardly any team is. They're dinged and danged, but held up pretty good against the best team in the AL. I'm way hopeful.
it's fine to split in Boston
but win or lose, the A's played very sloppily on defense. That is -- or should be -- a big concern.
Hoping sloppy 'D' was an aberration ..
.. and not a continuing pattern! .. Milton will be back soon, maybe that gives a shot in the arm on both fronts {O and D} - if we could get a healthy Kotsay back that would definitely give a big boost to the 'D' .. as, CF has been a problem .. hang on! :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions
infield miscues might be an aberration
but those of the outfield weren't.
The (up to yesterday) current outfield is not strong defensively (Stewart, Putnam, (ex)Langerhans). Snelling doesn't have the range he used to have before he blew up his knee. Kielty is not known for his defense. Swisher is much better defensively at 1B than in the outfield. Bradley is good, but currently not playing. Kotsay is very good, also currently not playing.
Correct but Milton should be back soon
I kind of hate to see him back in CF but he's the best we got so - if he can manage to stay healthy out there, that will improve the outfield defense ..
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions
thanks coffee for the good news!
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
and now if Swish gets DLed
it has to be 15 days from today
...not very good planning if he's indeed not ready on Friday,,,
Good point.
I hadn't even considered that issue.
keeping fingers crossed
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
At this point
if he's DL'd it will be because he needs the 15 days from today to completely heal. I don't see that, in the long run, as being that big a difference. The A's seem willing to put up with Bradley's trips to the DL every three or four weeks, so an extended one for Swisher doesn't seem too bad.
by IndianaAsfan on May 2, 2007 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
disagree
the A's already have one of their better hitters -- Bradley -- as a from time to time DL risk. Having another one can't be good. In fact, should Swish become another key player who is often unavailable, it's worse than if they didn't already have players like that.
Is Rickey Henderson available?
Or, did he retire YET?
Why did we trade for a better defender?
Scutaro would not be any worse, would he?
And I have to admit, even Stewart tossed one back to the infield weakly too. What happened?
Not in the field
and we needed another outfielder. Scutaro is an infielder. His day will come. Dont' worry. Langerhanz drew a great walk tonight.
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Did you notice Swish walking?
He looked a little cautious.
by LilAnnieOaktown on May 2, 2007 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Just for Nico ..! Exclusive!
Now available Nico!
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/grd/...
by One won lost won on May 2, 2007 7:48 PM PDT reply actions
This part is amazing:
I mean, I knew horses were well hung, but my GOD.
Baseball tonight update:
Langerhans to Washington for Chris Snelling.
Yeah that's what they said
I dunno anything else tho. It was a really quick update.
Heh
So much for all the future jokes we could have made about his name.
Though "Snelling" has potential too.
sorry, I'm in mourning.
The lad stole my heart, briefly. And now he's gone. He and his noodle arm and .058 BA...it was so beautiful.
by coffee roaster on May 2, 2007 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
wake up, snell the coffee, and raise that average
I agree
although it would be tough to be worse.
by IndianaAsfan on May 2, 2007 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Yup. Snelling is listed as Oakland
on MLB website. What's the difference between him and Langerhans? Options? Doesn't seem much better, but maybe younger and more next year oriented. No?
It's like the Web site One Red Paper Clip
http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/
Just keep trading, Billy.
Young and more AAA options (cheaper)
then Langerhans.
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Not only cheaper
but he can sent down when the outfielders are healed. Langerhans would have to have cleared waivers or been traded/released at that point because he was out of options. This trade allows them to completely avoid the "rent a player."
by IndianaAsfan on May 2, 2007 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Goot Point
thanks indiana ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
{sp} Good
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Hard Hitting Red Sox?
I have never seen so many dinks and dunks over a two-game series. Did the Red Sox hit any thing hard over this two-game series? Much love to the A's pitching staff.
- 1 out of 2 in Boston.
Let's get through May with a record of 26-26.
- Piazza with a shoulder sprain - Probably ends up be a career ender...you know, being an "A" and all *
If you can't hit...
you better not make errors in the field. I think Beane forgot to tell Langerhans that.
Robert Forst says Piazza -> DL
said so on Robert Buan extra innings - 4 to 6 weeks ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 7:56 PM PDT reply actions
Definitely
just have to ride out the storm! ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Is Bocachica eligible yet?
who is robert forst?
David Forst, sorry
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/tea...
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions
According to
Wikipedia we are supposed to call him "Doyle" (his middle name) instead of Chris, because of his -- wait for it -- history of injuries. Changing his name to ward off evil spirits.
What's Crosby's middle name?
SNELLING!
woo hoo!
YEAH!
I like your enthusiasm! SNELLING!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Can Snelling play CF?
Anyone know? From what I remember of his Mariner days, he was limited to LF.
Doesn't look like Swisher will be able to patrol the OF by Friday, so if Snelling isn't CF-worthy, this sets the defense back to slotting Putnam there again.
And if he makes an error
it would be a missnelling.
Or more likely a misnelling.
Man, they should have traded
RealTime Platoon Trading
You heard it here .. :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Where was Buck tonight?
Buck, Snelling and Stewart in the OF with Swish DH'ing or will it be Melhuse? Finally, Melhuse gets his fulltime chance! How cool is that! Go get 'em Adam!
Pining for the Fiords
He is just sleeping, really.
Sounds like neither.
Melhuse still as backup C, and Barton to DH?
Outfield would be some combo of Buck, Snelling, Stewart and Putnam. He has yet to be traded tonight.
Do you think Barton is ready?
Why not use Melhuse for a month and if it doesn't work out trade him and call up Barton. And switch out Putnam for Boca or Two Buck. He looks totally overmatched and not ready!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Can't use Melhuse
he's the backup catcher.
by IndianaAsfan on May 2, 2007 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, but what about the days when Kendall is
catching, which is EVERY GAME? Why not then, and have a backup in case Kendall gets hurt?
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions
That's the point
by IndianaAsfan on May 3, 2007 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm guessing Walker will do most of the DH'ing
Depends on Swisher, but Walker is by far the best offensive player on the bench right now. And that isn't saying much.
by coffee roaster on May 2, 2007 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
At least Melhuse has some power!
Walker is a Piazza type singles doubles hitter. We have too many of those! I want Big Frank back!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
As a native of the great state of Minnesota
(like Dan Johnson) I would like to suggest an alternate nickname: 
that's funny! :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
we have to go with doyle
that's what everyone calls him (at least mariners fans).
I guess that's why the A's are always injured
defective parts on the cheap. Even the coaching/training staff. They're all so loveable, though!
all you need to know about snelling
doyle has been an athletic for a few minutes and there are already THREE diaries about this trade on lookout landing:
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/story/...
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/story/...
http://www.lookoutlanding.com/story/...
yeah they love them some doyle at LL
I don't have a link handy, but when Snelling went to the Nats this year, the LL folks went ballistic. Serious serious rage at Bavasi. Oddly enough, I was just about to go to LL to see how they were taking the M's competent start after crucifying their GM in the offseason.
We're a .500 team
Which is exactly what we've said we were even after the horrific trading.
We had the talent to actually compete in the West, and Bavasi pissed it away. That's what we got angry at him for, turning a high-upside team into an average one.
by Graham MacAree on May 2, 2007 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
makes sense
The traditional press is playing it as "Vidro has jumpstarted the M's", which might be kind of annoying to fans with a longer-term view of the team.
Maybe Bavasi can get Schilling for Felix? < ducks >
considering Daric Barton?
CBS sportsline doesn't think he's ready:
http://sportsline.com/mlb/players/pl...
Player News
Daric Barton is off to a slow start in Triple-A, hitting .234 (.318 OBP, .338 SLUG). He has just one homer and 12 RBI in 22 games and 77 at-bats.
(Updated 04/29/2007).
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/2/07).
Fantasy Analysis
Barton, a converted catcher, has offensive potential, but he has battled injuries and ineffectiveness the past two years. Consider him nothing more than a long-term keeper prospect at this point. He needs to get it together before the A's even consider him for a call-up.
(Updated 04/29/2007).
MELHUSE TO DH!
C'mon Geren! Give him a chance!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions
AWESOME!
I thought I remebered him from the Raniers and at Beavers games and watching the M's, as I don't have a choice!
Night all.
Need to walk off some of the liquor so I will be clear of mind at the office tomorrow.
ESPN on piazza shoulder injury
piazza out 4-6 weeks.
that's not so bad, looks like we'll see some typical may a's baseball.
lol
May 1 was good to us, May 2 got us back in spades. Can't wait for the rest of this month.
I'm telling you, the bats are coming around!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Stick with the heater!
Yea, but if the A's said 4-6
Its likely that he (and the whole clubhouse) has come down with bird flu.
Honestly, recent developments in A's baseball are just hysterical.
Are we really missing the first 4 batters in our line up? Yea!
Are we really missing OF 1-4 on our depth chart? You know it!
Did we sign a guy named Langerhans who proceeded to play 2 games in center before being shipped off? Yup. He didn't even come through oakland!
I honestly think we should hold a raffle at the warriors game tomorrow night and the winner can be our right fielder until they go down with a horrific fluke injury -- like strained back from sneezing, or tetanus from sitting on a tack.
you forgot
succumbing to consumption.
Or acute defenestration.
Big Difference {i think} - Pitching
Last year in May our pen was ravaged by injuries - that was a more crippling situation because we couldn't hold a lead. So long as our pitching stays healthy {I mean, what we have now}, they can keep us in most games ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions
"Doyle" is Chris Snelling's middle name
I think Mariners fans started using it in an attempt to change his lousy luck on the injury front...sort of like "new thread mojo".
The history of "Doyle"
I believe it stems from this post on USS Mariner (which sponsors Snelling's page at Baseball Reference.
langerwho
yeah , let's give Melhuse a chance, he certainly deserves it. Only problem, who back's up Kendall? It's risky having the backup catcher DH, just in case, and lord knows we better prepare for... ahhem, worst case scenario.
Anyway looks like the M's were high on Snelling, or maybe just high?
Okay, maybe I was a little quick
to judge Piazza and Walker. Much better home run hitters then Melhuse. GO T-Walker! GO DOYLE!
Bonds just hit another homer!
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:18 PM PDT reply actions
He's just this guy.
way too easy to be sucked in by media swirls. So he doesn't get along with reporters. I can't blame him!
All you RAFs:
Arak and I witnessed one of Langerhans' two career games as an A. Ha!
He can tell his grandkids how he played at ..
Ol-Fenway Pahk ...
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions
We are not worthy
I will tell people I know you and they will not believe.
Shirt Jersey:
How long until I can get my Snelling T? I think he might already be my favorite player.
The worst part?
My Langerhans jersey doesn't show up until next week. Friggin' shipping delays.
I thought of that...
mlb.com was reporting that 34,785 Langerhans jersey's sold in the last 2 days. He's huge in the south west I guess.
BTW... I was not one of those purchasers
I have no jerseys with names on the back. It's just begging for a trade! All my A's gear is AN gear. (Wearing an AN shirt now...)
They'll be selling them off at a discount now
at the Outlets of Langerhans.
Favorite player?
Thats true.
My google home page is reporting a 100% full moon. I forgot that we loose 7% of our team every time that happens.
I'm at the point now where I'm
just thinking this isn't the A's year. these injuries are rediculous.
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 8:31 PM PDT reply actions
Hang On, it's Early
way too early to give up ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Thank you Randy!
Come on! It's freaking May 2nd and the AAAA's won one in Fenway! Don't give up now!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm not necessarily giving up. I just think
this might be one of those years.
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions
last year May was worse because
our pitching staff {particularly the pen} was ravaged by injuries and couldn't keep us in games or couldn't hold leads - this year so long as our pitching, what we have now that is, remains healthy, we still have a chance ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Thinking about it...
with Piazza to the DL, the A's can really call up anyone they want to fill his spot.
Kevin Melillo is the hottest hitter the River Cats have and this would be an opportunity to give him a taste a big league pitching.
Interesting idea
by BlameChannel53 on May 3, 2007 4:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Does Vegas have odds on our next injury?
Our next trade for someone to fill in for said injured player?
You know
when Billy Beane acquired Langerhans, I was thinking, what the heck is he thinking except for the fact that the team needed a warm body...but I absolutely love the fact that he's parlayed Langerhans into Snelling.
This is a beautiful move. Although Snelling does have the A's profile in that he gets injured all the time. It's not like we need any more of those...
by Tyler Bleszinski on May 2, 2007 8:34 PM PDT reply actions
It was Because ..
Braves said unh-unh, Andruw Jones not available .. :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Billy made the first trade
I had been wondering that
I had come across a couple of references to other teams that had been interested in Langerhans in the past, including Cincinnati and Washington...
confirmed by Forst
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/new...
I'll bet Beane intended from the start to flip Langerhans to Washington for Snelling, since it's no secret that Washington wanted Langerhans.
Snelling????!?!!?!?
I like Snelling!
Yup, he's going to be AWESOME
and with T-Buck or T-Walker the story of the year for us!
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Was swisher the only option Geren had?
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 8:35 PM PDT reply actions
No, I've been back for a couple of days.
Just probably won't be online after 2:30 pm very often, so I'll miss the game threads & wrap-ups...
Signs:
Is it too soon to start work on outfield signs for Snelling? I know we don't have a home game until a week from Friday, but I was thinking we need at least 12-14 signs.
Also, as we get nearer, would anyone like to join me at the airport to welcome him back? I also have Jerry Brown's office on the phone and I am trying to figure out the motorcade is going to take to the stadium.
I think this really is a huge, huge addition for us.
we should re-name cisco field
DOYLE! not doyle field, just DOYLE!
His OBP isn't terrible
Not a ton of AB's to judge properly, but for the last three years Snelling's OBP has been .382, .360, and thus far this year .361
Not bad. A definite upgrade from Lederhosen.
The Piazza injury is a sign:
That is a great idea.
Just give Stebby a couple of cocktails and tell him to go nuts. Haren actually used to be a good hitter though right?
on the serious side (yes, really from me)
I wonder who of that lot is the best hitter?
haren
right, but of all them, too too
valuable to risk. ratz, foiled again.
hehe hoho
Ringring-ring-
What is that noise Gerald?
Well, boys, the master is opening his wallet, it's time to cash in.
It is going to be a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG Season!
by azagtooth on May 2, 2007 8:49 PM PDT reply actions
so are we pretty sure that swisher will not be
starting against the D-rays?
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 8:49 PM PDT reply actions
Our pattern would suggest
He looked awful running down the line
I can't imagine him playing in the field, especially on turf at St. Pete. With the opening at DH...well, maybe in a few days that might work.
I can't believe Geren put him in. Was there
nobody else?
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions
he's a switch hitter and ..
Wasn't there a lefty on the mound? Can't recall .. but if so, that is why you'd prefer Swish over a strick lefty hitter like Melhuse .. plus Swish is one of our best hitters - remember the 88 World Series! Or maybe A's fans want to forget that!
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions
{sp} Strict lefty hitter
was thinking of Curt Gibson ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions
OOPs I forgot abt Melhuse SH
his best side is the left, though .. but you and larrysgurl are right, the A's took a risk ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Yep it just keeps getting deeper and deeper
The more I post, the deeper the hole .. :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions
In other words, I Don't Know ..
.. why Swisher was chosen to DH for Piazza .. other than that Geren decided to do that .. which I could have said oh, ten posts up .. :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
already corrected myself - hehe
http://www.athleticsnation.com/story...
But then I got blasted for mentioning his name on an Athletics Blog, so .. it's just a bummer all around! :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions
it's obvious he wasn't ready to be out there
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions
maybe he ran so slow to first because
he was under orders to do so ...
why risk losing him for another few weeks.
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions
to me that's stupid too.
if they weren't going to allow him to run, then he shouldn't have been out there. it's not like it was the 20th inning and he was the only option.
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Correction - Kirk Gibson
That's why I mentioned the 88 world series - Swisher has power and if he hit a HR then no problem trotting around the bases - if he gets any other hit, run slowly then put a pinch runner in for him. But of course not arguing with you, you're right, - there is a risk involved for sure .. maybe Swish insisted he could do it. :)
Google on Kirk Gibson
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
I understand what you are saying, and hopefully
they did just tell him not to run, but from what I hear he wasn't walking to well either. that makes me believe that he wasn't ready to be out there.
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
did you just mention Kirk Gibson on an A's blog?
complete with google search (as if we don;t remember or know).
you're really trying to win most unpopular poster, aren't you?
{i think} I'm Already There ..
.. but I will continue to strive for excellence .. toward the lofty goal of winning the "most unpopular blogger" award .. I got traded here from some security forums so I'm used to arguing about antiviruses and firewalls - I'm outta my league .. :)
you're really trying to win most unpopular poster, aren't you?
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
and why do you put the blockquote
after your response? curious.
I have no idea but
.. if putting the blockquote before my response would get me more "unpopular blogger" votes, I should have done that! :) Seriously though, laying the humor aside, should I put it before? Don't want to practice bad netiquette. I honestly don't know which is better?
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions
well, i don't think you need them
what with the indents on the responses and all. especially considering the brevity of our posts. that's just my take though.
OK thanks :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions
serious advice
Don't quote at all unless it's necessary to show a specific line you're responding to. (Most of the time it will be obvious because of the indenting scheme.)
Think of it like a spoken conversation. Would you repeat back what the other person says? Generally not.
When you do quote, always put the quote directly before your response to it. Don't stick it on the end like a postscript.
Got it, thanks for the tip :)
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Top-posting is evil
more doyle trade talk
http://ussmariner.com/2007/05/02/doy...
best comment:
"Man, it’s like Beane is openly mocking the Mariners at this point. I think his next move is to order a bunch of pizzas to Bavasi’s house."
Delivered in 4-6 weeks
lol
I liked this:
...he’s got a cunning personality, awesome Australian accent, carries a Yoda doll with him on the road and a great middle name.
Mmmm... Australian accent... :)
I agree -- bring back Durazo
I think it would be a good move to bring Erubiel Durazo back. He's a proven big league hitter and would probably come cheap. What are the difficulties in doing so (40 man roster, etc.)? Does anyone know?
they'd have to drop someone
and I doubt they'd drop anyone for what would amount to a max of 2 weeks of Durazo.
I wonder what the next move is...
I wonder who we'd have to give up to get Johnny Gomes? He's wasting away in Tampa, has good power, is a local guy and is cheap (around 400 grand this year). He's off to a slow start and isn't getting much playing time. Might be there for the picking.
that does sound like a good idea
on the surface anyway - we never know the inner workings of baseball world, whether Tampa would be interested in a trade ..
by Randy Bell on May 2, 2007 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the logical...
move is to go after Ian Snell and make a run at the ALL NAME team.
While we were trading with Washington
we should have held out for Austin Kearns to add to our collection of Texas cities.
Gomes = Terrible Hitter.
ANYONE but him. He's wasting away because he has a horrible swing and sucks.
re Gomes or an equivalent,
This is exactly right.
Even when grover looks at our farm system, I don't see any power. 1-3 home runs. All of them. There's not a Dann Howitt in the bunch.
Why didn't we think of
Juan Gonzalez still in shape?
Isn't this why we got Doyle?
He seems to have power. M's fans call him a young Edgar. Time will tell.
by A'sfansince1970 on May 2, 2007 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions
For as long as we're down
ah, but you forget
the .220 hitter w/ power will inevitably pull an oblique muscle while hitting one out of the yard, landing him on the DL for 3-6 weeks.
by guy incognito on May 2, 2007 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions
buck news
travis buck --> john buck --> jason buck
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/6...
"In addition to Piazza, the A's could lose outfielder Jason Buck, who is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his sore wrist Thursday."
AAAAEEEERGHHHH!!!
{head explodes}
Would a Buck by any other name
swing just as sweet?
NO! NO! NO! NOOOO!
Slams head on table... ow...
by CTAsGirl on May 3, 2007 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions
according to the A's site Geren did tell
Swish not to run hard. they were hoping he would walk or get an extra base hit, and then pinch run for him.
by larrysgurl on May 2, 2007 9:55 PM PDT reply actions
Melhuse?
What about Melhuse for DH? Sometimes he is batting OK....
But I guess we also need a backup catcher in case we need to force Ken Doll to rest!
Oh great
3rd place.
Injuries are killing us.
snelling!
by ation on May 2, 2007 10:03 PM PDT reply actions
We got Snelling!!!
OK, maybe it's just because I'm here in Seattle among the Mariners fans, but I love this!
This comment on LL cracked me up big time
http://lookoutlanding.com/comments/2...
I love this part of the recap...
"Piazza's replacement on Wednesday was Nick Swisher, who had missed the previous six games with a strained hamstring and looked awfully gimpy while hitting into an inning-ending double play in the eighth.
"I told him to do that," Geren said of Swisher's cruise-control job to first base. "We were trying to take a shot there [and get] either a walk or a big extra-base hit, then have [Travis] Buck pinch-run for Nick."
If we can't have one whole healthy player, let's put Swisher's top half with Buck's bottom half and see if we can make something happen. Gotta love Geren's patchwork approach. No wonder he and Beane are good friends.
I love
the highly appropriate typo on Rotoworld:
Piazza's absence will likely put Nick Swisher at DL now
just prescient
Rushing Swisher back will have him on the DL within a week.
I have hope because
Swish has been pretty robust compared to most of our players - he can DH, then when able, play first base which isn't demanding - no play in the outfield until completely recovered from the hammy problem. Recall that Chavy had the early nagging hammy last year, then later the forearm tendinitis, and was able to play through it. :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 6:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Good model
I hope that Swisher plays through the pain like Chavy did and swings at the first pitch every at bat just so he can go sit down again because he's in so much pain.
Seriously, I'm like 50/50 on the Swisher thing. It just seems that people come back from hamstring injuries too fast all the time and then really injure them shortly thereafter. Hopefully Swisher will display some of that West Virginia toughness. Time to coal up!
oh my god...
this team is made of glass. I ve fallen harder than that (piazza) playing with my 2-year old and gotten up. This guy pulls his shoulder out and is unable to swing a friggin' bat for 6 weeks? How much more coddling are we supposed to endure? Arent these idiots supposed to be athletic and in shape? I'm just venting, of course, but this is absolutely ridiculous that these grown, athletic men, who have been in great shape since high-school, and under the care of the 'best' athletic and physical fitness care, get fucking injured turning off alarm clocks and falling on the ground.
I think I liked this team more...
when it was just Crosby on the DL instead of everyone else. Well, who will make it back first, Harden or Piazza?
I suspect Harden be back sooner
Dr. Lewis Yocum didn't find anything wrong with Harden's shoulder other than it is simply sore - this isn't the A's bumbling medical staff but a real expert - he told Harden to rest. So that is very encouraging news. We need him back!
May. 2 : Harden (shoulder) was advised by Dr. Lewis Yocum to get several days of rest to rid himself of discomfort, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. He will remain in the bay area and will not throw for as many as 10 days.
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 6:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Haha...
You are STILL believing all the Harden is ok stuff? My goodness, you also said he would only miss one start. He also told Harden not to even throw for 10 days.....so say he is ok after that (doubtful), he then needs what, another couple weeks to even get into shape to be able to start games? He won't be back "sooner".
by OaktownPower on May 3, 2007 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions
wtf?
Why are we sending Harden to Oklahoma?
by BlameChannel53 on May 3, 2007 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Haha yes I think he'll be back before Piazza
Want to bet? That was the question - Piazza is projected 4 to 6 weeks.
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I think the A's should take a page...
out of the Yankees playbook.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...
Fire strength coach now!
All you need to know about Snelling
Jun 5, 2002 - 15 Day Disabled list - (torn ACL in left knee)
Mar 29, 2003 - 15 Day Disabled list - (surgery to repair a torn ACL)
Jun 6, 2003 - 15 Day Disabled list - (right knee tendinitis)
Apr 1, 2005 - 15 Day Disabled list - (torn meniscus in his left knee)
Apr 1, 2006 - 15 Day Disabled list - (knee surgery)
Jul 27, 2006 - 15 Day Disabled list - ( impingement in his left shoulder)
Of course, he did post a 1.005 OPS in AAA in 2005, so he seems like he'd be a decent corner OF option. Not sure how it solves our CF problem, but hey, what do I know.
WHOOO HOOOO!
Our kind of player. Our kind of player.
I mean:
Harden
Loaiza
Kotsay
Swisher
Milton
Buck
Piazza
You don't want to miss anybody! ;-)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 6:20 AM PDT up reply actions
Looks like he'll fit right in
He batting .204 for the season.
by secret ASian man on May 3, 2007 7:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Hoping sooner than later that Kotsay will
.. solve our CF problem! :) But in the meantime we have to hang on in May ... I am still optimistic so long as our pitching stays healthy, and there is hope that Harden will be back - he needs rest for the sore shoulder but Dr. Lewis Yocum says nothing wrong with him - and also Loaiza will start rehabbing - the pitching can keep us in games - last year's situation in May was worse because of all the injuries to pitching staff. Our offense has struggled even with a full lineup, but if pitching can keep us in games maybe we find a way to eek out enough runs, as we did to beat Boston in the first game. Heck we managed a split of two against Boston which is better than the Angels who got swept in three and outscored 25-3! :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 6:18 AM PDT up reply actions
AB's per year
2002 116 (27 in Seattle)
2003 253
2004 32 (all in rookie)
2005 275 (29 in Seattle)
2006 337 (96 in Seattle)
This guy has put up pretty good numbers. Imagine what he could do if he actually got some AB's to practice his trade.
He's actually put up pretty crappy numbers
in the majors. His minor league numbers look very good.
Projected to 162 games, he'd give you 18 D, 12 HR, 37 RBI, and a .728 OPS.
That's just slightly better than making Marco Scutaro a regular corner OF (.699 lifetime OPS).
Give him credit for being able to take a walk - which is a good thing, because when he tries to hit the ball, not much happens.
This has "desperate stopgap" written all over it.
Watch out
The sample size demons are coming to take you away.
by Graham MacAree on May 3, 2007 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
He's had enough PA's in the majors
I cast out the sample size demons when I defended my dissertation 18 years ago.
on the bright side
he hasn't torn his ACL in over 4 years!
the 2003-present injuries don't seem quite as serious (although obviously the mounting knee surgeries is a huge concern).
let's call it 2005-present
He couldn't get out of bed in 2004
He needs a good elbow injury for "balance". He's a DL one-tool player. Just as there are five-tool players and there are specialists, there must be an accompanying grade based on injuries. Milton would be our DL five-tool player, seeing that he manages to hurt a different body part every couple of months. Kostay and Snelling are our DL role players. In the training room, Milton gets the good seat near the tv so he can watch his stories. Snelling will have to settle for the folding chair and a year-old copy of US magazine.
hehe that's just the offense
Harden and Loaiza have to get some honorable mention for "unavailability propensity" in the pitching and defense depts :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 7:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Come on!
[/GOB]
The injured outfielder I'd like to trade for?
Jeremy Hermida
If for no other reason than we can call him Hermi.
Beane has traded for 3 injured outfielders in the last week (net 2), so let's grab a 4th. Laaangerhaans's injury being that he couldn't swing a bat.
hermida is too highly thought of still
let him fail a bit more and get injured a bit more, and he may be an athletic by 2009.
Especially...
if he suffers a catastrophic injury or two...
Guys we'll be fine so long as pitching is healthy
That is the key to this tough stretch of the season. Our good pitching keeps us in games - even with a full lineup we were struggling offensively - and we will slowly, one by one, get guys like Bradley, Swisher, Kielty back - to boost the offense - but meanwhile the pitching will keep us competitive during this stretch. :) And there is even hope for more help on the pitching front too - Loaiza and Harden coming back {when we're not sure but they'll be back}. We'll be OK. :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 7:26 AM PDT up reply actions
****Special Bulletin***** This sucks.
This organization seems to be "cursed" with injuries. What are the chances of a DH sliding into 3rd and separating his shoulder? Apparently good if you are the Oakland A's.
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 3, 2007 8:04 AM PDT reply actions
Calling All Shamans, Voodoo, Witch Doctors and
Hex Specialists - We need a good working Curse sent down upon Anaheim to even things out! :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
DH Replacement
After a good spring training, will the A's consider Durazo as a temporary DH solution?
Where is Durazo?
Have the A's become the saddest team in league yet?
yes they have
This seems more like a Shakespeare play than a season of baseball. All I am waiting for is Chavy to dip his bat in poision and start swinging away at teammates. On the positive side the offense could not get any worse.
by 3Chavy3 on May 3, 2007 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
every time I hear of another A's player
going for an MRI (latest is Buck) I get a sinking feeling.
Hopefully it will be "cleaner" than Harden's MRI...
Skepticism is Understandable but ..
I still think that "clean MRI" may later prove to be a blessing. Dr. Lewis Yocum {not our medical staff} says there's nothing wrong with Harden - understand you may be frustrated, all of us are, but we need Rich to get back in the rotation if we are to contend. Gaudin might yet be better suited for the bullpen, I'm not convinced he's a long-term solution for the rotation. As good as it has been the first 4 weeks of the season, given that the Angels pitching is healthy {Weaver and Colon back}, I don't think this team has the pitching to contend if we don't get Harden back {and hopefully E-Lo as well}. JMHO .. anyone who wants to badger me about Harden taking longer to recover, can feel free to email {I can take it} - but seriously folks we need that guy back in the rotation. Be as cynical as you want but this club needs him. Everyone should be rooting for him to get back! :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
no, i'm not "frustrated"
I am simply not interpreting "nothing major" as "clean". That, by the way, isn't called "cynical" -- it's called being realistic and learning something from past history (in this case, Harden's past history).
If nothing was wrong with Harden he wouldbn't be feeling pain after a game of catch, nor be advised not to throw at all.
Feel free to be as optimistic as you want, regardless of what information we have. After all, as a fan you have the right to wear the rosiest colored glasses you can find. But don't call me "cynical", "frustrated" or anything else. After all, you don't know me.
That is True
You're correct, I don't know you and, maybe you won't accept this, but I meant "you" in a generic sense - not a personal one - as, there are several fans here who are very pessimistic about Harden - three diaries posted weeks ago totally wrote him off for the season.
I can understand the point about Rich's health history, but for folks to automatically conclude he's gone for the season - when there is no medical evidence to conclude that - I do have reason to point out the medical facts: - MRI found no structural damage, Dr. Lewis Yocum found nothing wrong. I have no reason to think other than Rich needs time for the soreness to subside and he'll be back throwing again.
Please please email me if you truly feel offended by a post, - it isn't intentional on my part, and airing out personal feelings in public - I don't think that is helpful to us. Definitely I don't know you but can't improve on my knowledge with mere public banter. I'm sorry that I offended you yet again by unintentional wrong choice of words. Please forgive. :)
That said {and the plea for forgiveness is real} - I do think I have every right to rebut, or to say something when you post a comment like this:
Hopefully it will be "cleaner" than Harden's MRI...
That is an unquestionably sarcastic remark, maybe "cynicism" was too strong a word, {and again, I truly meant that in a generic and not personal sense} - but I have every right to say something in rebuttal, or a counter-opinion.
I don't think it's helpful to put up a personal protest to the point I'm walking on eggshells here and can't express rebuttal or counter-opinion. As offered previously, my email is available in the profile {didn't see one for you when I last checked}. I hope we can find a way to be at peace. :)
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
once again, I'm not going to post privately
if you disagree with a post and respond, please just disagree and explain your reasoning. If you refrain from the personal characterizations you shouldn't have any trouble -- at least not with me.
I mentioned "clean" with reference to Harden's MRI because it was never used by the A's to refer to it. I have never concluded that Harden -- or any other player -- was automatically gone for the season. If somebody does and you don't agree, please respond to their post.
Fair Enough, but once again ..
.. I can't know ahead of time what you are going to take personally when it wasn't intended personally. I only have some knowledge of my own motives, not yours. That is all I meant by "walking on eggshells" - you have some responsibility as well, and if you don't want to talk privately that's OK, but don't expect me {or any other public poster} to be able to read your mind or know {ahead of time} what will be interpreted personally even if I/we did not intend it that way. :)
I'm newer here to AN than you, but let me say that you seem to have really valuable knowledge of the A's and good baseball wisdom, etc - I enjoyed your and BC53's exchange about Dan Meyer in the new thread {above}. I didn't want us to get off on the wrong foot, hence the offer to talk privately.
It doesn't bother me, one way or the other, just want to find a way to be at peace; hopefully we have found that! :) Take Care, and Peace ..
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
My goodness
All this fighting is making me feel bad. I think I'll have to go on the DL for a while.
15-day or 60-day?
{Evil Grin} I won't tell you my preference ...
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
The sad reality is that
I'm Guessing ..
Harden, then Kots, and last Piazza - I fear we may not see Mike until near or after All Stars break ..
by Randy Bell on May 3, 2007 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
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