This Team Suck-diddily-ucks! Wait! No They Don’t! Yes They Do.

by baseballgirl on Aug 7, 2007 8:56 PM PDT in News

Well, that’s the last time I make fun of a player’s last name. So sorry, Salty. A thousand apologies. I kind of wish you hadn’t gotten that hit to spite me, but then again, would it have mattered? (And yes, you look every bit as good as they say.) Have you ever seen a worse performance from a team’s 3/4/5 hitters with the bases loaded and zero outs? Is there a worse team in baseball at hitting in that situation? Is there a worse team in the history of baseball in that situation?

Not to be dramatic, but are you kidding me?! How many times do we have to suffer through what looks like a promising start to an inning? Other teams get the bases loaded and score four. Ours manages to find every possible way to score zero. Yet other times (mostly when there is no one on base and they are down multiple runs), they score just as if they don’t have any trouble.

Insert your favorite emotion here: anger, frustration, despair, illness, disappointment, disgust, annoyance.

To add insult to injury in the game today, apparently our pitchers thought ‘shutdown inning’ meant ‘give up a whole bunch of runs...and fast’.

I guess if you’re looking for fairy tales and unicorns, Donnie Murphy, who hasn’t been trained in the ways of the RISP-y-less A’s, managed a couple of hits (including a 2-out RBI double), as did Suzuki, and Ellis (who nearly hit for the cycle). The Texas announcers could not rave enough about Ellis, and it’s well-deserved. Hidden in all the mess is the pretty-good-for-a-second-baseman year that Ellis is having. Watch him win the gold glove this year instead, to add some irony to injury. I wouldn’t put anything past this crazy year.

The A's scored first, but Gaudin got himself in trouble in the 4th by putting the first two runners on, and where a DP was his savior earlier in the game, he got the exact opposite result on the next pitch. Three runs scored in the blink of an eye, and every time the A's scored, the Rangers just came back.

Despite apparently shaving between innings, Nick Swisher still managed only one hit, but did earn the almost-creepy attention of the Texas announcers, who seemed far more interested in the A’s players than the baseball game. To be honest, I wasn’t especially interested in either as the game wore on.

Truthfully, I’m running out of creative ways of saying, "The pitching sucked, and the offense can’t hit with the bases loaded and no one out."

Barry Bonds just hit it. The game was stopped and Hank Aaron had a special taped message for him on the screen. Awesome moment.

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I was just trying to think of something to say

about this game, and then heard thunder. Thunder? No, fireworks. Fireworks? Oh. Puke.

Disclaimer: I haven't given up on the 2007 season.

by Englishmajor on Aug 7, 2007 8:56 PM PDT reply actions

Side note

BBonds got a fireworks display for 756.

I got a view from the office(yes, still at work) and bloody excessive.

/rant.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 7, 2007 8:56 PM PDT reply actions

same here

heard the fireworks and thought.. thank gawd it's finally over.

I think religion is a neurological disorder that prevents people from thinking on their own.--B. Maher

by sf drift king on Aug 7, 2007 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Shake Up For Future

swansong Chavez, Beane and Crosby

by MajorRager on Aug 7, 2007 8:57 PM PDT reply actions

Wow, I have NEVER seen Barry so emotional

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Aug 7, 2007 8:58 PM PDT reply actions

And such a classy moment by Aaron

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Aug 7, 2007 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Aaron

was awesome. and it was unexpected which made it even greater.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I did think the pre-taped congratulations

from Babe Ruth was a bit much.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

i wish i liked bonds

and i wish he wasn't such a big a-hole.

but wow, what a GREAT moment!!

by gotgreen on Aug 7, 2007 9:00 PM PDT reply actions

Unbelievable moment.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Aug 7, 2007 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Can Barry hold Barry's lead?

He shore hasn't held the first 3 the Giants have given him...

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:03 PM PDT reply actions

And does anyone care? ;-)

They got what they came for.

Can't stand Bonds, but heart Aaron. So classy.

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Aug 7, 2007 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Nope

i couldnt care any less i rather watch reruns of EWC

by MajorRager on Aug 7, 2007 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions

It's kind of sad when a fan

catches a HR ball and has to be whisked off by several security officers for his own safety. And it's a freaking baseball, for crying out loud. Kind of a cool one--so it should be worth about $50.00 instead of the usual $5.00. It's a fricking baseball.

Bud Selig is pathetic, by the way.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions

HAHA

hell its just unsafe with a mob of other men in SF grabing for a ball let alone the Bonds homerun

by MajorRager on Aug 7, 2007 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions

As one who has defended Selig in the past....

I won't do it anymore. Pathetic says it best.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 7, 2007 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I mean say or feel what you want

about Bonds, the guy has never been proven guilty of anything. Selig's absence--especially considering he was complicit with any illegal uses--shows him to be what he is: the hybrid of idiot and a coward.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I can't say it any better....

Idiot coward does the trick.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 7, 2007 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Cowdiot?

Idiard?

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

proven guilty?

come one Nico tell me any health nut that doesnt know whats in his body or puts on his body he juiced but admited he unknowingly took it so hes guilty try j-walking and saying yes i walked across the street but i didnt know its illegal bet 9-10 you get a ticket

by MajorRager on Aug 7, 2007 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Was he complicit?

Dusty Baker who managed Bonds those years was on the radio a few days ago, and said that he saw nothing, suspected nothing and heard nothing about steroids during that period. Why does he get a pass but Selig who was 3,000 miles away and not involved in the daily workings of a team doesn't?
Why does Fehr who told management that any steroid or testing language in the negotiations for a settlement would result in another strike get off so easy.

by china bob on Aug 7, 2007 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I imagine that if anyone knew anything,

Selig knew a lot. I'm not saying Dusty's or Fehr's hands are clean. Just saying Selig knew where his bread was buttered and knew which way not to look.

Hey, wouldn't it be cool if tonight's game ended in a tie?

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Missing the game...

what a Piece of S.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I was in that area last night

I sat in that section in row 7, middle of the row for last night's Giants game. Too bad I picked the wrong night. That could've been me being buried under 50 200 lbs guys diving on me.

by Wolverine on Aug 7, 2007 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL Wolv

You missed out on a few broken ribs. You Poor Bastid. ;-)

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Wolverine, I'm going to take pity on you

Next week, I'll arrange for 50 200 lbs guys to dive on you so you can experience the magic.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry, got my math wrong!

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey

At least I got beer and powdered suger poured on me. Good times, good times.

by Wolverine on Aug 7, 2007 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Word ....$50 at best

It's not like the BALL accomplished anything!!
What about the ball PREVIOUS to that ball?? Even if fouled, it had to play a part??

Silliness.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Aug 7, 2007 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions

I wonder

if the fans will bother to show up for the remainder of the homestand now that there's nothing to watch for?

I think religion is a neurological disorder that prevents people from thinking on their own.--B. Maher

by sf drift king on Aug 7, 2007 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions

and, not catch the next record homerun?

Never know which one is going to be his last, after all.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Of course

the bleacher bums will be there, but I'm talkin' about the rest of the stadium.

I think religion is a neurological disorder that prevents people from thinking on their own.--B. Maher

by sf drift king on Aug 7, 2007 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions

well, if you're a Giants fan...

wouldn't you want to be able to say "I saw Barry's last home run. I was there!"

I don't think you'll see a falloff in attendance this year. Next year, sure... off the cliff.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions

It was a massive hit

435 feet.
And for once, actually meaningful in the game -- although the game is not particularly meaningful for the Gnats.

Disclaimer: I haven't given up on the 2007 season.

by Englishmajor on Aug 7, 2007 9:03 PM PDT reply actions

I wonder how much of the A's problems

have become mental issues. Gaudin's problem with shutdown innings (0 for his last 6 tries, by my count), the A's futility with the bases loaded and with RISP in general. It might be in their heads.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:04 PM PDT reply actions

Or......

It might just be Larry Davis.

by atomopawn on Aug 7, 2007 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions

or it could just be...

they suck.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Of COURSE it is in their heads

and, surprisingly, it is contagious. Cust wasn't having too much trouble hittin' 'em out, making good contact, until he'd been around the clubhouse a while. Now the mentality is affecting him too.

Guys think about "not failing", or "I gotta succeed" instead of savoring a pitcher in trouble. It's almost Pavlovian. It's like a dog who used to see a rabbit, and would be "off like a shot" after the rabbit. Put an unseen electric barrier in there and shock the dog every time he goes so far, and soon he'll yelp in pain at the sight of a rabbit.

So goes the A's. When Cust came in and hit a bunch of homers his first week, it had two effects. First, he didn't have to press because of past failure, and he was certainly not expected to be a force. So he swung with success. Second, with Cust providing a lot of run support, other guys returned to a more productive mindset.

But run 4-5 games like the Mets series, like the Twins series, and everyone is pressing, no one succeeds. The "new blood" (e.g. Cust joins the team) phenomena is absent. Instead, the guys see Swisher shake his head at the plate after a swing and a miss, they see Johnson wince like his only child just fell overboard, and every player batting wants to "make up" for the shortfall. And so it snowballs.

The A's almost got no-hit for nine innings last night. That rekindled (or, "re-Kendalled") the mental weakness, rolling into today.

I used to be against "set lineups" but I'm beginning to think that a set lineup, at least for a lowest-scoring-in-AL club, might be the best of bad choices. Lefty, righty, no matter who is on the mound. Tired, not tired, 0-for-your-last-22, ...you'll be in there, unless it's 10-1 in the 8th. Us or them winning.

And, if you cannot single regularly, ... bunting is in order! Even Cust! Even Piazza! OMG that was dreadful.

Musing about this as I proofread...you know what, I think the historic failure of Kendall at the plate during April-May basically torpedoed this season. Every man on the team respected and admired Kendall. He starts in April as the leadoff hitter. His failure, lack of success, strikeouts, GIDPs, it simply infected, then corrupted, the whole mindset of the team, and it won't recover effectively this year. Now that the pitching has reverted to expectations, it's like pouring hot water on a fevered patient (the hitters).

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Aug 7, 2007 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions

great post, but what probably torpedoed...

the season was not calling Piazza up from his rehab assignment when he was ready to DH. Might not have mattered given the other failures on this team (Kotsy, Crosby, Chavez), but it might have kept us in contention for the Wild Card a bit longer.

Oh, and, the unfortunate Milton thing... and, by that I mean him never playing. His DFA was inconsequential, IMO.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Piazza in the equation

Piazza is definitely in the equation, and I agree, his prolonged stay on the DL, attempting to get him in "throwing condition" was a negative.

Instead of attempting to get Piazza ready as a backup catcher, they should have concentrated on boosting Jack Cust's defensive abilities.

I suppose the lesson to be learned for Oakland's "Braintrust" (coaches + mgr + Beane + asst's etc) is,
"What do you do when a significant player (Kendall) fails offensively, and it a big way?"

How long do you "stay with it" without destroying the team as a whole? Kendall's situation was highly acute because as catcher he is integral to the pitching. It was simply an unfortunate "double effect" situation, exacerbated by Kendall's selfishness to "play no matter what, all the time" attitude.

From now on, let's hope the A's stick with the "Sal Fasano/Greg Myers/Rob Bowen" types for catcher, who hit the occasional home run (say, 9-12 per year) and effectively tackle batters who go after the pitcher.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Aug 8, 2007 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions

So basically, you're saying that

failing with RISP is like herpes: Contagious, even if things were ok for the first week.

I have a remarkable ability to synthesize information.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions

how do you know so much about herpes?

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I read a lot of articles

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Meyer pulled after 100 Pitches

Had a 3.33 ERA to start the 5th. Got two outs, but left with a man on first. Conor Robertson comes in, gives up a double and a homerun. Meyers ERA now at 3.40...

But had a great game.

5.2 IP, 3H, 1BB, 2ER, 7K

by Zonis on Aug 7, 2007 9:09 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome--what is that now,

5 excellent starts in a row? His emergence/lack thereof for the 2008 season may be the single most important factor in the A's hopes--especially considering it could determine whether or not the A's can afford to deal a starter (Blanton?) to get hitting help.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Or Harden

if we can get anything decent (i.e. living) in exchange.

by atomopawn on Aug 7, 2007 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Heh..'living'

"We're right where we want to be,'' Oakland outfielder Nick Swisher said. "A predator in the weeds."

by baseballgirl on Aug 7, 2007 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm telling ya,

trade Harden for a SS, spend for a good CFer, and the A's are contenders again.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Tejada

Miggie would be great but i wont hold my breath

by MajorRager on Aug 7, 2007 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions

They already have

team homerun tributes

Here's the A's
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/new...

by lerei on Aug 7, 2007 9:23 PM PDT reply actions

Any transient moment of class on FSN

is over -- they've already hawked three different cheesy souvenir commemorative items.

Disclaimer: I haven't given up on the 2007 season.

by Englishmajor on Aug 7, 2007 9:24 PM PDT reply actions

I'm worried they won't show enough

replays of the HR.

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 Aug 7, 2007 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm glad that 756

happened. I hope that after a week or so that we can quit hearing about Giants ball so damn much. and I am glad that it happened so that I won't get mugged when I go to the Giants game in Atlanta on Aug. 15.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 9:42 PM PDT reply actions

Just Remember

Josh Gibson: hella
Sadaharu Oh: 868
Barry Bonds: 756

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Aug 7, 2007 9:47 PM PDT reply actions

rant

I came home from work today tired, went to the fridge, popped open a cold one eager to watch the game only to find this game wasn't bloody televised. ARRRRRGH!!!!

I think religion is a neurological disorder that prevents people from thinking on their own.--B. Maher

by sf drift king on Aug 7, 2007 9:50 PM PDT reply actions

I checked my wallet

after the homerun, same amount of money in there.

I certainly have less excitement about seeing it than watching my odometer roll past 99,999.

Even an A's victory, any one of them, is far more exciting than a guy hitting home run 50, 60, 70, 660, 700, any number.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Aug 7, 2007 9:51 PM PDT reply actions

the instant millionaire

22-yr old Matt Murphy from Queens, NY., who looked to be wearing a Reyes Mets jersey, surfaced from the mass of humanity with #756

by SwisherThresher on Aug 7, 2007 9:54 PM PDT reply actions

A half millionaire you mean.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Turned off radio when Bonds came up.

I'll listen to Giants games, to root against them, and only when the A's aren't playing. The past week I'll turn the radio off when he gets up. Why? When my grandkids ask me where was for 756*, I'll say banning that joke of a record. HE DID STERIODS, HE WOULDN'T STILL BE PLAYING IF HE HADENT TAKEN THEM. IT'S NOT REAL! Thinking Bonds didn't roid is like thinking people didn't land on the moon. I take that back I'm more positive Bonds took roids than us landing on the moon. I'm not watching Sports news for about a month, to avoid seeing 756*. I will NEVER watch 756*. If it comes on I'll close my eyes. I've seen 755 hundreds of times I'll never watch 756*!
Besides being having artificial numbers, the guy is a world class a-hole. I met him once he was a jerk. I've talked to people who knew him as a kid he was a jerk then.
No more Bonds talk after tonight on this site!

by Mr C on Aug 7, 2007 9:56 PM PDT reply actions

"Not real"

So if Bonds' alleged use of steroids render his accomplishment as "not real." So what does that make of the A's 1989 World Series Championships? A fraud as well? Remember the Bash Brothers?

I hate Bonds as much as the next person. I think he is a very horrible human being and somebody who plays the race card too quickly. He should know better and not take so much for granted, especially when he was a kid in the clubhouse when his dad played, when there was real racism out there.

Using steroids as the reason to dislike Bonds is hypocritical. I bet you that every team in the majors had a fan favorite on 'roids. If you hate Bonds for that, then you must hate all baseball.

Let him have his day. This record does not mean has much as Hank's nor will it last as long. I'm sure A-rod is waiting patiently in the wings for this one. I have my issues with A-rod, but at least he deserves it more than Bonds ever will.

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Aug 7, 2007 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I like your post

But the problem I have is that...I don't believe that any of the big hitters in this steroid ERA have been clean. Steroids permeated the sport and if we are to believe Canseco , Caminiti and others who have admitted use...it was 50 percent or more. Than means that there's more chance than not that ARod was using.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Jose Canseco

has said in his new book that will be coming out soon, he'll have something to say about A-rod.

by Wolverine on Aug 7, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh good.

I was afraid he'd shut the f*** up.

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Ugh....

From my favorite player growing up to a human being who disgusts me with every action. Thanks Jose.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 8, 2007 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions

No decision for Barry

ZITO

game tied in the 8th

by SwisherThresher on Aug 7, 2007 10:00 PM PDT reply actions

Well, it was tied.

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Washington just bombed Correia.

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

why do I take almost perverse pleasure...

in watching the Giants' bullpen?

Answer: It is more pathetic than ours. And, they just tarnished Bonds' go-ahead homerun.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 10:05 PM PDT reply actions

What I don't take pleasure in

is watching other teams have productive ABs with RISP. Sigh.

Still...Let's not lose sight of the positives b/c there are several. Andrew Brown looks very good, each week Suzuki looks significantly better than the week before, Donnie Murphy shows some promise--at least for a utility role if not a starting platoon role--and Braden has put good starts together back-to-back while Meyer is looking great in Sacramento.

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree...

Questions:

Why did Beane not see Suzuki was better than Kendall after one month? I did.

What has happened to Casilla? Is Brown just a one-month wonder, too?

Will Murphy take Scutaro's place next year, not Crosby's?

I've liked Braden since his A days. But, mostly cuz I just think his name is cool, I have to admit. Will there be only a Dallas and no Huston on the team next year?

And, of coure, the obligatory... Is Byrnes worth more at $10 million than Kotsay at $7 million?

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions

My replies...

Blind man-love for people whose names begin with "K".

I wanted to trade Casilla when he had a sub 1.00 ERA. Hitters weren't going to chase his slider in the dirt forever. Brown is intriguing to me--he keeps looking better and better. Time will tell.

That's my guess. Hopefully, he gets a lot of ABs vs. LHP, kind of the Kielty of the infield.

I think Huston will be on the team. I'm not sold on Braden; I'm actually higher on Meyer (it rhymes!)

Maybe we can both agree here: The A's can't afford either of those contracts for what those guys would give the A's (which means playing at the Coliseum, facing AL pitching).

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions

yes, we probably agree...

too much money for the A's. Even I probably wouldn't have pulled the trigger on 3yrs/$30mil.

But, if I recall correctly, don't you have a man-crush on Rowand? Aren't he and Byrnes essentially the same player? I don't know... maybe Rowand is younger. But, I doubt he'd be cheaper. Not in this market.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Rowand,

though part of why I like him so much right now has to do with him being available this Winter. But I have always liked him. One thing I feel he has over Byrnes is less dramatic L/R splits. Also, defensively he has a much better arm and better fundaments (route to the ball, hitting cutoff man, etc.).

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 Aug 7, 2007 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions

He's going to cost a lot.

How much do you think Beane will spend on him?

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't even know that Beane

will make a bid for him, but if he decides to spend on a FA I'd guess Rowand would top his wish list. How high would we go? Boy, I don't know. This is a team that has spent more than I'd expect on Dye and Kendall, so who knows. Generally, they stay away from big contracts, and for good reasons. Maybe 10-12 mil/year if they think he can be a "centerpiece". Otherwise, that's too much to spend on one guy.

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 Aug 7, 2007 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions

He was an allstar.

10-12 mill. probably won't do it. But I would love to see him here.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions

re CFers, I'd take Cameron too,

though I think he strikes out too much. I haven't mentioned him because he doesn't seem keen to come to Oakland. But I'd take him if he were an option and we couldn't get/afford Rowand and could get/afford Cameron.

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 Aug 7, 2007 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Cameron is too old

I don't want the A's going down that path. Renting a year from Stewart, Piazza, Thomas, I don't have a problem with. If they had a viable CF in AA and wanted Cameron for a season, maybe. But I think they need to look longterm at CF.

by boilerdan on Aug 8, 2007 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

You're right--I didn't realize

he was 34 already. Ne'er mind.

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 Aug 8, 2007 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

yep

I feel a bit better now seeing that the Giants can't seem to hold a lead

Strangely, I've noticed the A's and Giants seem to be following a similar path

If I recall correctly, on the 6th at around the same time, the A's faltered against Francisco Rodriguez while the Giants fell to Hoffman. Yesterday, both teams won in extras. Today, it appears neither can hold a lead as the Giants are also facing at least a 2-run deficit heading into the 9th

by SwisherThresher on Aug 7, 2007 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions

Giants lose

8-6

copycats

by SwisherThresher on Aug 7, 2007 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought the Aaron video was awkward

Classy of Hank to be sure, perfectly in character for him to take the high road. But as odd as it is to interrupt a game mid-inning for something like this, it felt especially strange to me to shut the live crowd up and have us watch Bonds and Mays watch a video.

"Ziggy, did you not know?"

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 7, 2007 10:08 PM PDT reply actions

It kind of looked like one of those videos

that starts, "If you're watching this, then I'm dead..."

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 Aug 7, 2007 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions

LOL

He looked a little dead. ButI bet it meant a lot to Bonds to have Hank wish him well.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions

That's it exactly

if the solemn posthumous words were intro'd by the impossibly peppy PA voice of an aerobics instructor who was REALLY REALLY PSYCHED FOR THIS SPECIAL SURPRISE!

"Ziggy, did you not know?"

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 7, 2007 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Renel was and is awful

I've heard more warmth, range of expression, and genuine feeling from BART operators telling us to stand clear of the doors, please.

Disclaimer: I haven't given up on the 2007 season.

by Englishmajor on Aug 7, 2007 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions

You too? 'Cause when they say

"The doors are closing. Please stand clear of the doors," I feel like they truly CARE about me!

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 Aug 7, 2007 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions

she's godawful

Every time I hear her voice I get the Renels.

by Brian in 317 on Aug 8, 2007 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions

I half expected Hank to start glancing sideways,

nervous about the off-camera gunmen.

"They weren't frightened of me, they LOVED me!" ~ McFood, deep in denial

by Poppy on Aug 7, 2007 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I like this Washington Nationals kid...

what is it? Basick?

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 7, 2007 10:38 PM PDT reply actions

Mike Bacsik

he handled the media attention very well

I liked the answers he gave

by SwisherThresher on Aug 7, 2007 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Gracious

and respectful. Bacsik did well.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

definite class act

My name is not Raul. It is RaulHuKilledU. Or just Sean if you want.

by raulhukilledu on Aug 7, 2007 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions

A not entirely detestable performance

by Bonds in his press conference. I was glad the last question was from a Japanese reporter about Sadaharu Oh. But when the Giants broadcasters came out of it and without pause for breath went into another pitch for the $129.95 commemorative photo bat...yuck.

Disclaimer: I haven't given up on the 2007 season.

by Englishmajor on Aug 7, 2007 11:19 PM PDT reply actions

Honestly, though, isn't Oh's record

just as tarnished? If when someone approaches your record, pitchers refuse to pitch to them so that the record can't be broken...That's a record?

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 Aug 7, 2007 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions

He sure knows how to stand up for

himself. Guess it's from long practice.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 7, 2007 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Blue Jays release SS Royce Clayton

Hmmm...

by chuckcheeze on Aug 7, 2007 11:32 PM PDT reply actions

The A's do not need a 37 year old SS

Go A's!!!! Mike Scioscia is a fat tub of lard

by 3Chavy3 on Aug 8, 2007 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Stuff

Ellis won't get the Gold Glove this year, either, unless we gillooly Polanco.

Did you see Bochy talking to Bonds in the dugout after all the celebrating? Bonds' faux interest in whatever Bochy was saying? And their awkward full-arms-length quasi-hug after the talking? Pretty funny.

"They weren't frightened of me, they LOVED me!" ~ McFood, deep in denial

by Poppy on Aug 7, 2007 11:37 PM PDT reply actions

You make the caption!

"When they start the game, they don't yell, 'Work ball.' They say, 'Play ball.'" ~Willie Stargell

by alamedagirl on Aug 8, 2007 12:38 AM PDT reply actions

Invisible Enima

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Aug 8, 2007 6:04 AM PDT up reply actions

LOLSwish

Wrong!

Limbo!

Heh heh.

"Whoa, are you saying... a testosterone-addled Rich Harden, in a fit of misplaced aggression after growing several extra pairs, ran over LAXile?" Poppy

by Jennifer on Aug 8, 2007 6:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Ugh too bad about the A's

But at least I could say "I WAS THERE." (Does anyone care? No... probably not.) It was absolutely unnecessary to pause the game for 15 minutes just to celebrate but of course no one's gonna wait until the end of the game to do so. I even left too, but because the person who drove wanted to and we all work tomorrow morning.

They sold special shirts in-stadium that say "I WAS THERE" blah blah blah and used ticket stubs were going for $20.

Some guy on KNBR (one of the hosts I believe, sorry, I don't follow Giants radio on a regular basis) says he would bet his life that Bonds will take the field opening day next year.

"The rain soaked patrons reveled in thier victory and the shortest man on the field stood taller than Randy Johnson." - Saint

by Melody on Aug 8, 2007 12:48 AM PDT reply actions

Aaron:

"It is a great accomplishment, which requires skill, longevity, determination, and about 10 ml of dehydrochlormethyltestosterone daily."

"We've been kicking other peoples' asses for so long I figure it's time we got ours kicked."

by Checkswing HR on Aug 8, 2007 5:15 AM PDT reply actions

Missed the Bonds HR

Watched the first two AB's, but couldn't stay awake. Personally, I find the whole thing pretty cool. Give every major leaguer all the juice they want and they don't hit 756 home runs.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Aug 8, 2007 6:05 AM PDT reply actions

Bonds' record

bores the crap out of me.

I refuse to be enchanted by any new hr records, which IMO have been achieved by juiced players in homer-friendly ballparks using juiced baseballs. There really is no way to judge how great an accomplishment this is, at least in comparison with those of the players in earlier eras.

It means nothing. The Giants still stink, and they can largely thank Bonds for bringing them down.

by Brian in 317 on Aug 8, 2007 8:18 AM PDT reply actions

LOL No

Bonds is the only reason that team is not in dead last right now. He's 13th in MLB in VORP at 46.2, the next closest Giant is Randy Winn at 137th with a 12.3 mark

by Dusty Baker on Aug 8, 2007 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm not just talking about this season

or just his offensive stats.

I think they've messed up that team building it around a cancer - they've stunk for years, but they've got the guy who broke the record. Yee-ha!

by Brian in 317 on Aug 8, 2007 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions

So, the devil delivered on his promise.

Was it worth it? Maybe the time to ask will be when the bill comes due -- right, Ken Caminitti?

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

by The Dogfather on Aug 8, 2007 8:26 AM PDT reply actions

Here's an excellent post from a farker, re Hank:

I thought it was a great way for Hank to acknowledge it because, first and foremost, he didn't have to be there, and didn't have to shake his hand.
Second, his image was enormous, lording over the profane circus going on beneath him, and he looked every bit the classy elder statesman of the game that he is.
It was a fitting metaphor - no matter how many more home runs Barry mashes in the park built by a team that traded on-field success for a sideshow, at the highest moment, he was above it, and larger than Barry could ever hope to be.

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

by The Dogfather on Aug 8, 2007 8:40 AM PDT reply actions

Excellent.

"They weren't frightened of me, they LOVED me!" ~ McFood, deep in denial

by Poppy on Aug 8, 2007 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions

LOL this guy is a moron

As I pointed out to the stupid statement above Barry is the only reason this team is not in dead last. Do you people not understand how run production works?

by Dusty Baker on Aug 8, 2007 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

No, I guess we're all morons.

"They weren't frightened of me, they LOVED me!" ~ McFood, deep in denial

by Poppy on Aug 8, 2007 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions

But not trolls.

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 Aug 8, 2007 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Well...

about 6,537 of us are not trolls, anyway.

"They weren't frightened of me, they LOVED me!" ~ McFood, deep in denial

by Poppy on Aug 8, 2007 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Big guy walks into a bar and bellows:

"All lawyers are assholes!!"

Small, shakey voice from the other end of the bar replies: "I resent that, sir!"

Big guy looms over the little guy and sneers: "So, I suppose you're a lawyer?"

Little guy replies: "No! I'm an asshole!"

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

by The Dogfather on Aug 8, 2007 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Dogfather: kudos x 2!

"Even I don't believe half the things I say . . ." Barry Bonds to New York press corps, 2004

by millbraeforAsfan on Aug 8, 2007 9:29 AM PDT reply actions

I can't believe Billy pulled some of this stuff:

Bradley said that whenever he would have a meeting in a clubhouse office with Beane or Geren, the two men brought in first-base coach Ty Waller to be part of it.

He continues:

"You've got one black coach, you've got to call him into the office to talk to me?" he said. "He (Waller) wouldn't have anything to do with the meeting and didn't have anything to say, either, but he had to be in there. Why? I don't know. Were they afraid of me? Were they afraid I was going to start a fight? I've never fought anybody in my life."

all here
It's like a skit from SNL; Billy Beane and Bob Geren both calling irst-base coach Ty Waller into their meetings with Bradley. What is he an interpreter? This stuff kills me.

by kvn on Aug 9, 2007 11:04 PM PDT reply actions

That's almost as ridiculous as

Bradley saying, "I've never fought anybody in my life"! Other than possibly his wife, the law, every organization he's been with, and his own credibility, that may be true.

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 Aug 10, 2007 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions