A la recherche des jeux victorieux

by monkeyball on Sep 15, 2007 4:05 PM PDT in News Comment 42 comments

Ah, the wafting scent of a 4-day-old dollar dog sends me into a reverie over this game, recollecting the A's pattern of old in winning ballgames: timely and powerful punishment of mediocre pitching (DJ with a pair of solo HRs, Swisher with one of his own, and Cust with a hard RBI single), making the other team pay for its mistakes (the Swisher HBP and the Vazquez E in the 7th), effective starting pitching working to contact (Blanton was masterful the first 2 times through the Rangers lineup, then started to allow their hits to bunch but minimized the damage), and shut-down relief work.

As disappointing as the A's have been this year, they're still a significantly better team than the Rangers. Continuing to shove the Rangers down in the cellar is nice confirmation of that.

And I don't know about the rest of y'all, but I'm thinking that DJ, for all his faults, would still be a good backup plan to hang onto for the next couple of years. Yes, the Rangers pitching sucks, but it's always useful to have a player who will punish bad pitching.

Now, I'm off to get on the phone and get in queue for Extra Innings to vow my undying devotion to Jack Cust. I'll identify myself as "Poppy on the Peninsula."

A's 7, Rangers 3. Blanton, pitching in what must have been an emotional situation in front of his family, was his typical bulldog self.

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Meh.

"I'd rather see a good ass-slap anyday." ~ pam5981

by Poppy on Sep 15, 2007 3:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

everytime

Everytime I curse a A's player as being worthless they comeback and have a great game. Well DJ you still stink and your not worthy of the A's uniform. Now lets see how he does tomorrow. PS DiNardo your going back to the waiver wire without a win. Thats 2 curses for the price of 1.

by Arcman on Sep 15, 2007 4:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

could be a reverse jinx

by OaklandSi on Sep 15, 2007 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we must

we must
we must keep jack cust

that's right monkeyball, you're not the only one on the JC train.

spoke to Mr. Wolff during the 7th inning stretch. he said that Big Joe wasn't just pumped up for his folks, but "he was pissed off" at the home plate ump, too.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 15, 2007 4:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope that an American League GM...

is starting to get the same feelings about DJ that you are Monkeyball and decides to give us a moderately useful pitcher for him in the off-season. Two homeruns (or 17 for that matter) does not get me all that excited about keeping DJ around IF we can get something useful back for him this off-season, seeing as how we have two better first baseman on the roster already (Swish and Barton).

by Taj Adib on Sep 15, 2007 4:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

oh, absolutely

I'm in no way opposed to trading DJ -- but only if we get decent value for him. He's so cheap, and still has potential to hit above replacement level, that it doesn't make sense to me to dump him for nothing but a roster spot.

Frankly, for the cost savings and the potential haul in return, I'd much rather see Swish traded (say, a Swish+Blanton package to the Dodgers?).

habitually tragicomic approach @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 15, 2007 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd be in favor of...

a Blanton plus Swisher trade to the Dodgers, if such an opportunity should come up. That would solve our problems and allow us to (without sacrificing too much) move forward.

by AsWin on Sep 15, 2007 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Problem is

DJ-as-a-backup is sort of a waste of a 25 man spot. They'll probably want to carry 2 backup IFers, and 2 backup outfielders seems like a better idea than a backup 1B. His bat has some value, but a pure backup 1B is pretty useless. Plus, if Barton is going to play next year, trading Swisher wouldn't really do anything for DJ.

by mikeA on Sep 15, 2007 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol... Swisher is going nowhere...

and, Blanton has about as much chance of being traded as Haren.

Sorry, monkeyball... you're stuck with these two major leaguers for awhile. No "major haul" of sure-fire minor leaguers from the Dodgers. Not for these two.

Go A's!

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 15, 2007 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you.

I think we in the Oakland fanbase have been lulled into having short attention spans because of the sometimes (okay, often) short time that players spend with the team, for whatever reason. We must remember that Swisher and Blanton are still young, relatively cheap, and they are Oakland A's in 08. Both have struggled, no doubt, but I have been given no reason not to think their best years are ahead of them, and I want to see them be great in the green and gold, not blue or red or pinstripe.

With the way some of the other pieces may or may not fall into place for next year, (and yes I know this is slightly irrational), I wouldn't trade those two for A-Rod, let alone some frickin minor league prospects. A 20+ homer per year 1B/OF (who happens to be your player face of the franchise) and a #2 (yes, #2)? Not sacrificing much? Seriously?

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas

by AintEasyBeinGreen on Sep 15, 2007 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, it is just silly stuff...

to contemplate trading Swisher and Blanton for minor league prospects who may or may not pan out. Especially, when, as you say, they're relatively cheap and coming into their prime years. Sorry, it's not just silly, it's stupid. And, Beane isn't stupid.

But, ummmm... trading 'em for A-Rod? Well, I'd have to consider that one, if it were an option, which I don't think it is because A-Rod will opt out of his contract at the end of 2007 and be a free agent. Billy can just buy him on the open market and keep Swish and Cupcakes.

Go A's!

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 15, 2007 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was using A-Rod to illustrate how valuable

and important I think Nick and Joe are to the team.

While I'm sure you can sense my blind and irrational devotion to two of my favorite players, I do know that that deal would not actually happen. haha.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas

by AintEasyBeinGreen on Sep 15, 2007 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ

just creates a logjam at first.

watching the game last night Barton looked like the best player in the lineup. great approach, great swing, great results.

looked good in the field as well.

by cvdoug on Sep 15, 2007 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

DJ out Swish, Joe In

I agree. See no use for Johnson. But still not sold on the whole Swisher and Blanton move south. Besides both young and talented, these two guys bring a fire that some of our players don't. You saw it in that scrum with Seattle before the Break. And Swisher is a guy who enjoys the game, can play a number of positions, and plays with passion. I am not sure what is to gain there by letting those guys go.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 15, 2007 5:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So, I made it to Anaheim

and checked into the Holiday Inn. Free internet access...woo hoo. Free is good! Nice to see we won yet again. A little pride goes a long way. Who wants to be the bottom dog in the sled? You've always got assholes staring at you all day....and the view never changes.

Speaking of, I'm on the 9th floor of the hotel with an unobstructed view overlooking Disneyland. Should have a fantastic view of the fireworks tonight. Probably better than if I were in the park.

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

by alox on Sep 15, 2007 6:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If you see a big mouse, shoot it.

Thanks.

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 Sep 15, 2007 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't planning on going

to any Angel games.

As much pleasure as it would give me to cap that other rodent, it'll end up jacking me instead. It always does.

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

by alox on Sep 16, 2007 6:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The mouse I'm thinking of

doesn't hang out at Angel games 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 Sep 16, 2007 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Before one gets too giddy about DJ

after his 2-HR game, remember that a AAAA-hitter should hit bad major league pitchers well. Today, Johnson HRed off two pitchers who are not exactly stellar. I'd be curious to see--if anyone can and wants to find this--how Johnson has hit, say, against the top 1/2 of the league's pitchers and how he has hit against the bottom 1/2, and how it compares to the norm. My guess is that if Johnson could face A. J. Murray more often, he'd be a very good major league hitter indeed.

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 Sep 15, 2007 6:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Look Nico.

We like winning, and we're fickle. Let us be giddy!

"I apologize for the negativity. I'm almost out of vodka." -ArakSOT

by pam5981 on Sep 15, 2007 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

killjoy

by OaklandSi on Sep 15, 2007 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, Joy's dead.

She seemed nice; oh well. Anyone else you want "offed"?

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 Sep 15, 2007 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or

maybe he's only afflicted with double vision against good pitchers.

2006, seeing 2 baseballs during every at-bat: .704 OPS
2007, much "intensive eye therapy" later: .768 OPS

I'm no stats whiz, but given this trajectory, if we could fit him with contact lenses that allowed him to see only a fourth of the ball, we might have a real middle of the order threat on our hands.

by 74mk on Sep 15, 2007 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I s'pose, though,

that when you see two baseballs throughout the at-bat, you really satisfy the A's requirement of "seeing a lot of pitches".

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 Sep 15, 2007 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I don't know if I have QOTM power around here, but if I did...QOTM.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, Rage, rage against the dying of the light. - Dylan Thomas

by AintEasyBeinGreen on Sep 15, 2007 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

seconded

by OaklandSi on Sep 15, 2007 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

also

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Sep 15, 2007 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

i see that's only your sixth comment on AN, hope you stick around.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Sep 15, 2007 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

5-1 AB (After Barton)

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Sep 15, 2007 6:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

high school musical

has anyone seen this clip with swisher?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VtAgD6Sj3xA

WordUpThome: GWEN STEPHANIE IS CONFUSING AND MAKES ME UNCOMFORTABLE

by pbruins92 on Sep 15, 2007 8:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

loved it!

by OaklandSi on Sep 15, 2007 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

:(

by gotgreen on Sep 15, 2007 9:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

once I heard the Angels won today

I knew

by OaklandSi on Sep 15, 2007 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we have a better record than the twins??

i had no idea.
i also didn't realize the white sox were below the royals. excellent.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Sep 15, 2007 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And we're not out of the wildcard!

Yet. Although I would be satisfied with getting past the Mariners. Nice win today! Go A's! And I cannot even believe people are discussing trading Blanton and Swisher! Crazy talk! DJ definitely goes, though.

by A'sfansince1970 on Sep 15, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no more DJ!

No matter that he breaks out for one day against mediocre Rangers pitching. We can easily replace that lumberjack with a younger, cheaper version who gives us greater versatility. Loved the recap, but no way to DJ in Spring Training '08.

by groversson on Sep 16, 2007 7:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

DJ in a trade

I would say there is about a 75% chance he will be traded in the off season. Most likely in a package deal. Unless barton craps out the last 2 weeks. The A's needs are a power right handed bat. The bullpen is pretty much set for next year and the starting rotation is set through the first 4 spots. What I am surprised about why the giants haven't made a offer for DJ. Of all teams they have no 1bman close to be playing next year but we know Sabean is cheap on tradeing players.

by Arcman on Sep 16, 2007 9:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If the Giants are interested in DJ,

they'd still be in no rush to make an offer until the off-season. They've been out of the race for months and need to find out how good their own guys are. So it makes more sense to give playing time to Frandsen, Ortmeier, Schierholz, etc. rather than trade for someone mid-season when they're not playing for anything.

The problem the A's face is that nice walk totals and decent HR totals won't obscure the fact that DJ is batting .237. My hope is that he'll stay hot for the last two weeks and get up close to .250--that will make his stats look better than he actually has been.

If I were the A's, once we were out of contention what I would have done is play DJ only against poor pitchers, sitting him against the #1-2 starters. That would have allowed him to inflate his stats and look like a better hitter. As is, the .237 will stand out and I don't think he'll command much value in a trade.

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 Sep 16, 2007 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Geren just ripped DiNardo a new one

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Sep 16, 2007 1:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Geez, just talk to the guy, Bob

No need to fart.

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 Sep 16, 2007 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

went from the wind-up w/ runner on

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Sep 16, 2007 1:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry

I missed this, Monkey.

I would think that the Saag's hot link with the grilled onions and peppers would be much more reminiscent of a Madeline than a four-day-old dollar dog, though I understand the sentiment expressed.

...Just one smell of this wonderful dog would take me back to summers as a child. I would cry and cry to my mother for a hot link, but she would assuage my discomfort...

Able was I ere I saw Elba.

by Leopold Bloom on Sep 17, 2007 2:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs