Is the Dallas Braden Experiment over?
by monkeyball on Sep 29, 2007 4:03 PM PDT
in News
Email
PrintInland Empire 3, A's 2
I'm not sure which was shorter today -- Dallas Braden's start, or the AN game thread.
A tough irony for Braden, in that the one start in a long time where he seemed to be relatively effective in shutting down the opposition, he was pulled after 3 innings.
Whether it's his health, or the absence of the scroogie, or just general AAAA-level only-make-it-through-the-opposing-lineup-once stuff, Braden hasn't really demonstrated much to give the A's hope for him in the rotation in '08 and beyond.
Meanwhile, the A's hitters must have been out on a picnic at a non-WiFi-enabled park somewhere with the bulk of the AN membership. Hope you kept the potato salad chilled all afternoon, guys.
Daric Barton, though, did show up, and continued his streak of reaching base in every MLB game in which he's played in '07. And Dan Johnson and Shannon Stewart, in what could be the waning of their days as A's, chipped in a couple hits each.
In a final depressing note, ultimate possession of the AL West cellar is out of the A's control: they currently reside a half-game behind Texas, which means that the Rangers can guarantee their own third-place finish with a win tonight and tomorrow.
The A's finish the '07 season tomorrow. Gaudin vs Weaver the Younger and Evene Goofier-Looking, 1:05 PT.
35 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Does anyone know...
what Shannon Stewart's at-bat music is?
if he hasn't changed it...
body head bangerz "can't be touched"
just got back from the game
I heard someone on the broadcast mentioning something about getting Braden once and change through the lineup. Unless he can develop another pitch he's probably ticketed for the bullpen (someone's, not necessarily Oakland's?)
Since the Angels for the second straight night didn't run away with the game (lots of the top players got rested today) there was hope that the A's would at least tie and perhaps win. They had some chances against Escobar, Colón was overwhelming, Shields was less so, and K-Rod was a little better than last night. Stewart insisted on hitting the ball towards the left in an-at bat with runners at first and second and no out (hey, how about moving the runners over?). Anyway, it was disappointing, but the day was gorgeous.
A side note: the last time Extra Innings was held at the Field Irish Pub, Buan had commented that it would be the last time this season. Had I known there might be another chance I would have BARTed instead of accepting a ride from a friend. Turns out that not only is today's Extra Innings in the Pub -- Nick Swisher is the guest!! Unfortunately my friend didn't want to stay...so it goes. (No, BART wasn't an option, as I left my car at my friend's house...)
Who's going tomorrow?
I think they'll keep Dallas for long relief
or #6 starter. I think Lenny D will go so they will have to. One last chance for a win tomorrow! C'mon guys!
by A'sfansince1970 on Sep 29, 2007 4:50 PM PDT reply actions
#6 starter is pretty important with
Harden and Meyer/Lenny in the top 5.
by WaddellCanseco on Sep 29, 2007 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Re: the Low Post Count...
294 at The Band Is Out on the Field for Cal vs. Oregon... that's likely where some of them went.
First 4 hitters left ...
...12 men on base (out of a total of 16).
Something wrong with this picture that needs fix'n, but we knew that in mid-April, didn't we?
I think the total for the game
was that the A's stranded 8 runners, while the Angels left 5.
The at-bat by Stewart with runners at 1st and 2nd with no outs -- he kept trying to hit towards the left, instead of towards the right (to perhaps move the runner on second to third?). When he finally grounded towards the they of course threw to get the runner out who was going to third. Then Barton's deep fly -- which would have scored a runner on third -- was deep enough that the runner on third could have tagged up and gone to third. But the runner (Suzuki) hung out midway between second and third until the ball was caught, and had no choice but to return to second.
I thought they should have gotten at least one run out of that exchange.
eh
third place...fourth place...if it isn't in the playoffs it doesn't make a difference to me.
I'll take a pick one spot higher versus having bragging rights over Texas fans any day of the week.
At least the news wasn't all unBEARable
31-24! Now if only Cal will give AN its posters back.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Sep 29, 2007 7:13 PM PDT reply actions
It's nice to see you're back--
Especially after seeing your face.
hey, we lost, we're in last place...
but, it wasn't all bad. I got to throw out the first pitch today!!! Did you see me?
Daric Barton caught it and autographed the ball. Galt and mommy got to accompany me down to the field.
It wasn't exactly a strike, but Bobby Crosby probably would have swung and missed.
That's awesome!
Really?
Kid's got a strong grip. I nearly had to go on the DL after he shook my hand.
Oh, and how I got to throw the first pitch... coming in an end-of-the-season diary near you (complete with pictures, I hope).
by FoolshGame22 on Sep 29, 2007 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions
It could have been you today...
believe me, it was random chance that I got to do it.
by FoolshGame22 on Sep 29, 2007 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm writing a diary on it...
so, I don't want to give too much away here. But, as I told OaklandSi, it was pure serendipity.
by FoolshGame22 on Sep 29, 2007 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions
nice pitch
when I saw you (not knowing who you were), I wondered how someone could get to throw it on a weekend without being a corporate sponsor. If I did it, I wouldn't have been able to stand on the mound since my fastball is good for about 57 feet.
I have a theory...
but, it is only speculation, at this point. Maybe I'll do a little digging before I post my diary.
by FoolshGame22 on Sep 29, 2007 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
So cool
Good for you. I look forward to hearing the full tale.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Sep 29, 2007 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions
I tried to convince them to let Galt...
throw it, but they were somewhat reluctant to let a 22-month old unleash his high-3's mph heater on next year's ROY.
by FoolshGame22 on Sep 29, 2007 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions
This series sorta sums up the season
Getting swept by Anaheim to end the season seems just about right.
by the way, Giants-Dodgers game is pretty good
I started watching mainly to see some of the young Dodger players that many AN posts have mentioned as possible objects of trade desire, such as Hu, Kemp,and LaRoche. But the game itself is a good one, just went into extra innings.
The A's should have a contest
through AN where one of us will get to start 5 games for the A's. The A's will then determine whose stats are better on average. Fortunatly for us we would only have to pitch like 3 1/3 innings per game in order for us to match him so we have a real shot. But the point here is that I am not 100 percent sure that the professional Athelete could pitch better than one of us, that is not a good thing.
by 3Chavy3 on Sep 30, 2007 9:42 AM PDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
