Open Thread: Spring Training Game 20 - A's vs. Royals
by Tyler Bleszinski on Mar 17, 2008 1:00 PM PDT
208 comments
The A's send one of the seemingly endless number of candidates for the fifth spot in the rotation, Dana Eveland, to the mound today. He pitches against Brian Bannister at Phoenix Muni.
Eveland had an excellent outing his last time out and could really help his cause with a similar performance today. Also, don't look now, but our little rebuilding project has the second best record during the spring. Not that it matters, but hell, it's been a fun spring, hasn't it? And Nico did have a good point the other day. This could be very interesting at the beginning of the year now with the Angels down their two best starters.
As long as a miracle happens and Harden and Duchscherer can both stay healthy, this is gonna be fun.
LET'S GO A'S!!!!!!
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That canNOT be true!!!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2008 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gathright bunt single to start the game
Followed by a 6-4-3 double play.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gio, Greg Smith, and LINDEN(!) sent down
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=21&entry_id=24987
Show of hands, how many people --in a rebuilding year-- want to see a 34 year old Emil Brown get paid 1.5 million dollars instead of a 28 year old switch hitter that's been hitting over .500 in spring training?
by mikev on Mar 17, 2008 1:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wonder what's happening to Conrad
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
by closetasfan on Mar 17, 2008 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no way
i understand the financial aspect of this move, but i still think Linden played well enough to make the team. I'm a bit disappointed, but there's nothing i can do about it.
"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink
by OrlandoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
salb just said this in the DLD
We should all be happy that we root for a team that is not swayed by the inconsequential sample size of 30 plate appearances. It's the right move, and I really doubt that anybody yapping about it now will be yapping about it midseason.
Remember what I wrote a few weeks ago: regression to the mean must always be applied, and we always regress more heavily when the sample size is small.
Preseason projections for Todd Linden peg his OPS at 731 (Bill James), 693 (Chone), 712 (Marcel), 712 (ZiPS). If we're expecting that level of hitting, we might as well go with the guy who can a) play CF and b) has youth on his side. Ryan Sweeney, come on down.
I couldn't agree with him more.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, but Emil Brown is - IMO - the 5th wheel
Not Linden.
Comparing the two, Linden is a) a switch hitter and b) has youth on his side.
:D
by mikev on Mar 17, 2008 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, Brown
a. has a major league contract, and
b. has actually had non-sucky years in the majors.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Mar 17, 2008 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His non-sucky years were a couple years ago.
But, Linden will probably be up soon enough when 4 or 5 guys inevitably get hurt.
by mikev on Mar 17, 2008 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think your
point 'A' was the deciding factor. In all fairness, Linden hasn't exactly been giving many opportunities to succeed. He's never played more than 85 games in a season, and that's only happened once. From there it drops off to 60's and below. I would like to see what he could do if he was given a full year to play. This most likely won't happen with the A's, but hopefully someone will eventually give him a shot.
"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink
by OrlandoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linden could make the team if...
he would just hold onto the reins of his horses and let the season get started. Openings in the roster are bound to occur and he is showing he should be at the head of the list to join the team.
He has earned nothing out of spring training if there is no opening for him. And he is no Mike Sweeney... LOL
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
by Charlie Brown on Mar 17, 2008 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course
he is no Mike Sweeney. I think alot of it boils down to what monkeyball mentions a couple posts below this. The Emil Brown signing seems to be getting in the way a little bit now. In defense of the A's brass though, if they would have known how well some of these younger guys were going to perform, albeit ST, they probably would not have signed Brown to a 1.5 mil ML contract. In all fairness, a contract like Mike Sweeney's would have been more appropriate. If for no other reason than to make him earn a spot on the roster. I may be way off base with my assumptions regarding this issue though.
"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink
by OrlandoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Fiorentino
With Linden gone Fiorentino seems to be the last competition with Ryan Sweeney for the backup outfielder spot. Fiorentino is on the 40 man roster and listening on the radio he's made numerous defensive stops but do you think he'll stay on the team?
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
good question
he's been a little under the radar, but at least defensively has done very well
by OaklandSi on Mar 17, 2008 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think the A's want Sweeney
to be a fourth outfielder. I think he either makes the club as a starter, or goes to Sacramento.
by OaklandSi on Mar 17, 2008 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
show of hands
How many people want to see the A's spend $1.5M on having Emil on the roster (and perhaps leverage him for a 26-y.o. double-A arm mid-season), instead of paying Emil $1.5M to play for another team?
He signed a major-league contract. I didn't like the signing either, but it's guaranteed money.
I wasn't thinking about anything. I'll have to try to do that more often. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Mar 17, 2008 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no desire
to see either Brown or Linden get more than 150 plate appearances for the A's this year.
For our backup outfielders, we need someone who can backup CF and be a late-innings substitute for Cust, so defense should be a priority.
"Tomorrow it may rain." - Leo Durocher
by andeux on Mar 17, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brown being discussed on the radio now
as the fourth outfielder...
by OaklandSi on Mar 17, 2008 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linden
Why did they even invite him into camp? If a .577 batting average wasn't enough, why even have him try out? Maybe this is the anti-silver lining to having so many prospects, cutting a player who is proving himself. I can only hope he is traded, because he deserves to play at the highest level with the way he has played this spring. If the A's are serious about Coco Crisp they should make Linden part of the package so at least he gets to play for a contender. I was really rooting for him this spring.
"Some people have asked me whether or not Rickey Henderson belonged in the Hall of Fame. I've replied "if you could somehow split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers"" - Author Bill James in The Bill James Handbook (2008)
by rollie_fingers_moustache on Mar 17, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
honestly
i've always thought linden was garbage, but i would have to agree with this. he played some center with the giants and marlins, it seems like center will be by committee anyways.
President of the Joey Devine fan club as of 1/15/08. Accepting applications for other positions. "He has no equivalent." -Paul DePodesta on Jeremy Brown
by flipgatey3 on Mar 17, 2008 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, what if CarGo had went 15-23 or whatever it was?
People would be SCREAMING for him to stay on the big club, right?
by mikev on Mar 17, 2008 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't speak for anyone else...
But I would.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Mar 17, 2008 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huber out 5-3
1 hit and 1 walk in the first does no damage. 0-0 going to the bottom half.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hi guys. Just tuned in and sounds good already.
What does our rotation look like right now? I haven't been following too closely.
by kapers on Mar 17, 2008 1:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Rotation
Blanton
Harden
Duke
Gaudin
massive grab between Braden / DiNardo / Eveland
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking pretty set
I would say
Blanton
Harden
Gaudin
Duchscherer
Eveland
with Lenny DiNardo holding an outside shot of beating Eveland
by DiegoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. Guess I thought there was more competition for the 5 spot.
But I was probably thinking of Smith and Saarloos. Honestly, when/if Harden goes down, there are some decent replacements. I'm trying hard to be realistic, but this spring has gotten me so excited about the season. Nothing like how I felt when Swisher and Haren were dealt.
by kapers on Mar 17, 2008 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's been a pretty close competition
It seemed up in the air for a while but with Gio Gonzalez, Greg Smith and Saarloos getting sent down recently I think the picture is starting to clear up. I think the Eveland was kind of the organizational favorite at the start and has basically held serve this spring.
by DiegoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Arghh
Why is DJ back in the lineup over Barton?
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Mar 17, 2008 1:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully one last chance for a showcase
before a late in the spring DFA
Winner of the 2008 "find grover a new sig" contest.
by 5Aces on Mar 17, 2008 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, had a work call
A's didn't score. Ellis doubled.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hollins out 1-3
Very quick inning for Dana. 0-0 after 1.5.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brown
Flies to center. DJ tags and goes to third.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
lets go crosby...sac fly at least
by TheGreenGoldCrush on Mar 17, 2008 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Do I dare enjoy Bobby Crosby? Feels like waiting to be dumped.
by kapers on Mar 17, 2008 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hear ya
I feel like that from our offense...it looks so great, and I know it's going to be crap once the first game starts!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2008 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murphy doubles to left.
Crosby scores. 2-0 A's
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Murphy RBI Double
A's 2-0
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Mar 17, 2008 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Murphy doubles Crosby scores
2-0 A's
by theblackpearl on Mar 17, 2008 1:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ryan Sweeney
out 1-3.
2-0 A's after 2.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Higher Pie, I have to go on a road trip, pbp is all
yours
by theblackpearl on Mar 17, 2008 1:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
John Buck makes an out.
Pena follows with an infield single.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gathright out 5-3
Pena to 2nd. Nice play on a slow chopper by Hannahan.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
DonnieMurphy, wasn't it?
I thought Murph was at 3rd today, but I'm only peripherally listening...
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
by oblique on Mar 17, 2008 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Callaspo walks on 4 pitches
1st and 2nd for Alex Gordon, 2 outs
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Eveland through 3
2 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 R. 1.38 spring ERA
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those walks aren't good
Eveland has been giving out a few walks but the Arizona game he threw 7 K's with 0 BB. Most likely he threw better because he was facing his old club and had a chip on his shoulder.
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
did Cust at least swing at it or was it another looking?
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buan didn't say
But it was a "good curve ball", so I had the impression it was looking.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mike Sweeney flies to left
2-0 A's after 3.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hollins out 6-3
Nice play by Crosby
End of 3.5, 2-0 A's
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
THANKS A LOT BILLY!!!!
Okay, that was uncalled for.
by mikev on Mar 17, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linden:
"They told me I'm not going to Japan," Linden said. "So I'm obviously not making the team. ... I am not happy." The clubhouse was almost empty because the rest of the players still in camp were taking batting practice in preparation for their game against the visiting Royals. Linden was listed on the lineup card as one of Oakland's reserves, and the team didn't make any announcement regarding the non-roster invitee's status, but Linden essentially said he was in no hurry to get into uniform and sit on the bench for a team that's already dumped him.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think his handling of this is a bit immature.
But, wouldn't you be pissed off at the world if you spent most of your short career with the Giants. I mean, these guys, like the cubs, are pros at screwing up prospects.
"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink
by OrlandoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe.
But I think it's hilarious that earlier this spring he was stoked to be on a "blue-collar team", and now he's whining like a little baby.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is so not a Gamer
"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick, 10/7/07
by doctorK on Mar 17, 2008 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants Prospects
I had a sibling that worked for the the Giants AAA team (Fresno Grizlies) and I was able to hang out with the team (and drink too much) in the hotel bar after they had played the Rivercats in Sacramento. I found out (from the manager at the time) that they were within a few hours of signing some catcher from the phillies (can't remember his name now) They blew that trade over a small monetary amount and ended up trading Boof Bonser, Francisco Liriano, and Joe Nathan to the twins for A.J. Pierzynski and cash. That should tell you about how the Giants handle trades. I couldn't believe it when I heard it. By the way Jason Ellison bought all the drinks...good times.
"Some people have asked me whether or not Rickey Henderson belonged in the Hall of Fame. I've replied "if you could somehow split him in two, you'd have two Hall of Famers"" - Author Bill James in The Bill James Handbook (2008)
by rollie_fingers_moustache on Mar 17, 2008 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linden
I wonder what exactly did the A's front office tell him. If they actually told him that he had a real shot to make the team than his reaction is understandable. Did Linden sign with the A's before Emil Brown signed?
I think he put his hope of making the team way to high and it was expected that he couldn't surpass Emil Brown
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no evidence the a's front office told linden he had a real shot to make the team
they told him they wanted him here (not sure what if any promises were made). linden assumed he would make the team (link):
"I was looking at what the A's had, and I was talking to a buddy and I said, 'If I looked at every roster in baseball and could pick one spot where I was sure I could make the team, it would be Oakland," said Linden, who signed a Minor League contract with the A's as a free agent this past Nov. 14. "Then I got here, and so far it hasn't worked out."
Linden said he signed early in the offseason with Oakland because the opportunity was there and promises were made.
"They wanted me to be here," Linden said about his quick decision to sign with the A's. "They told that to me and my agent."
The swap of Kotsay, the veteran center fielder, gave Linden even more hope that his decision to sign with Oakland was fortuitous, he said.
"When that happened, I had no doubt I was making this ballclub," he said.
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 Mar 17, 2008 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm not sure when emil brown signed, before or after november 14
but ryan sweeney and carlos gonzalez arrived afterwards (as did mike sweeney).
i'm not sure about fiorentino either.
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 Mar 17, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Linden being sent to the minor league camp isn't much of a surprise to me. Linden did hit well but it was most likely the result of being played in the second half of games when the pitching he faced was still minor league talent.
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fiorentino was definitely later
Brown, I'm not sure about.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Mar 17, 2008 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you're a free agent
and the best offer you get is a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training, you should really know that you're a longshot to make the team. And I wonder what Linden's prospective teammates here thought of his statement that when he signed he looked at the roster and figured he could make the team easily.
On the other hand, I do have some sympathy for fringe players like Linden and Halsey. There's a big difference in salary between minor leaguers who aren't on the 40-man roster and those who are, and an even bigger difference between the latter and those who make the 25-man roster. It's got to really suck making twenty times less than someone who's at best a little better than you are.
"Tomorrow it may rain." - Leo Durocher
by andeux on Mar 17, 2008 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i never looked
at it from the other teammates's point-of-view before. Given that, maybe it's better that he doesn't make the team. I mean, for the most part, this is a pretty young team. It may not be wise to subject them to a potential clubhouse cancer. Eventually his attitude might rub off on the younger guys, making the clubhouse cancer persona a sustained issue for the next 3-5 years.
"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink
by OrlandoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hence grover's irritation at taking so long to make the AN 40-man
Not to mention the jump in quality of the Internet ANnies ...
I wasn't thinking about anything. I'll have to try to do that more often. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Mar 17, 2008 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
linden is a classy guy
"I'd be heartbroken if I didn't get to play with this team," Linden admitted, "but I'd still be very thankful for my time here. I've had a blast this spring. I put a lot of energy and emotion into this, and I feel very blessed to have gotten the at-bats I've gotten here.
oops that was mike sweeney
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 Mar 17, 2008 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pena K's looking
on a 3-2 pitch. 2 away
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gah.
I hate the attitude that Linden has.
"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith
by Boonee on Mar 17, 2008 2:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wild guess
is there is a trade in the works. DJ to SF, Linden to BOS, Coco here. Some other parts from SF to BOS to even it out.
by sourstuff on Mar 17, 2008 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana through 5:
5 IP, 0 R, 3 H (2 infield). 2 BB, 4 K's
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like our #5 starter to me.
Well #4 technically.
by WhiteElephants on Mar 17, 2008 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Suzuki out 5-3
Good, quick, efficient pitching on both sides today.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sweeney advances on WP
that didn't get too far away from Buck.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Spring Training Result Translations
Anyone ever looked up the relation between spring training results and regular season results? I mean, it is a loose entity, but is there no relation? Is there some relation? Teams that do great are generally over .500, etc.?
Ellis drives in a run. 3-0.
http://sonicliving.com
by whaxed on Mar 17, 2008 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Todd Linden would bat over .400
If only Beane gave him a chance : (
I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.
by franks a lot on Mar 17, 2008 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was doing a little research last night...
And didn't really see any correlation between teams that did well in spring training and teams that well during the season. It just seemed random.
And when I say I did a little research that means I glanced over the end of Spring/end of season records over the last five years on ESPN.com
by WhiteElephants on Mar 17, 2008 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
link
http://espn.go.com/mlb/columns/bp/1518849.html
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 Mar 17, 2008 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ellis singles to left
Sweeney scores. 3-0 A's. I heart Mark Ellis.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cust singles to right
Ellis goes to 3rd, 2 away
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why wouldn't I be?
Everybody kinda assumed he wouldn't be pitching until mid-april or so. He's ahead of schedule, isn't he?
by mikev on Mar 17, 2008 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huber flies to right
1-2-3 for Chad. Well done.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
great news
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 Mar 17, 2008 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
stretching out
Have any A's starters gotten into the sixth inning yet? It seems like that ought to happen soon. Don't Blanton and Harden each only have one spring start left?
by colin on Mar 17, 2008 2:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think some of the guys
Are going to the bullpen to throw a few more pitches after their outings. I wouldn't be surprised if Eveland is today, because he was very efficient in his 5 innings.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe Blanton
He pitched a 7 inning game in an intersquad minor league game. I don't know the stats but it said so in a caption under a pic in a scout.com article.
The link is below I still don't know how to use much of the options of this new version yet.
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DJ walks on a 3-2 pitch
to start the bottom of the 6th
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
eveland
I like his Gameday mugshot. This is important for NRAFs like me who lack the bandwidth or computer strength for mlb.tv.
by colin on Mar 17, 2008 2:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Emil doubles to right
Gathright couldn't hang on. 2nd and 3rd, 0 outs
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Suzuki K's looking
on a pitch that everyone thinks was low and away. 2 out
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Murphy K's looking
A's fail to score after 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. 3-0 after 6.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
that's because
DJ was out there, clogging up the bases.
by colin on Mar 17, 2008 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eating tempeh and soba noodles with veggie pot stickers.
PxP may suffer. :-)
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It's okay
In other news, rotoworld has just reported that Joey Devine will not be going to Japan so he probably will be sent to AAA Sacramento.
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 2:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Teahen K's swinging
Gaudin still pitching
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hollins pops to 2nd
Chad "The Man" Gaudin!
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
There is no IloveKenKorach.com
That makes me sad. Why did they lie to me?
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Mar 17, 2008 2:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gaudin
I'm still surprised to see him pitching this early. It's good to see him pitch well and if his injuries were the reason of his slide in the second half than he should be a really good 3rd or 4th SP for us. I don't know if they'll place Duke at the 4th or 3rd slot.
by Coffee13eans on Mar 17, 2008 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wether Duke is 3 or 4...
will be between him and probably Eveland (maybe Dinardo). Gaudin will be #5, coming back late from injury.
by WhiteElephants on Mar 17, 2008 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Through 7 innings
Teahen's double is the only hard hit ball. The other two hits were infield singles given up by Eveland.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This gives much hope...
that Gaudin will actually be ready for the April 15 start. I'm always skeptical when they project dates of return. It seems like they're always set back.
by WhiteElephants on Mar 17, 2008 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ST-regular season correlation
I wouldn't look at the team-correlation, but rather individual player stat correlation to find any significance. I'm sure there is at least some. After all, its a well-established fantasy strategy to look at the outlier performances, both good and bad, of known quantity players.
I think its safe to assume that the pitchers and hitters doing extraordinarily well in ST will do better as a group -- relative to pre-season projections -- than will those with extraordinarily bad STs. This makes sense for health reasons alone.
Not that this furthers my point at all, but the year Andruw Jones hit 50 bombs he led ST in homers...
by ChadGod on Mar 17, 2008 2:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gaudin = Linden
You know, Gaudin was really in the same position as Linden last year. Gaudin was the obviously better choice to make the rotation last year, but the A's had decided before spring training started that the 5th starter was going to be Joe Kennedy no metter how bad he stunk it up. The only reason Gaudin got the chance was that Loaiza got injured and forced the A's hands.
I think Linden the obvious choice when compared to how Brown and Denorfia have played this spring, but the organization which prides themselves on thinking outside the box just can't seem to get past their "team blueprints" written a month ago.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Mar 17, 2008 2:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gaudin was going to make the team regardless...
If not in the rotation, then in the pen. And he, unlike Linden, had success in the Bigs the year before.
Also It's not true that the A's will stick to the blueprints, while watching the ship sink. They just don't break up good plans on stupid whims.
by WhiteElephants on Mar 17, 2008 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going down with the ship
I never meant to infer that the A's would watch the ship go down. Anyone who follows the A's knows that a huge part of their success is the adjustments they make half way through May every year.
What I did try to express is that they draw up their plans for the start of the year during spring training and they refuse to deviate them no matter how badly or well someone plays. Also, those plans aren't always necessarily good ones. Joe Kennedy pitching over Chad Gaudin was never a good idea and,although (god rest his soul) he was a good man, it was no surprise that Kennedy failed as even a fifth starter last year and was given away to Arizona.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Mar 17, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know that
I wouldn't say they refuse to deviate from plans as much as they refuse to completely ignore years of previous experience in favor of 3 weeks of spring training.
I liked Linden as well and thought there was some untapped potential there, but he really hasn't shown much before and I don't know if he really deserved a spot on the 25 even with the hot spring. I was really hoping he would move down to Sacramento and be ready as the first call up but it doesn't look like that will happen.
by DiegoAsFan on Mar 17, 2008 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pena reaches first
Ball hits Murphy in the arm (bad hop). Scored a single.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's it, Linden
You're off the team.
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
by oblique on Mar 17, 2008 2:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Aviles doubles
LINDEN can't make the catch (tough play). 2 runs score. 3-2 A's.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Keith CHOULKE on to pitch...
couldn't resist. I still love the guy.
by ChadGod on Mar 17, 2008 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gordon out 4-3
run scores. 3-2 A's. 2 out, runner at 3rd
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Huber flies to right.
A's hang on to the lead but give up 2. 3-2 A's.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 2:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gilbert steals second
3-2 pitch coming up to DJ
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
DJ walks on WP
Gilbert to 3rd. 1st and 3rd, 0 outs
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHA!!! Buan just said, 'Crosby sucks' in the most diplomatic way possible
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2008 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Linden had a 3-0 count
And Buan suggested that maybe walking Linden was not the worst thing possible, since that left Bobby Crosby on deck with the bases loaded.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Mar 17, 2008 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hugh...you would think Bobby would be past the need
for diplomacy at this point.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Mar 17, 2008 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you arguing for a preemptive strike?
I wasn't thinking about anything. I'll have to try to do that more often. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Mar 17, 2008 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno...
You think that would get him out of the lineup?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Mar 17, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linden walks on 4 pitches
Mahay walks the bases loaded
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Crosby battling
2-2 count. Fouled off a few pitches...
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And all is right with the world
Bah!
"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick, 10/7/07
by doctorK on Mar 17, 2008 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Justin Knoedler singles
1 run scores. Bags still loaded. 4-2 A's.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think he should be Justin Canoodler.
by kapers on Mar 17, 2008 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes We Knoedler!
I wasn't thinking about anything. I'll have to try to do that more often. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Mar 17, 2008 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rich Harden
Yes We Canadian!
I wasn't thinking about anything. I'll have to try to do that more often. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Mar 17, 2008 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 runs score on an E-5
No outs recorded
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Way to go, Smurphy!
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 17, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe how excited I'm getting for a game
that doesn't count.
by kapers on Mar 17, 2008 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Fiorentino flies out
Not deep enough to score a run
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Off to grab a nap
before a nice 12 hour shift! Go A's!
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Mar 17, 2008 3:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ellis flies to right
Inning over. 6-2 A's lead going to the 9th
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Billy Butler (who's going to be awesome) K's swinging
this time. 2 outs.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Esteban German flies out
A's Win! 15-5 on the spring!
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I hope Foulke doesn't get any
important innings...
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Mar 17, 2008 3:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
These games might not count
but I'd rather be winning than losing.
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Mar 17, 2008 3:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Text message from ESPN:
K. Matsui to DL - Astros 2B kaz Matsui is expected to begin the season on the DL after surgery on an anal fissure.
by HigherPie on Mar 17, 2008 3:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
"I'm not googling it." "You google it."
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 17, 2008 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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