DLD - 4/1/08 - OPENING(ish) NIGHT!

by JLaff on Apr 1, 2008 8:06 AM PDT Comment 123 comments

This is my first shot at a fanpost/diary in 3.0 mode. It's weird. You all probably knew that anyway.

They're baaaack! Well... some of them, at least. For those who didn't wake up at 3 a.m. to see game 1, there's a pitching rematch tonight: Daisuke Matsuzaka vs. Joe Blanton.

"It was supposed to be home games for us, but the Red Sox fans were incredible," Ellis said. "They brought a lot of fans with them, and they had most of the Japanese fans. That's maybe a little bit understandable - they're the World Series champions and we don't have a lot of big-name players. But it was stupid they got the home clubhouse."

Also, in Slusser's notes: Barton will play tonight, apparently he is good at baseball; Crosby led the A's in home runs this spring (no, not an April Fool's joke); and... uh... what?

Leahey said the team also will roll out the "Trumpet Puppet," which he describes as "a Stomper-like hand puppet that makes a trumpeting noise when the fan presses a button," and that will support a video feature "we think fans will enjoy that involves Tarzan. You'll have to see this one."

via mlb.mlb.com

Daric Barton has a cool mom.

After divorcing Barton's father when Daric was 3, Liz became heavily involved in her kids' sports activities as a single mom.

She played catch with Daric in her spare time. She hit him ground balls. When he was 8 and his Pony League team needed an occasional fill-in coach, she even took charge of the dugout.

Barton credits her with being his biggest baseball influence.

"I've been at the baseball field since I was 8 weeks old," he said.

In other Opening Week/Former A's news:

- Reds, former A (and SDSU alum!) Aaron Harang honor Joe Nuxhall

via d.yimg.com

- Barry Zito proving to be a "true Giant"

- Swisher bats leadoff, goes 2-for-4 in White Sox loss

- Rain postpones Marco! (SCUTARO!)'s Blue Jay debut

- Haren will take the hill tomorrow against Bronson Arroyo

See you at the Coliseum!

Poll

Are you going to the game tonight?

Yes

35 votes

No

24 votes

I would, but Todd Linden isn't on the team

27 votes

86 votes | Poll has closed

6 recs | Comment 123 comments

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Comments

Is Dale Barton playing tonight?

by Reg on Apr 1, 2008 8:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What about Jack Hanrahan?

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Apr 1, 2008 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When will Giorgio Petit be back in the bigs?

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When will [first name escapes me] Wolff successfully move the A's to Fremont?

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Apr 1, 2008 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And what about that Japanese dude?

You know, the one from Nagano?

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Apr 1, 2008 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was he also hitting on Jason Giambi's wife?

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, it didn't happen.

Regardless of what Giambi wrote in his book, "Moneyball."

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Apr 1, 2008 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought he wrote Aces, the book about Paul Moneymaker and the

World Poker Tour

by theblackpearl on Apr 1, 2008 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yer damn right I'll be at the game!

Tailgating with my bottle of Maker's Mark, too. Some of the posters from AthleticsClubhouse.com will be there too. Come say hi.

by mikev on Apr 1, 2008 8:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A warning to everyone going....

When I went on Saturday, they opened up my Nalgene Bottle to make sure that it was just water in it. So, if you are going to sneak an adult beverage in, make sure it doesn't smell like anything. :)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 1, 2008 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds hygienic...

how close do their noses get to a suspicious beverage?

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Apr 1, 2008 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh. It'll all be gone by the time I head into the stadium.

I mean, I'm only bringing ONE bottle of whisky.

by mikev on Apr 1, 2008 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool!!!

I just got an email about these:

(I can't figure out how to make it smaller, but there are three M&Ms in that picture....)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 1, 2008 8:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

try this

by colin on Apr 1, 2008 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate to say it,

but those are awesome! Gift bags! Stocking stuffers! Party candy! I love it, even though I rarely eat them.

by sslinger on Apr 1, 2008 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now then, why not green, white and gold dots at the races??

Or would that take actual effort by the team marketeers?

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

by The Dogfather on Apr 1, 2008 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Been saying that since, oh, 1987

can we please get that done?

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 1, 2008 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DID YOU SEE THE PRICE?!?

12.99 per 7oz bag... with a minimum 3 bag purchase.

I admit, I'm a fatty. I love my M&Ms and I love my Oakland A's, but even my fat ass won't spend that much on chocolate.

"I have a strange urge to make copies." JediLeroy

by Jennifer on Apr 1, 2008 9:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not your job.

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

by The Dogfather on Apr 1, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haren

Az has the day off today. Haren pitches tomorrow

by gojohn10 on Apr 1, 2008 8:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Weird off day

http://www.jlaff.com/

by JLaff on Apr 1, 2008 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Half the league is off today...

Always this way in case OD gets rained out, like NYY-Tor, who can now play today.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 1, 2008 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm apprehensive about the "trumpet puppet."

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 9:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My mind hit the gutter.

"I have a strange urge to make copies." JediLeroy

by Jennifer on Apr 1, 2008 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

<<< gasp! >>>

You? Gutterminding? Is this a joke? I don't believe it.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 9:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was told

your mind is a permanent residence of Guttersville

but I can't recall who told me that.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 1, 2008 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

er, resident

just call me a long distance runner (not a sprinter)

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 1, 2008 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

seems safe to me

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

better a trumpet

than a rusty trombone.

"Put some ice on it. After that, there's nothing a few beers won't take care of. " -Pink

by OrlandoAsFan on Apr 1, 2008 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It could be totally ridiculous and make us the laughingstock of the league, or it could be bizarrely awesome. Either way, I'm kind of excited to get one. I think it's the Tarzan element that makes me the most nervous. There's not going to be a guy in a fur loincloth prancing about, is there?

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoever is on the DL will be assigned to dress in a loincloth

and answer each fan's Trumpet Puppet call.

{buys trumpet puppet}
{mildly injures "Pecs" DiNardo}

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would've thought

you'd have gone straight for Ellis. Hold off on Pecs for now. Let's at least see how Chavez and Gaudin work the vine.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"work the vine"

*snerk*

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

The home opener! I love it so. I can't wait to be out in the parking lot, sucking down the flavors of asphalt and hops, gazing fondly upon the concrete buttresses which wrap their Brezhnevian embrace around the ballfield I adore.

Japan sojourn notwithstanding, today's the day we all start with clean slates. In the manner of the emporers of old, I think Blez oughtta wipe everyone's CGV's off the books to commemorate this august day.

Opening Day. W00t!

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Apr 1, 2008 9:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's already August?

Shit! I've missed most of the season!

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guarding the lines...

Playing no doubles defense.

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Apr 1, 2008 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like a bunch of apes playing

I love you, k^2. -Poppy*

by kaweahkaweah on Apr 1, 2008 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A's Lineup: Breaking Down the Hitters

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/15538-MLB-Oakland_Athletics-A_s_Opening_Day_Roster_Breaking_Down_The_Hitters

by bleacherman on Apr 1, 2008 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great link! Thanks!

Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.

by JediLeroy on Apr 1, 2008 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.

by JediLeroy on Apr 1, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

AN 3. Clockwerks: My post didn't appear after refreshing twice.

Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.

by JediLeroy on Apr 1, 2008 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He called Crosby a 5-tool player

lulz.

by mikev on Apr 1, 2008 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hm.

Hannahan is basically a younger, cheaper, and healthier version of Eric Chavez; a good lefty bat with Gold Glove skills at 3B.

I love Jack, but we're giving him the GG now?

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes, and 30 hr power

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 Apr 1, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and fluent in Spanish

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 1, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or at least Gaelic.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Has Hannahan adopted the Gaelic lifestyle, or is it inherited?

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

by The Dogfather on Apr 1, 2008 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And THAT, folks, was my Twenty-five hundredth comment!

Bow before me, almost nobody.

And PLAY BALL!!!

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

by The Dogfather on Apr 1, 2008 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll toss a caber in your honor

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Barack this way?

Call me crazy, but I think the image used for members who have no avatar photos resembles Barack Obama.

I love you, k^2. -Poppy*

by kaweahkaweah on Apr 1, 2008 10:14 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not crazy

Worse than crazy. _____ minds?....

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rodent?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well if Halos Heaven is thinking the same thing

I really need to see a shrink.

I love you, k^2. -Poppy*

by kaweahkaweah on Apr 1, 2008 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OMG

This site is biased!!!1! They're secretly recruiting people for Obama!!

Blez, you said no politics!!!

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

trumpet puppet?

sounds like a term that could be used on urbandictionary.com.

"This guy threw at his own son in a father-son game." -Harry Doyle from Major League

by greenandgoldpolarbear on Apr 1, 2008 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I have long believed

that there are too few Tarzan videos in ballparks.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 10:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They haven't yet filled the void

which was created when they stopped airing the "Bad Fan" pre-game animation. Here's Bad Fan interfering with balls in play! Here's Bad Fan shouting obscenities and spilling beer on nuns and schoolchildren! Here's Bad Fan locked in the Coliseum holiding cell! We'll see if Tarzan can fill those big shoes.

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Apr 1, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last Saturday,

I was hoping Bad Fan would turn up in the evacuation video. No such luck.

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

TV notes

If you missed the "A's in Japan" special on Comcast like I did, it looks like they're going to replay it many times on Comcast.

It also looks like they've got an A's 40 year aniversary special they're airing before the game today as well as something called "All A's."
I was poking around their A's area--no Brodie Brazil this year?! Or does he only do the Action 36 pregame?

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 10:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No Buckley?

No Swish?
No Lache?
No Brodie?

I feel lost.

"I have a strange urge to make copies." JediLeroy

by Jennifer on Apr 1, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brodie is an Action 36 man

Hmm, now what was that website.....

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

southsideunscripted.com

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no more On Deck shows this year

KICU released their entire sports team including Brodie Brazil and Mike Sklut at the end of last year to concentrate on more news programming or something like that. No more High School Sports Focus as well. It sucks...I loved both of those shows. Brodie still has website though with clips from old On Deck segments as well as other endeavors.

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

by alamedagirl on Apr 2, 2008 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That sucks

Those were both excellent shows.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 2, 2008 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boooooooo! :(

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 2, 2008 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN has an article on the A's

APRIL FOOLS! SUCKERS!

Oh, that obvious?

Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.

by JediLeroy on Apr 1, 2008 10:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That is all.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

For once, black unis didn't look dismal last night

although it helped that they did retain some semblance of the team's actual colors.

Of course, now that they won that game, they will inevitably be used again in the Final Four...

BTW, Candace Wiggins is like the most awesome person ever.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

her post game interview was absolutely adorable

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very sweet...

But on the same day the Lopez Twins went pro....Sigh.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 1, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh brother

tell me about it...double sigh.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just hoping...

... that next year they exceed expectations, like they seem to do quite frequently these days.

On the other hand, the expectations will be so low, it shouldn't be too difficult for them to do so...

by RickeySteals on Apr 1, 2008 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah... the men's team

is in USDA Cert. 100% Grade A Dung right now.

I hope this new Plumlee guy hits the weight room hard over the summer...

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not going to the game tonight

and I just sold my project car this morning. I'm 0 for 2 so far, please please let the A's win tonight.

death to myspace!

by malikot on Apr 1, 2008 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hope this is an April Fools Day joke

http://apse.dallasnews.com/news/2008/040108writingwinners.html

But it might not be.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Apr 1, 2008 11:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

MLBlackout.wordpress.com - Help put an end to MLB.tv blackouts

by HigherPie on Apr 1, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Sportswriters are at the forefront of the fight to keep newspapers relevant, and I'm just proud to be one of them."

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

April-October > the rest of the year

I must have dozens of these tucked away somewhere in my parent's attic, secured in plastic sheets inside a binder with a giant faded A's sticker on the front and an inventory list handwritten on wide-ruled notebook paper folded neatly into the interior side pouch.

I don't know how cost or energy efficient these things are, but isn't anything that stores heat in molten salt automatically kind of awesome?

Say you're a Tasmanian Devil. All your friends and neighbors are dropping like flies from facial cancer. On top of all that, you're saddled with a name like Cedric (which, while okay for a human, gets you nowhere in the TD community). But then, like the proverbial manna from heaven, you discover you're naturally resistant to said cancer. What a stroke of luck! All is well! You get to go on climbing trees and eating wombat carcasses without a care in the world. Until some do-gooder Australian scientist comes along and injects a tumor into your face, that is.

Annals of innocuous opening days ... guess the year before you click ... Gloomy domed atmosphere. Keith Atherton is dominant. Mike Moore and Dave Henderson are wearing the wrong uniforms. Bruce Bochte anchors a fearsome middle of the order. Dave Kingman hits a single. A grade school me watches forlornly and senses, intuitively, that having Chris Codoroli as your #1 starter is problematic.

Can't be bothered to Google for yourself? Wishing to strike a blow for Man against Machine (or at least Man using Machine against Machine)? Here you go.

by 74mk on Apr 1, 2008 11:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Called the date!

by sslinger on Apr 1, 2008 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather strike a blow against the Man U Machine

On the T-devils, Harpers has a really interesting article in the April issue on the facial cancer disease, profiling biologists using an evolutionary model to understand what is essentially the first type of transmissable-by-contact cancer ever identified.

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Apr 1, 2008 12:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Got it dogeared

Same issue, baseball-related, and pretty damn funny (also obscenity-laden, for those in the audience who prefer to be warned about such things):

link

(sub only, but it sounds like you're a subscriber)

by 74mk on Apr 1, 2008 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why do all the Bay Area writers insist on combining

the plights of the A's and Giants. The A's have so much more upside, and promise it isn't funny. Aren't the A's projected to be about league average offensively?

Go ahead and buy a stack of Bill James baseball statistical thrillers if you want the cold, hard numbers that point to tough, offensively challenged times ahead for the Giants and A's.

The A's scored five whole runs in each of their two games against the Red Sox in Japan -- a win and a loss.

But for now, neither the A's nor Giants hitters will scare opposing teams or impress fantasy baseball managers

http://www.insidebayarea.com/athletics/ci_8768213

So you take 2 games against the defending WS champs, where the A's were 1 and 1, and could have been 2-0, and the fact that they scored 10 runs in those 2 games, and Boston scored 6,they lost 6-5, and won 5-1, So the Red Sox are going to really suck this year, huh

by theblackpearl on Apr 1, 2008 12:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't add, they scored 11 runs in those 2 games

by theblackpearl on Apr 1, 2008 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, the A's scored 10

and the Sox scored 7.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 1, 2008 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

too much data, PT

You should work harder on truncating your posts.

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

I don't know about you, but it struck me as overly well-thought out and standoffish. Too many facts, way too informational. Why use a complete sentence when a fragment will do? Sooo irritating.

Next time, try dropping the arrogance, PT. "No, 10. :)" would have done just fine.

by 74mk on Apr 1, 2008 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

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 Apr 1, 2008 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baseball night, baseball night, baseball night!

Wheeeoooooo! *vibrate* Of course, this means I'm working tonight. I hope my boss understands when I rig up a TV at my desk.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Apr 1, 2008 1:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, if your boss doesn't mind the vibrator, a TV should be no problem...

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

She seems to be saying that

she is a vibrator. With arms.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

I love you, k^2. -Poppy*

by kaweahkaweah on Apr 1, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

TMI

Sunshine Biscuits? Yes, please.

by pam5981 on Apr 1, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw your mom at Noah's bagels today.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Apr 1, 2008 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's the worst your mom joke i've ever heard

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 Apr 1, 2008 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Apr 1, 2008 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and she just called me telling me that

Sunshine Biscuits? Yes, please.

by pam5981 on Apr 1, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A-Rod earns more than the Marlins

by over $6 million.

by green star oakland on Apr 1, 2008 2:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bye Bye Halsey

LHP Brad Halsey confirmed that the A’s have released him. Halsey had surgery to repair a torn shoulder labrum last summer, but he has had some setbacks with his rehab. He is hoping to sign with another organization once he resumes throwing off the mound.

Hrad Balsey Link.

by arch on Apr 1, 2008 2:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's new media campaign

onehundredpercentbaseball.com

Includes new commercials.

by lerei on Apr 1, 2008 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

FOUR HOURS!!!!!!!!!!

ONLY FOUR HOURS UNTIL FIRST PITCH!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(well, four hours and 7 minutes....but I'm too impatient to wait those remaining minutes.....)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 1, 2008 2:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So we'll watch for you to be on the mound at 6:58 throwing the first pitch!

"There is an HR in Hanrahan." ~ mikeA

by Poppy on Apr 1, 2008 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup, that'll be me. :)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 1, 2008 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm leaving for the game in 30 minutes!!!!

Hooray! Opening Day officially begins on my first stride outside the doors of the office! W00t!

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Apr 1, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm leaving in 45 min!

To anyone who cares, I will be in 114, Row 37 Seats 9 & 10.

Look for the young-looking (haha) 40 year old with the gold throwback

I'll be with my nephw, my niece (and her husband and 3-year old son)

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 1, 2008 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DJ Gallo, spinning the misses

I'm guessing that DJ never witnessed an A's game this spring training, nor did he watch the Japan series, otherwise, he would not have summarized our 2008 season like this:

Oakland Athletics
The A's will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in Oakland all season long. Because the 2008 A's may not be very entertaining to watch, I suggest Oakland fans instead focus on the past and enjoy the majesty that was Catfish Hunter's evolving appearance over the years. The conservative years. The sideburn years. And the full-growth years.
Fun Fact: You can now purchase a copy of "Moneyball" for $5.99 on the bargain rack at Barnes and Noble.

"Signatures are only for people with hands"
"RIP: UserID: 517"

by Masaryk on Apr 1, 2008 3:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hey Gallo, you suck!

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 1, 2008 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

even worse

Making fun of Catfish Hunter?

Gallo does suck.

As reassuring as Bud's words were, the dulcet tone of his voice and his dashing appearance really sealed the deal for me. ~ GreenNGoldSooner @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 1, 2008 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, DJ already got demoted to writing press releases?

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and

promptly developed writer's cramp.

"Tomorrow it may rain." - Leo Durocher

by andeux on Apr 1, 2008 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a writer, he is a great comedian, but as a comedian, he is a

...great writer. I guess that means he sucks at both.

by theblackpearl on Apr 1, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone know what time the gates open?

Normally on a Tuesday it's 1 1/2 hours before game time, but sometimes they do 2 hours before.....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 1, 2008 3:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

never mind, answered my own question...

A's Home Opener Pre-Game Activities:
3:00 pm Parking Lot Opens
5:00 pm Oakland A's Batting Practice Begins
5:05 pm Ballpark Opens
5:40 pm Boston Red Sox Batting Practice
6:34 pm Oakland A's Highlight Video
6:40 pm Dick Williams Hall of Fame Presentation
6:45 pm Boston Red Sox Introductions
6:48 pm Oakland A's Introductions
6:55 pm Color Guard and U.S. Flag - U.S. Army
6:56 pm Moment of Silence for Joe Kennedy
6:57 pm National Anthem - Jessica Johnson
6:58 pm Flyover - Lemoore Naval Air Station
7:00 pm Ceremonial First Pitch - Dick Williams, Sal Bando, Joe Rudi, Dave Henderson and Terry Steinbach
7:02 pm Managers Meeting at Home Plate
7:07 pm Play Ball !!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 1, 2008 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm leaving now!

Look for me somewhere behind the drummers in left field.

The candy and the baseball all night long: )

by Englishmajor on Apr 1, 2008 4:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny comic

here

Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.

by JediLeroy on Apr 1, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'M home earlier than I expected.

Now I am depressed because I want to go to the game. I looked at the A's site...it's standing room only. So I hate all of you that are at the game. So there!

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 1, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Go A's!

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 1, 2008 5:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

In DC for two weeks. Hope this hotels wireless will

support at least the mlbtv audio feed....and jeebus, it would be tough to hang in on west coast games if I lived out here. Planning on hitting a Nationals game next week in their new park.

Go-go-go A's! I expect a good showing tonight from the boys.

alaska A

by ak_A on Apr 1, 2008 6:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Brandon Buckley

I am just curious if anyone knows where Brandon Buckley has been hiding recently. I am sorry if this is a question that has already been answered, but I tried searching all of AN for the answer and the only results I got were over a year old. I haven't seen him yet this year. I am hoping someone might be able to solve this little mystery for me. Thanks!!

We want our Swisher Back!!

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Apr 2, 2008 2:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll have to double check

But he does private pitching lessons in the Tri-Valley (Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton) area. I think he's also working with the Granada High School (in Livermore) baseball team.

He's not with the A's anymore, Eric Chavez' brother is the bullpen catcher this year.

by mikev on Apr 2, 2008 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for the info

I'd been wondering this as well. Do you have any info on why he's no longer with the A's? He always seemed to be a team favorite (and certainly a fan favorite.) Was it a personal choice, I know he was working on some sort of degree while he was with the A's. Maybe now he's moving his career in another direction.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Apr 2, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs