We get our walks the old-fashioned way -- we *earn* them: A's 7, Royals 1
by monkeyball on Apr 20, 2008 4:04 PM PDT
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PrintEveland: 5.2 IP, 95 pitches/53 strikes, 4 BB, 3 K
Hochevar: 4.2 IP, 98 pitches/58 strikes, 3 BB, 4 K
Eveland, however, only gave up 3 hits (and the A's bullpen none) while Hochevar surrendered 9 safeties. And therein is a key difference between the two pitches -- and the two respective teams' offenses.
Eveland was, as they say, "effectively wild" today,giving the Royals nothing to hit. When he did walk batters, he generally minimized the damage. Hochevar, on the other hand, was mostly in and around the zone, despite the 3 walks -- walks which the A's batters earned by taking a lot of close pitches (Cust in particular) to get to the 3-ball counts. And Hochevar was unable to put the ball on the edges of the zone when he did have to come in -- and the A's made him pay for it, especially in the 4th, when they strung together 2-out hits and send 10 men to the plate, scoring 5 runs.
The bullpen and the defense (especially Ellis, who tracked down a couple of swirling popups) deserve some credit as well, but this victory was built on the foundation of Eveland's lively, smart pitching and the A's consistent, patient hitting. Heck even Crosby looked good today, with a good approach every PA.
So, a sweep of the up-and-coming Royals, coupled with a clutch Angels loss, puts the A's back into a tie for first in the Division. Billy has a day off tomorrow to work on re-signing Frank Thomas. Twins in for a three-game set on Tuesday.
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Baseball tonight said Thomas could end up in...
Seattle
Oakland
Baltimore
Texas
Leaving Bonds to go to Toronto…
I wouldn't completely eliminate Kansas City.
They need offense and they wanted Milton Bradley last year.
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2008 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
The Royals have Billy Butler and he is horrible defensively.
I’m not sure where he fits in with them because the Royals will eventually have to go with Butler at full-time DH and the guy can mash.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I always believe everything I hear on Baseball Tonight!
Can we keep small-sample-size Bobby Crosby? Please? -Joey C.
Then you must believe a lot of things
about the Red Sox and the Yankees!
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
Exactly!
They are the only true rivalry; also there are no baseball teams west of the MIssissippi.
Can we keep small-sample-size Bobby Crosby? Please? -Joey C.
...west of the Mississippi Hudson.
There. Fixed.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 20, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
or south of the Delaware
"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07
Good weekend
I would’ve liked to see Eveland go a little deeper into the game, but the bullpen was tremendous today. Let’s hope the A’s can keep it going against the Twinkies.
"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07
The streak is over.
I appreciate not making an error in a close game, but come on boys—7-1? You couldn’t have committed an E for sentimental purposes?
Can we keep small-sample-size Bobby Crosby? Please? -Joey C.
Time to fire one up
In the spirit of 67MARQUEZ’ most recent post: Since 1968, your Oakland Athletics have now rolled up a 22-17 record on 4/20.
It has truly been a joint effort
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
Weed all agree with that
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
by Englishmajor on Apr 20, 2008 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Hope everyone had a nice post victory meal.
Nachos, Doritos, maybe some Frito boats and a plate of fries….
wait..what was I saying?
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
I'd love to see the Hurt back in Oakland
but I wonder about how it will affect our team when he clogs up the bases. A whole lot of our guys have some fast wheels, and I wonder how much of a liability Frankie T will be if he’s the road block on the road to victory.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 20, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
How did it work out two years ago? We have no power on this team
and that is going to be the biggest obstacle IMHO.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Apples and oranges
That great 2006 team had a lot of great veterans pieced together with the Hurt’s big bat to bring soe runs in.
This 2008 team is a young team with a whole lot of hunger in the belly and nitrous in the blood, with a whole lot of up-in-comers in the minors just as hungry as those on the roster.
I am still unsure if Frank would help this team of rabid young wolves out.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 20, 2008 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Sorry, had to cut the last one post short
but I’m glad you laughed
btw, what good is power if you are stuck clogging the bases for whole innings
say what you will about bonds, but he has better wheels than cust
I say focus on the young speed of our offense and find a younger power bat somewhere else down the line
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 20, 2008 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
oaklandSMASH: Dusty Baker's AN screenname
Seriously: “base-clogging”, to the incredibly minimal extent that it’s ever any factor at all, is only a factor when you have actual base-stealers.
The few guys in the lineup who can actually steal effectively can easily be positioned away from Thomas in the batting order.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
How about this for a point before you stoop to namecalling
Hey PT, I might be overzealous, but what I originally posted was that I don’t know if Frank is right for the A’s right now.
Aside from the whole base-clogging thing, it looks like Thomas wants to be an everyday player which is what got him run out of Toronto. So before calling me names, look at the current situation the A’s are in right now.
We have young players who we need to learn about who are open to taking instruction. Frank looks like he wants the opposite of that.
Like I said, I love frank, but I have to play devil’s advocate to the incredibly blind lovefest you and some others seem to have for a player with an active contract who was just cut from a team for some reason or another.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 21, 2008 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions
I guess "Dusty Baker" is, in fact, a name
and thus calling you that is, therefore, in the strictest sense, namecalling…
Um, anyway, two things: 1, I haven’t even been particularly aggressive in calling for the A’s to re-sign him (and certainly not into the “blind lovefest” category), and 2, I’m not sure why Thomas would be an obstacle to “taking instruction” anymore than he’d be an obstacle on the basepaths.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
I'll give you that
Like I said, a little caution in this situation would be warranted.
Someone else on this board said they can’t remember seeing this many stolen bases from the A’s in a long time which I think is a positive for this team. Also the A’s seem to hit into double plays a whole lot which would increase for players behind a base-hitting Thomas. So once again I a wary despite my love for Thomas as a player.
Also can he be a permanent DH? Because if we platoon him, then a possible signing of Frank might backfire on us.
Are these not valid thoughts before pulling the trigger? I know they are for me and they should be for you also.
In my heart of hearts, I hope we do sign him and all my worries are unfounded.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 22, 2008 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe the A's should trade for Juan Pierre
He doesn’t clog the bases because, like, he’s not on them very often.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Is it too early to ask what everyone's having for lunch?
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Hey at least
we would have multiple options for pinch runners. But all in all, I really don’t think Big Frank fits in with the 2008 Athletics. Especially considering the fact that their is no Milton Bradley on this years team for Thomas to keep in check in the Clubhouse… I really don’t see Thomas being happy as A platoon at DH with Sweeney and Cust, and I think that Sweeney and Cust are both to important to the chemistry of an Athletics clubhouse, that is obviously firing on all cylinders right now, to mess with. If its not broken, why Fix it? I do understand that the Athletics do have a real obvious lack of home run power so far this season, but if you take a look around the Major leagues this year this seems to be common of a lot of clubs. In a lot of ways it seems like baseball is reverting back to the speed based small ball game of the early 80’s (the pre-Canseco years.) If that is the case, I think the team is sitting just fine where it is, with a good combination of patient line drive type hitters, with a good approach at the plate, and more speed on the base path’s than we have seen in quite a few seasons. I can’t remember the last time that the A’s have stolen as many bases as they have lately.
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
Then perhaps we should re-sign Home Run Baker
I hear he’s available! (If a little dead.)
Putting the "N" in "NRAF" from Leipzig, Germany!
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 20, 2008 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I Don't Get the Thomas Hoo-Hah
Is he truly better than Cust??
Because when Gonzalez comes up, Cust will move to semi-permanent DH, with Sweeney playing vs certain lefties. Take his glove out of the field and hope that Brown, Buck and Sweeney can combine to do well enough at the corner OF positions.
There’s a chance that this is the year that Thomas loses it. For Good. Bonds is a much better bet if Beane decides to roll the dice.
It doesn't seem like a fit this year but if you remove Sweeney
from the discussion why wouldn’t he be a viable option? This is a business and 500K and hurt feelings are just part of the deal. I certainly don’t want to pay FT much more than Sweeney so let’s see if anyone picks him up first.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought Mike Sweeney was a bench coach.
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
He's too nice to even be a bench coach.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Frank Thomas > Mike Sweeney
And since Frank is getting paid a whole lot of money by Toronto, I think the A’s could get him on the cheap. In my world, he replaces Sweeney and plays most of the time at DH. Cust plays left, in place of Brown (who really shouldn’t be out there more than 2-3 days a week).
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 20, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions
In my world he hits 67 HRs this year...
...and has a robot dog who talks!
YMMV.
Putting the "N" in "NRAF" from Leipzig, Germany!
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 20, 2008 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Keep Cust in the field for an extra bat
He’ll stick with us for cheap because we rescued his Minor-League-only career.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 22, 2008 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Duh!
Everyone knows PaulThomas is better than Cust.
2008 Oakland Athletics...more than meets the eye!
by OptimistPrime on Apr 20, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions
there's a lot of nostalgia for 2006
but it’s 2008, there are different people on the A’s (including prospects); Thomas is two years older and probably more expensive. I loved the guy while he was here, and wanted him to sign with Oakland after teh 2006 season. But it makes no sense to me to sign him now.
If I am not mistaken Thomas could be picked up for league minimum. His option would then be picked up next year averaging out to a little over 5 million a season over 2 seasons. If he can hit 25-30 bombs that would be a great signing. Cust has been awful thus far. It is easy to say get rid of him, but if he gets hot he has 25-30 home run power as well for 10 million less than Thomas.
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
I think Cust has a guaranteed spot but Sweeney may be calling the wife
to let her know that he might be losing his job in a couple of weeks.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
I would be fine with Cust playing left field against right handed pitchers batting in front of Frank.
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
No shit. That would actually be scary to an opposing pitcher.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Cust in right Bonds in left and Big Frank at DH would be amazing. Defensive powerhouse and offensively potent.
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
defensive powerhouse for sure
Perhaps the worst outfield in the history of the game—a definite “powerhouse” for the opposition. We had better get Garry Maddox, Gary Pettis, Chet Lemon and Paul Blair and just run them in and out of CF in waves because whoever played there would be catching 90% of the balls hit to the outfield.
Bring up CarGon. He can patrol the entire outfield. Cust and Bonds can discuss the Mitchell report while Carlos makes diving catch after diving catch.
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
I think the A's would need to pull a Sabean
and call up Jermaine Mitchell from Single-A to have any chance with that outfield. C-Gon isn’t even a true centerfielder.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Can't say; haven't seen them
but the impression I get from what I’ve heard is that they have similar range but Gonzalez has a better arm.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Sweeney is better than that
After all, he’s playing center and Denorfia (the supposed plus-defender) is in left when they both are in the game. I take that to mean that the A’s, at least, think Sweeney is a superior defensive player. He certainly won’t hurt you out there.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions
Eh
I take it to mean that they want to find out what he’s capable of defensively this season, rather than waiting until the last minute and then finding out he lacks the necessary range.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
"defensive powerhouse"
made me laugh out loud. line-drive hitters will tremble in fear at this outfield!
I think he has to pass through waivers first
if no one picks him up during that time (10 days?) then he can be picked up for the league minimum—although I’m sure he’ll want more, and if more than one club wants him it will definitely be more.
Thomas was granted his unconditional release
Which means that Toronto pays him whatever they owe on the contract. That 2009 option doesn’t carry over to some new deal he gets.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 20, 2008 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
If someone had offered 12-8 start against the likes of the
Opposition to-date, vs. actually playing the games —is there anyone among us who wouldn’t have accepted the deal?
This season is a lot more fun than I’d anticipated.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
Even just the highlights from the M's-Angels game
were tense.
Can we keep small-sample-size Bobby Crosby? Please? -Joey C.
Hunter may have one hell of a season in LAA.
Gosh I hope not.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Sweeney and Thomas
I’d be extremely sad to see Sweeney let go at this point. I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with him on Friday and Saturday and he truly lives up to the billing of being the nicest guy in baseball. I’d understand the business side of replacing him with Thomas but on a purely personal note I’d be devastated. At this point I’d rather get rid of Cust and add Thomas but that’s probably not the smartest move to make.
As for the rest of the team, I’m starting to get really excited with Ryan Sweeney. His bat and glove continue to improve on a daily basis so when it comes time to put CarGon in center my vote is for moving Ryan over to left and leaving Buck in right. As for all the Brown hate on AN, I just don’t see it. He’s been one of, if not the most, productive players on the team so far this season. He seems to get that run in some how some way every time he’s up in those situations. Saying he should only play 2-3 times a week is IMO not a good idea.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
Sweeney's downfall is that he is not a LH batter. Can you honestly
say that you prefer Sweeney over Thomas? I’m not talking about who would be a good neighbor but who can hit a baseball better and who demands respect at the plate. Sweeney is a great guy but this should be a VERY easy business decision if it even comes to that point. Cust bats from the left side so he has nothing to do with this decision.
I like the other Sweeney too and think CarGon will force his way here a little later in the season. I can’t wait to see him in the BIGS.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't even think Sweeney would beat out Cust if they were both LH.
"Derek Lowe is an ass."
-ohtobe21likehuston
by ohtobe21likehuston on Apr 20, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Which is why
I said i understand it from a business decision. I was merely stating that I’m going to miss Sweeney when he’s gone, whether that be next week or at the end of the season. Here’s to hoping that at some point he, along with Hatteberg, find their way on to the A’s coaching staff.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 20, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I just hope
that he gets a bobblehead before all is said and done….
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
+1
Although I’m glad Hatteberg has had all these additional years to play pretty well for the Reds, I still want to see him back in an A’s uniform.
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
by Englishmajor on Apr 20, 2008 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions
+1 to sweeney and hatte on the coaching staff
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
I hope that Hatte and Rickey
make it back to the A’s as coaches. Free our loved ones from the wicked NL NOw!
I agree
I like Sweeney, and his cross-body block of Jeff Weaver is one of my all-time favorite baseball/non-baseball moments. I thought it was a good move to invite him to spring training, but I just can’t justify keeping him on the roster if Thomas is willing to return.
I’m not too worried about Sweeney though. There are teams who could use him. If Dan Johnson got claimed, Sweeney will, too.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions
The problem with Sweeney
is that he’s shown no power and no ability to draw walks so far. He basically hits a single or does nothing. This year, he has 1 double, 1 triple, and 1 walk in 41 plate appearances. In his ML career, the numbers are 4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 homer, and 5 walks in 125 plate appearances.
I like the way he looks at the plate, and he’s still pretty young, but he’s got to start hitting the ball harder/getting on base more if he wants to play consistently this year.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Oh, you're talking about Sweeney!
The whole time I was reading your comment, I thought you were talking about Sweeney.
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
You can call him "Mike"...
....or you can call him “Ryan,” but you don’t have to call him “Sweeney”!
Putting the "N" in "NRAF" from Leipzig, Germany!
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 20, 2008 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Hard to tell what the problem is with him
because the reports all say that he has major raw power that somehow doesn’t show up in games. He’s definitely a breakout candidate if he ever harnesses it.
The lack of plate discipline is harder to fix.
Of course, the great thing for people like me who don’t like him that much as a prospect is that he’s only the 4th best outfield prospect in the organization! (And that doesn’t even include the guys who already lost their prospect cherry.)
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
RSweeney in the minors
As far as his raw power is concerned, maybe he told a scout once that he likes the Stooges and they got confused.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
He is only 23
And he was a part of an absolutely atrocious organization before coming to Oakland. He had an ok walk rate in the minors in an organization that seems to discourage patience from young players. He’s never been great, but he’s also not been terrible outside of his time with the White Sox (when he was likely just not ready). I think he’s probably just a 4th outfielder in the long run, but at this point it doesn’t hurt to give him a shot to develop that power and he hasn’t been terrible so there’s no reason to give up on him.
If everybody has a fair, realistic expectation of Ryan Sweeney, I think people will see him in a better light. Remember, he was the throw-in in the Swisher trade. He’s not half bad for a throw-in.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm liking R. Sweeney a lot. Give him time and the power may develop.
Though like Nico, I was wondering when had M. Sweeney ever hit a triple?! :P
What a great game from
Bobby Crosby, He looked locked in during all his at bats, and his surprising new approach at the plate (going the other way on a consistent basis) has been really paying off thus far. The thing I like the most from the Athletics during this weekend sweep of a hot Royals team (at least coming in on Friday) is their ability to get consistent hits with two outs and runners in scoring position. The lack of hits with RISP absolutely killed us last season; so its like a breath of fresh air to see Oakland hitters capitalize with two outs this season. I remember in 2001, when I was in the Navy and stationed near Seattle, id go to Safeco every series that the A’s came to town. The Mariners fans rally cry during that historic 2001 series was “2 outs, so what” and I kinda had that feeling this entire weekend. I really have been impressed with the at bats by Denorfia (The Magic of the Mullet) and R.Sweeney, and once C.Gonzales comes up, we are going to have a formidable offensive outfield to say the least. Wrap todays game up with another effective performance by the red hot Andrew Brown, and Jairo Garcia Santiago Casilla, this 2008 team is off to a better start than any team this decade…
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
Awesome win today
Did someone hit crosby on the head to make him think that it was 2003-2004? Where has this crosby been?
Green Hulk Fists
He has been
In the Tennis court in his backyard. I think the batting cage that he put in its place has paid dividends. This leads me to pose the question, why wouldn’t every major league player have a batting cage in their respective back yard? Its not like they can’t afford it….
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
oic
Batting cage ball hits crosby in the head…
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 20, 2008 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
and now he won't go on the DL with tennis elbow
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
Crosby was having another blah season
until he feasted on Royals pitching.
Let’s see how he does against some major league arms. And let’s see how he does for more than a couple weeks.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe we can thank the Tampa Bay Rays, and
wunderking Evan Longoria, he apparently came over a few times and used Crosby’s cage. Maybe Crosby got jealous seeing someone ACTUALLY hitting the ball.
His backyard batting cage already appears to have a double-threat Midas touch. Evan Longoria, the Tampa Bay rookie who recently agreed to a six-year contract worth $17.5 million after just six days in the majors, took some batting practice at the Crosby homestead. They both went to Long Beach State and work with the same agent, who asked Crosby if the prospect could drop by and use the cage.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/04/19/SP0N108O35.DTL
when you want <3 to show up, type...
<3
Since all html tags start with <, you have to put in a special code if you want the angle bracket to appear literally instead of being interpreted as the start of a tag, which is why you have to type < to make it show up.
See the latest dumbass thing I've done -- camUra
But if you type that
and it shows up as a heart, how come it didnt show up as a heart when you typed the example???
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
I loved Thomas
I hope he ends up in Oakland. I think he really liked it here and he is much better and more entertaining to watch than Cust. Basically, I just really want to beat the Angels or somehow make them lose the division, and if Thomas can help… SWEET
Just ask Keith Foulke -
You play in Oakland, you leave for greener pastures, and then one day you realize you won’t be happy again until…you come back.
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
...and end up on the DL
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Yes, I said come back to the A's
Back to the DL, back to the A’s – just different ways of saying the same thing.
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
John Lackey is now an A?
[spits repeatedly]
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Nice win, bitches!!!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
The Big Hurt
You have to admit, he has the coolest nickname in baseball.
We need some power, ladies and gentlemen. Our biggest threat to go deep is…..........
Bobby Crosby, at this point?
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
And Mark Ellis
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 20, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
or Huston Street
Depends on how you look at the phrase “go deep”,,,,
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
Great win, terrible wind.
Man was that stadium cold! Wind was brutal. All runs scored with 2 outs. When does that happen.
As for Thomas I love the guy but I don’t really see room on the team for him.
and in "what else is new?' news
Phillies outfielder (and former Athletic) Chris Snelling was placed on the DL today. (So was local hero Jimmy Rollins, surely of more concern to his team.)
Doyle!
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
by Englishmajor on Apr 20, 2008 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions
HOW'S LANGERHANS DOING?
Updates are so rare for a guy who was such an essential part of our 2007 season 2007 series at Fenway.
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
Oh yea
I almost forgot about him…..
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
Forgot about who?
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
Doyle
And whatever happened to the Furmaniac???
"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch
Bring Back The Bash!!!
I don't have a good resource
to look up Japanese rosters and stats, but Google is suggesting that Furmaniak is playing with the Yokohama BayStars this year. One of his teammates is apparently former Jack Cust locker room buddy Larry Bigbie.
I saw a guy wearing a Furmaniak jersey in the stands at Opening Night.
I thought it maybe was JJ…
"Huston, you're hot!'' said first baseman Dan Johnson, dressed as a bottle of mustard.
Chris Snelling breaks my heart
Because he can’t stay healthy. I really think he can be a terrific player.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions
Meanwhile, in Sactown...
Nice to see that Petit’s average is up to .290.
Question: Who replaced Foulke on the big league roster? I never heard.
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
They didn't make the corresponding roster move yet.
I think they said they’re waiting until Tuesday.
Can we keep small-sample-size Bobby Crosby? Please? -Joey C.
Maybe they're preparing to...
GET ZIGGY WITH IT!
How cool would that be?
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
He's pitching well
so it’s definitely a possibility. Chavez would have to hit the 60-day DL to clear a space for him, but at this point that doesn’t seem terribly controversial.
Or maybe they could have a steel cage death match in Sacramento tomorrow: him, Braden, Blevins and Jeff Gray. 4 pitchers enter, only one leaves alive.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
I know we have a lot of pitchers, but do we
really have enough arms to pitch them in a steel cage death match? A little extreme if you ask me. I’m thinking more along the lines of…..Battleship? Cluedo? Twister?
Hungy Hungry Hippos
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I'm pretty sure a game of Twister
would still result in at least 3 DL stints.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Is a move to the 60-day DL retroactive?
Or would he not be eligible to come off until 60 days from (for example) today and not March Whatever?
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Nah, it's retro
He’d be eligible to play on about May 19.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
well that sucked
it should have said something more like this:
Tuesday? It seems strange they would wait to make a move, especially since we always have to juggle so many other times (40 man moves, etc).
Dont have any other reason to think it, but maybe they are waiting because they know another shoe is dropping in next day or so .
(Dare I say we are on the VERGE of claiming Big Frank?)
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
He was released, not waived.
So, we wouldn’t need to claim him. We could just sign him to a pro-rated contract.
If they're calling somebody up
There’s no need to call him up on an off day and burn a day of service time. I know, it’s just one day, but it’s still unnecessary. It’s possible they’ve already told the player, but the move won’t be made official until they need to make it.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Indeed, and a Lily favorite
(although I take issue with the moon rising from where the sun has just set on the first page).
by green star oakland on Apr 21, 2008 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
In udder news...
Brett Anderson tonight: 6 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K. Yummy. Chris Carter HRed again, #5 for the year. So overall, along with Eveland’s win, quite a good day for the ex-Harens.
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
Was this title
a cleverly placed double entendre referring to the largely agricultural economy of the Stockton region?
Or do you just have a cold?
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
meth comes from udders?
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
Because he cannot hit
off speed pitches
You can have all the power in the world, and if you are like me, you love the home runs he hits but they are few and far between because he has been exposed and reading between the lines in the Chronicle this morning, I say there’s a chance he gets the shaft in favor of Frank Thomas. That’s a longshot but I would not have a problem with that whatsover
Cust is still more valuable than Mike Sweeney
Even if he won’t have the year he had last year.
Of course, he had a slump like this last year, too. Then he broke out of it. I still think he’s good for 25 HR and a .400 OBP. Sweeney is not.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Well Cust has more HR's this year, than he did at this point last year.
Of course he wasn’t on the A’s roster yet. So maybe he is just a late starter.
by theblackpearl on Apr 21, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Great games Saturday and Sunday.
I just got home. Trip was a lot of fun! Crosby looked fantastic. I can’t remember the last time I was happy to see him at the plate with RISP. I’m officially back on the Crosby bandwagon. We will have to wait and see what he does when opposing pitchers make adjustments….but I like what I see so far. We do lack power but as as long as we keep stringing doubles and the occasional triple together we’ll be fine. I don’t know if the hitting coach deserves credit or not, but damn, the A’s are flat out smoking the ball with low line drives that are eating outfielders up.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
It's luck
just as the 5 games of really mediocre hitting that preceded this series was bad luck.
It’s been a while since the A’s have had a batting-average-based (as opposed to walk-based or power-based) offense. But this is what they look like—sometimes your guys will be cold, sometimes they will be hot, and your output is going to vary a ton based on random fluctuations. This is why I’ve been telling people not to start tearing their hair out and demanding DFAs based on a few weeks’ worth of data. Kurt Suzuki isn’t a .375 hitter, but then again Jack Hannahan isn’t a .175 hitter either.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
High batting averages....
true that. I was mesmerized by the scoreboard when the A’s came up to bat. I kept wondering if there was a mistake. So many guys flirting with .300…..it was all very confusing.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
is that empirically based, or just a guess?
The A’s the last couple years have had a (not so great) OBP- and SLG-based offense (the latter to a lesser degree), and it’s been both mediocre and inconsistent.
The Angels in the Stoneman/Reagins era have maintained an almost exclusively AVG-based offense, which has never been especially good, really, but it’s never suffered the total or periodic collapse that we, as good persons of sabermetric inclination, always thought it would.
And are you proposing that a collection of AVG-based hitters would, much like a group of adult females living/working together, see their periodicity start to coincide?
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
It's the team not the philosophy
If we had a team that could actually get on base and slug, we’d have a consistently great offense. The Angels have actually had a team OBP around the same as us the last two years. They just slugged a few points more.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 20, 2008 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions
No to the latter question
I’ve never believed in hitters making each other hit better, and I’m not going to start now.
If you have enough good hitters, some of them will be hitting well at any given time, and your offense is not likely to slump badly. If, as the current A’s do, you have a number of mediocrities in your lineup, you’ll have some games where they’re all “off” and you struggle to score.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
The only way good hitters make others better
Is by being on base, thus forcing a pitcher into the stretch. Hitting is easier against a pitcher when he’s put into the stretch, so, it does help a little. But it doesn’t help in some supernatural “feeding off each other” way.
PT, are you sure Hannahan isn’t a .175 hitter? Or, like, maybe a .220 hitter? He’s only a .273 career minor league hitter, and a lot of that is the result of 2 seasons at AAA (ages 26/27) when he was old for the league.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, of course I'm not sure...
I’m inclined to think he’s about a .250 hitter on true talent, maybe a little less than that. He’ll get close to league-average OBP because he has a great eye, but he doesn’t slug enough to be an everyday 3B.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Ok, you answered my real question even though I didnt ask it
I don’t think he’s an everyday 3B either, and I don’t think he’s good enough or versatile enough defensively to be a quality utility guy.
I wish Chavez could get some new body parts so he can get back on the field already.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Apr 21, 2008 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions
batting average based?
How dare you accuse the leagues 2nd leading walking team of being a batting average based team! Also, you are right Kurt Suzuki is a .328 hitter, not a .375 hitter. Finally, Hannahan has 12 walks in 17 games to push his .196 BA to a OPB of a respectable .344. Last year he had 21 walks in 41 games. It seems like walking might be all he is good at!
Eveland, Crosby, Cust, Hanahan, Ellis
I was at the game today. Eveland was kind of strange today. Seemed like every KC batter started 2-0 and then swung at a 2-0 pitch that was out of the strike zone. You get away with that against KC, but obviously a better team eats Eveland alive today. He threw about 40 pitches before there was a swing and a miss. Not impressive, though I liked the fact that he was clearly upset about getting pulled after 5 2/3.
BoCro was shocking up there, bleeding a blooper to right field and also a hard-hit line drive to right field. Two hits to right field from BoCro, both of them obviously intentional? Holy Toledo!
Cust just looks horrible up there. it’s really too bad. He takes everything, it seems.
He had only two K’s but his first two walks were on full counts and could have gone either way.
Hanahan had two terrific ABs and had the A’s only two hard-hit ABs of the game, a line drive out opposite field in his first AB and then a line drive two run double in his second AB. Man, if that guy could just hit .220 it would be a huge difference. Every game I’ve seen the guy he’s barely looked like a AA hitter (he always looks above average in the field, and did so today, too, with a nice play in the first) so this was really delightful.
Ellis is my favorite A since Rickey, but he’s looked tired to me lately and he looked tired today. It would be nice if he could get a day off.
Fun game. Nice sweep. Terrific start of the season. Go A’s!
Well, Ellis will get a day off tomorrow...
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Wonderfully optimistic comments!!!
Dude, wanna trade handles?
2008 Oakland Athletics...more than meets the eye!
by OptimistPrime on Apr 20, 2008 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions
That reminds me....
what happened to all the scalpers in the parking lots? By the way, are the concession stands even more miserable than last year? Or is just me being cranky?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
It always seemed to me
like “A’s ticket scalper” was about the worst career choice imaginable.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Possibly only worse than
crack addicted transient who lives under the bridge with his wife. Apparently his job is to watch the parking lot and ask fans for a “blessing”. I was happy to give him one….which is to “just say no”.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Scalping tix for an A's/Royals game is like
selling reading glasses to Helen Keller
2008 Oakland Athletics...more than meets the eye!
by OptimistPrime on Apr 20, 2008 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions
There are still plenty of scalpers on the BART bridge
I think the parking lot was probably the less successful venue for scalping. If you pay $16 to park, you probably already have tickets.
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
by Englishmajor on Apr 20, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
The parking lot can be such an interesting place....
especially after the game. Not all the scavengers are airborne….all though the two legged variety don’t tend to actually try and shit on you. After four years in the Navy, I truly despise sea gulls.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
95 pitches
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 20, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
one year wonder
I made this comment earlier in thread (Just copied and pasted again)
Cannot hit off speed pitches
You can have all the power in the world, and if you are like me, you love the home runs he hits but they are few and far between because he has been exposed and reading between the lines in the Chronicle this morning, I say there’s a chance he gets the shaft in favor of Frank Thomas. That’s a longshot but I would not have a problem with that whatsover
Is there an echo in here?
.
.
.
...in here?
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Apr 21, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
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