Murphy's Law: Play Me!
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 24, 2008 3:50 PM PDT
157 comments
Note from baseballgirl: Bonus double-recap day, as we thought we'd reward the AN faithful with not just one look at the game, but TWO! Enjoy!!!!
Blez says:
The day was all about Frank Thomas returning to the green and gold, and the A's seemed invigorated by having the Big Hurt back where he belongs, spanking Francisco Liriano and the Minnesota Twins 11-2, taking the series two games to one. Donnie Murphy smacked two home runs despite some swirling winds at the Coliseum.
It was bliss to see number 35 on a huge, hulking human being again. Actually, scratch that. It was great to see it on a guy who saunters up to the batter's box after wielding a giant metal pole in the on-deck circle. The A's won this one today, fairly easily. The jumped all over the not-all-the-way back Francisco Liriano. Liriano couldn't seem to hit the strike zone and when he did, it was usually a cookie right down the middle and the A's hitters capitalized repeatedly.
Donnie Murphy hit two home runs and now is tied for the team lead with three. Ken Korach made a very interesting observation during the game basically saying that the A's have an almost National League lineup because Bob Geren has so many different options off the bench.
Today, for the first time I can remember, the A's sent out an all right-handed lineup. The A's have become known in recent seasons for having plenty of left-handed options, but always lacking the right-handed sticks. Yet, up and down the lineup, the A's featured righties. And it benefited them big-time. Mike Sweeney announced that he isn't ready to relinquish his roster spot just yet, having a really good day at the plate and just barely missing another home run (six inches to the right of where he hit it and it was gone). Rajai Davis made a very impressive debut by going three for four and making an outstanding catch in center field that I didn't think he had any chance at whatsoever. Mike Sweeney even played first base and didn't look horrid doing it.
I am liking the A's set up because they can put in guys like Barton and Hannahan and Ryan Sweeney to face right-handed pitchers. Course I think Barton needs to be in there every day. I would love to get his OBP in front of Frank's OPS which would hopefully lead to many, many W's. As for me, given all of AN's issues lately and the new gray hairs I have from it, I'm going to go get some Z's, K?
Welcome back, Big Hurt. It's damn nice to see you in those white shoes again.
baseballgirl says:
It's hard to remember the last time A's fans, the A's players, and the broadcast team experienced the feeling of real, genuine baseball electricity pumping out in waves as the A's take the field, but it was certainly there in spades today.
The whole game simply felt different today, as A's fans at the ballpark found an amazing surprise when the lineups were announced, revealing the clean-up hitter, newly-signed Frank Thomas. The announcers described the ear-to-ear smile he wore on his face, a smile that no doubt only increased as the game wore on.
With Francisco Liriano starting, the A's chose to play both Frank Thomas and Mike Sweeney (first base), and they never struggled for offense. After Smith gave up a first-inning homerun to put the A's behind 1-0, the A's offense returned the favor in spades, knocking Liriano out after only 2/3 of an inning, with five hits, three walks and six runs.
Taking the 6-1 lead into the second, the A's made Greg Smith's 7 strong innings (7 hits, 1 BB, 2 ER) stand up, as Donnie Murphy hit two homeruns, and all of the starters except Thomas collected at least one hit; Murphy with three. Also with three hits was the A's new speed-demon and MUCH IMPROVED upgrade at center field, Rajai Davis, who also legged out a triple.
The A's ended up with 11 runs, knocked in by Suzuki, Sweeney, Brown, Denorfia, and Murphy, and after Andrew Brown and Joey Devine slammed the door on the Twins, the A's find themselves with another series win, in electric fashion, as they head to Seattle for the weekend still tied atop the American League West.
This is as good as I've felt about the A's since the last time Thomas worn the green and gold, and for maybe the first time, I'm wondering if the 2008 Oakland Athletics may continue to be full of surprises.
So to sum up: Pitching = great, hitting = awesome, Thomas = wearing the white shoes, AN = working again, day so far = A+.
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Since my main source of a's news
has been…erratic, the first i knew of frank thomas’s return was seeing him walk out onto the on deck circle in that crazy first inning – definitely a moment!
by Hot Cup Joe on Apr 24, 2008 3:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Now THAT must have been awesome.
I would have freaked out, not knowing, and I seriously doubt a lot of the fans did know. Most people would have been on the way to the ballpark.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
it was really: “Hey, that’s Frank Thomas!”
Youda thought Bart would have made an announcement….
by Hot Cup Joe on Apr 24, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I saw him stretching, I thought
wow, emil brown is bigger than I remember!
by phastphill on Apr 24, 2008 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear he didn't have his rebar with him
by OaklandSi on Apr 24, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He didn't. I was looking for it in the on-deck circle... LOL
Also, Roy Steele announced him in the lineup as “Surprise, surprise! Frank Thomas!”
I have [null set] to say.
by Poppy on Apr 24, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love it!
too bad I had to work today!
by OaklandSi on Apr 24, 2008 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and this is from an atheist
GOD BLESS ROY STEELE!
did he really announce FT like that?
the front office has had fun with the fans on this one.
by greendatitiz on Apr 24, 2008 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
May have just been one "Surprise!" and an echo... ;)
I have [null set] to say.
by Poppy on Apr 24, 2008 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome back, Frank
I heard he didn’t have his re-bar today.
Hope he gets it soon, because I love that metal bar.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 24, 2008 3:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No bar
but that dude is one muscular-lookin’ oakland a.
by Hot Cup Joe on Apr 24, 2008 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved when he went to bat in that 06' season
and the played that bass-filled music complete with thundering drum “footsteps”
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 24, 2008 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apologizes for the deleted comments in first game thread
Can you repost here?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 3:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You know what...
...this is getting a little interesting.
It was something like that. Only less profound.
"[Moneyball] is huge [in Japan], I guess, so I'm like a David Hasselhoff type or something..." -- Billy Beane
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 24, 2008 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha...it IS getting interesting
I’m excited, really trying to temper it, going into Seattle, who has OWNED us, but excited none the less.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kinda wish it was like 2006...
...when the Frank was the A’s and they dominated the Mari—HEY!!! :)
"[Moneyball] is huge [in Japan], I guess, so I'm like a David Hasselhoff type or something..." -- Billy Beane
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 24, 2008 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hahahaha!!!! I WISH!!!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously though...
...we won that season BECAUSE we owned the Mariners, and we played them like 10,001 times.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree with this part:
The day was all about Frank Thomas returning to the green and gold, and the A’s seemed invigorated by having the Big Hurt back where he belongs
I’m not the only one who thought it was really weird seeing him in a Blue Jay uniform, am I?
I mean, yeah he’s wearing a Chisox lid in the HOF, but I don’t really remember many (if any?) guys who played on the team for one year that fit in so well and had such an impact.
Like meeting somebody for the first time and feeling like you’ve known them forever, I guess.
by mikev on Apr 24, 2008 4:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Not really weird.
OK, maybe this version.
"[Moneyball] is huge [in Japan], I guess, so I'm like a David Hasselhoff type or something..." -- Billy Beane
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 24, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
glad for the win....
Lets hope they can keep it going, cuz i got tix for tommorrows game. first one since ‘01, when ichiro nailed terrence from the bleachers.
Go A’s!
by jtleroy on Apr 24, 2008 4:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice!!!! Cheer extra loud for all of us!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was such a sick throw.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry...you've used up your quota of non-A's man crushes
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha...just said it was a good throw....
No man-crush on Ichiro….My OF is full, sorry.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Donnie Murphy
Donnie Murphy – OAK
Donnie Murphy went 3-for-5 with two homers and four RBI as the A’s took down the Twins 11-2 on Thursday.
The two homers would have tied him for Oakland’s club lead, but Frank Thomas tops everyone on the roster with three. Maybe this will earn Murphy some additional starts at third base. Jack Hannahan hasn’t done much at all since Opening Day.
by Trainman on Apr 24, 2008 4:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm clueless about Davis
Thomas was a very nice addition, but who is Davis? I’ll find out, of course, and they raved about his speed on the radio…I should pay more attention to the league and I don’t, if it’s not the A’s I don’t care much.
by paradox on Apr 24, 2008 4:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He was playing for the Giants Aprill 11th
I was sick, I must have missed the migration. High-sox guy, turbojet speed.
by paradox on Apr 24, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's an outfielder, was trapped for years in the miserable Pirates org
They naturally burned through his options fruitlessly. He was eventually liberated by the indescribable Matt Morris trade, played well for the Giants last year, started in a slump this year, and was DFAed because they had too many outfielders.
He’s a lot like your typical Beane guy (mediocre average, good on-base skills, good D) but with speed instead of power.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Apr 24, 2008 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...leadoff?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
9th
aka “second leadoff”
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that was invented to make Jason Kendall feel better?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Actually, according to Tango et al
“second leadoff” only works in the NL.
The ideal spot for Davis in the A’s lineup is actually about 6th or 7th, in that his utility is maximized if he hits in front of guys whose offense mostly consists of singles.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Apr 24, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
tnx for the correction
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, no
Most of the team draws some walks.
I should have clarified that I meant singles and not walks, which is of course why they’re at the bottom of your lineup.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Apr 24, 2008 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I loved this pickup.
I remember Ralph “Mr. SF Miopia” Barbieri was fawning over this guy as the future of the Giants.
I hope he gets his Conan the Barbarian-esque revenge on the Giants when we play them this year.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 24, 2008 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He made a point of showing his
defensive chops today – peeled one off the wall and took charge of everything from left center to right center to second base. He wants to play! He looks like a…gamer!!
by Hot Cup Joe on Apr 24, 2008 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw him do some highlight reel plays in CF last year
the knock on him has been his bat
by OaklandSi on Apr 24, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a ridiculously fun game this was
I usually don’t have the opportunity to weigh in from work (hence my absence from the game thread), but I was following along with the action via Yahoo! all the same. And to say that this game had me grinning from ear to ear is a definite understatement. Whether we stay as good as our current record is, in some ways, not even an issue for me. This team is just a heck of a lot of fun to watch, far more fun than I could have expected when the season started. To add Big Frank to that mix just adds to the fun.
Needless to say, I too hope we can keep this going this coming weekend. Make us proud, jtleyroy.
In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data
by Wes7 on Apr 24, 2008 4:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Make us proud, jtleyroy.
You talkin’ to me?
Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.
by JediLeroy on Apr 24, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oddly enough....
No, actually, no I was not. :-) If you scroll up, you’ll see a jtleroy talking about going to tomorrow’s game in Seattle. I merely meant to join the bandwagon of folks hoping that Athletics Nation is well-represented at the game.
Although it is strange that AN is now home to both a JediLeroy as well as a jtleroy. (Nor does my butchering of the latter’s screenname in my first post help.)
In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data
by Wes7 on Apr 24, 2008 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad to see some enthusiasm around here
I got so used to being told that this team will eventually fall back that I forgot what it was like to be in a really damn fun game thread. Good stuff today. Now, hopefully we can get this Seattle gorilla off our back. Go A’s!
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Apr 24, 2008 4:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Your sig is legen-wait for it-
-and I hope you’re not lactose intolerant because the last part of that word is-dary. Legendary!
Then again, maybe I just never got over being ribbed a few years ago, on AN 2.0, when (in praising a magnificent effort from Harden) I said that to say he pitched well was akin to saying Eddie Van Halen is kind of a good guitarist. So props to ya, for whatever they’re worth.
In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data
by Wes7 on Apr 24, 2008 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Saying Edward is a good guitar player is like saying water is kind of wet.
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Apr 24, 2008 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aint that the truth
I don’t have a car now, but whenever I’m driving, wherever I am, I make a point to put “Eruption” on.
In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data
by Wes7 on Apr 24, 2008 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heart Barney.
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
by Jennifer on Apr 24, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As do I. Quite a bit actually.
In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data
by Wes7 on Apr 24, 2008 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This team is so much fun.
But what happens when Duke, Harden, Buck, and Chavy come off the DL??? Who goes? I never thought I’d say this, but dang, this team has some depth. Guess it will be a while before we see Cargon or Linden get a shot.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
by KMoAsFan on Apr 24, 2008 4:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
But what happens when Duke, Harden, Buck, and Chavy come off the DL?
Our AAA team will get very good then. Make those guys rehab in AAA for 2-3 weeks to prove that they are completely healthy and can play well every day, before we even worry about having too many good players.
by asfansince1989 on Apr 24, 2008 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez rehabs in AAA
To make sure he’s healthy before making a roster move.
Harden & Duke will move a pitcher, whoever is not pitching well / injured.
Hanahnanahan will go out when Chavez get back to the 25.
Somebody else’s wheels will fall off for Buck’s re-debut.
by MobiusKlein on Apr 24, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was planning on not even worrying about a bad record this year
But goddamn, Frank Thomas in an A’s uniform really has me feeling like maybe we could do something. The only thing that could excite me more from a Thursday untelevised day game would be if I heard we were gonna replace LF Brown with LF Bonds. I mean we can’t get any worse defensively, can we?
Just look at what our lineup could be come late in the year (because I have no idea when Chavvy and Buck will be healthy at the same time if it ever happens):
Buck CF
Ellis 2b
Bonds LF
Thomas DH
Cust RF
Chavez 3b
Suzuki C
Barton 1b
Crosby/Murphy SS
Sure the defense wouldn’t be pretty but that team could HIT.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Apr 24, 2008 4:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
AND could pitch!!!!
Weird, we usually do the defense/pitching thing really well. I wonder if the hitting/pitching part could replace excellent defense.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
V.. I love your lineup!
I hope that it comes to pass. But even if it doesn’t Having Hurt back in the green and gold rocks!
by IM4Oakgal on Apr 24, 2008 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can't get worse defensively?
Oh contraire. Consider the following lineup:
Barton, 3B (note position shift)
Ellis, 2B
Cust, RF
Thomas, DH
Bonds, LF
M Sweeney, 1B
Buck, CF
Crosby, SS
Suzuki, C
Swap Buck and Barton if Buck ever starts getting on base at a decent clip (or play Davis instead of Buck if you think Davis will actually turn out to be an improvement). If you don’t want Bonds, then put Emil Brown in LF (or swap Brown and Cust, I don’t care).
That would be a terrible defensive lineup (maybe the worst in the Majors), but I think it would score a ton of runs if Big Frank gets his mojo back and the guys hitting behind Cust forced pitchers to throw him more fastballs.
Of course, you wouldn’t ask Barton to learn 3B at the Major League level and M Sweeney wouldn’t stay healthy if he played 1B every day, but it’s fun to picture for a moment.
by LoveDemAs on Apr 25, 2008 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just back from the game
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
by Englishmajor on Apr 24, 2008 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
NICE!!!
Good timing on that sign!!!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You might want to put a basket under the target
I’m missing long range baskets since the warriors stalled on their way to the playoffs :(
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 24, 2008 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not mine and it's not new, I just took the picture
It’s from the 2006 season, and whoever had it obviously has good storage space. Many people also had found their THOMAS jerseys and shirts in time for the game. (It was nice of Dana Eveland to give #35 up without a fight.)
A lot of people arrived in the second, third, or fourth inning, having managed to skip out on work early.
There were some nice Twins fans in the bleachers, and one idiot in head-to-toe Red Sox gear who made a complete ass of himself , even though it was repeatedly pointed out to him that a) he was not in Fenway b) the Red Sox were not playing here today and c) the Red Sox were losing the game that they were playing.
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
by Englishmajor on Apr 24, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This
made me laugh my butt off. Seriously, WTF was he thinking?
“Oh my frickin’ Gawd, I know what would be a wicked pissa—how’s about I get all liquored up and go down to the A’s game in my Sawx gear? Screw it, I’m outta chowda anyhow…”
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 24, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's lucky A's fans aren't like...
Raider fans.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 24, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh my, yes
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail.
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 24, 2008 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
thats my new sig
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Apr 24, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am honored
DFA, thank you.
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 24, 2008 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not all...
It’s just the millions upon millions of bad apples that ruin it for the other eight of you.
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 25, 2008 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not all people from Boston suck
Just Boston sports fans.
Green Hulk Fists
by oaklandSMASH on Apr 25, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wore mine last weekend to the games
to try to channel some Big Hurt offensive energy to the A’s
...worked…
by OaklandSi on Apr 24, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was *wise* of Dana Eveland...
...to give No. 35 up without a fight. We don’t need another starter on the DL…
"[Moneyball] is huge [in Japan], I guess, so I'm like a David Hasselhoff type or something..." -- Billy Beane
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 24, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is some fine artwork there EM.
The kings remain missing, so they're playing with Eric Chavez Bobbleheads. "Chavvy does have six Gold Gloves," Brown explained. "That's good enough to be king."
by pam5981 on Apr 24, 2008 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
just got home from the game.
I didn’t see the news this morning before the game … what a surprise! I was mostly excited to see Greg Smith, who WAS great, but obviously there was much more fun to be had. The ballpark was quiet, but it had great buzz thanks to the Big Hurt and a quick start.
We had a baby at the game, so we weren't sure how long we could stay. Thanks to the A's for taking care of things early so we could relax and enjoy ourselves! (We stayed past the end anyway).by phastphill on Apr 24, 2008 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You didn't
There’s a basic css function to automatically collapse a width if it’s to big with this scrollbar.
by paradox on Apr 24, 2008 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Surely he was asking
how he had a baby at the game rather than how he he made that scroll bar magically appear….
by Hot Cup Joe on Apr 24, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
crazy, now that is a non-traditional birth. did you borrow an epidural shot from chavy?
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 24, 2008 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man crush on Rajai Davis...
Let. Him. Play.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha...he's added to your list?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's long and distinguished.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And covers a wide range of sports
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, not really
No hockey, tennis or water polo….and only one golfer.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
John McEnroe is crying
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Long and distinguished
That’s what she said.
by Dilferules on Apr 24, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
'distinguishing characteristics'?
formerly known as mdl
by iglew on Apr 24, 2008 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The doctor
provided ointment. He said it would clear up in a week or two.
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 24, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So is my johnson.
/End/ Top Gun philosophizing. (I really shouldn’t be able to quote that movie as well as I do.)
In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data
by Wes7 on Apr 24, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you!
Finally someone got it.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope the A's have a GREAT road trip through the West
and come home to some crowds! I’ll be there in Anaheim!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good luck with that....
That place sucks.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anywhere the Angels play has to suck, by definition
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I saw Canseco hit two out in Anaheim once
It was before they opened up the outfield and put in the safari park out there.
[shrugs] It was Southern California, I liked it.
by paradox on Apr 24, 2008 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was fun then...
I used to love going there….Lots of good seats cheap and good fans….Now it is packed with bandwagon, obnoxious fans. The place has become VERY unfun.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Apr 24, 2008 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh for sure....
....the fans are very unfun.
But when the A’s are in my backyard, I try to go.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah yes,
I hear Tropicana calling my name later this year…
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 24, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was that in 1986 perhaps??
I was at a game down there - either 86 or 87 - when Canseco went out twice … both to RF (???) I’m almost positive it was his rookie year ... same year that dork Scott Ostler, working for the LA Times then, said Wally Joyner should’ve won ROY over Canseco ? What a putz.
VacaAsFan
by Vacafan on Apr 24, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of my clients is going Monday night
You have my permission to spill something on her.
Angel fans….
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 24, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
careful none splashes on Harden's sister, though
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will be there for 2 of the 4
Not sure which 2 though.
The last 7 times I have gone the A’s have won
But that is usually once every time they come here so it’s been spread out over a few years
by Trainman on Apr 24, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I'm excited
Today was the first game of the season I got to go to. I went to sleep last night about 9 pm and since AN was down, I didn’t get to read anything (boo). I got up at 3 am (boo), went to work, got off at 11:40 am (suppose to be 11. boo), ran home to change, drove like a demon to the game, stood in line for my ticket, heard someone say the A’s signed someone and he is here already (I started jumping up and down inside hoping it was The Hurt. I didn’t jump up and down for real so I wouldn’t scare anyone), I ripped out my radio, plugged my earbud in just as Gomez launched his homer, grabbed my ticket, got some grub and got to see for real that The BIG Hurt was back! Then I noticed they got Davis too?? I was about to faint. I didn’t cuz I was enjoying my food too much and didn’t want to drop it. I sat in my bleacher seat, got my starter tan started, enjoyed the game and now I’m excited!
Billy wouldn’t have signed these two if he didn’t think this team didn’t have a pretty good chance to contend .
Thank you Billy, once again.
Did I mention that I’m excited?
WOO! (sorry, but I needed to)
Ooo! Piece of candy!
by ChickenStanley on Apr 24, 2008 4:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank you Billy, seriously!!!!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on Apr 24, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great Pics!
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 24, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm so jealous
God, I hate Florida.
Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 24, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I only followed a little bit on radio,
then on my phone (thank god for auto-refresh) and then caught the last inning on the radio again. Serious hit-parade…or rather, OBP parade, but whatever! Sounded like a fun one. I was dying when AN was offline this morning and I heard we came to terms with Frank. Then I was in the car and heard that he was in the lineup today – fast work! I really like Mike Sweeney…so I’m worried about him but hey, I guess we can always figure to have enough guys on the DL to successfully shuffle the roster around…here’s hoping anyway.
The kings remain missing, so they're playing with Eric Chavez Bobbleheads. "Chavvy does have six Gold Gloves," Brown explained. "That's good enough to be king."
by pam5981 on Apr 24, 2008 5:05 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Ditto re: M. Sweeney
I know it’s not very sabermetric of me to get attached, but I’ve been impressed by his positive attitude.
by Ray of Lite on Apr 24, 2008 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aw. Love him even more:
“I don’t know how it affects me, but it’s still about winning games,” said Sweeney, who started at first base and went 2-for-4 with a double off the wall and two RBIs. “However it shakes out, it shakes out. I just know he’ll add some pop and some leadership, and I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
The kings remain missing, so they're playing with Eric Chavez Bobbleheads. "Chavvy does have six Gold Gloves," Brown explained. "That's good enough to be king."
by pam5981 on Apr 24, 2008 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FRANK THOMAS!!!!
Nice win, bitches!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
by Jennifer on Apr 24, 2008 5:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Tony's locked in your basement, isn't he?
Seriously. You can tell us. We won’t be angry.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Apr 24, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bitches leave.
< / Clarence Boddicker >
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll buy that for a dollar!
"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07
by doctorK on Apr 24, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Guns, guns, guns, guns, guns!
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
last time we felt that electricity to start a game?
perhaps Game 3 of the 2006 ALDS
by OaklandSi on Apr 24, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Beane gets honors for QOTY
“Are we trying to develop a young team? Yeah, but we are not running an instructional league. We are running a professional sports franchise.”
Say what you want, the man wants to win.
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Apr 24, 2008 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Barry Bonds
Instructional leaguer.
[I kid, I kid]
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Apr 24, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bewteen Thomas and my tax return
I got so pumped I went out and bought the MLB Package so I can stop having to go to bars in Manhattan asking them to play the A’s. This signing is a great move, with virtually no cost to the team, and injects some excitement in both the team and fans. (Look at this thread). Depending on how Beane uses people’s options, and who performs, it’ll be real interesting to see what happens when Buck and Chavy get healthy. But I love having the depth to choose.
by kbtoyz on Apr 24, 2008 5:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I know this is a repeat, but I'm just so Damn happy
Welcome back Franky T. Does anyone else love this team? If not you will in two years…...
by Yourmyboyblue on Apr 24, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I told ya the A's would win the AL West
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 24, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the Rajai signing puts us over the top
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he keeps playing like he did today...
yes!
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 24, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and he will
300-400 with 100 triples!
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 24, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Along with Barton and Ellis
we’re on pace to break all team triples records!
by phastphill on Apr 25, 2008 7:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
First A's game of the year...
T’was my first game of the year this afternoon, fresh off of watching the Sharks take down the Flames in 7. All in, it’s been a pucking great week!
by Pucking Insane on Apr 24, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Got any hearing left
after that game in the tank?
by phastphill on Apr 24, 2008 9:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Frank,
but this was a resounding team win. I don’t believe they all decided to play their asses off just because he was in the lineup.
I have [null set] to say.
by Poppy on Apr 24, 2008 5:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cust's walks and 0/3s just aren't as inspirational
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hell yeah.
The kings remain missing, so they're playing with Eric Chavez Bobbleheads. "Chavvy does have six Gold Gloves," Brown explained. "That's good enough to be king."
by pam5981 on Apr 24, 2008 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks to be a lot platooning this year...
I’m glad to see Big Frank with the team, and having him and a healthy Sweeney hitting back-to-back seems like a pretty sweet proposition.
I worry about getting the kids enough playing time. Barton and Li’l Sweeney especially. I don’t know who this Davis character is, but I suppose I’ll wait and see before getting too antsy about him taking away PA’s from Sweeney. I really think the kid could do a lot for the team in near future.
Anyway, today is all about high hopes and bright futures. Good win.
by Joey C. on Apr 24, 2008 5:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Ryan's playing time...
is going to be very limited (on the ML roster, at least.)
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 24, 2008 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beane just compared him to Kotsay and Dave Henderson. He seems to like him a lot.
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 24, 2008 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, no ...
It’s Beane’s annual < sigh > He’s just like Nails! man-crush.
And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Apr 24, 2008 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see how the Dave Henderson comparison...
is complimentary. If he turns out to be another Hendu, A’s fans will love him for years. The Kotsay comparison? Not so much. If he turns out like Kots, he’ll sign a horrendously bad contract (for the A’s), be the bane of AN for a couple years and, then, off the team in three years after back surgery.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
by FoolshGame22 on Apr 24, 2008 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then in July of 2010
He’ll write ‘tired Act” on a board in the clubhouse.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Apr 25, 2008 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want somebody smart to write a fanpost about the efficacy of platoons
This will change somewhat with Thomas on board, but until Buck fell prey to the shin splints goblin, we were (essentially) running three regular platoons:
Denorfia / R Sweeney
M Sweeney / Cust
Murphy / Hannahan
How rare is that? It seems relatively unique, but I haven’t paid sufficiently close attention to know for certain. It also seems like this might be a good way to manufacture decent offensive production on the cheap, and more fully exploit all available roster slots.
Are there lots of players out there sporting big enough splits to make them really effective part-time players, but less than average regulars? How difficult is it to piece together a squad where 3-4 batting order regulars take up 6-8 roster spots? You’d need at least a couple of the heavy-split guys (Murphy, Hannahan) to also give you multiple position flexibility, right? In other words, find the same elasticity with respect to position coverage, but fill it with matching feast/famine platoon split guys rather than speedy, slap hitting, quotable utility guys.
Have the A’s pursued this strategy, dating back to last summer, or did it just kind of happen this way? Even if they aren’t, why don’t teams (generally) do this more? Are the roster construction difficulties prohibitive? Is the pool of heavy-split, multi-position players too shallow? Have I written this into the ground yet? Has the topic already been addressed a million times? Did you lose interest seven sentences ago? Having made it this far, perhaps on the strength of three Red Bulls, a Big Hurt high, and the (erroneous) assumption that I was building to some kind of fascinating climactic epiphany, do you feel cheated? Robbed? Betrayed? Bamboozled?
Anyway. I know the fanpost section is reserved for DLD’s, titles with two question marks, and pithy discourses on the Struggle Between Man and AN, but consider this a formal request.
by 74mk on Apr 24, 2008 6:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Re your first sentence
you are talking about paul thomas, right?
by Hot Cup Joe on Apr 24, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somewhat related
Articles on great platoons throughout history:
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/great-platoons-1990-2007/
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/great-platoons-1979-1989/
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/great-platoons-1966-1978/
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/great-platoons-1950-1965/
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/great-platoons-1914-1948/
stat-addled alien overlord
by salb918 on Apr 24, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some great stuff
Mookie Wilson / Lenny Dykstra. Rance Mulliniks / Garth Iorg. The immortal Dan Pasqua / Ron Kittle combo.
Also, lots of evidence there that Earl Weaver was awesome. This is, uh, a different kind of evidence, but equally compelling, I think. (ban the children, shut all the windows, and listen at your own peril)
by 74mk on Apr 24, 2008 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Earl Weaver -- the Al Swearengen of the AL East
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Apr 25, 2008 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reading through the 1914-1948 article
on platooning, I came away with the feeling that it works if the players are amenable to it, and recognize it for a positive. So often, you hear players declare that they feel “cheated” or “insulted”to be regarded as “not good enough” to bat against both RHPs and LHPs. Milton Bradley might be a case. Some managers are not adept in their style to make it work. I think Macha would have more trouble making it work, and Geren full ease in making it work; it’s just the way they each interact with the players (my observation and assessment). Remember Kotsay declaring Macha was platooning him, and he didn’t like it, and Macha saying, “no, it’s not platooning, I’m just playing different guys ” etc. Friction, and Macha got fired.
I think the A’s have enough players just “glad to be Major Leaguers” that they can successfully mix up the order and get results. Some players only respond to consistent, knowable, batting positions. They can’t “get loose” without a constant stream of ABs. A start, then a sit, and they “lose it”. I am getting to think that this A’s team is a special bunch. They win 11-2, then throw the names in a hat and pull out a batting order, and they’d probably feel loose and win 13-4 the next game. It’s just that kind of chemistry IMHO.
As Beane has said, “Winning creates “chemistry”, not the other way around”.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Apr 24, 2008 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Platooning still happens
it’s just managed from the bullpen, not the dugout.
The LaRussa pitching staff - with 6 or even 7 relievers and starters expected to go maybe 7 innings on a good day - works against position-player platoons in 2 ways. First, the starter is only going to pitch deep into the game if he’s pitching really well; and second, the deep bullpen allows the opposing manager to counter the hitters’ platoon advantages.
So rather than hitters whose specialty is pinch-hitting against a righty or a lefty late in the game, we have relievers whose specialty is pitching against a righty or a lefty late in the game.
The only way to get back to a really effective position-player platoon is to expand the roster by 2 or 3 players (not likely) or to return to the Earl Weaver pitching staff—4 starters with a 4 or 5-man bullpen. Also not very likely.
Although I would point out that my crackpot scheme for the A’s to hire Mike Marshall as an organizational pitching coach (or at least to send Harden to train with him) would allow for a smaller pitching staff and a larger bench, enabling Beane to build a position-player platoon roster.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Apr 24, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, right
The Hardball Times guy sal linked to above agrees with you:
Platooning has largely become a casualty of the expanded bullpen that came into vogue in the 1990s. With teams nowdays normally carrying at least 11, generally 12, and sometimes 13 pitchers (as opposed to the previous standard of 10, and not-too-rarely nine), the reduced proportion of position players on the roster renders it practically impossible for managers to engage in the degree of platooning that they once did. There simply aren’t enough bats on hand to support the in-game substitutions platooning demands—those substitutions are now being made on the pitchers’ mound.
by 74mk on Apr 24, 2008 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder
Given that we seem to have a few pitchers this year that we can freely cycle between Oakland and Sacramento, couldn’t we carry our current collection of position players and manage a “reserve corps” of middle relievers who get sent down to Sacto when they get overused? It wouldn’t work with a bullpen full of guys who are out of options, but if you keep your bullpen stocked with a bunch of young middle relief types, it seems like it might be a way to exploit the system and have what works out to something like a 28-man roster.
The players’ agents and the union would kvetch about it, of course. But it seems like an interesting “outside the box” approach.
by LoveDemAs on Apr 25, 2008 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
You wouldn’t really want to do this with guys you cared about, though. I mean, I think Devine is a potential stud—I don’t want to risk messing his arm up pitching him 5 times a week every other week.
Street, Casilla, Brown and Embree aren’t going anywhere. So you’re already down to 2 slots remaining. Even if you trade Embree, which the A’s should be looking to do, Foulke has to come back off the DL, and he’s not optionable either. Calero is presumed dead, but if he ever resurrects himself he would take a slot as well. I’m just not seeing how this works out. Nor what the point is. I’d rather have a healthy Joey Devine or Jerry Blevins than hang onto Mike Sweeney for a little while longer.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Apr 25, 2008 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I don't know if I count as "somebody smart"
but, uh, I did write an article on platoons last autumn. It’s slightly dated at this point due to roster changes, but the general points are still as valid as they ever were.
To answer your questions briefly (as best I know):
Platoons are not rare, but running three of them at once is, as far as I know, pretty unusual. It’s hard to find the right player personnel.
I personally think there are a ton of players who would be improved by platooning. Some of them are like David Dellucci (not good enough to start every day anyway) but a lot of them are like Eric Chavez (who becomes an anemic glove man against lefties—startable, but definitely someone you can improve on). Others disagree with me on this one, and I’m definitely more of a platoon enthusiast than most.
I think the A’s pursued this strategy once the team committed to rebuilding. Platooning is a good way to get league-average production out of below-average players, which is the situation the team found itself in after trading Haren and Swisher.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Apr 24, 2008 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a lot of damaged brain cells
I think I saw that, skimmed it, perhaps even gleaned its awesomeness and recommended it, decided to come back to it later, then forgot about it.
Well done. I think you would have been able to game it out pretty accurately if you’d written it after the Swisher trade and Brown/Sweeney signings.
Of course, now this is playing on a loop in my head.
by 74mk on Apr 25, 2008 6:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the A's are not a different BRAND of baseball
but a different BREED of baseball!
“We knew going into it that this could possibly end up being a tough day for him,” Gardenhire said. “These guys are a different breed of ballclub. They take pitches and have short swings. They don’t get big and try to hit home runs. They make contact, and that’s what happened out there.”
""These guys are a different breed of ballclub." - Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on the A's
by gotgreen on Apr 24, 2008 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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