Final: Mariners 5, A's 3 - Game 25 Wrap

by Taj Adib on Apr 26, 2008 9:35 PM PDT Comment 118 comments

Wow...thanks to a near epic-bout of wildness by Seattle's closer JJ Putz, this game was a LOT closer than it should have been. Justin Duchscherer pitched well enough in his first start off the DL, going 5 innings and only allowing 2 runs on 6 hits, with two strikeouts. But it was Bedard's night early. He pretty much dominated the Athletics in his 6+ innings of work, issuing 4 walks, but scattering only 2 hits and striking out 4 in order to prevent the A's from stringing anything together. Things got kind of interesting after Bedard left in the top of the 7th, but, after the A's loaded the bases on a single and a couple walks, A's foe of long ago and A's folly of recent times Arthur Rhodes got pinch-hitter Ryan Sweeney* to strike out to end the inning...that should have effectively been the game right there.

But after Mike Sweeney finally got the A's on the board with an 8th inning homer, JJ Putz went to work in the 9th protecting a 5-1 lead, throwing 34 pitches total, only 14 of which were for strikes, walking 3 and allowing 2 runs to score on a single by pinch-hitter Daric Barton. The A's had two chances at the end there to tie or take the lead with Suzuki and Sweeney both up with the bases loaded but Zooks popped out and Sweeney let Putz run a fastball into his hands and weakly grounded out to end the game. With that, Safeco Field breathed a collective sigh of relief and A's fans everywhere got the sinking feeling that with all of the hijinks at the end of the game, that this one that "simply got away".

The reality is, no it wasn't. The A's were overpowered by a very good pitcher who looked to have gotten really healthy really quickly and, is so often the case, it was difficult for the A's pitching staff to keep the team in the game when the offense only decided to show up for two innings in total.

It was a spirited run there at the end and there were plenty of good things to take out of this game that will hopefully spill over into tomorrow's matchup against perennial A's assassin King Felix Hernandez. But, with just a strike or two more by JJ Putz in the 9th, and this game would have been a snoozy, 5-1 Mariner victory. But hey, it's Saturday, and even though the A's lost, it was sure as hell entertaining and cheaper than a movie!

With the Angels losing today, the A's remain tied atop the AL West, which take even more sting away from this loss tonight. So, with that, I'll say, good for Duchscherer, good for Mike Sweeney, (*bad for Bob Geren for pinch-hitting Ryan Sweeney in the 7th when he should have just rolled with switch-hitter Rajai Davis) but overall good for the team that never gave up...they're gonna need a lot of fight to make tomorrow's game even as remotely close as this one was.

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Are you sure you would have recommended

leaving Rajai Davis in and having him bat left-handed? You might want to reconsider…in as much as he’s not a switch hitter…

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 9:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well

He couldn’t have done much worse than Sweeney…

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True - the trouble with Davis and R. Sweeney

is that neither can bat worth a damn left-handed.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny thing...

Rajai Davis’s page at TheBaseBallCube.com lists him as a switch hitter. Everywhere else (like the pages that matter) say he is a righty only. My bad.

by Taj Adib on Apr 27, 2008 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even funnier is that with Rhodes in he would have batted RH

even if he were a switch hitter.

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 27, 2008 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So as much as I would like to have seen Barton bat in the 7th,

the reality is we would have ended up with Ryan Sweeney (who would have come into play CF) instead of Barton in the 9th.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And probably no HR in the 8th from good Sweeney

Presumably Barton would have taken his spot and played at 1B.

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Apr 26, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

that would have involved sticking R. Sweeney in the 3 spot, which was due up.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 26, 2008 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The game would have played out differently if Barton had gotten a hit in the 7th.

All of a sudden it’s 3-2 with a two runners on. Embree probably comes in the 7th instead of Braden, and he and Street would probably have tried to pitch 3 innings. Of course if Barton had made an out, nothing much different is likely other than he might have replaced Sweeney, as Nico pointed out.

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 27, 2008 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That doesn't make any sense

The odds of a situation that important in the ninth are very low. Plus, if Barton had gotten a hit, someone better would have pitched the 8th. And if you’re going to ph Barton for Sweeney, why not do it first and actually have an outfield? Plus, Sweeney vs. LHP is no better than Davis vs. RHP anyway. Sweeney should never ph for anyone. I’d have rather seen switch hitter Bowen or Davis or Barton there.

Still angry… Worst and most baffling decision Geren has made.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 26, 2008 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

or Melhuse

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 26, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I should have read Mike's post before posting above.

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 27, 2008 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just gotta shake off the loss.

Bedard was good. Putz wasn’t but Sweeney and Co still couldn’t pull off a four run inning. That isn’t surprising.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 9:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

All I ask for tomorrow is for

Blanton to get ground balls outs and not put us in a hole by giving up runs in the first few innings.

If we can scratch a run or three out and get the Blanton on his game then obviously we will be fine.

Felix is due for a shaky outing.

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 9:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Felix is due for a shaky outing"

Totally agree. By the same token, I expect the sun to rise in the west tomorrow.

Just sayin.’

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's due!

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Apr 26, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously.

Like, what’s it been, 10 billion years? Gotta happen any day now.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just turn the map upside.....down

by Future Ed on Apr 26, 2008 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Felix

the shaky one. Felix the shaky one. Felix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shakFelix the shaky oney oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky oneFelix the shaky one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That ought to do it

Felix line after one inning. 1IP 3H 1 HBP 4BB 6 runs

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does this mean that before the game,

he’ll talk to reporters about “discovering something he thinks will really help his pitching”?

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mind over matter maybe?

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just don't send Blanton out in the 8th...

unless he’s got a perfect game going. (Yes, I’m talking to you Bob Geren!)

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

cheaper than a movie??

If you mean watching the broadcast on TV, it’s the same price: free vs free.

If you mean going out, not at Safeco it ain’t! I paid $40 for two seats in the nosebleed section. Dang, I miss Coliseum ticket prices.

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Apr 26, 2008 9:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good Sweeney's Last AB

It was disappointing to see him get out on the first pitch when Putz was throwing a lot of balls. We were still fortunate that Putz gave us a good chance to win the game.

by Coffee13eans on Apr 26, 2008 9:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was disappointing but

I am or was not bothered with the swinging at the first pitch, just the result.

Sweeney probably thought he was going to get a meatball.

I hardly ever haave a problem with 1st pitch swinging.

Brown does it with good results. Barton is quite aggressive etc.

I have a problem watching Braden throw batting practice in most of his appearances. This guy is a minor league pitcher IMO. They don’t let him throw the screwball and without that he is Barry Zito part II

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He can't get righties out, which is a problem

because a lot of people are, like, right-handed.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Random thought

You know who I miss? Olmedo Saenz. That guy was money. That’s my story and I’m sickin’ to it.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I liked him too.

I remember him with very fond memories.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember the 3 run Jack

in the bottom of the 9th against Rob Nen and Bill King mentioning about him hitting a home run, then in the next breath he says, “He may have done it”

That was great

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember a lot of games when Tomato

came through for the A’s… but that was a good memory you mentioned, Trainman!

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he retired Now?

He went to ST with the Mets but that’s it I think.

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hard to say - he retires a lot.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just a thought about carryovers of games

In Thursday’s blowout win, Casilla and Brown pitched, Braden didn’t (not sure why). Both Casilla and Brown were needed yesterday, so both were unavailable tonight. So Braden got the call…

Too bad about G. Sweeney’s AB, but whaddya gonna do? I like the comeback effort even if it fell ohad.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

G. Sweeney?

How many Sweeneys do we have?

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just two: Good and Bad

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, THAT G. Sweeney.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"fell ohad"

lol

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

?

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"fell short" - ohad was a 5'4" poster

who claimed to be 5’6”. But we knew better.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh I remember that .

He was a nice kid. TY for the explanation.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

PS I would have known if you had written

“Fall Sal”.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well we did come within two runs

I’ll save “Fall Sal” for when we lose 12-3 – then I can say we really came up quite Sal.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's probably up to 5'5" by now.

And claiming to be 5’7”.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was a good comeback

Naturally a win would have been better.

I just hope Blanton goes deep into the game and Geren pulls him in the later innings at the first sign of trouble if there is any.

At least Casilla and Brown should be available.

As long as Braden only gets in games when we are down by 10, I have no problem. As soon as Foulke comes off DL, Braden should be gone

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's interesting that they kept Braden and optioned DiNardo,

but my guess is that they really feel DiNardo needs to work on his mechanics (release point) and they want him to get regular work. Otherwise, he’s clearly ahead of Braden on the depth chart and it’s odd that he and Saarloos are in AAA while Braden is in the bigs.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DiNardo

I remember he pitched against the Angels last year I think, he got ground ball after ground ball out.

The thing about him is when he is off, he is good for half a dozen runs for the other team.

I hope he works his mechanics out.

I see no reason why they keep bringing up Braden who looks like he plays for the other team when he pitches

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We might be a bit hard on Braden -

the guy usually only gives up one HR an inning to Magglio Ordonez, maybe two.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How old is Braden?

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

24

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

She asked his age, not his ERA

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were Braden...

I’d insist on throwing my “out” pitch… the scroogie. Becasue, you know, once the A’s trade him, his new team will insist upon it and he’ll be lights out.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Without that pitch it is like watching Barry Zito pitch. You know the implosion is coming.

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought so too.

Especially with Sarloos and Dinardo’s superior experience.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe they want to see if Dallas is worth keeping...

and, it’s early… Billy wants to see what he has and what he needs. If Dallas can’t cut it in a game like tonight, well… it doesn’t bode well for his future as an Athletic.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem is, sans screwball Braden

can’t get – and never has gotten – righty hitters out. Try him as a LOOGY if you try him as anything. He has a better chance of making it as a hair-stylist than he has of making it against righties. And I’ve seen his hair.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was substantially better against righties

in the minors last year. Don’t know about before that. I would just assume he has normal platoon split compared to other lefties.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 26, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He doesn't impress me much.

He’s an inning eater but Saarloos and Dinardo were too.

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly he's more of a "2/3 IP" eater

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Geren said he wanted DiNardo to stay stretched out

meaning they want him available to start if necessary

by OaklandSi on Apr 27, 2008 7:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How dare you imply

that the presence of Braden on the roster isn’t some phantastickal Beane-plot to deny the team wins by tempting Geren’s love of bad baseball players?

Here, have some more Kool-Aid.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Apr 27, 2008 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

shocking, isn't it?

by OaklandSi on Apr 27, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The one that worries me is Ryan Sweeney

I don’t really blame Geren for using him as a pinch hitter, because the sensible choice was “the lefty part of the OF platoon” – the problem is that Ryan Sweeney is not major league caliber and Beane seems to have picked him as this year’s irrational man-crush. R. Sweeney should be in Sacramento working on his weaknesses, not displaying them at the major league level.

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

by Nico on Apr 27, 2008 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

so does this mean

that you don’t have a man crush on R Sweeney?

by OaklandSi on Apr 27, 2008 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me? Never did - I think he should be in AAA

I’ll be writing about all the OFers for my Tuesday morning post, so I’ll expand on that thought Tuesday…

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

by Nico on Apr 27, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

joking, computer style

I agree with you on RSweeney, by the way.

by OaklandSi on Apr 27, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

speaking of OFers

peter gammons blogged that the A’s are still expressing interest in Coco Crisp.
thoughts on how he would fit in?

by oakinboston on Apr 27, 2008 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He would fit in grandly

with our 3 other terrible-hitting CFers. The four of them could take the same cabs back from the games and discuss how bad they are at swinging baseball bats. Coco sucks.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 27, 2008 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another random thought

My favorite non-great A’s:
- Mike Gallego
- Geronimo Berroa
- Olmedo Saenz
- Tony Phillips
- Ozzie Canseco (although he sucked)

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How 'bout "Big Bill Taylor"?

And Opening Day starter Carlos Reyes? Good times.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of opening day starters:

Gil Heredia.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll call your Heredia and raise you a Chris Codiroli

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woah.

Too rich for my blood.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was bluffing!

I’ve never heard of Chris Codiroli.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If only 'twere true.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I liked Mike Bordick and Curt Young.

by WaddellCanseco on Apr 27, 2008 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I loved Geronimo Berroa

I remember the game he hit 3 home runs and McGwire hit two as well

I think he did it twice. Minnesota and Yankees. He used to kill the Yankees. Hit two off Andy Pettitte in the one game

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

did you post that in salb's DLD?

that’s a good memory.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Zito

I have to change the Name of my cats

Mulder and Zito. I might leave Mulder as is.

They will be 6 in August and were named before they sucked.

I hope Mulder comes back after his arm problems though.

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So happy I don't have to change the name of my kid

it’s tougher to do than cat’s, I hear.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ironic that "z" always shows up in my title line...

when I’ve been drinking.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or nibbling

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that is what i post when I'm sleeping

by Future Ed on Apr 26, 2008 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can't change the name of your 6 year old cats!!!

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 26, 2008 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The hell you can't

They’re free agents at the end of this year anyway.

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know

I was just kidding but I wonder why Zito the cat hides every time Zito the pitcher is on the mound.

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Must not have to hide for very long

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

He is embarassed to come out after one of his meltdowns

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

cats like nibbling

by Future Ed on Apr 26, 2008 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of my friends has cats named Hudson and Zita

The latter was Zito before they found out he was a she.

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

by oblique on Apr 26, 2008 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you referring to the cat?

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

by Nico on Apr 26, 2008 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good question; I never asked.

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

by oblique on Apr 26, 2008 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Mulder that I own

plays fetch and will retrieve balls, twigs or anything he can get in his mouth. He comes when called 99 times out of 100 and flops on command as well.

Kinda like the neighbor’s dog

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

crumpled up paper...

used to have a cat that played fetch endlessly with balled up paper.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can be sound asleep

and Mulder comes in with a rubber ball in his mouth, drops the thing on my pillow and meows at me until I wake up and throw the thing, The problem is I have to throw it about 20 times before he gets sick of chasing it.

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lucky you don't have a border collie

they NEVER tire of chasing the ball!

by OaklandSi on Apr 27, 2008 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another random thought

Best A’s game I ever saw in person:
July 22, 2003, A’s at Royals. Tim Hudson throws 7 innings of 1-hit ball. Erubiel Durazo hits two long balls. Final score: 10-0 A’s.
Box score

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was getting shit from an Angels Fan

when Mike Piazza hit his home run off Frankie Rodriguez. The guy said “Oh fuck this” and walked away while I just looked at him and said, “What were you saying, you bandwagoner”

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny.

Good times, good times.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am going to go to a couple of games next week

Not sure which two though.

The last 7 times I have been the A’s have won so I have to pcik and choose carefully

by Trainman on Apr 26, 2008 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another favorite

A’s at Royals again.. this time I think it was 1998 or so. We’ve got this young slugger named Jason Giambi. He steps up to the plate and pokes a foul ball to the third base side. It bounces off the dugout. My Dad is sitting next to me studying some job-related paperwork he brought along. I catch the ball two inches from his face and say, “Hey Dad, I just saved your life man.” Still have the ball.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Apr 26, 2008 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT: what happened to the "views" count...

on fanposts? I kinda liked that.

And, why don’t other SB Nation sites have the “z” function?

Just curious.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 10:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why aren't the A's on TV tomorrow?

Weekends are meant for watching baseball!

by IM4Oakgal on Apr 26, 2008 11:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

set up

the transitor in the garage. set up lawn chairs. yell at neighborhood kids. That’s what I do,

by Future Ed on Apr 26, 2008 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm so annoyed.

Radio only? Blanton vs. King Felix? COME ON.

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 26, 2008 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it is a travesty...

I’ll bet the Giants are on TV.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Apr 26, 2008 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Safe bet.

CSN knows where the Giants are.

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 26, 2008 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aside from that

It’s a road game versus a division rival. And on a Sunday!

Every one of those should be televised, regardless of who is on the mound. It’d be one thing if this were late September and both teams were well under .500, and football was in full swing. But right now?

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Apr 27, 2008 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watch TV36 Sunday. It's "Fun For You!"

1 p.m.
“Trackside” —On-the-scene reports and discussion from the NASCAR circuit.

1:30 p.m.
“I Love Lucy”—The Ricardos need money to pay for their new Connecticut house so Lucy decides to raise chickens. The expenses are low (“chicken feed,” Lucy cackles), but they have no experience, so they advertise for help. Who answers the ad? The Mertzes.

2 p.m.
“Stargate Atlantis”—Dr. Weir has an admirer in the form of a young scientist, which becomes awkward as an emergency situation unfolds on Atlantis.

3 p.m.
“Dead Like Me”—George hits the big time when she reaps the soul of a rock star.

by Soaker on Apr 27, 2008 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

frankly, the only thing that bugged me about last night's game ...

... was MSweeney coming to his PA in the 9th with an itchy trigger finger on the first pitch. The way Putz was throwing, he should have been taking the first three pitches. Not only was a walk pretty likely there, so was a WP/PB. And the odds of a really smashable meatball from Putz would have increased dramatically if he had an advantageous count (witness Barton’s PA the same inning).

“Professional hitter” and “veteran leadership” my ass. That check swing there was something I’d expect from the other Sweeney.

And what did we do once we discovered a rift in the fourth dimension? We launched a monkey into it. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Apr 27, 2008 11:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

True - Putz was as likely to walk M. Sweeney and Big Hurt

than M. Sweeney was likely to get a hit. Putz was beating himself.

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

by Nico on Apr 27, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

by the way, Geren just said that, had the A’s tied the game in the ninth, Barton would have played in the outfield.

by OaklandSi on Apr 27, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd certainly rather be in the bottom of the 9th

with Barton in LF than be where we are – no bottom of the 9th needed.

It occurs to me that actually Geren’s biggest mistake might have been pinch running for Cust, who otherwise could have stayed in to play LF (Denorfia to CF) if Barton pinch hit – thereby using one player instead of two to get Barton the AB. Hannahan still would have had to come in to play 3B, though.

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

by Nico on Apr 27, 2008 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The last sentence negates the the prior one...

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 27, 2008 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To get Barton the AB yes, to give it to Hannahan, no

I guess it’s an argument for using Hannahan instead of R. Sweeney. I still think the problem is that R. Sweeney shouldn’t be on the roster – which is a Beane thing, not a Geren thing. Geren didn’t really have any great options – if he uses Barton, he leaves Mike Sweeney limping around 1B without a backup for three innings (and doesn’t have Barton later).

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

by Nico on Apr 27, 2008 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, ok, that would have worked

If he’s willing to have Barton play the OF, though, he can live with Sweeney at 1B for three innings with Bowen maybe as backup. Making moves in the late innings based on no backup is dumb.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Apr 27, 2008 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree - I always felt that way about

not using Melhuse because there was no third catcher. Who cares? (Not using Melhuse because he sucked being a different issue.)

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

by Nico on Apr 27, 2008 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs