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Open Game Thread - Game 39: A's at Rangers

Banana_album_041907_tiny by monkeyball on Comment 426 comments

Oakland Athletics @ Texas Rangers


Lineup

Oakland Athletics @ Texas Rangers

05/11/08 12:05 PM PDT

Oakland Athletics Texas Rangers
Kurt Suzuki - C Ian Kinsler - 2B
Mike Sweeney - 1B Michael Young - SS
Jack Cust - LF Josh Hamilton - RF
Frank Thomas - DH Milton Bradley - DH
Emil Brown - RF David Murphy - CF
Bobby Crosby - SS Brandon Boggs - LF
Mark Ellis - 2B Frank Catalanotto - 1B
Jack Hannahan - 3B Jarrod Saltalamacchia - C
Ryan Sweeney - CF Ramon Vazquez - 3B

Alright, folks, time to roll back the stone from the tomb and see what condition the corpse of HRDN is in.
G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2008 - Rich Harden 2 0 0 7 0 0 0 0 7 15 0 0 .000 .000 .000

He-who-shall-not-be-named is matched up against Sir Sidney Pontoon, the Royal Flotation Device of Aruba, who has put up impressive results so far in a 3-start comeback with the Rangers.
W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Sidney Ponson 2-0 3 3 0 0 0 0 20.1 20 7 3 0 4 11 1.33 1.18

Pontoon's been sporadically in and out of MLB for so long, that hardly any current Athletics have even faced him. (Of course, the same can be said vis a vis Harden, the DL, and the Rangers.) The only two who have significant ABs against him are:
- Mike Sweeney, 17/36 with 2 2Bs and 4 HRs
- Frank Thomas, 9/24 with 1 2B and 4 HRs

While Frank has generated a fair number of walks (7) against Pontoon, Mike has not (2). Expect Mike to be hacking early and often at Pontoon's meatballs. And this could be a great opportunity for Frank to get some hittable pitches to continue his progress from last night. Definitely a good idea to have both Frank and Mike in the lineup together, and to have Mike in the #2 slot.

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Oh, yes Sidney Ponson

I forget who, last year or or so, had a nick-name for him that cracked me up at the time…it was Sir Fatty-Fat.

alaska A

by ak_A on May 11, 2008 11:57 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sidlard ponfatshit

"Mommy and Daddy are going to take a nap before the baseball game starts..."

by Devyn on May 11, 2008 12:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, so what's the over/under on when Harden leaves today's game with a "new" injury?

I’m setting it at the 5th inning… and taking the under.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on May 11, 2008 12:00 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He'll go 5 innings on a pitch count

3 innings next start, then he’ll get pushed back a day. Then he’ll get scratched from that start, and go retroactive DL (day to day) before being transferred to the 60 day and being gone for the season.

by mikev on May 11, 2008 12:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't have a good feeling about this.

He’s gonna start, and throw well, and get all of our hopes up again.

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 12:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(even though we know better)

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 12:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Happy birthday Pam (belated)

If Friday was indeed your birthday. If not then never mind and consider me the idiot everyone else always has.

by WaddellCanseco on May 11, 2008 12:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was - thanks!

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 12:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoa...there's some cool new search functions abounding today on good ol' SB Nation...

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 12:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unbelieveable.

Harden better peg somebody in the first.

by mikev on May 11, 2008 12:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mlb.tv help

hi,first post on AN 3.0,i normaly just lurk

i have the standard mlb.tv (not the premium) when i try to watch the game i get a message asking if i want the premium,but i don’t and the message won’t go away so i can’t watch the game

can anyone help?

by totoum on May 11, 2008 12:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I usually close firefox and open it again.

If that doesn’t work I switch to IE. If that doesn’t work I restart the computer. If that doesn’t work I give up and use gameday audio

by WaddellCanseco on May 11, 2008 12:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've had that problem in firefox, and switching to ie fixes it

Logging out and then logging back in to mlb also works.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 11, 2008 12:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ok thanks

i’ll do that….and probably sue mlb.com one day too

by totoum on May 11, 2008 12:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TV broadcast is WAY ahead of radio feed

so much so that it looks like I’ll have to turn up the tv sound, and turn off the radio

by OaklandSi on May 11, 2008 12:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you listening on FM or AM?

I was listening to the pregame in the car, and noticed that 106.9 is about 7-10 seconds behind 1550.

The candy and the baseball all night long :)

by Englishmajor on May 11, 2008 12:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

with the way we have been

hitting, part of me says..hey get the three outs and lets see Harden. but I will take that hit!

alaska A

by ak_A on May 11, 2008 12:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay Frank

The candy and the baseball all night long :)

by Englishmajor on May 11, 2008 12:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay EMIL!!!!!!!!!!

The candy and the baseball all night long :)

by Englishmajor on May 11, 2008 12:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm liking this game so far!

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

by oblique on May 11, 2008 12:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Im starting to think if Beane really wants to win now..

Go with Sweeney everyday and send Barton down till he figure himself out.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree Syphon

Having Daric be the 4th worst hitting Firstbaseman in Baseball is not helping him get better

by asfaninpismobeach on May 11, 2008 12:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can you prove that?

Some players get better by struggling and playing against better competition. Destroying AAA pitching for another year (or month or whatever) may not do anything for him.

I could go play a bunch of 8 year olds and be Babe Ruth, but I’m not going to improve at the sport while doing so.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You cant argue that hes not hurting the

major league club.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But that's a different question

Should he be sent down because the club would be better served with Sweeney as the everyday 1B is a completely different question than should he be sent down because he won’t get better while struggling at the major league level (and the implication is he WILL get better playing in AAA).

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You need ABs to get better and he wont be getting

a lot with Sweeney getting most of the ABs. Theres something to be said for confidence as well. A triple A stint may do him well in that area.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's possible

But the statement was a very definitive “[struggling in the majors] is not helping him get better.” I’m just making the argument that A) struggling might help him make adjustments and get better and B) going back to AAA won’t necessarily help him get better.

But if he’s not playing, he’s not going to get a lot better (unelss his hand is bothering him, then rest is good). And confidence could be an issue, but I think it’s impossible for any of us to know if that’s a problem.

I’m not totally opposed to sending him down. I just don’t think facing AAA pitching is going to make him a better hitter. It still could be the best move at this point though.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Im just saying it depends on what Beane wants..

If he wants to win, then send him down and have Sweeney play. If we were 4 games back then Id want Daric playing everyday no matter what. Just depends on the direction of the team.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, is the team still rebuilding this year?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good question.

No one knows really other than Billy. The signing of Thomas seems to indicate he trying to win.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Okay, another Harden return

coming up. (rubs hands together)

alaska A

by ak_A on May 11, 2008 12:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Like a rare treat to be savored...

...because you never know when you’ll get another one.

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 12:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm thinking Wash isn't too thrilled

at the idea of yanking Ponson early today.

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 May 11, 2008 12:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Which could mean that Sir Sidney is going 4-5 innings no matter what

And that could bode well for the A’s.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No kidding...

...a 12-10 game wouldn’t surprise me.

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 12:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay Ryan!

I’ve never said that before

by WaddellCanseco on May 11, 2008 12:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't help it

I have a man-crush on Josh Hamilton.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yea its hard to root against him when he is my fantasy center fielder.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Im with you JD44

Hamilton and Bradley are both all world talents. I would love to see a few guys like that on the A’s

by asfaninpismobeach on May 11, 2008 12:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jay Payton?

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He was making the effort

He’s just not very good/fast/capable of running and picking up a baseball at the same time.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What's up with the weird facial hair?!

Looks like a reverse-Crosby or a Swish Lite

by schmifty on May 11, 2008 12:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I still have a hard time

not liking milton..

too bad things went down like they did, i wish he was still a friend of the organisation like all of the other ex-A’s..

Ellis for President

by tosk on May 11, 2008 12:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I still like him as a player

I only real complaint was that he couldn’t stay healthy

by OaklandSi on May 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

always something “strained” or “torn”...
Even though he went to LB Poly I liked him.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on May 11, 2008 12:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Same - he's healthy because he's DHing

so we couldn’t really use him 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 May 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Milton is in many ways impossible

You put up with it. You just shut up and put up with it.

by paradox on May 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Harden looked good - hung a couple changeups

but very good fastball command and just some bad luck.

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 May 11, 2008 12:29 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He looks like his arm is going to fall off.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

his chin, though...

didn’t look that great…

Ellis for President

by tosk on May 11, 2008 12:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He really looks good

He looks very active… not sure if he is over-amped…
But I like his pitching.
I think the ump’s super-rapid strike gesture is adding to Harden’s rushing it.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on May 11, 2008 12:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BOOT ME!

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It would be nice if it actually went out

one of these days.

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 12:35 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

uh-huh

switching to mlb audio and flopping on the couch.

alaska A

by ak_A on May 11, 2008 12:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe I'm overly positive about Frank Thomas

But he just one-armed a ball off the end of the bat to the warning track in right field.

I have no doubt he’ll get the power stroke back before long.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When doesn’t he one arm it?

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Agree - he still has it, just mid-May on...

He’s getting pitches to hit, too and JUST missing them.

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 May 11, 2008 12:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Harden's

delivery is slower.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holy crap that pitch was sick

Harden is great. Now take him out before he gets hurt.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:39 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Too late.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw him move and it scared me.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For now.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What kind of an effort was that sweeney?

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 12:43 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he was chasing a flying bird

instead of the ball. Boy he seemed late getting there.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on May 11, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(*&^(

Dive for that ball, Sweeney!

by paradox on May 11, 2008 12:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What is wrong with Sweeney?

He just let that drop. God he sucks

by butler19 on May 11, 2008 12:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm more annoyed with throwing to the wrong base

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really?

Because you really couldn’t hit a ball harder than he did there. It just happened to be right at somebody.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Happy Mother's Day to some and hello to others!

So have we made up on our mind on Emil Brown this weekend- love him, hate him, hate to love him or love to hate him?

Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?

by ohtobe21likehuston on May 11, 2008 12:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Get that loser out of CF

I could care less if Davis hit 000.

He would have had that

by Trainman on May 11, 2008 12:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What do you guys think about this idea?

Use Harden’s injuries to our advantage. If he pitches for a extended period of time, try and sign him to a 2 year extension on the cheap. Would you be for or against it?

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not sure, really...

...I’d have to see what “extended period of time” means in hindsight.

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 12:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lets say... The rest of the year with only 1 trip to the DL

and it a true 15 days DL. Now he has an option next year for 7mil. So lets say a 2 year extension for 18mil.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 12:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If he continues to break...

...which I expect will happen, I say decline the option.

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 12:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That much? No.

I might go for replacing the $7mil option for a 2 or even 3 year extension @ $15 mil with incentives to bump it up to the $7 to $9 mil range.

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 12:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

$15 mil total, $5mil each year, I meant

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

are you sure?

I hope so, I don’t know why one of our starting pitchers would be warming up right now.

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on May 11, 2008 12:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just a guess

but, I see no other reason for him to be up.

by speedchaser9 on May 11, 2008 12:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was if

Sweeney said … “Wait … wait … let it drop … wait …wait … let it drop …ok, now go get it.”

I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.

by Vacafan on May 11, 2008 12:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ryan Sweeney special: Playing too deep,

taking an arc-route to the ball, not getting to a ball Rajai Davis gets to. He’s going to kill the A’s if they insist on trotting him out to CF every day.

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 May 11, 2008 12:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree ..

it was almost like he slowed down just so he wouldn’t catch it. Ridiculous.

I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.

by Vacafan on May 11, 2008 12:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alright, I get it

Sweeney isn’t great out there in center.

But that single just now was not an easy play. Maybe the best CFs in baseball catch it. Some on a dive. Look where he was playing. Most LFs probably catch that ball, since it was closer to left field than center field.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:48 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

are you friggin kidding me??

I know 6 year olds that catch that. Seriously. He slowed down to catch it on a hop, and watched the ball drop at his feet.

I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.

by Vacafan on May 11, 2008 12:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Then your grandmother is a top 5-10 CF in baseball

even as a zombie.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

Maybe they can dig her up

by Trainman on May 11, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

She'd probably sign for pretty cheap

Beane can just pay her in the flesh of Angels fans or something.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fair question

What isn’t fair is acting as if every play that, if made, would be a Web Gem is some routine pop up.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweeney plays way too deep

“He had a long to go” doesn’t cut it when he should be playing shallower to begin with.

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 May 11, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there is a coach devoted

to where OFs play, so you can’t put that on Ryan. Again, get off him.

by sourstuff on May 11, 2008 12:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, sourstuff, he has to play deep

because he’s not comfortable going back on the ball. As a result, tons of catchable balls fall in front of him.

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 May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He didnt have to run in much on that one

Looked more like he was shaded towards right center, and that ball was pretty much to left field.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree.

Cust should be the one not playing in the outfield.

by Kimberly on May 11, 2008 12:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF is with the NFL music in the back?

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on May 11, 2008 12:49 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

there was also the nice play on Kinsler in the first

... thought, as Nico points out, Sweeney plays super-deep, or he wouldn’t even have had a shot at that.

We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@

by monkeyball on May 11, 2008 12:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellis

is having some major outbursts of late

by speedchaser9 on May 11, 2008 12:52 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sign him cheap

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on May 11, 2008 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

4+ years is for the exceptional player, IMHO...

...and Ellis is very good, but not exceptional. I think he’s worthy of 3 years, though, and I’d like to see him get it here.

Some read stats. Others actually watch the game.

by UncleLeo on May 11, 2008 1:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How much would you pay for his age 32-24 years?

Dick Green and Roberto Alomar had nothing left at that point. 2Bs in general don’t seem to age well. Jeff Kent was the exception, Craig Biggio also sort of.

by WaddellCanseco on May 11, 2008 1:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

uh-huh. sure.

His hitting .230 for 5 weeks was a ploy to lure Beane into a false sense of security.

We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@

by monkeyball on May 11, 2008 12:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

frankly, I think Ponson has better mechanics than HRDN

HRDN’s fastball and change look great (especially that one to strike out Catalanotto), but he is standing almost straight up and down when he pitches, generating all his power from his waist up—no wonder he got a muscle strain in his “back.” He’s also locating mostly above the batters’ waists (a consequence of pitching straight up and down, all arm). He’s getting away with it, but he doesn’t look at all promising for pitching deep into the season, or to teams that are more patient.

We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@

by monkeyball on May 11, 2008 12:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Harden....

doesn’t seem to have his spit working/trhowing…

"If people don't know who he is, they'd better turn on the television and check him out."

by jacobo2u on May 11, 2008 12:59 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would explain all the 0-2, 2 out hits

That’s prime splitter territory. If he’s getting it up in the strike zone, it’s hittable.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 12:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thats the problem

because its his best pitch…

"If people don't know who he is, they'd better turn on the television and check him out."

by jacobo2u on May 11, 2008 1:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hasn't thrown it yet

according to Fosse. All fastballs and change-ups.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on May 11, 2008 1:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

whats the speed variation between the two...

his split at 90? his change is mid to high 80’s… It has looked like he HAS thrown it, just not very often

"If people don't know who he is, they'd better turn on the television and check him out."

by jacobo2u on May 11, 2008 1:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought he threw it to Kinsler…just not a very good one.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 1:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he's only thrown about 2 pitches below batters' waists

I think a big part of his success on the FB so far is that he’s throwing it so high. If he starts struggling with his control, and he drops the FB 1-2 inches, he’s gonna get hammered.

We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@

by monkeyball on May 11, 2008 1:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Even if Harden comes out if this start healthy....

It for sure isnt a great outing

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on May 11, 2008 1:00 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Im not interested in results so much as

in him being healthy.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 1:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

On this game, plus the next two, it is simply “showing up” and getting 4-5 innings.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on May 11, 2008 1:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OMG

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on May 11, 2008 1:04 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

even if Rich gets out of this jam

he may not make it through 5 and qualify for the win

by OaklandSi on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

duke warming up

why???? I thought gaudin was in the pen

"If people don't know who he is, they'd better turn on the television and check him out."

by jacobo2u on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he could me just doing his session

but someone will be warming up to come in for sure…Rich may be close to his pitch limit today

by OaklandSi on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh man.

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh woman.

Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?

by ohtobe21likehuston on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tied

I need a win like a baby needs its momma.

by paradox on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate playing in Texas

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL.

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate playing in Arlington.

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The A’s may not qualify for the win let alone Harden.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good God

all with 2 fucking outs

by Trainman on May 11, 2008 1:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They stole our 2-out rally mojo from earlier in the season.

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ugh, well, at least they're out of the inning

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crap we already met our run-scored quota

I thought with Harden pitching we could keep it below 4… but crap.

I put on my robe and wizard hat.

by Zonis on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Omg this Texas announcer sounds like

a 6 year old boy crying whenever the Ranges do something good.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 11, 2008 1:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did anybody see Harden smiling/laphing during the mound visit?

Your 2008 East Bay Athletic Rivercats of the greater Fremont Area!

by asfan777 on May 11, 2008 1:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he was trying to convince the television audience that his arm is not about to fall off.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 1:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Young told him

“Rich, the people on AN think your facial hair is really lame. We’re going to take you out a bit early so you can go in the clubhouse and shave.”

The candy and the baseball all night long :)

by Englishmajor on May 11, 2008 1:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crud

Well, at least we can hit Ponson, so we can get back in this with no problem.

The candy and the baseball all night long :)

by Englishmajor on May 11, 2008 1:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Harden will go 4, max

Battle of the bullpens.

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 May 11, 2008 1:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That SHOULD benefit the A's

But who knows anymore?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 1:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he's done

71 pitches with an 80 pitch limit. I see Duke in the 4th

by WaddellCanseco on May 11, 2008 1:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Farking Texas

Lucky Sweeney drove that to straight center.

by paradox on May 11, 2008 1:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so why is duke warming up

I thought gaudin was in the pen…

"If people don't know who he is, they'd better turn on the television and check him out."

by jacobo2u on May 11, 2008 1:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

damn i thought that was gone.

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on May 11, 2008 1:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm gonna keep ripping on Hannahan

because ever since I got on the whole “he’s not a major leaguer” thing he’s been hitting very well.

Screw you, Hannahan!

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on May 11, 2008 1:09 PM PDT reply reply actions ac