Open Thread: Game 41 - A's at Cleveland
by baseballgirl on May 14, 2008 3:33 PM PDT
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PrintOakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians, May 14, 2008 4:05 PM PDT
Well, in what seems like a familiar match-up, today's game will feature Joe Blanton against C.C. Sabathia as the A's try to even the series in Cleveland. Blanton is hoping that the curse of the 'starter who pitches very well, but ends up with nothing but a loss to show for it' went to Duchscherer last night, leaving the offense to score for him tonight.
The A's offense certainly needs to get up off the deck today and put some runs on the board. Some power would help (Thomas, I'm looking at you; it's time to heat up).
From MLB.com's Mychael Urban this morning:
The scouts who love Joe Blanton say he has "good winability," noting that Oakland's big-boned righty gets deep into games and keeps his team close, even when he's having a bad night.
The scouts who aren't wild about Blanton say he gives up too many hits to win a lot more than he loses. Period.
The A's just need Blanton to keep the team in the game today while the A's try to put some numbers up against C.C. Here's to scoring that first run.
LET'S GO OAKLAND!!
(Side note: After the game, there will be a poll asking if you will need a ticket to AN Day - please vote, so I can get a rough count!)
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The Righty Lineup returns
minus Ellis, replaced by Hanahan.
Hopefully we can snap out of it with our old pal CC at the helm.
Well,
I’m glad Suzuki is out of the leadoff spot. As for his replacement there…. I guess he’ll be ph for if we need runs…
The A's colors are green and gold.
I love the cute little lineup insert
Life is SO much easier now!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
The lineup is much improved on paper
now lets see us pound the crap out of CC
And thank God Kurt is not leading off.
Davis goes 1 for 4 or gets on base once, it is an improvement.
I predict Sweeney will get on base at least twice.
With the way the A's have run lately, how is CC's pick off move
I could see Davis stealing a bag or two.
I'd like him to go 5-5 with 3 steals
I REALLY want Davis to succeed.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on May 14, 2008 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Do we really want Davis running in front of our sluggers?
by WaddellCanseco on May 14, 2008 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions
And...by 'sluggers' you mean...?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
by baseballgirl on May 14, 2008 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Louisville
Obviously
"Want me to punchasize your face, for free?" - Rod Farva
by methodrampage on May 14, 2008 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Finally!
Rajai Davis gets the chance to leadoff…..Geren must have been reading AN the past couple of days.
Hope our boys put up some crooked numbers tonight…Go A’s!
Sabathia and ...
Damn MLB has CC at 290 lbs. At least a Ponson/Sabathia match-up would beat out Blanton/Sabathia match-up.
"Want me to punchasize your face, for free?" - Rod Farva
by methodrampage on May 14, 2008 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I try so hard to hate him
he’s making it easier today
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.
Blame the messenger
Blanton is currently the worst of our starters
we all know that
but he’s also the one of our starters most likely to be dealt, so they have to keep him in the rotation.
I’d rather have Gaudin in the rotation.
Oy vay.
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.
I can't believe he only gave up one run there
That was a temporary positive
Thomas, you have no excuse for the ball not carrying
if Grady Sizemore can hit one, YOU can! SO DO IT!
orrr you could just walk.
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.
i get home early, fire the game up
and see we are already behind. well, at least i just saw that double by bunnies.
alaska A
Emil should have had an RBI there
I blame Davis, Sweeney, and Cust for not having gotten on and positioned themselves in scoring position.
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
he really should be leading off
He’s got excellent plate discipline and (as PT says) LD% skilz.
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
Hannahan
Barton
Cust
Thomas
Bonds
Gonzalez
Murphy
Ellis
Suzuki
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
I know. It is.
And I don’t care.
With this lineup, any opposing pitcher will be at 100 pitches by the 5th inning, guaranteed.
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
the "Thomas *is* done, and Buck doesn't suck" option
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
Well Buck doesn't suck, he'll be back.
He’s still just as much an adventure as Cust in the outfield though.
Buck at least catches them if he gets to them, he just takes
Byrnsian routes.
by theblackpearl on May 14, 2008 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Byrnsian routes, nice!
He injures himself diving a lot too. Granted I think he’s the next Harden on that front.
Game thread madness
How long since we’ve scored?
SWING THE EFFING BAT, DOUCHEBAG!
HOME PLATE IS RIGHT THERE!!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Perhaps you might enjoy a refreshing, diverting quasi-snack of chicle?
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
or like me, what i do when things are not
going well for my team. I may, for example, make some cupcakes and frost them festively with sprinkles, and maybe smiley faces. Maybe order some mylar balloons from the Party Place.
alaska A
To put it bluntly....
you guys, and gals, are such haters. Baseball to you seems like such a miserable viewing experience.
To put it more properly, why are you all so negative.
I know, I know, I can choose not to read the game thread which is what I am deciding to do.
Enjoy the negativity party!
Go A’s!!!
by 33SwisherSweet on May 14, 2008 4:40 PM PDT reply actions
This is mild.
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
?!?!?
This gamethread makes you feel this way?
You don’t know from gamethread negativity, my friend.
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
He/she could use the brand spanking new search engine and find the infamous Jack Cust
dropped fly ball incident. Now that was negativity.
'Cuz it's one, two, three strikes, we're out
at the ‘ol ballgame!
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
It's kind of like
having a half full shot glass inside a half empty beer mug. Sure the beer mug is half empty, but that’s how we get to the good stuff.
In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!
simile of the year
I feel drunk after reading that.
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
CC only seems to do poorly against the A's in his Bay Area hood.
I think he just remembered he’s a Cy Young winner. Bummer.
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply actions
Hi folks
Is anyone else a little insulted that Urban called Blanton “big boned?”
I prefer to think of him as “husky.”
Unless “big boned” means something else entirely…
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Good Sweeney!
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 4:53 PM PDT reply actions
Again with the looking...
YOU’RE SUPPOSED TO STRIKE OUT SWINGING, CUST!
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 4:57 PM PDT reply actions
My mom just called me from the Kansas City airport
She said they keep calling “Billy Beane” over the loudspeaker saying he’s going to be late for his flight to Sacramento.
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
AH!
I’m running to the airport RIGHT NOW!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
"I WANT TO HAVE YOUR BABIES!!!"
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
If you're offering a CF who can OPS .900, he just might give them to you
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
so, its you who are really responsible for this hitting let down?
indirectly. Billy, don’t listen to her!
alaska A
Hope Frank didn't K as fast as Gameday would like me to believe.
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.
Yeah, but Sabathia is throwing really well tonight
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Cleveland hurlers are feeding off each other right now
No one wants to give up a run.
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, no one wants to feed off Zito...
;-)
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Hi guys! These bats must wake up.
Just finished painting a wall so from a literal standpoint. Should I watch paint dry or watch the A’s struggle to score again? J/K
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply actions
You should be used to struggling to score.
Sorry, too easy.
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.
I hope to see you on July 12th so I can give you a piece of my mind!!
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Well... GREEN... of course. No one will recommend my comments
so I had to paint my home office.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
multi-tasking
< sniffs paint while watching the A’s >
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions
See the ball, hit the ball
Do not look at it
Do what Emil Brown does and that is swing the bat
You look at it, you are out. You swing, you might get a hit
you swing at a shit pitch like Emil does, you GIDP
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
Plus he fouled one off that was about a foot outside.
I’m starting to think walks ran over hid puppy or something, he hates them.
Frank Thomas should pay you to be his hitting coach
maybe even his life coach.
The A's colors are green and gold.
You seem to be more interested in critiquing posts
than hoping the A’s win
Good for you
Enjoy yourself
Ok, time to hit 880 for me.
Catch you all in a few.
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.
I hate gonnie Garko.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:05 PM PDT reply actions
*note to self*
“next time the A’s play Cleveland, start Garko, don’t leave him on your fantasy bench”
Going to go to my room
and cry.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.
I prefer to wait and see if our pitching is the real deal.
If Eveland and Smith turn out to be “not this good” then I would just stand pat. This is not supposed to be our year and we can’t give up everything we gained via trade.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Finally...
A struck out swinging!
Baby steps?
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:11 PM PDT reply actions
See! Crosby's swinging K rattled him!
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Would it really kill them to put Bowen in for a day?
Is it a confidence thing? Maybe Kurt assumed you’re supposed to play everyday in the big leagues watching Kendall.
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Whats happening all?
Just logged on to see more innings without runs. Tuff stretch for these guys
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:17 PM PDT reply actions
Oh my god, Jack
I don’t even know what to say about that.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Even that is pretty ambitious. How about "Where's Luzinski?"
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Really tough to watch Cust play LF.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:18 PM PDT reply actions
What did he do (not do)?
for those of us only seeing “B. Francisco doubled to left”
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions
he lloked like a wet fish sliding
for a ball that almost any other Left Fielder would have got to.
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
video already available
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IDi83T4wEf8&feature=related
The A's colors are green and gold.
Liner towards the corner, to Cust's right
A normal LF would trot/run over, lean down, scoop the ball up, and maybe make the runner slide at 2nd.
Cust trundled over, realized he might miss the ball if he reached down with his glove, and sort of…flopped onto the field to block it. He might have been trying to combine Thomas’s “slide” last night with a kick-save by an NHL goalie. Of course, in this case, the ball bounced off him, over towards the line, and he lost sight of it as he got up, and had one of those “I’m looking around wildly to find the ball!” moments.
He located it just in time to keep Francisco from getting a 3B.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Hmm, sounds a little like an elephant seal trying to jump a penguin
Aint a good match
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, because gasping for air while you roll on the floor laughing does make it difficult to focus on the screen
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I'm a company guy and all but can you imagine watching a tense playoff
game with Jack Cust playing LF? There would be many more pins and needles to deal with.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Even worse if you called your bookie before the lineups were released,lol
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
I gave that stuff up about 5 years ago and haven't missed it one bit.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions
The Phillies started Luzinski in LF on two division winners
So it’s possible. Of course, they lost both series (I don’t think it was Bull’s fault in either case).
Lonnie Smith, who was also atrocious, did blow some plays in the postseason.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Horrific memory! Remember those S O X uniforms??
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
re: Luzinski
Sorry that wasn’t very clear.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Luzinski/Kittle was just as bad a defensive choice as Cust/Thomas
And yes, those unis were god-awful!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
The bottom of his jersey had to be tightly connected to his
socks. How else did it stay tucked in?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, here's the ballgame right here...
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:23 PM PDT reply actions
Very nice work to get out of that shit!
Holy moly.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:25 PM PDT reply actions
Wow
hard to believe we’re only down by 2.
I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.
WOW.
The A’s better score this inning.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Very nice play!
I thought that was the ball game right there. No panick for Joe though
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions
Let's capitalize!
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply actions
Let's go DH's.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Aren't DH's supposed to be good hitters?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah. Lonely women make good lovers too.
< rolls eyes >
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Stupid question
Is BoCro fast enough to bunt for hits?
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:29 PM PDT reply actions
C'mon Jack!!
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.
Did you take a helicopter home? I was hoping you wouldn't be back so soon.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Green light?
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:30 PM PDT reply actions
That 3-1 Pitch...
should have been hit out of the park.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Frank is going Y-A-R-D here.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:31 PM PDT reply actions
I used to guess weights at the County Fair but they fired me.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey Frank,
Now would be a great time to hit a home run.
Thx-
Pam
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.
Wonderful
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Give Thomas one more week...
if he cant get it together Sweeney should be playing everyday over him.
When will then be now? Soon.
Why is the commentator orgasming over a round the horn double play?
It’s Sweeney and Thomas, I could turn that play.
Maybe it had, ya know, been a while?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
It's bad when you have 3 DH's.
It’s worse when two of them can’t hit.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Beane...
I don’t care who goes, but please get CarGon and Buck on the team, please.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Pitcher's best friend:
The double play AAA’s
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply actions
Hard to watch if you're Blanton
That’s for sure. He’s human = he’s pissed.
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Patience
We just have to wait, something I’m terrible at. Thomas will hit a home run, we’ll score a run sometime soon. We’re still over .500, even though I feel like throwing a chair.
Thomas needs...
to hit about 10 more HR before he actually is worth anything.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Good point. This is freaking baseball and streaks do happen.
It could be a lot worse.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Then what's his goat for? ;-)
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Very good point
its just tough to watch against pitchers like Byrd and some of the Texas Pitching though.
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
The Texas thing is still hard to believe. Cleveland doing it to us alone
would be tolerable but it’s been compounded by the Arlington weekend. I always feel like we are going to lose when we travel to Cleveland.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions
I predict our bats will awaken in Georgia this weekend
And everything will be peachy.
(runs out the door with pun police in hot pursuit)
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions
"Pun Police Punch PortlandPachyderm"
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if we'd have been better off with a typically slow A's start
They’ve gotten our hopes up. But as you say, there’s worse things.
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Take the wins
Always take the wins. We could be Seattle, and praise baby Jesus we don’t have that record.
The team can play better than this. We’ll see what they do.
FYI- I always FEEL like throwing a chair. That is the difference between
me and Bobby Knight.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I know the stat geeks say strikeouts dont matter
but they sure do suck to watch
by asfaninpismobeach on May 14, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions
A word to stat geeks.
Strikeouts and unproductive outs are killing this team.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Especially the 4B variety
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
That too.
Problem is, the guys who strikeout a lot are the ones that are supposed to give that power boost.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Ah, if the K's are correlated to HR, you're good
but of late . . . not correlated.
Oh fer chrissakes.
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.
once again, Brown fails to RBI
Yes, he was leading off the inning. I blame the guys who made outs in the 6th for not being in scoring position.
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
Historical perspective on Jack Cust in LF
from Bill James’s Historical Baseball Abstract
Greg Luzinski (#35 all-time LF)
“Greg Luzinski was the worst outfielder I ever saw, bar none…[He] was a tremendous hitter, but in addition to being a big, slow guy, he had no arm at all. He couldn’t throw the ball across a room. It wasn’t just that he couldn’t run or throw, though; there are some guys who can’t run or throw who are pretty good outfielders anyway…and there are some guys who can run and maybe throw okay, but are just bad outfielders…Luzinski, even operating within his limitations, was just a bad outfielder. He had dreadful hands, and he had no confidence in his ability to make a play, so he played everything timidly except the wall, which he seemed to be in denial about. He was always fighting to avoid the sun. he played with his back turned to center field, sort of officially notifying Maddox that he considered anything hit to his left to be Maddox’s responsibility. If a ball was hit deep he had no idea whether it was going to hit the wall and come back or not, so he would chase fly balls to the wall, only to see them rocket past him on their way back to the infield. Everything hit out there was a surprise to him; nothing was ever easy. It was like having Herman Munster playing left field. If the didn’t have Garry Maddox in center field, there was absolutely no way the Phillies could have gotten by with playing him in left.”
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
That's hilariously descriptive
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I love Bill James because he used to live in Lawrence, KS.
Always made me believe that anyone with an open-mind can accomplish great things. Imagine the nutty professor of baseball with crazy data scattered all over his home while analyzing random stuff that no one cared about but him. Awesome dude.
Hilarious but spot-on review of Greg Luz.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Poor Joe Blanton.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Poor me.
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.
Poor Everyone...
besides Cust, Thomas, and Embree.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Would you like me to make you feel worse?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Joe's actually a pretty even-keeled guy
But it wouldn’t surprise me if he gave new meaning to “Smokin’ Joe” in the clubhouse after this.
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Smokin' refers to the reefer that he uses to cope with the shitty hand
he is dealt year after year. I bet he misses Danny Haren’s chronic.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL
"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust
by PortlandPachyderm on May 14, 2008 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I wonder...
what it’s like to have someone clean the dirt out of your shoes for you?
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
It's alright.
They made one for me after my tour at the Louisville Slugger Factory when I was like 12.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
I wonder what its like to have good hitters
on your team. Longing for offense since 2002.
When will then be now? Soon.
I worked for a CEO once
His name was inscribed small into lines, pinstripes. Get close enough and one could read it.
A very rich one
Advanced Micro Devices, I’ll remember his name in a second.
The company never could take off, but he was considered brilliant and having some flair. I dunno, if you make that much money…..
onto what- shirts, ties?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
My CEO wears monogrammed everything. He is going to retire soon
and afterwards I don’t imagine we’ll ever see that style again.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Kurt Suzuki Looks totally depressed
as he should be.
Bowen will be in tomorrow for certain
See Sabathia Throw
See Sabathia Shutout the A’s.
Crazy.
All Games and Comments are Subject to Blackout
Woo!
Rajai!
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.
Maybe Lou Brown was right?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:54 PM PDT reply actions
Tire World!
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
He would succeed at that
quite often with his speed
Damnit.
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.
wanders over to TNT
Boston losing at home to CLEVELAND.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 5:58 PM PDT reply actions
wait for it...
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.
.
< leans forward in anticipation >
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions
.
< wonders what the hell pam5981 ever means >
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions
.
< still waiting for no reason >
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Nothing better than watching
any Boston franchise lose.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Except for
the A’s winning.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Especially when Ramon Hernandez lays down a Rajai Davis-like bunt.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Blanton 7IP 4H 2R
Quality start with 2 absolute meatballs thrown in
Pity. Could have been a 0-0 game but you know that Cleveland probably would be the first to score anyway
Historical perspective on Jack Cust, part 2
From Bill James’s 1986 Baseball Abstract:
“Lonnie Smith, KC:"I would try to tell you what a bad outfielder Lonnie is, except that I confess I never would have believed it myself if somebody had tried to tell me, so why bother…I will say, though, that the real cost of Lonnie’s defense is not nearly as great as the psychic impact of it. He makes you wail and gnash your teeth a lot, but he doesn’t really cost you all that many runs. One reason for that is that he recovers so quickly after he makes a mistake.
"You have to understand that Lonnie makes defensive mistakes every game; he knows how to handle it. I mean, your average outfielder is inclined to panic when he falls down chasing a ball in the corner; he may just give up and set there a while, trying to figure it out. Lonnie has a pop-up slide perfected for the occasion. Another outfielder might have no idea where the ball was when it bounded off his glove; Lonnie can calculate with the instinctive astrophysics of a tennis player where a ball will land when it skips off the heel of his glove, what the angle of glide will be when he tips it off the thumb of the mitt.
"Many players can kick a ball behind them without ever knowing it; Lonnie can judge by the pitch of the thud and the subtle pressure through his shoe in which direction and how far he has projected the sphere.. He knows exactly what to do when a ball spins out of his hand and flies crazily into a void on the field, when it is appropriate for him to scamper after the ball and when he needs to back up the man who will recover it.
"He has experience in these matters; when he retires he will be hired to come to spring training and coach defensive recovery and cost containment. This is his specialty, and he is good at it."
Do we have room at the end of the bench for another coach?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on May 14, 2008 6:04 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Do we have room for a "rover" ?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Do we have room for...
Buck and CarGon?
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
CarGon coming late summer...
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions
TNT:
“Brian Scalabrene went to the Middle East to teach conflict resolution.” hmmmmm
The A's colors are green and gold.
Not sure why that is funny... but how would you know if you were any good.
You would be dead and gone before ever seeing an impact.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
That was the obvious part of your statement but I had to expand.
He should try conflict resolution in the NBA first. Baby steps…
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL at Cust.
Can he be sent down for interleague?
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Can you send the entire offense down for interleague?
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Get ready for Thomas to blame the ump.
What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.
Well the ninth just sums up our offence at the moment.
Cust strikes out looking at a ball right down the heart of the plate, Thomas flies out, Brown strikes out swinging.
A nice mixed bag of nuthin' good.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Unfortunately for you
Santa, like this offense, isn’t nonexistent.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
by walk off bunt on May 14, 2008 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions
IS
nonexistent. Botched that joke right properly.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
by walk off bunt on May 14, 2008 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Give the little one a kiss and hope that Santa really does help us.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Tomorrows Score
14-2 Oakland and you know it.
Buy Who Billy Drafts Then Sell Them When They Get Traded!
Let's not get cocky. I just don't see us scoring anything but 13 runs.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 14, 2008 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Greg Smith
Might Actually Get Some Run Support.
Buy Who Billy Drafts Then Sell Them When They Get Traded!
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