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Open Thread: Game 47 - A's vs. Rays

Goat_tiny by Nico on

What the A's really need right now is to face Scott Kazmir. Oy yoy.

Before I get to tonight's game, allow me (since you have no choice) a quick rant about the "Geren keeps leaving Blanton in too long!" refrain. Joe Blanton has no career history of flaming out in the 6th inning, just a slight tendency so far this season. The rest of the A's rotation consists of two pitchers (Harden, Duchscherer) who have been on pitch counts more often than not, and two pitchers (Eveland, Smith) who are rookies without major league track records or levels of endurance. Blanton's ERA for the season, all 6th innings and all misplayed fly balls included, is 3.69. If only Joe Blanton, and Geren's judgment on when to yank Blanton, were the biggest problems facing the Oakland A's.

The biggest problem is, in fact, that the team isn't all that good at getting on base, is even worse on the bases, and is downright allergic to the 5-pointed one. Matched up against Kazmir, the man they could call Smithers may have to be...{rubs 104 year old hands together}...eggcellent...

The lineups:

Bartlett - SS
Crawford - LF
Upton - CF
Peña - 1B
Longoria - 3B
Navarro - C
Gomes - DH
Hinske - RF
Zobrist - 2B

Hannahan - 3B
Crosby - SS
M. Sweeney - 1B
Thomas - DH
E. Brown - RF
Cust - LF
Suzuki - C
Petit - 2B
Davis - CF

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Ugg whats this fascination with starting Davis?

Sweeney is much better and has more value as a pinch runner, since Geren loves to pinch run for Cust/Sweeney/Thomas. And to boot Bad Sweeney has been very good as of late.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 20, 2008 6:36 PM PDT   0 recs

I mentioned in another thread

(but either people didn’t see it, or they didn’t care)
that the A’s released Matt Watson Todd Linden today.

"Tomorrow it may rain." - Leo Durocher

by andeux on May 20, 2008 6:43 PM PDT   0 recs

Those are tough breaks...

6 doubles in 70 AB seems pretty good right now.

"I'm going to take a camera crew and march into Billy Beane's office and demand to know why instituting his newfangled cost-saving measures means that the run manufacturing plant had to get shut down." FJM

by Elvez on May 20, 2008 7:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I figured he'd prob get the day off after

playing the field. But weird hes not listed on the bench.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 20, 2008 6:45 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sacto's new third baseman: Jasper Lamar Crabb

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

by monkeyball on May 20, 2008 7:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Even if he got the day off, and even if he wasn't with the team physically

he’d still be listed on the bench, right?

Only thing I can think of is, assuming no setback, that since the Rivercats are in Colorado right now, the A’s might have decided to give Chavez the day off and put him in Stockton when the Ports play their next game (no game today).

I put on my robe and wizard hat.

by Zonis on May 20, 2008 6:47 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The only thing I can find

Kazmir is much more hittable from the right side. He just kills lefties. So, this lineup should give us as good a chance as any. He has yet to walk a lefty this year. Not yet a big sample, but seems he nibbles a little more to righties, so patience for righties, and hack at anything attractive for lefties.

"Dude, you have to teach me the 'Tack and Stilt'" Shannon, after 5 hours at the local watering hole.

by tresselfan on May 20, 2008 6:44 PM PDT   0 recs

I posted this in the wrap-up thread from last night too

“I don’t disagree that it’s frustrating. But a rough stretch and a few anecdotes does not a 5 inning pitcher make. He’s given up only 2 ER in 6 of his 10 starts. In those six he’s gone 7, 5.2, 7, 7, 6.2, 6. In two of his other starts (Seattle and @Cleveland) he sucked early and then kept the game within reach into the eighth inning. There’s only been two starts (Minnesota and last night) in which he was left in the game too long and it resulted in a loss.”

Blanton’s fine. He’s an innings-eater. You let him eat his innings, and sometimes nights like last night happen. That’s just the way it is. Over the course of a season it’s a lot less noticeable than you’d think when you’re in the middle of a rough stretch.

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 20, 2008 6:44 PM PDT   0 recs

KRod in full meldown mode vs Toronto..

Walked bases loaded, hope Toronto can capitalize.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 20, 2008 6:50 PM PDT   0 recs

he isn't Street

he’ll prob scare em, but not give it up.

I put on my robe and wizard hat.

by Zonis on May 20, 2008 6:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

OMG did you see him after he struck'em out...

You have thought it was the world series.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 20, 2008 6:56 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Man I want him to blow out his elbow soo bad.

BTW theres no such thing as Karma. if there was Id one rich man.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 20, 2008 6:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My Snapfish snapshot might be featured tonight!

But I have to go to a photo contest awards ceremony at 7:00… bleh. I’ll get someone to tape it for me.

by Kimberly on May 20, 2008 6:51 PM PDT   0 recs

Let's Go A's

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on May 20, 2008 7:00 PM PDT   0 recs

Looks like we just played Angels in Toronto

Bases loaded against Scot Shields with no outs = NO RUNS
Bases loaded against K Rod with 1 out = NO RUNS

Toronto loses 3-1

by Trainman on May 20, 2008 7:00 PM PDT   0 recs

we put the "A" in "almost impossible"

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

by monkeyball on May 20, 2008 7:56 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

watching the game on TV tonight

(I did all 13 innings in person last night.)

C’mon guys, let’s get a wing!

by OaklandSi on May 20, 2008 7:02 PM PDT   0 recs

KICU is dark

Good luck, guys!

by paradox on May 20, 2008 7:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Just came back

Close captioning was for a news broadcast.

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on May 20, 2008 7:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Great weather, cold Red Stripes on ice and an A's game coming on

the only thing that could ruin this night is having to sumo wrestle a greased up Nico.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 20, 2008 7:02 PM PDT   0 recs

But think of the chafing if he was not greased.

"Dude, you have to teach me the 'Tack and Stilt'" Shannon, after 5 hours at the local watering hole.

by tresselfan on May 20, 2008 7:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

uh... did my cable go out?

Or is that really a black screen of death I’m seeing?

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.

by 149 on May 20, 2008 7:05 PM PDT   0 recs

Oh back... phew!

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.

by 149 on May 20, 2008 7:05 PM PDT   0 recs

Smove and a Nico-hosted thread

my life is good

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.

by 149 on May 20, 2008 7:07 PM PDT   0 recs

Bartlett leading off

OBP = .284. I see Maddon learned well from Scioscia.

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on May 20, 2008 7:07 PM PDT   0 recs

I don't hate

the alts as much as others, but I’d gladly support the skittles throwbacks.

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.

by 149 on May 20, 2008 7:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

gosh i hate the black jerseys….

by justarebelheart on May 20, 2008 7:08 PM PDT   0 recs

Emergency fuggin apendectomy?!

Come on!

There is an A in Whimsy.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on May 20, 2008 7:09 PM PDT   0 recs

"apendectomy"?

Shit. That’s what that voicemail from HR must be about.

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

by monkeyball on May 20, 2008 7:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey, as injuries to organs go, I'll take it

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 20, 2008 7:58 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

what organ do you injure to get less p?

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

by monkeyball on May 20, 2008 8:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You mean Ryan Get-less-p?

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 20, 2008 8:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Less p? I dunno

I do know about the relationship between extra e and extra p, however.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on May 20, 2008 8:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

{orders an online subscription to Dorland's for AN}

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

by monkeyball on May 20, 2008 8:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Do you think Sac

and surrounding area could keep the seats full?

by asfaninpismobeach on May 20, 2008 7:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Depends on the park

‘n marketing. ‘n not trading so many fine players away. ‘n winning. But yes, Sacto could.

by paradox on May 20, 2008 7:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Gawd...

the thought of a 100+ degree Saturday game… shoot me now.

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen.

by 149 on May 20, 2008 7:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The weather would blow

but when I lived in Sac I had Kings season tickets and they did very well.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 20, 2008 7:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The rivercat games at night are a blast though

I always went out bar hopping after the game and had to pay the next day though.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 20, 2008 7:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

No joke man

I would move them also.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 20, 2008 7:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

If you don't bother to promote the team, we'll soon see the second deck tarped off.

"Evidently, a large number of people said, 'We really need more vermin at the ballpark, Artie.'" - Nick (AN), 10/7/07

by doctorK on May 20, 2008 7:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe Lew wants them out of Oakland

he will have the stats to prove that a move to Vegas or another baseball virgin is good for the team.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 20, 2008 7:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why didn't the A's DL Ellis when he got injured anyways

why are the A’s obsessed with playing short handed? Who cares if Ellis could potentially be ready a bit earlier than the DL time? Keep him longer, hope he heals better.

I put on my robe and wizard hat.

by Zonis on May 20, 2008 7:12 PM PDT   0 recs

central question of the Beane era

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

by monkeyball on May 20, 2008 7:58 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What the crap?

Since when are there commercials on MLB.TV?

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

by IowaA'sFan on May 20, 2008 7:16 PM PDT   0 recs

They had them last year or the year before with Tom Petty.

And they used to show the TV adverts too a few years ago. Much more entertaining than a blank screen…

by OldhamA on May 20, 2008 7:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh yeah

I remember the Tom Petty ones. I preferred the “Breakout”-style bouncing baseball.

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

by IowaA'sFan on May 20, 2008 7:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs