An open letter to Bob Geren
by iglew on May 24, 2008 1:52 AM PDT
Email
Print(One won lost won mentioned this idea in response to my comment on the game wrap-up thread. I was inspired. Hence this post. If you agree, "sign" the letter by voting in the poll. If you don't agree, don't vote.)
Dear Bob Geren,
Next Tuesday, May 27, is Frank Thomas's 40th birthday. On that day, the A's are scheduled to start a series against the Toronto Blue Jays, Frank's former team. The media is bound to notice that and give it a little attention.
We, the undersigned, believe that we know the perfect way to celebrate Frank's birthday. We believe he should bat lead-off in that game. According to Baseball Reference, Frank has never started a game batting lead-off. We think he'd get a big kick out of it.
Now I know what you're thinking: "Lead off? Frank Thomas? He's a great hitter, but he's not at all what you want in a lead-off hitter." Yeah, so what? It's not like any of the other guys on the team are classic lead-off hitters either. (Seriously, Kurt Suzuki?) And Frank's hot right now. So what the heck, why not just give it a try?
According to Baseball Reference, although Frank has never started a game at lead-off, he's had two plate appearances in the #1 slot as a pinch-hitter. And you know what? In one of them he walked, and in the other he hit a home run! Of course, we here at Athletics Nation recognize what a ridiculously small sample size that is. Still, you can't argue he hasn't had success there.
Most of all, baseball is about entertainment. Sure, you want to win the game, too. We're all A's fans here. We want the A's to win every game. We would never recommend you do something stupid that would lessen the team's chance of winning. But on a call like this, where maybe it would work or maybe it wouldn't, but strategically it's not likely to make a big difference at all, sometimes you just gotta go with what would be the most fun. Lineup order is mostly psychological anyway, and the guys on the team would love it. Big Frank batting lead-off on his birthday? What's not to like?
If for no other reason, you have to do it because of that: It would be really really funny.
Yours truly,
14 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
if it was in Chicago maybe
Not to put it down, cause it’s a clever idea, but Toronto is really not the town that loves FT. Personally, I would prefer that Mr. G draw up the lineup that gives us the best chance to win the game.
Even better...
...is that the series is not in Toronto, but Oakland.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
He'd be a great manager
I’d never thought of that. He really would. Great motivational skills. Really knows the game. Hmmm…
He'd also be great at keeping one of his players away from the umps during an argument!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Might be a bit slow, 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
I'm not sure Frank would go for this
It puts the focus too much on Frank vs. the Blue Jays—tons of questions from the media, etc. I doubt Frank wants to dwell on his disputes with Toronto, I doubt he holds a grudge against his teammates, and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t want to do anything that looked like he or the A’s were trying to show anyone up.
Hitting well, as they say, is the best revenge.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
let the big hurt be the starting pitcher!
control aside, well maybe not, frank would scare the hell outtta most mortals when looking at the mound. (visions of atlas).
plus he could let one go into the jays dugout…........
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
