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Around SBN: Are The Orioles Bad Or Unlucky With Their Young Pitching?

Open Thread: Game 56 - A's @ Rangers

Oakland Athletics at Texas Rangers, May 31, 2008 5:05 PM PDT


The A's will look for some deja vu good luck with the lumber tonight as they face off against Sidney Ponson, whom they knocked around pretty nicely the last time he faced them back on May 11th, as the Big Aruban gave up 7 hits, 6 runs and 5 walks in only 5.1 innings of work. Hopefully, Brown and Ellis (combined  5-for-10 with a HR and 4 RBIs) can put in similar efforts tonight as they did in that contest and help the struggling Oakland offense get back-on-track.

Mr. Reliable Joe Blanton (3-6, 3.92 ERA) will take the hill tonight opposing Ponson. We all know the drill with Joe pitching well enough to win but never getting run support, and as much as he says it might not bother him, you've gotta think that pitching with a lead every once in awhile would do a whole lot of good for a guy who is so often aggressive in the strikezone - especially against a very patient yet potent Texas offense.

While all eyes will likely be on CarGon tonight to see if he can continue where he left off in his stellar big league debut, my eyes will be focused squarely on Travis Buck. "Goldilocks", as he is affectionately known around my household, has gone through a roller coaster few months. Coming off a solid .850 OPS rookie season,  Buck seemed like someone that future A's offenses could be built around:  a sweet-swinging, selectively aggressive corner outfielder with emerging power and better-than-average speed. And yet, Buck totally collapsed in the first few weeks of the season, looking totally lost at the plate, striking out a ton and rolling over on pitches he used to crush into the left-center gap. Curiously, Buck blamed some of his struggles on the departure of Nick Swisher , which is something I just find odd given that with both Swisher and Haren gone and the organization in full-rebuild mode, there should have been no pressure at all placed on Travis:

I was putting a lot of pressure on myself and I wanted to make everyone happy instead of just doing what I do best. A lot of stuff was being thrown my way with (Nick) Swisher being gone and I definitely wasn't ready - I let it get to me a little. So I took a step back and I proved a lot to myself by how I took (the brief demotion), how focused I was.

Buck seemed to get his act together in AAA, getting his OPS back up to .892 and pulling his BB/K ratio back up to a respectable level (13/16). And yet, watching him last night strike out looking on a pitch right down the middle in his first at bat, then roll over on an outside off-speed pitch his second at-bat and then flailing for a swinging third strike on his 3rd at-bat sure didn't fill me with a lot of confidence that he's overcome his demons. Hopefully, we'll see a wise, confident, even brash Buck from tonight on and not the feeble, passive Buck that got demoted to the minors at the beginning of the month and who reared his ugly head last evening...

And speaking of struggling "future bed rocks of the Oakland offense", Daric Barton has been given the night off and Jack "of all infield trades" Hannahan is getting his first start over at first base. Lordy lordy, it's been an interesting 48 hours!




 

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"Hello Baseball citizens..."

sorry, too much mlb.tv

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply actions  

Jay Bruce

just hit a walk off HR for his first career HR. Man what I wouldnt give to have a prospect like him in out system.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 31, 2008 5:04 PM PDT reply actions  

Dude

After seeing Hamilton this year. I would have traded almost any pitcher the A’s had straight up. That dude can do it all. He could be the triple crown winner this year.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well Texas payed for it big time..

with Volquez. But they they are both insane.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 31, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

I also have an OF on my fantasy team of..

Bruce/Hamilton/Quienten.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 31, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

C-Gon has me pretty excited. Bruce and Carlos might not be quite on the same level, but I think Gonzales has the potential to be a Beltran type player.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just to get this out of the way now

In my house, he’s “CarGo.” And we’re excited too.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

C-Gon sounds more fierce. CarGo sounds too Dr. Suess for my liking. Each is to his own though.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

We don't have one .300 hitter in the lineup

Cargon doesn’t count. Just to optimistically look at things, is all!

by paradox on May 31, 2008 5:06 PM PDT reply actions  

nothing new there...

didn’t JayPay lead the team last year at .299?

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Stewart not Jay Payton.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

year before was JayPay

last year Stewart. Same AVG
You’re right. I just lost a year for a second there.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Quite alright neither were very memorable.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

also goes to show

just how common, predictable, consistent…

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

I was hoping more of our Pitching

prospects were doing well this year. You could have traded away some pitchers for bats. But with DLS already under the knife its looking less likely

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Texas groundskeepers suck

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:06 PM PDT reply actions  

I can’t wait for an outfield of Buck C-Gon and Sweeney

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Me too...

just as long as Buck stops sucking.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 31, 2008 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Would be interesting to see if Buck has any trade value. I am more excited about Sweeney and C-gon.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

Where the hell was that 1-0 pitch?

and how was that not a home run?

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:12 PM PDT reply actions  

does it look like Blanton's lost weight

or is it just the comparison to Ponson?

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:13 PM PDT reply actions  

I was suprised at fan fest how thin he was. I was picturing a very large man, but he looked somewhat athletic and fit in relation to how much people complain of his weight.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Television adds 50 lbs

You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all. ~Earl Weaver

by UncleLeo on May 31, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

yeah i just looked at him and thought

“eh he’s not THAT fat”. that’s pretty good, for joe.

by schmifty on May 31, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh wow…. its going to be an interesting night

by justarebelheart on May 31, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions  

Michael Young

gets on my last nerve.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions  

oh travis.....

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply actions  

"goldilocks"

and someone said CarGo sounded too “Dr. Seuss”...

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Haha I have never used Goldilocks when reffering to Travis Buck.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

no, Taj does though

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Consider the source, I guess. Sam guy who ruined Dukes bid for a no-hitter.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Unfortunately you somehow managed to get them both a trip to the DL.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Also in my house

Milton Bradley is “Parker Bros”

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:15 PM PDT reply actions  

And to think

I was only going to buy a 6 pack of Red Stripe. Im sure glad i decided on the 12 pack.lol

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:17 PM PDT reply actions  

Rangers up 1 in the first inning

We’re officially gonna die!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on May 31, 2008 5:17 PM PDT reply actions  

C'mon, A's.

Geez, I hate Texas.

A's, baby!

by Coach Cleats on May 31, 2008 5:18 PM PDT reply actions  

I can't care enough about Texas

to muster “hate”... but I can’t stand their park.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Okay...

...I’ll go with “dislike”.

A's, baby!

by Coach Cleats on May 31, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

mlbtv sucks even more than usual tonight

I’ve seen like 3 pitches in the bottom of the 1st. Blech.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 5:18 PM PDT reply actions  

hmmm... interesting

I’ve been watching mlb.tv most of the day and had no problem. I’m RAF, so I’m on old-TV now.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ok

now for the good players.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:19 PM PDT reply actions  

Sidney Fricken Ponson...

Just hit this chump.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on May 31, 2008 5:20 PM PDT reply actions  

I suppose there are worse things

than having Sidney Ponson throw a perfect game against you. I just can’t happen to think of any at the moment.

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 31, 2008 5:21 PM PDT reply actions  

Death by thousand slice?

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sidney Ponson

throwing a perfect game then go streaking across the field in celebration? Man, that’s disturbing.

by muffinpryde on May 31, 2008 6:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

No bullshit

if Emil Brown gets a walk tonight. I swear I will buy all the beer at the AN day. Good beer too

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:22 PM PDT reply actions  

Count it bro

Im drinking Red Stripe as we speak. Im not worried though. You have to see more then 2 pitches to take a walk , so Im golden

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nope

he has to actually see four balls go by. He has done it 8 times this year. We will see about number 9.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

What if Ponson drips some nacho cheese on his right hand while the Rangers are at bat

and then, not being able to control himself, licks the delicious, orange goo off each finger while Brown is up?

I think that would end up being a walk, even without Emil taking a single pitch.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hopefully Red Stripe does not equate to good beer.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Bud Lite?

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

I haven’t had the miller, but I had the tomato beer that Bud puts out. Was suprisingly tasty.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

I would much rather “vent” than drink a beer Carlos Mencia advocates.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

"good enough" beer

I prefer the TurboDog myself.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

This game isn't going well

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:25 PM PDT reply actions  

yet

(still optimistic)

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

Maybe I should just finish packing now…

by justarebelheart on May 31, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hola all

We need to get some luck going.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions  

Holy crap.

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 31, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions  

I have to go make croutons

Linguini with clam sauce, tossed green salad. Have fun!

by paradox on May 31, 2008 5:26 PM PDT reply actions  

Like this woman?

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on May 31, 2008 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

kinda

remember that movie where the kid lived in the crawl space of a house, even after his mom (died I think) and new people bought the house? That’s me.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

You are making me feel guilty

My husband just asked me what was for dinner and I told him to open a can of chili.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

At least I can be in misery

with fellow A’s fans. Use to be that I threw beer cans at the Tv with my girlfriend shaking her head. I got rid of the girlfriend and found you guys.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:29 PM PDT reply actions  

before AN I was alone in my frustration.

subconsciously acting out that frustration in normal life…now I am have company in my frustration and consciously act out in normal life.

alaska A

by ak_A on May 31, 2008 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Defense aside,

Blanton looks dreadful so far.

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 31, 2008 5:30 PM PDT reply actions  

Blanton looks like he's having one of those games

where his fastball is straight and down the middle, and his curve kinda loops without really breaking.

He does this a few times a year—IIRC because his arm slot drops.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 5:31 PM PDT reply actions  

how can it be

that Ponson is outpitching Blanton?

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on May 31, 2008 5:31 PM PDT reply actions  

well on the bright side

I bet tonight will be Ziegler’s debut

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on May 31, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply actions  

The Rangers have hitters all through the line-up we dont

Their #9 hitter is hitting better than anyone on our team (.290).

The lack of hitting is going to do us in.

Then again Jack Cust is due to break out of his current slump. I mean I am told he is our best hitter.

If he is then the GM needs to bring some people in asap.

by Yellowhorse on May 31, 2008 5:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Base knock. Keep the beard.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

gidp

FUN! (retch)

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

True Athletic right there

by justarebelheart on May 31, 2008 5:34 PM PDT reply actions  

I have no faith that we can with this game today

maybe its because despite we’ve only scored like 1 run in 3 games…

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 5:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah Zonis

Blanton already has nearly nailed the coffin shut

by Trainman on May 31, 2008 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

and we had it going on for awhile.

That’s the frustrating part to be on a winning streak and then to have injuries stop us cold.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:36 PM PDT reply actions  

Well at least we won't get no-hit tonight

Shutout sounds very do-able now.

(I know, it’s overly pessimistic, but you gotta go with your gut.)

by MrIncognito on May 31, 2008 5:37 PM PDT reply actions  

It looks like both teams

are going with their gut: Blanton vs. Ponson.

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 31, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's pretty bad...

when you feel as if 3 runs is almost an insurmountable lead.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:39 PM PDT reply actions  

haha

“Milton gets angry at a lot of stuff.”

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply actions  

Fosse can be classic when he wants to

by drink409 on May 31, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

I am going to get my Ponson Vodoo doll out of the closet. Once I find it around the 5th inning we will be in business.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply actions  

It fits in the closet? Must be a walk-in.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

Vince just said that milton leads the league in OBP.

That’s ridiculous…if only billy beane (or anyody) for that matter could coral this guy for more than one season at a time.

by Taj Adib on May 31, 2008 5:40 PM PDT reply actions  

We had him for 1.25

Billy’s a genius!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

I wish we could have

found a way to keep his butt in Oakland.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

And he gets a lot of hits mixed in with that OBP

Bad attitude or not he carried this team up until we lost to Detroit in the second round.

by Trainman on May 31, 2008 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

This slump has me desperate.

Im pulling out the rally thong and drink a Smirnoff ice. Just dont tell my Mom, she will disown my ass.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:41 PM PDT reply actions  

Blanton has one pitch working today,

and it’s the changeup. Time to pull a Doug Jones.

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 31, 2008 5:42 PM PDT reply actions  

We just look thoroughly incompetent

in every aspect of the game tonight. I blame Nick.

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 31, 2008 5:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Whoops, wait, wait a sec

I was sitting in my magical “everything-the-A’s-do-tonight-will-suck” spot on the couch.

Sorry about that. I’m moving right now.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thanks.

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 31, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

3 up 3 down.

For PONSON…a pitcher that has been passed around the league.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:47 PM PDT reply actions  

our own resident drunk is even leading off against him

But all he keeps doing is passing out on the lawn. He needs some power behind his punches…

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

We've had plenty of bad games...

but this is about as pathetic as the offense has looked so far.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:48 PM PDT reply actions  

AAAAH!

This team’s offense is offensive! Theyr’e making Sidney Ponson look like Cy Young! WAKE UP OFFENSE! Sorry, I just couldn’t take it anymore!

by A'sfansince1970 on May 31, 2008 5:49 PM PDT reply actions  

Wow...

E-Meal is worse than Jack Cust out there….

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 5:49 PM PDT reply actions  

greedy Catalone...

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Fuck all these guys right now

Man im fired up. Get some guys from AA. Shit get Dollittle up here. Get anyone that can hit a fucking baseball> Our leadoff hitter is hitting .231 for God sakes! Can any of you fucking Pro ball players hit a baseballl? Ok I feel much better now.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Dude I get frustrated

I mean seriously. You live , eat and breathe baseball and not one everyday player on this team can hit over .275?

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wow Cat...

But I will say this, this shows how different the offenses have been. Cat just slaps the ball and gets a hit, the A’s can’t even get it out of the infield (save buck)

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 5:50 PM PDT reply actions  

JUST WALK BOGGS

or hit him.

Just don’t let him hit the ball.

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 5:51 PM PDT reply actions  

It seems like so long ago

that we were racking up all of those wins but it wasn’t.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

The Angels were doing their best to help us but unlike this team

they manage to manufacture a run or two at the right time.

Texas owns us so far this year so that should give un an indication of how far we are going at the moment

by Trainman on May 31, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Gawd. These bastards are trying to really rub it in.

Basically just saying “since you A’s are sucking at everything right now I’m gonna run until you throw me out.” But I guess with E-Meal and Nervous Nelly Buck out there, I’d test these guys out too!

by Taj Adib on May 31, 2008 5:52 PM PDT reply actions  

Sacrifice Chavvy

Since I think all bad things Oakland A’s begin with Chavvy … how about, you know, a human sacrifice?

Can anybody find for me the A’s record the last 4 years in games in which Chavvy played and games in which he did not play? I’m sure someone will prove me wrong, but I’d be almost dead certain the A’s are a more winning team without him …

by solotar on May 31, 2008 5:53 PM PDT reply actions  

Chavy got a hit

will wait till the DP before we sacrifice him.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yarth

Not the game I wanted to wander into.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on May 31, 2008 5:54 PM PDT reply actions  

God, people, can you calm down for 30 seconds?

Look, this team was hardly the ‘27 Yankees to begin with. And then, over the last few days, we’ve seen FThomas and both Sweeneys go on the DL. Chavez, coming off 3 surgeries, ended his rehab early to come back. Ellis is playing on an injured hamstring. CGon is making his ML debut.

We’re all excited to some extent to see new guys, or old guys we haven’t seen for a while, but to some extent this team is at a string-and-bubblegum phase.

This is what a rebuilding season can look like. Wear it.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 5:54 PM PDT reply actions  

I believe

your 30 seconds are up.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well Nick.

It’s hard to take with such a promising beginning. We get what you are saying but we are watching a game and some emotion isn’t outta line. I am just glad it’s 3 runs. I am still hopeful for the game and THIS SEASON.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

if we had sucked balls to start the season

I wouldn’t have any expectations and it wouldn’t hurt that we keep tanking for 7 games in a row

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

I am too mike.

This isn’t like last season without any hope.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

I know how frustrating it is

and I don’t mind seeing people express their frustration. But the “let’s call up Doolittle” and “let’s dump everybody - they suck!!” stuff - which is making suggestions about how to improve the team—is dumb.

Rebuilding teams are inconsistent, and we’ve been hit with a huge number of injuries and changes in the last week. I guess people can freak out if they want, but people on AN should really understand what this team is—and that should temper people’s “WE GOTTA GO FOR IT ALL NOW ON MAY 31ST!!!” stuff.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

I hear ya.

and i agree with you too.

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah,

that’s because there are a lot of morons in the game threads, which problem can only be solved by dropping out off contention…

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's frustrating to me in the same way that a certain-ANer-who-shall-not-be-named

kept posting his “Huston Streeet SUXXS11!!!1” stuff whenever Street came in.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

True, true

The team started out the gate playing over its head. There’s a lot to like this season, but it’s still a rebuilding year.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on May 31, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hmm, clever fellow, quick to anger

Enough of the Ponson speculation…was Nick in Aruba on 5/30/05?

Don't blame me, I voted for oaktoon.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on May 31, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

heh

I’m not the only one who likes the Aruba jokes.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wow I just now realized J.Han is playing 1b. How is he doing?

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:56 PM PDT reply actions  

Thats not good.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

hey, No E's yet

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Barton-esque

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

He made a nice diving stop, but then fumbled the ball

pretty good play on another ball.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

and Blanton was right there

just a little too slow to get the runner.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

5th inning

Vodoo doll time. Found it next to the blow up goat.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 5:58 PM PDT reply actions  

should have said

“found the Ponson voodoo doll BEHIND the blow up goat”

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Goat is mine. Ponson uses the blow up judge.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Signs of life...

2 on, nobody out. Come on fellas!

by Taj Adib on May 31, 2008 5:59 PM PDT reply actions  

Nice

Let’s go to work.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on May 31, 2008 5:59 PM PDT reply actions  

JAMMED

you’re up TBuck…make us proud

by Tizoc on May 31, 2008 6:00 PM PDT reply actions  

Well this is better

(but I’m already worried about Suzuki’s AB)

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:00 PM PDT reply actions  

TWO runs

in ONE game! Wow!

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 6:01 PM PDT reply actions  

Be like Beltran

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:02 PM PDT reply actions  

My vodoo doll better get a write up in the post game wrap.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:02 PM PDT reply actions  

damn, got a good pitch there

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:02 PM PDT reply actions  

the size of his horns

intimidate me.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not me -

drool.

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 31, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

YEAH!

LET’S GO OAKLAND! BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM! NICE ONE, BUCKY!

by A'sfansince1970 on May 31, 2008 6:03 PM PDT reply actions  

Hit like a first baseman

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:05 PM PDT reply actions  

yea! Tie ballgame!

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions  

YEAH! BASES LOADED!

Why are the Rangers announcers so surprised? It’s freaking Sidney Ponson! Yikes!

by A'sfansince1970 on May 31, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions  

Its the A's

I think anyone would be supprised

by Zonis on May 31, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'll take that

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions  

We're tied!

Thank You Geren for benching Barton!

by IM4Oakgal on May 31, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions  

Nice job, Hannahan!

I like Jack! I’m glad theyr’e finding room for him.

by A'sfansince1970 on May 31, 2008 6:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Can we put a new starting pitcher on the mound?

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

C-Gon’s groupies.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

They get to cheer for T.O. half the year, and Milton Bradley for the other half!

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Texas has alot of hot chicks

I went there for a week on leave from the Army with a buddy.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

oh sure

if you like 1/4” thick make up and aquanet.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

It was the early 90's

so i thoought it was hot at the time.

by asfaninpismobeach on May 31, 2008 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

Totally agree.

I only wish that they would have played M. sweeney some more games earlier in the year instead of Barton.

I think if Sweeney is out for more than a month the team should look to add a 1B.

by Yellowhorse on May 31, 2008 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nice AB by Crosby so far.

He’s looking clutch. Oh well, I spoke too soon.

by A'sfansince1970 on May 31, 2008 6:09 PM PDT reply actions  

+1

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

OK that's weird

was supposed to come up under Nico’s gratitude for Nick moving.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on May 31, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Weird stuff happens when you hit "Post" just as the page is updating

Exactly the same thing has happened to me before.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

Again, Nick, thanks for moving.

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 31, 2008 6:10 PM PDT reply actions  

No prob.

I’m about to get up and get a drink. Wish us luck.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

Now to get some negativity out before Blanton pitches

Don’t throw any more fat meatballs down the middle and blow the good that has just crossed the plate in the top half.

Go A’s

by Trainman on May 31, 2008 6:10 PM PDT reply actions  

Ponson or Blanton?

In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!

by DMOAS on May 31, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

He is the worst at the jelly leg jinx.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

I hate my life.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:14 PM PDT reply actions  

And we suck again.

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:15 PM PDT reply actions  

Jeez...

...

Blanton looks like a tomato can out there.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on May 31, 2008 6:16 PM PDT reply actions  

Ouch.

New thread boys & girls. We need to get three outs somehow, someway.

by Taj Adib on May 31, 2008 6:16 PM PDT reply actions  

Blanton about as worthless as goats

balls

Worst starter on the A’s bar none

by Trainman on May 31, 2008 6:19 PM PDT reply actions  

What's bad about this is...

...Blanton’s trade value gets lower and lower with every start. Billy maybe should have puled the trigger in Spring Training.

A's, baby!

by Coach Cleats on May 31, 2008 6:19 PM PDT reply actions  

is there a particular story behind calling Blanton 'Cupcakes'?s

sorry, i’m kind of a noob around here.

but I do love yelling “C’MON, CUPCAKES!” at the TV.

by schmifty on May 31, 2008 6:20 PM PDT reply actions  

And Geren will trot this huge tub of excrement back out for

more pounding especially if we score some more runs here

by Trainman on May 31, 2008 6:20 PM PDT reply actions  

other way around I'd say

time for someone else in any case.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Blanton's always had a tendency to pitch games like this

It’s happened every year. Do you folks remember that putrid start in Tampa Bay (it was something like 8 runs in 1+ innings)?

He does this 5 times a year or so. Maybe he’ll have one season where, sorta randomly, he doesn’t do it at all, and he’ll win 20. But that probably won’t happen.

His tendency to do this is exactly why he’s an “innings-eater” and not a true ace. I don’t think that’ll exactly be news to any other GMs out there.

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:26 PM PDT reply actions  

Seemed to be running a bit gimpily

Love the swing, though.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:27 PM PDT reply actions  

Go Eric!

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

by Nick on May 31, 2008 6:27 PM PDT reply actions  

Hmm...

It occurs to me that NOT moving to the new game thread might be a clever way to ditch a lot of the negative posters.

Don't blame me, I voted for oaktoon.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on May 31, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply actions  

You don't say...

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on May 31, 2008 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

Time for runs!

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

by miggyk2 on May 31, 2008 6:53 PM PDT reply actions  

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