Of Good Browns and Bad Browns, and Ellis' Return
by baseballgirl on May 7, 2008 4:19 PM PDT
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PrintWell, the A’s jumped on the board early in the first with a single by Suzuki, an infield single by Sweeney, M, and a walk to Cust, as the RBI machine Emil Brown came up and did what he does best, giving the A’s a 1-0 early lead. Blanton got himself into jams in the second, as he found himself with runners at first and third with no one out, but he induced the new pitcher’s best friend--a catch-the-line-drive-and-double-off-the-baserunner-at-third play; and in the fourth, where thanks to a tightening strike zone by West behind the plate, the bases were loaded, but Blanton battled back from a 3-0 count to get the final out of the inning, getting a little help from a nice dig at first by Barton. The A’s also turned a nice DP in the top of the fifth as Blanton continued to keep the Orioles off the board.
Blanton's efforts were temporarily rewarded in the bottom of the inning as the A’s finally found the extra bases hit train, at least for a couple of batters. After a triple off the wall by Sweeney, R, Kurt Suzuki blasted his first homerun of the year; Vince’s enthusiastic call reinforcing how infrequent homeruns actually are for this team. A batter later, Mike Sweeney made a bid for the A’s second homerun of the inning, but fell just short, and the A’s had to be satisfied with a 3-0 lead.
After a hard-fought 5+ innings, the wheels finally started to come off for Joe Blanton in the sixth, as the Orioles broke through for two runs, and threatened to score more, but Joey Devine and the A’s defense shut things down, leaving the A’s clinging to a 3-2 lead. Blanton’s line reads better than the sixth inning sounded: 5.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO.
Mark Ellis broke an 0-17 stretch with a single in the sixth, which turned out to be more than just token; he scored on Hannahan’s double to give the A’s an insurance run, but in a rare occurrence, the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead.
Devine mowed down the Orioles in the 7th, but the other Brown loaded the bases with two outs in the 8th, and despite being in a world of trouble, was not replaced until after giving up the lead. Dallas Braden got the K to end the inning, but the A’s were playing from behind for the first time today.
An error opened the door in the bottom of the eighth, allowing Emil to reach base, and after Crosby followed with his first hit of the series, the A’s chose to sacrifice-bunt Ellis, which was a rousing success. The Orioles walked the bases loaded, and after a pitching change came the most exciting at-bat of the day so far, as the Big Hurt came off the bench to pinch-hit. As he grounded out, Hannahan upended the second-baseman to avoid the DP and tie the game, ultimately forcing extra innings.
Braden was sparkling through his first six batters (the end of the 8th, the 9th, and most of the10th), but after running into some trouble with the strike zone during his last couple of batters, he surprised everyone by picking off a runner to end the inning. Spoiler alert: He would get the win.
Fast forward to the bottom of the 10th, two outs, Mark Ellis at the plate again, when all of a sudden, “FAIR OR FOUL - HITS THE FOUL POLE!!!!”
And the A’s win; raising their record to 4-2 on the homestand, and overall to 22-14. Only the Red Sox and the Angels have comparable records in the AL.
In case you missed the early news, Harden is officially back in the A’s rotation, and will be starting on Sunday afternoon in Texas. I imagine many teams would love to struggle with the decision of sending one of five very good starting pitchers into the bullpen, and despite a pretty decent start to the year, Gaudin is the odd-man out, at least for now. The A’s starting pitching is among the best in the league, and it’s about to get better, at least for a start or two (depending on what the over/under truly is for Rich Harden).
I think Gaudin to the ‘pen is the right call for the time being, and it is more of a nod to Smith and Eveland’s starts than a knock on Gaudin’s year. I also recognize, somewhat ironically, that the one starting pitcher absolutely guaranteed a job is also the one with the poorest numbers, but personally, I think the A’s benefit with Blanton as a starting pitcher. No one is expecting him to be the traditional ace of the staff, but he is a veteran pitcher for the team, he puts in his innings, and almost always keeps the team in the game. Consider that in Blanton’s five losses this year, he’s pitched 6 innings, 6+ innings, 8 innings, 7+ innings, and another 7 innings. Those numbers certainly speak more to the lack of offense (or defense) behind him than his pitching ability, and it’s not his fault that he’s a number 2 or 3 starter being forced into the number 1 role (including being matched up against other teams’ aces), largely because he’s the only established pitcher who is healthy enough to make every one of his starts. I think Blanton has absolutely met expectations so far this year, and those critical of his W/L record might be well-served to remember the games where the bullpen didn’t hold the win for Blanton. Today was one of those days.
The A’s take the day off tomorrow as they head to Texas for the weekend series against the Rangers; hopefully bringing the offense with them.
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because of work I was only able to listen
to the game from the eighth inning on….then when the game went into extra innings I was driving…I was yelling when Braden picked off Hernandez and of course, When Ellis did his Scutaro impression to win the game (think anyone on the road heard me?)
I got home for the 8th inning rally, I never doubted we were
going to win….
Oh and the play of the game is a tie – the Braden pick off, the Ellis home run and the Hanrahan take out slide (Thomas was toast).
As I said early in the campaign
This team appears to be actually, sort of, scrappy.
They’ve had 2 key runs score as a result of good takeout slides (Denorfia yesterday, Hannahan today) in this series.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
How about Ellis and Street each pushing getting ejected
Two of more mild-mannered, umpire-friendly guys you’ll meet. Nice to see a little pennant-race fire from those guys.
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
The team has chemistry...
It’s nice to see. The A’s got rid of some of their bigger clubhouse personalities in the off season, possibly giving room for some other quieter guys to show their clubhouse swagger. I agree it was nice to see those two show some emotion. Ken & Fosse were saying that the trip to Tokyo really became an opportunity for this this team to gel. Not to say this clubhouse ever lacked chemistry, but it’s great to see this team still has it.
speaking of Denorfia
he was supposedly unavailable today…wonder if the takeout slide had anything to do with it…
I'm wondering if he's been hurting for a while
He keeps not starting, even when we faced 3 lefties in 4 days, but is occasionally pinch-running – as if maybe his legs are fine but his arm/shoulder/elbow is not?
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 find it utterly implausible
that the A’s would (a) keep an injured player on the active roster, and (b) be less than completely forthcoming in public about that player’s physical condition.
Harumph!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Although this does not change my opinion...
that takeout slides should be illegal.
The minor additional skill component just isn’t worth the serious injury risk to the players.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
agreed
I’m a complete hypocrite about take-out slides. I love them when our guys do them, but they infuriate me when other teams do them.
by TempletonPeck on May 7, 2008 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions
It seems that usually the person sliding
ends up getting injured.
I am okay with busting up double plays if you don’t wear metal cleats, and stay in the baseline.
And I think the players are okay with it too.
I was at today’s game, and Hanahan’s slide was not particularly violent IMO.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on May 7, 2008 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Seriously?!
Wow. Good thing you weren’t around in the 70’s (or earlier, of course) when hitting a guy was part of the game … take-out slides were required … and if you even hesitated a second in the box, the next pitch was at your head.
How do you feel about tackling in football?
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.
OK, I have an excellent idea
Let’s make baseball a full contact sport. Also, the batter should be allowed to take a hack at the pitcher if the pitcher hits him. Players should get a pay raise if they injure an opposing player.
Sure, the baseball will suck ass because all the players will be constantly injured, but it will fulfill vacafan’s irrational desire for manliness!
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
If umps were strict about 2B being on the base to turn a DP, I'd agree with banning the take-out
but since they’ll give the out on a “neighborhood” play, I think it’s reasonably fair.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Just sayin'
the take-out slide has been around … ohhh, let’s see … since the game of baseball was invented.
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 the way
I think it would be awesome if you got a pay raise if you injured another team’s player … extra bonus if he played in the All-Star game that season. Life-time guaranteed money if you ruin his career and he never walks “normal” again. I dream of an extra wing in the HOF just for players who get the life-time money. Yeah, that would be awesome.
heh-heh
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.
I can't believe you just said that.
This was sarcasm right?
"Mommy and Daddy are going to take a nap before the baseball game starts..."
hurumph!
Take out slide illegal my bootay! I love watching Ellis leap over some teakettle to make the DP throw. Moreover (yeah, I said it, MOREOVER!) I love watching Ellie slide in to break up a DP. Gives as good as he gets. Better. That man is a Playa.
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
by 149 on May 7, 2008 6:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Aw. I wish I could have heard that call.
I love that call.
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 7, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
blanton
2-5 with a 3.8 era, on a team that is 22-14.
only 3 Ks in almost 6 innings, a pattern is starting to develop. too bad we didn’t trade him for votto and cueto…
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
that's just being ridiculous
you’ll be glad we still have Joe B. if/when the rookies start to swoon and if/when duke and harden go down with injuries again. 3.80 era i’ll take any day and he’s been that good for the past several seasons (not just a month like Smith/Eveland/Duke as a starter or Harden for a couple starts at a time). the guy is a solid starter and durable. (knock on wood.) W-L is a ridiculous stat (although it’s emotionally relevant to the pitchers). yesterday’s game was not great but when he is pitching we always have a good chance to win.
Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982
by blueconversechucks on May 8, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions
I can't believe it.
I leave work with the A’s up 4-2, figuring, “Hey, they’ll hold the lead. Another win practically in the books!” And look at what happens! I just can’t leave these guys unsupervised for a second. Happy ending, at least, except that I didn’t get to see it : (
Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams
on Gaudin to the 'pen....
...I agree that sending Gaudin to the pen isnt a knock on him, but rather also a bit of a confidence boost to Duscherer (i cant spell his name) as a starter. I love Duke’s conviction on the mound and hope he can stay healthy for the rest of the year. I love his look into the catcher and hope that the A’s don’t trade him mid-season; he’s certainly a viable chip – but it’s nice that the A’s brass are giving him continued support as an important member of the rotation.
Bob Geren, on 8/2/07, on the success of Alan Embree as new interim closer: "What can I say,... he's been our Steady Tremendous Bullpen Man"
Hm, Andrew Brown's mediocre FIP
caught up with him today.
Although ironically his performance (2/3 IP, 2 Ks, 1 BB, 4 H) was exactly the kind of outing which FIP normally corrects AGAINST.
He fought the mean, and the mean won.
Speaking of FIP, Dallas Braden had like a 1.13 FIP coming into this game, despite also having an ERA over 5. Depending on the whiffs, he may even have improved on that today.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Agree...it was only a matter of time on Brown.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
so we should play the odds and keep Braden
when Foulke comes back? Brown goes down?
by asfansince1989 on May 7, 2008 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Brown is out of options
and, really, his FIP (around 3.8) is major league level; there wouldn’t be much point in sending him down even if they could do so.
It’s just somewhat ironic that he actually pitched better last year, yet his ERA is better this year. Just random luck fluctuations, I think.
Braden can and should go down because of roster space issues, but the FIP is an encouraging sign in terms of his long term prospects.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
That kind of discrepancy has got to be more common for relievers, I'd think
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Sure
Smaller sample sizes and more of the “runners left on base when someone else enters the game” issues, proportionally speaking.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
Seriously, one game, Royals!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
Greinke on the mound for KC
make that 1.47ERA work!
by asfansince1989 on May 7, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions
WOOO!!!
Love me some Alex Gordon! 8-1 KC, bitches!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Boston losing too
Looks like the A’s on the way to “Best in AL” record, tied with two others.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on May 7, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Stats don't lie about Blanton
Blanton is the worst starter we have statistically, not because who he’s matched up against, but because he has the worst ERA.
If matchup really works, then we should start our #5 starter in season opener, then we will end up having our ace against other guys #2, and out #2 against other guys #3, etc etc, and we would have favorable matchups 4 out of every 5 games.
But I agree that Blanton should stay, just to give the rotation some semblance of stability. He’s earned it over the year. Gaudin had a decent year, and some good starts this year, but he’s still gotta earn it like everyone else, and so far Smith and Eveland have done nothing but pitching lights out. Too bad for Chad.
I'm going to call 'small sample size'
We know what we are getting from Blanton. He has a career in the bigs already established. I agree we can’t conclue anything about Smith/Eveland, who knows? Blanton is pitching pretty much exactly where his numbers are, and that’s exactly what the A’s wanted from him. Not to mention, but his ERA has been affected by junk runs tacked on late in games.
He’s the sure thing, and everyone else may be better, but NONE of them (Duke, Harden, Smith, and Eveland) have shown it over the course of an entire season.
Blanton stays.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
Plus now is the time to find out what kind of team we have
We already know what Gaudin can do if he’s healthy and has a fresh arm. I think the A’s are stick with Smith and Eveland and see if they are for real. This way they can find out if maybe they can do a mid-season trade with Blanton for a bat for a playoff push if they need to, and provide Harden injury contingency at the same time. The more I think about this, the more sense it makes.
by asfansince1989 on May 7, 2008 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions
and on a totally non-statistically reinforced note...
I like seeing Blanton out there every 5th day. He definitely doesn’t have the best stuff or scare the opposing team, but he always seems to put us in a position to win. And even when he gets into trouble (ie the majority of his innings today), he tends to fight through it and get through with minimal damage. I obviously don’t have any evidence to back up this claim, but that just seems to be how it’s gone for him over the past couple of years. I heart Fat Joe.
by TempletonPeck on May 7, 2008 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Good post - Blanton does something important
is that is to usually pitch well, pitch deep into games, and give his team a chance to win. For this we’re complaining? He’s only “statistically our worst starter” because our other starters have been so ungodly good, not because Blanton has done a lot wrong.
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
Great line
Blanton is exactly where he should be; it’s the other starters that are over their heads.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
Nice anthem.
Straightforward, stately. I dig it.
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
who you gonna believe
me, or your belying eyes?
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
I've been sick
leave me alone ;-)
Fixed.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
I'm just belyaching
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
Blanton today:
101 pitches, 15 curveballs, 2 sliders.
Seriously. What is up with his slider? Has he lost complete confidence in the pitch?
Chiba Lotte lost simultaneously in the fighter plane of the Japanese ham.
by JediLeroy on May 7, 2008 5:03 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Maybe Suzuki has an injured finger?
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Someone should write him a Felix letter, like this:
Dear Joe,
Throw your f*ing slider.
Thanks,
ANYour 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on May 7, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe he needs a white castle run
calling Harold and Kumar…
by asfansince1989 on May 7, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Just back from the game
(stopped to pick up some food on the way)
Wow.
That was fun.
Another day to be glad that I’m unemployed.
My new drum is clearly lucky for Suzuki and Ellis, but it doesn’t project very well. I think it’s really more decorative—it has a painted surface and I managed to mess up part of it with too many sticks.
The A’s highlight from seasons past, shown on the scoreboard earlier in the game, was the 4/15/07 game where Marco hit the walk-off against Rivera. The one that was FAIR OR FOUL, IT HIT THE FOUL POLE, AND THE A’S HAVE WON THE GAME! Many of us in the bleachers had been at that game, and we reminisced about it fondly. So it seemed like destiny several innings later when the same thing happened again.
I don’t mind any more if everyone wants to call Mark Ellis LS forever. Just so he can always be on our team.
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
someone was drumming out there
I couldn’t see the drum well, so it wsn’t Duke (his drum is super visible)
I was also at the game today
and I sat in LF just a little toward CF, behind the left field “fair pole”. I was yelling, “Okay, Ellis, foul pole home run!!” And wouldn’t you know, here’s the ball coming directly at me! I thought it was a pop up to short left. When it hit the pole…pandemonium! And the guy sitting next to me, couldn’t believe it!!
“You called I!!!! I can’t believe you called it!! ”
He was high-fiving me emphatically.
I am not a “high five guy”, but this was really special.
Well I actually also called for Barton to go deep, but he came up short. So, it wasn’t like there is money on the table whenever one wishes to “call it’. Heck, I was ‘calling’ for this and that all game.
Glad at least one worked out!
Now I’ll look for me in the “front row” in the upper deck. Green shirt, light tan hat. See if I made MLB.com video highlight!
Whaddagame! That game today had the highest baseball entertainment value of any A’s game I’ve ever attended…..any game for me except the two playoff victories against Boston.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on May 7, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions
The MLB video: I see the guy next to the guy
next to me, windmilling his sweatshirt on the home run. The “windmiller” was an Orioles fan, but very nice.
He got a few good moments when the Orioles tied the game.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on May 7, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions
I want to be on the record that I had no problem with the way
Geren used the bullpen in the 8th inning.
Seriously though, if we are only going to carry an 11 man pitching staff, we have to let some of these guys work out of trouble at times. What was Geren supposed to do?
You cannot question him sending Brown out to start the 8th. No matter how good Devine has been, Brown has been very good as well so hoping he could throw a quick 8th inning and shut the door seemed like a good bet. Once Brown got into trouble, again I say, What was Geren supposed to do? He has a very short pen already with only 6 relievers. Embree had thrown the last three days in a row and Casilla had thrown 3 of the last 4 days. That leaves him with only Braden and Street left in the pen. I would not want to see Braden brought in to face a righty, so that leaves Street for a more then 1 inning save. That also seems to be against what the A’s are trying to do this year as Street has only gone more than an inning in 3 of his 14 apperances.
So to recap: Brown is struggling. Embree and Casilla are unavailable (and believe me if we use them every time we “need” them they will become truly unavailable). Devine is already used. Street could be used, but the A’s seem to be trying to not bring him in for multiple inning appearences. Braden is a mediocre lefty. Brown, prior to this game, had a 0.52 ERA and had thrown 17.3 IP w/ 8H, 7 BB and 12 K’s. If it is choice between Brown and Braden (before we got to the lefties in the O’s lineup) I would stick with Brown and see what he could do. Geren did that, Brown still did not get it done, and so he went to Braden once we got to the left handed part of the O’s lineup.
Based on all the constraints he had to work with, I just do not see how Geren could win here, and I think he did the best he could with the limited resources he had. The one wildcard is Gaudin’s availibility to pitch, but I don’t think he was the right choice either. You cannot throw Gaudin into that mess as his first apperance out of the pen. Not fair to him, he should get to start innings for now as they ease him back into this new role.
I know this was not the consensus feeling in the game thread, but I just think that sometimes it is too easy to be critical when a choice does not work. This was a time that Geren was forced by circumstance to go with Brown a bit longer then he might have with a fully rested pen. It could have worked, but didn’t and we got the win anyway AND got the rest that some of our overworked relievers needed. Seems to me that is getting the job done.
by AsFanInLA on May 7, 2008 5:08 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Nice analysis
I kinda wonder what Geren would’ve done if Foulke is available.
by asfansince1989 on May 7, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Just one out I mean.
The get Street for the 9th
by asfansince1989 on May 7, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I think that would have been a tough spot
for Gaudin to make his bullpen debut. He should get to come in to start innings (IMO) at least in the beginning.
It just amazes me how fans react in regards to pitchers -
As soon as they’re in a jam, “get them out of there!!!” And every time they give it up, “the manager screwed up by letting them keep pitching!!!”
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
And, it's not as if he was getting rocked for the 3-run bomb
I was so, slo-mo looking in from the left field bleachers, on one ground ball, I thought Brown caught it, and was running to home plate to make a “1 unassisted PO”.
Now that would have been something.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on May 7, 2008 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm watching a bit of Zito's game on mlbtv
He looks about the same as he did in 2006, and he’s given up 2 runs in 5 IP, with 5 Ks and 2 BBs.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Have they looked into signing Jeff Tam?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
It is Yabu
Giants announcers are going on about how wonderful he is, fun to watch, can pitch multiple innings, etc.
The candy and the baseball all night long :)
well if innings is what they're looking for
Sparks might be interested
by OaklandSi on May 7, 2008 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
LAA-KC tied 1-1 in the 1st
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Ross Gload is playing!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
A's diss on Royals radio
Talking about the Angels being tied for MLB lead in victories, mentioned the Sox, D-Backs, etc….
There’s one more team on that list, baby!!
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Not much to complain about.
Sure the team isn’t perfect but look at the record. And Harden is coming back!
I’ll go out on a limb and say he makes 4 starts before going back on the DL.
Royals now up 2-1 in the 2nd
1st and 2nd one out against Weaver, David deJesus up.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
OBP?
We're going to knock balls out of the country's park, for the home team, which is America. @('.')@
That's
excluding Frank Thomas and Rajai Davis (or including their time with other teams):
Cust .827 Sweeney .802 Davis .788 Thomas .756 Hannahan .754 Brown .706
And everyone else under .700.
It’s incredible that they’ve somehow scored as many runs as they have. But count me as one of the mild optimists who believe that the overall hitting will improve to make up for the inevitable decline in clutchitude.
"Tomorrow it may rain." - Leo Durocher
I agree with that, but
on the other hand it seems that the pitching has nowhere to go but down. Still, plenty of reason for optimism.
The A's colors are green and gold.
He also has a cool 30.8% line drive rate
His BABIP has come up a bit but it’s still lower than his LD rate. We can expect his average to continue to improve.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
3-run HR by DeJesus off Weaver!! Royals up 5-1 in the 2nd!!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Also, Boston is losing 8-4...
not as exciting as the Angels losing, but the best record in the AL sounds nice
Love (de)Jesus!!!!! Awesome Royals!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
The Angels' bullpen is throwing a lot of innings lately -- I wonder if they'll just leave Weaver in there to save the BP arms
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Isn't it mostly just Bootlick
getting stuck out there to eat innings on losing games? (just my impression… no facts to back me up.)
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
by 149 on May 7, 2008 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Holy crap!
GO ROYALS!
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.
How about another 3 run bomb?
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
That sounds good!
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 LIKE IT!!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Guillen again -- leadoff 2B for 2nd inning in a row
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
And he scores on the SF -- 6-1 KC!
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Geez...nice call on the turning a single into a triple
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
Did you see him almost misplay the fly ball last inning?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Zack was like, No more ER on my watch!
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
Alex Gordon 2R HR!!
8-1 KC!
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Wow. I feel bad for Weaver.
No, wait. No, I don’t.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Your username
sounds like bad advice…
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
I have Greinke
extra super sweet
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
by 149 on May 7, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions
c'mon Zack!
score me some more points!!!
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
by 149 on May 7, 2008 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions
With the possible exception of beverage choices
you have excellent taste.
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
by 149 on May 7, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Aw yeah.
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.
The Royals have fancy graphics.
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Ellis had a huge blast today
Anyone from the game thread can appreciate that comment.
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
Gross Load!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Glass Door!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Oh, no....
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.
Largo Sods!
< combines two AN memes >
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
i was never one of the "cool" guys
so help me out. What is a ‘meme’? I am seeing thrown around alot on the blogs lately. remember there are no dumb questions.
alaska A
gal's doors
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
This'd be a great time for that "other 3 run bomb"
that BBG ordered…
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
De Jesus, it's only the top of the 5th?
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.
KC announcers very funny
snarky comments on G.Anderson. Nice.
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
after this game,
assuming not too much changes, the Angels will be seriously outperforming their Pythag prediction (not counting this game theyve scored 169 and allowed 157). too bad we arent ahead of them by more in the standings. from a halos fan point of view, it must be pretty pleasing to hold their record while having pitchers on the DL.
That Napoli guy is pesky
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
who to root for
texas or seattle?
i never really liked texas… (and i dont consider RonWash part of texas)
Ya-bootah!
Things could be worse. Suppose your errors were counted and published every day, like those of a baseball player.
Seriously BBG. That is the best recap ever on AN.
I missed the game due to a scheduling conflict- WORK. I honestly feel that I watched the game after reading your post. I am so ecstatic over the 22-14 record that I feel terrible for saying that the recap may have actually TRUMPED watching the game.
This site is so unbelievably fan-fucking-tastic! Thanks to Blez, BBG, louismg, ,Nico, grover, monkeyball, Taj Adib, notsellingjeans, salb918 and devo. You guys all make my life so much better. You will never know how much this place means to me!!
Wow… I wish I was a better poster because I would love to illustrate (in words) what this site means to me. I was an A’s fan (all alone) in Kansas back in the 80’s and everyone around here thought I was out of my damn mind for loving this team. This place makes me feel like I’m a part of the A’s even though I rarely find my way from Kansas to Oakland. Never would have guessed or assumed that Blez’s vision could have made my own vision become something I thought I always wanted but never knew could exist.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 7:47 PM PDT reply actions
That was pretty good.
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.
Pam?
Just after you signed off to go do that thing you do this afternoon, did you think
“Oh, crap. I should have done the double secret mojo thing to ensure another run”?
Driving down the highway, I got scared…..
by As Fan in the Bronx on May 7, 2008 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions
The "jeez, score some more runs already?" thing?
Can’t use it too much.
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 love you too. I've had several beers but really enjoy posters like you and Jennifer
and kapers, paradox, mikea, mikev, IowaA’sfan, sprtsnwyn and anyone else who shows up regularly. We are all a part of this damn place and that is so f’ing cool since we are all from different parts of this great nation. I guess I am more sentimental than I thought :-)
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Aw. You really are drunk.
:)
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 just looked in the mirror, thought I was good looking and then
realized “OH… I’m still ugly, just drunk!”
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Thanks...I love writing recaps :-)
I like them to read just like the game went. I’m not so good at the boring ones though.
This game was not one of those, by the way.
So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one
No, basegirl, you're really good
at the boring ones! GO HOTTIES OMIGOD I CAN’T BELIEVE IT WE’RE SO GOOD!!!!! :-}}}}}
-Cindi
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 really liked this write-up too.
You have a way of writing that feels so natural and hits the nail on the head. Susan S move over!
Tough AFLAC trivia question on the Mariners game
6-4-3 is the most common double play. Name the next five.
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
4-6-3 would be my guess. Followed by the 5-4-3...
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmmm
4-6-3
5-4-3
3-6-3
1 4 3
and… you know, that other one (Go Royals)
by As Fan in the Bronx on May 7, 2008 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Answer
4-6-3
6-3
4-3
5-4-3
And I missed the last one. I think it was 1-6-3
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Liar. Don't believe that shit that Split is spitting out!
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh dear...
I’m watching THE MARINERS!
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
WELL. THAT'S. JUST. GREAT.
All apologies, dear Jennifer.
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
You're stalking again, aren't you?
It’s okay. We still love you.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Stalking Jeff?
"Hasn’t the foggiest inclination toward winning ‘tall. Hates to win. Likes to be buggered."
Actually, I thought you might be stalking Sharon stalking Jeff.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
If you're the St. Louis Cardinals, 8-5 is definitely one of them
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
that ankiel throw was penomenal
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
Hell yeah!
I love the A’s.
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.
Bull!
We’re the only team with a closer who can blow a save.
by As Fan in the Bronx on May 7, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Pappelbon blows the save!
Boston had a 9-8 lead going to the bottom of the 9th, 1st 2 batters got on (I was away from the computer, not sure how they did), Pudge sacrificed them up and Granderson hit a 4-3 to tie the game.
Game winning run on 3rd with 2 out for Polanco up.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I'm glad Polanco can hit someone else, too!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
liking this team
I love this team…they seem to be less aggravating then in past years. Pitching is pretty much lights out from the top of the rotation to the back of the bullpen…I honestly don’t feel nervous with any of these guys when the are out there..except for Embree maybe. Nothing spectacular about them, but man, they are deep in solid, quality ballplayers….And the futre is very bright. Go A’s!
So looks like Zito got another L tonight
though he pitched much less terribly—5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K’s and IIRC 3 BB.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
ESPN2 is running Ali vs Wepner 1975
Just started. Don’t miss the famous “Bayonne Bleeder.”
There is an A in Whimsy.
And Redd Foxx with the between rounds analysis
There is an A in Whimsy.
by FreeSeatUpgrade on May 7, 2008 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Lamont! You big dummy!!
Does Bobby Crosby cRoss Dress for Less?
by ohtobe21likehuston on May 7, 2008 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
i don't hate john kruk, at least for one day
baseball tonight just now:
the main guy was promoting tomorrow’s boston-detroit game, and used the term “the nation”.
kruk: what’s “the nation”?
guy: red sox nation, krukie.
kruk: then i wonder why 95% of the country hates them…
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
I said a rosary for Rich Harden to stay
HEALTHY for the remainder of the year!!!!!
Let see if my prayers worked! It would definitely be the sign I have been asking for!!!!!
Go A’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go suck on Stomper Halo fans!
Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!
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