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Baseball Is Like A Box Of Chocolates

So, if you had told me that the same team that turned in Tuesday’s lackluster offensive performance would come back today and hit like they were…well…the Yankees, I would have laughed.

But that is exactly what happened tonight, as our A’s, led by Jack Cust, jumped all over the Yankees, to the tune of eight runs and an impressive win. Let me ‘splain. No. There is too much. Let me sum up:

After Giambi opened the scoring in the second with a solo homerun, giving the Yankees a short-lived lead, Duchscherer decided that one was run was enough for the night, and would not surrender another. His line would finish with 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K.

The A’s, on the other hand, had no problem scoring; aided by a costly error by Giambi to start the third to put Buck on first. After Suzuki popped out for the first out, the hits just kept coming: Hannahan, single, Crosby, double, Cust single, Chavez single, Ellis single, Gonzalez double, as the A’s threw six on the board to take the big lead.

They added one more in the fourth on a Cust single, and one in the fifth on a Suzuki single, and the game was all wrapped up neatly until the ninth. After Brown pitched a perfect eighth, Geren went to Calero with the 8-1 lead, who promptly loaded the bases with one out. Embree was called in to face Giambi, and got what should have been the game-winning DP, but Crosby’s throw sailed at first to let two runs score. Another hit brought Giambi around to make it 8-4, but thankfully, the game ended there. 

All in all, great game and great win, even if I would have loved to steal a couple of those runs for last night. Congratulations to Duchscherer for another win, but I have to say it: What was up with him tossing his hands up in frustration when Cust was unable to run pretty much half the length of the field to catch a fly ball by Giambi that turned into a double in the seventh? Now, granted, Duke has plenty of reason to question Cust as a defender, but in an 8-1 game, where Cust was responsible for quite a bit of the offense, and physically could not get to the ball where he was positioned? Are you sure you want to show him up like that?

Poor form, Duke.

So the A’s win tonight, even the series, and stay 5 games behind the Angels for another day. They look for the series win tomorrow as Blanton (coming off a tough loss) takes on Pettitte. 7:05 game; see you back here!

Don’t forget to buy your AN DAY V TICKETS now!!!!

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Maybe Duke was pissed because he thought

Cust got hurt? Duke is too classy to show a teammate up like that. I don’t buy it. Nice win tonight! Let’s make it two tomorrow, boys! I sent my check today, BBG! Thanks for organizing this! I’m bringing my 8 year old daughter who is a HUGE A’s fan and we’re flying in from Oregon! So psyched, can’t wait! Go A’s!

by A'sfansince1970 on Jun 11, 2008 10:26 PM PDT   0 recs

I thought so too, but he definitely looked like he did

Yankees announcers were all over it

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Jun 11, 2008 10:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, but

Yankees announcers are a bunch of dicks anyway.

See the latest dumbass thing I've done -- camUra

by hunter on Jun 12, 2008 6:22 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Did they not address it in the A's telecast?

I’m trying to find it on MLB.TV and coming up empty-handed.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 12, 2008 11:39 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Swooney 3-4 with HR Tonite

Single, double, walk and a K

Ready to come back ASAP

by Trainman on Jun 11, 2008 10:27 PM PDT   0 recs

Let the kid enjoy baseball

even if he’s going to grow up to be a Yankees fan.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 11, 2008 10:35 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

better a Yankees fan

than a NASCAR fan!

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 11, 2008 11:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't know

If I had to choose between a NASCAR fan and a Yankees fan, I might just run over the Yankees fan with a NASCAR.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 11, 2008 11:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree -- I was a Yankees fan as a kid, and grew out of it, so there's hope. .

And my early memorization of their 1962 line-up has come in handy in the years since.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jun 12, 2008 2:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

did you grow out of it, or did you have some help from Bobby Jindal?

Is it prurient? I don’t know what to tell you. I think it’s odd and interesting. It’s part of life. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 12, 2008 2:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Where does he go?

Left field with Cust back at DH or sitting, CGon in CF and Buck in RF?

by A'sfansince1970 on Jun 11, 2008 10:29 PM PDT   0 recs

Buck is trying his best to go back to AAA

We know he’s a good hitter but hitting .160 does not cut it.

by Trainman on Jun 11, 2008 10:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

We sure dont know that so far this year.....

Been bad since Day 1.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 11, 2008 10:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe Buck should rent

the Tom Emanski Hitting Video. It couldnt hurt could it.

by A'sfaninNC on Jun 12, 2008 9:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You know, this is a relevant question

because the A’s are (after tomorrow) going to play six games in a row with no DH.

I think you need Cust’s bat in the lineup, so one of the other three gets benched (or perhaps sent to the minors). Sure looks like Buck to me. I think I’ve already clarified why.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 11, 2008 10:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I still think Buck is going to be a very good major leaguer

But I think he goes down when Swooney is ready. They’re already burning (or have burned, or whatever the terminology would be at this point) an option this year, so may as well let him get regular at bats in Sacramento.

Plus there’s that whole problem where everybody in the OF would be left-handed. And this is a time where you really need Davis for his late-inning defense. And Emil Brown seems to have pictures of Billy Beane doing very bad things (although not bad enough to keep him in the lineup!).

I’m not sure how, but I feel like Buck’s situation is different from Barton’s (since I said before and still think Barton needs to be up here all season). Maybe it’s just that Buck has been abysmal, and Barton has just been bad.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 12, 2008 1:02 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Emil Brown's "Unknown Illness"

Might solve this problem.

DL Brown.

Activate Sweeney.

by Colorado Fan on Jun 12, 2008 9:29 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Seriously thought

We need to shine some light on this illness.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 12, 2008 10:08 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm just hoping he doesn't infect the rest of the clubhouse

Literally. I would tell him to stay home until he actually knows what he has and whether it’s contagious. The last thing the team needs is half the starting lineup out with some mystery bug.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 12, 2008 11:09 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I didn't see it...

...but I bet Duke was just pissed at himself for giving up the hit more than at Cust for not catching it.

by KingBurrito on Jun 11, 2008 10:36 PM PDT   0 recs

Sure didnt look like that.

He reacted right when the ball dropped and Cust didnt get there…and then looked in the dugout like “why is he out there?”. It looked really bad.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 11, 2008 10:47 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm not so sure that was what Duke meant

with the gesture, but that is how it came off. I’m hoping some enterprising reporter (ahem, Susan ;-) asks him about it after the game.

I will repeat that I love watching Duke pitch. He just knows how to work the zone with his stuff better than most pitchers.

And yeah, I find myself still really disliking Jason Giambi. Sure, that energy could probably be better spent elsewhere but I can’t help it.

by Blez on Jun 11, 2008 10:38 PM PDT   0 recs

Sure, Jason took the money, but who wouldn't take that gigantic deal

He continues to say good things about Oakland, the team and his time here whenever he comes back and he is extremely friendly to our players…..he and Chavez appear to still be very close. I never got the Giambi hatred.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 11, 2008 10:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey hey - before he was outed

he went on New York TV and shat on Oakland on the back of flirting with the Yankees all through the playoff series.

by green star oakland on Jun 11, 2008 10:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Probably fitting

that he hasn’t won a WS ring with them. (He probably thought it was a foregone conclusion when he signed the deal)

"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust

by PortlandPachyderm on Jun 11, 2008 10:58 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Astute observation.

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 11, 2008 11:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It was the Letterman show, so it was nationally-televised disrespect

I know this is a very old and tired subject, but the bad taste in my mouth still lingers.

by Ray of Lite on Jun 11, 2008 11:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Amen.

Besides that, he oughta get booed for that ugly-ass, cheesy, 1972-lookin’ mustache he decided to grow … that thing is horrible. Bad look, dude. Just abysmal.

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 Vacafan on Jun 11, 2008 11:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

...but I like the pimpstache!

It’ll look good when he’s DH’ing for us next year. We’ll have a regular frickin’ Gorman Thomas on our hands!

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 11, 2008 11:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Worst 'stache EVER!

It’s awful!!!! Makes him look 10 years older.

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Jun 12, 2008 12:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

he should grow a mullet, too...

and use the golden manthong like a scrunchie to pull it back into a ponytail!

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 12, 2008 12:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Or like

he is preparing for a career in porn

(Formerly Nobody Girl)
"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Jun 12, 2008 1:18 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

He's got a headstart with the lam-ee thong ...

... but the shrunken junk may be a problem.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jun 12, 2008 1:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

worst?

I think Magglio Ordonez might have something to say about that.

Enjoy the game

by DCinWC on Jun 12, 2008 9:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

amen.

I just wrote a lengthy comment in the “Expectations Of A Catcher” thread about how I believe it’s silly that Bowen is buried on the bench. He can hit a little and he has decent plate discipline, although he strikes out a lot. Let him start once a week to keep Suzuki, and himself, sharp.

I hate the philosophy of treating a backup catcher as an emergency catcher, and burying him on the bench. This team has an obvious emergency catcher in Barton. Emergency catchers aren’t meant to play stretches of games or even start. They come in if the #1 gets hurt after the #2 pinch hit. They play one game, and hopefully don’t lose it on a passed ball. Then, the next day, someone gets called up from AAA and the #1 either goes on the DL or to the bench. If the A’s started going through catchers like Spinal Tap went through drummers, the emergency catcher would only catch two or three times in any given year. Much more likely, though, is that the emergency catcher will not be needed at all.

(The preceding comment was brought to you by the Bitter Ex-Little League Backup Catchers’ Society, Pacific Division)

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 11, 2008 11:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

agreed

What’s interesting is you’d think Geren, as a former catcher would be more aware of this. But you know just like I do that Beane’s the one calling the shots on Zook’s playing time.

"The two of them deserve each other. One's a born liar, the other's convicted."

by SwampyD on Jun 12, 2008 10:11 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

as a lay Satanist,

I think ol’ Miltie should have ripped the guy’s soul out and eaten it raw.

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 12, 2008 11:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Okay!

Okay!

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jun 11, 2008 11:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow...Forrest Gump meets The Princess Bride

in the same recap! ;-)

I didn’t see Duke’s gesture, but hopefully Cust didn’t either.

I’m looking for Blanton to turn a corner and get a win tomorrow. I believe he’s pitched well against the Yankees lineup (except A-Rod & Posada). Here’s hoping the Yanks don’t feast on Cupcakes.

"I've never hit a ball that good and not have it go out" –Jack Cust

by PortlandPachyderm on Jun 11, 2008 10:50 PM PDT   0 recs

Yes,

Lets hope they stick to something heavier.

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jun 11, 2008 10:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

move over bacon, there's something meatier...

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 11, 2008 11:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Rest in peace, Andre

The only Giant i’ve ever loved

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 11, 2008 11:56 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Duke has great mound presence

He exudes confidence out there on the mound. After he finishes off a hitter, he doesn’t circle the mound much, just quickly gets the ball back and turns to face home plate, as if to say “NEXT!”

by javaball on Jun 11, 2008 11:08 PM PDT   0 recs

I'd like the Duke gesture addressed as well

Only able to see on Extra Innings, so heard the Yankee broadcast. They thought it was pretty bush league to show up your guy when he’s set up in a shift called by the manager. You don’t see Cust throwing up his arms because Duke couldn’t get Giambi to hit it where he’s supposed to.

I was kind of a Duke fan, but pretty embarrassed by that.

Yanks broadcasters pointed out that the outfielders don’t all throw up their arms when the pitcher gives up a home run…I thought it was pretty classless.

by jeffamerica on Jun 11, 2008 11:25 PM PDT   0 recs

They should address it, for the team's sake

Cust really had to run a long way, and the replay showed that he was trying his hardest. Duke might have overreacted in the heat of the game, but to give him credit, he didn’t get rattled like he did last time, but settled down and got a double play to get out of the inning. Duke is a competitive guy. He would beat up on himself if he give up runs and let his team down. It’s a two-edged sword.

by javaball on Jun 11, 2008 11:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yea, but it is ok to beat up on yourself...

Not to show up a teammate. Duke wouldnt be happy if after Giambi’s HR, he threw up his arm and looked into the dugout.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 11, 2008 11:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why did you think he showed up a teammate?

today’s SFGATE.com with Susan Slusser: =======================================================================
Briefly: Some viewers of Wednesday’s game apparently interpreted Justin Duchscherer’s gesture of disgust at Jason Giambi’s seventh-inning double as directed at left fielder Jack Cust, though the A’s were playing Giambi in an exaggerated shift. Duchscherer said he was reacting because Giambi has his number, adding, “Jason was 9-for-9 off me (5-for-7 actually), and I finally get him to pop up and we’re shifted the other way. And I would never show up Jack – he’s huge.”

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jun 13, 2008 10:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe he wasn't throwing his arms up at Cust

but rather at the shift, and that’s why he looked at the dugout and threw up his arms.
Perhaps there are some outside factors we don’t know about, like Duke asking Geren not to put on the shift becasue of how he’s going to pitch him.
Just huessing here because I didn’t see it.

by GeorgiaBoy on Jun 11, 2008 11:54 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

guessing rather

I don’t huess anymore

by GeorgiaBoy on Jun 11, 2008 11:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This is my take on it.

After all, Duke talked to Giambi on Tuesday, according to SueSlu in today’s paper, and Duke told Giambi, “No more home runs off me.” Then Giambi hits one. Then they put the shift on, and ‘wouldn’t you know it??!” Giambi barely gets a piece of the ball, and gets a double out of it!!

I believe he threw up his arms at the frustration of not getting Giambi out. Obviously, he and Giambi have more than a passing acquaintance. Even if it was Rajai Davis out there, the shift prevented anyone from getting to that. I’m sure Duke (1) looked into the dugout to say, “Don’t take me out because of something like that.” and (2) he threw up his arms because “Waddayagottado?? !! to get this MF out??!!” I doubt that he “blamed Cust” at all. Bet on it.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jun 12, 2008 2:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Susan Slusser interviewed Duke

and it was Duke’s own frustration:

June 13th www.sfgate.com
Briefly: Some viewers of Wednesday’s game apparently interpreted Justin Duchscherer’s gesture of disgust at Jason Giambi’s seventh-inning double as directed at left fielder Jack Cust, though the A’s were playing Giambi in an exaggerated shift. Duchscherer said he was reacting because Giambi has his number, adding, “Jason was 9-for-9 off me (5-for-7 actually), and I finally get him to pop up and we’re shifted the other way. And I would never show up Jack – he’s huge.”

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jun 13, 2008 10:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's because Duke knew that Ellis could have had it.

That’s how fast our mighty 2B is.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jun 11, 2008 11:44 PM PDT   0 recs

here is my question to everyone

When Frank comes back and Lil swooney come back and casillia, who is goign down

by buckfan6 on Jun 12, 2008 12:00 AM PDT   0 recs

Emil Brown

Sounds like he has come down w/ some “Unknown Illness”, thus, sucking the life out of his bat. It might be a good time to DL Emil Brown. Active R. Sweeney.

Then, in activating Casilla, I would send down Ziegler (He has options, right???). I would much rather see Kiko Calero or Keith Foulke be traded, but that might be a stretch.

Activating Big Frank would probably mean sending down Gregorio Petit.

by Colorado Fan on Jun 12, 2008 9:57 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

CarGon is staying for good and buck

im guess emil is gone and raja and Zeg will be back down

by buckfan6 on Jun 12, 2008 12:01 AM PDT   0 recs

Raj is out of options, that's why the giants lost him

if the a’s dfa him someone else will likely pick him up.

by OaklandSi on Jun 12, 2008 9:03 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

As bad as it seems

CarGon or Buck will more than likely be the outfielder sent down. Brown will stay b/c he is right handed and a vet, and Davis stays for the reason mentioned above. Unless BB has something up his sleeve which we cant count out.

by A'sfaninNC on Jun 12, 2008 9:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Feast or Famine Tomorrow?

So many times this season, the A’s have been either shutdown completely or clobbering the other team with hits from up and down the lineup. What is it going to be tomorrow?

by javaball on Jun 12, 2008 12:12 AM PDT   0 recs

I hope

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 12, 2008 12:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Great!

“All in all, great game and great win…”

I hope baseballgirl got Ray Fosse’s permission before using this line.

Root for the Giants? Not even if they're playing al-Qaeda!

by Monday Fan on Jun 12, 2008 12:21 AM PDT   0 recs

"It was really great, Ray."

"He's a misfit. He gets along with everyone." - Reggie Jackson, describing Joe Rudi

by McFood on Jun 12, 2008 7:03 AM PDT to parent up   1 recs

Great game tonite

Me and my girl sat in Section 105 row 16 and of course were surrounded by many Yankee fans, but also a good many A’s fans as well. Actually, it seemed fairly tame compared to the Red Sox series and we had some good comebacks for the “Stankees”!

The Duke was marvelous tonight and thank god we put together some big league hitting in the third to blow it open…...really nice approach by the A’s as Rasner was throwing some meatballs right down the middle of the plate and the boys in gng jumped all over ‘em!

In regards to Duke making a gesture to the dugout and being upset on Giambi’s bloop double: I believe it was JD just being frustrated at Giambi getting a freebie due to the shift and perhaps everyone is making a mountain out of molehill. Duke is not the type of player to pull a stunt like that (see Mark Redman ala Booby Crosby a few years back) and I’m confident it was just a matter of what people saw and drawing their own conclusions.

Great seats, great game all around, and let’s get those Yankee bitches again tomorrow!!!!!!!! We are the better team and “they” can stiick their 200 million dollar payroll up their collective NY asses!!!!!!

Go A’s!

by mrod on Jun 12, 2008 12:39 AM PDT   0 recs

I think you explained JD's actions

exactly as I interprete them. Thanks.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jun 12, 2008 2:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yep, Susan Slusser confirms your thinking (June 13th SFGate)

Briefly: Some viewers of Wednesday’s game apparently interpreted Justin Duchscherer’s gesture of disgust at Jason Giambi’s seventh-inning double as directed at left fielder Jack Cust, though the A’s were playing Giambi in an exaggerated shift. Duchscherer said he was reacting because Giambi has his number, adding, “Jason was 9-for-9 off me (5-for-7 actually), and I finally get him to pop up and we’re shifted the other way. And I would never show up Jack – he’s huge.”

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jun 13, 2008 10:16 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

UNICORNS EXIST!

Somebody put a MaEl jersey on that freaky animal.

Link

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 12, 2008 1:14 AM PDT   0 recs

Barton's Catch

Barton’s catch was siiick. Not sure what happens when Mike Sweeney comes back, but I don’t think Barton should lose playing time. He’s head and shoulders above anyone else we can stick at first in terms of defense, and I think his bat will eventually catch up.

by C-Gon on Jun 12, 2008 1:59 AM PDT   0 recs

Barton is improving a lot on D, especially foul popups...

he dropped some doozies in March and April, but not only is he catching those now, but he’s making some amazing stops at first too. His hitting is coming around, too. He’ll get hot soon, and before you know it, his average will be up to .270 or so and nobody will have anything to complain about.

"You have to have a catcher or you'll have all passed balls."- Casey Stengel

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 12, 2008 11:12 AM PDT