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Open Game Thread: Game 67 - A's at Giants

Recent_family_ones_july__07_091_tiny by notsellingjeans on

The 35-31 A's take on Barry Zito and the Giants tonight at AT&T Park. 

No DH for the next six games for the A's, as they embark on interleague play in NL parks  for the next two series (SF, and then Arizona).

In case you missed it, Emil Brown is still standing in Outfielder Survivor, as the A's optioned Travis Buck back to Sacramento today when Ryan Sweeney came off the Disabled List. 

This leaves the A's with a starting outfield of Cust in left, CarGon in CF, and Sweeney in RF, at least for now.  Emil Brown can pinch-hit against lefties, and of course Rajai Davis is there to pinch-run and replace Cust defensively.

Tonight's starting lineups:

Lineup

Oakland Athletics @ San Francisco Giants

06/13/08 7:15 PM PDT

Oakland Athletics San Francisco Giants
Mark Ellis - 2B Randy Winn - RF
Ryan Sweeney - RF Jose Castillo - 3B
Jack Cust - LF Ray Durham - 2B
Eric Chavez - 3B Bengie Molina - C
Bobby Crosby - SS Aaron Rowand - CF
Carlos Gonzalez - CF Rich Aurilia - 1B
Kurt Suzuki - C Brian Horwitz - LF
Daric Barton - 1B Omar Vizquel - SS
Greg Smith - P Barry Zito - P


 

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Cy Young or Cy Done

We’ll see tonight how Zito turns out.

by javaball on Jun 13, 2008 6:07 PM PDT   0 recs

I'm calling it now

100% guarantee you will not be writing about a 3-1 loss for a third week in a row.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Jun 13, 2008 6:10 PM PDT   0 recs

NO!

You said “a 3-1 loss.” He could write about the Giants’ 3-1 loss.

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 8:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hi, I'm Emil Brown -

I’m so bad that I sit against LHPs while three left-handed batters start in the OF!

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:13 PM PDT   0 recs

To quote Huey Lewis

“Sometimes. bad is BAD”

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

by doctorK on Jun 13, 2008 6:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

"If this is it, please let me know."

"JOAN! Are you watching Bombast? Did you see Lack Bust drop that fly call?"

by Jennifer on Jun 13, 2008 7:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sweeney in right, Gonzalez in center

Interesting. I would have expected those two to be swapped. It would increase Gonzalez’ long-term value quite a bit if he can really stick as a centerfielder. On the other hand, I’m not sure Sweeney is ever going to hit enough to be an asset at a corner.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jun 13, 2008 6:17 PM PDT   0 recs

my guess

Sweeney’s being showcased.

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 13, 2008 6:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My guess is that they have watched both

and believe that Gonzalez is the one who can play a plus CF. So instead of asking Sweeney to upgrade his defense enough to be a good CFer, they are asking him to upgrade his hitting enough to be a good RFer. Which I think is the more realistic hope of the two.

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

whoops. Duh.

I misread, and thought Swooney was in CF. Nevermind.

I agree with both you and andeux: the A’s are asking/hoping he’ll upgrade his O to be an asset at a corner, even though there isn’t a great likelihood. (And perhaps hoping that he’ll bump his O up enough to generate some trade value?)

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 13, 2008 6:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I've been impressed by how quickly

Sweeney improved his bat from April to June, so I’m willing to hold out some realistic hope that he can continue to develop OBP/power. He is, after all, only 23 and talented.

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Me too

and with some tutelage from Frank Thomas, he will start hitting more HRs too.

by javaball on Jun 13, 2008 6:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And I do like watching Craft patrol the garden.

He gets a great jump and an accurate early read. Although I think I’m detecting just a bit of young-man-flash out there over the last few games. You’d think those game-ending SOs would keep him humble.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 13, 2008 6:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

One thing that concerns me is that

you kind of have to shade towards right-center in this park, but you hate to leave more room for Cust to cover. Perhaps they can just put Sweeney off the right field line and let Gonzalez stay straight-away or even shaded into left-center, which would be nice.

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:43 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

So, here's what I really don't understand about keeping Emil ...

Obviously, we don’t want him starting, even against lefties.

But for whom does he actually pinch-hit?

If we don’t want him starting vs LHPs, then presumably he shouldn’t be hitting for any of the other OFs (all of whom offer a far greater chance of not making an out than does Emil) late in the game. (At this point, with Cust having arisen from his April torpor and Emil sucking wind, it doesn’t even make sense to PH Brown for Cust in the rare late-innings-man-on-third-with-fewer-than-2-outs-and-the-A’s-trailing-by-1-run situation.)

Of the other lefties in the lineup, you’d never PH Brown for Barton (who, again, has a lower chance of making an out and has a reverse platoon split to boot) or Hannahan (far, far, far better OBP and better bat control). And I don’t think that even the most recondite Chavvy H8r would advocate PH’ing Brown for Chavez late in the game against a LHP.

So, really: what’s he doing on the roster?

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 13, 2008 6:18 PM PDT   0 recs

Sucking?

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This game is a bad example

As someone pointed out in another thread, Zito has a fairly strong reverse platoon split: over the course of his career righties have hit .234/.310/.372, compared to .248/.339/.385 for lefties. (This year, righties have killed him and he has been oddly effective against lefties, but in a sample size about 25 times smaller).

I expect Brown to start against other left-handed pitchers – though ultimately I agree that he shouldn’t be on the roster.

"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.

by andeux on Jun 13, 2008 6:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I still wouldn't start Brown over any of the other 3 vs other LHSPs

I still think Brown’s supposed platoon advantage is debatable; and even if it exists, it’s not big enough to elevate his overall game above any of the other 3 options.

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 13, 2008 6:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What I think it really comes down to

is that Zito is precisely the type of pitcher against whom the A’s excel with a “take and rake” approach of seeing a lot of pitches, driving up pitch counts, etc. E. Brown is not the guy to start against that kind of pitcher, LHP or RHP. Lefties like Cust, Hannahan, Barton, meanwhile, are ideal.

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well...

I heard Bowen & Calero were looking for 2 others for bridge. Brown can join them and all they’d need is a fourth, maybe part time play for Davis or Petit?

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

by DMOAS on Jun 13, 2008 6:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Mmm - Raj is needed because Cust is starting,

and Crosby seems to have remembered how to get injured. Can we borrow Yabu from the Giants clubhouse?

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

"Gladiator" music for the A's vs. Giants pregame show?

Really?

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 6:32 PM PDT   0 recs

OK, Jaymi, that is a horrible blog -

NOTHING ABOUT HAIR, NOTHING ABOUT ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS??? Just boring stuff about Grant Smith’s throwing? Welcome to Yawn City, Population: Me!

-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

by Nico on Jun 13, 2008 6:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Remember kids -- keep it clean tonight.

Even if it’s Friday, and especially about Jaymee.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 13, 2008 6:38 PM PDT   0 recs

I really wish I hadn't missed that fAnPoSt.

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 6:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

There was thoughtful discourse?

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 7:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I probably wouldn't go that far...

but there weren’t really any fireworks.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 13, 2008 7:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The way I understood it

Rick Sutcliffe made some on-the-air comments about Erin Andrews that were more suggestive than anything that has ever been said here about Jaymee.

by Soaker on Jun 13, 2008 6:49 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

OMG THEY MOVED SUZU UP IN THE ORDER?!

And Barton down??

Barton has an .862 OPS in June right now compared to Suzu’s .633

Even with how bad Barton’s been, his season OPS is still higher than Suzuki’s career OPS (which his higher than his Season OPS)

Pessimism FTW! ... Wait what?

by Zonis on Jun 13, 2008 6:41 PM PDT   0 recs

They want to space out the easy outs

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

by DMOAS on Jun 13, 2008 6:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It might be tactical

Geren might figure that Zito is going to pitch around the #8 hitter, and Barton is not going to get himself out flailing at a pitch out of the strike zone.

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

by Nick on Jun 13, 2008 6:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Zito? Pitch around? Nibble?

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

So fine... so fine...

Pessimism FTW! ... Wait what?

by Zonis on Jun 13, 2008 6:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Interesting, but in an NL park could have more

to do with who you want batting 8th than anything – not sure why Barton would be the choice there, but it could be a consideration (walk, sac bunt?).

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:45 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Those Giants unis are yucky.

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:48 PM PDT   0 recs

That's just 'cause they have Giants in them.

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 Jun 13, 2008 6:49 PM PDT to parent up   1 recs

LOL

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 6:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Watching a ABC7 report on Custy right now

Portraying him as a family man.

Oh yeah, Let’s Go A’s

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

by doctorK on Jun 13, 2008 6:51 PM PDT   0 recs

Travis Buck

Has absolutly nothing left to prove at AAA except that he can rake AAA pitching. If he is in our plans for the future, then he needs to get big league at bats. I know he has struggled, but he needs to right himself at the Major League level. As much as I love watching Car-Gon and think he is doing great. He should have been sent down. He could still benefit from AAA. He was the one called up because of the injuries. Now that Sweeny is healthy he should get sent down and wait until he is needed again.

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Jun 13, 2008 6:54 PM PDT   0 recs

of course that is all pending

just getting rid of Emil Brown!

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Jun 13, 2008 6:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I said it before, but I think the reason why they sent him down

was not because he can’t hit MLB pitching, or because he can hit AAA pitching, but because his approach at the plate right now is flawed and he has to fix it. As soon as he does, good bye Brown.

Pessimism FTW! ... Wait what?

by Zonis on Jun 13, 2008 6:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm hungry.

What’s for dinner?

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 6:58 PM PDT   0 recs

Giants

hope you brought the pepto…

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 13, 2008 6:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Meatloaf, mashed potatos, and green bean

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

by doctorK on Jun 13, 2008 7:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

One green bean?

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 7:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Had to leave room for the meat and potatoes

or is it potatos. Damn you, Dan Quayle!

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

by doctorK on Jun 13, 2008 7:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

LMAO

I have that same problem with potato pluralizing…

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 7:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Ziti

Well, at least one Zito.

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

by Nick on Jun 13, 2008 7:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Chicken piccata

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 Jun 13, 2008 7:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Pizza

Cause I’m gonna take advantage of my fast metabolism while I can.

by Kimberly on Jun 13, 2008 7:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Never had one of those

where do you pick them up and when do they expire?

You can't fire me...I don't work in this van!

by BigTuna on Jun 13, 2008 7:04 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hot fudge sundae.

"JOAN! Are you watching Bombast? Did you see Lack Bust drop that fly call?"

by Jennifer on Jun 13, 2008 7:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You win!

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 13, 2008 7:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Leftover Pizza

"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty

by 5Aces on Jun 13, 2008 7:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

*sigh*

Its too bad the HD feed is on NBC (Giants feed).

oh snap….those jerseys look hideous….did Zito design them?

You can't fire me...I don't work in this van!

by BigTuna on Jun 13, 2008 7:01 PM PDT   0 recs

I'm not sure my eyeballs will ever recover

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

by doctorK on Jun 13, 2008 7:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It makes me feel a lot better that

Duke likes the black alts

You can't fire me...I don't work in this van!

by BigTuna on Jun 13, 2008 7:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

not me...

Eveland likes them too….

Some people think we need to take Blanton out of the ”#1” spot, but they should really just jigger it so that Duke and Eveland never pitch at home.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 13, 2008 7:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I admit

that there is too much going on when they wear it, though.

White pants + cleats, Black jersey with yellow outline (and some green), green undershirt.

If they were able to color coordinate it better, it would be cool…
...but a yellow A’s alt would be nice

You can't fire me...I don't work in this van!

by BigTuna on Jun 13, 2008 7:12 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

OMG, it's the 1977-8 Giants throwback unis

Possibly the ugliest era in baseball uniforms: the Astros, Pirates, Padres, Giants…ugh.

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

by Nick on Jun 13, 2008 7:02 PM PDT   0 recs

do the A's have throwbacks on?

Pessimism FTW! ... Wait what?

by Zonis on Jun 13, 2008 7:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs