The A's Walk Off Winners Courtesy of Crosby

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:21 PM PDT Comment 213 comments

Man, you know Bobby Crosby should really no longer be public enemy number one around AN. All right, I know he isn't. That's fallen into Emil Brown's lap. But Crosby did something he needs to do more often if he's going to continue to evolve into the MVP-type player that all the experts were once predicting for the A's shortstop. He drove a pitch to right field to plate Kurt Suzuki for a dramatic, bottom-of-the-ninth walk off win against the Detroit Tigers.

The A's had made a decision right before the hit to actually have Jack Hannahan bunt to move Suzuki to second and put him in scoring position. I personally would've liked to see Hannahan have an AB right there simply because Hannahan is such a high OBP guy, he likely could've moved Suzuki into scoring position any way. But that's water under the bridge because the A's won. And heck, an Oakland Athletic besides Mark Ellis proved that he could actually execute a bunt effectively.

The game looked grim to me going in. Rogers was so dominant at the Coliseum. Harden had been hit hard by several Tigers in the past. But Harden was simply amazing. He worked in a lot more splitters than I've seen him use in quite a while. He worked it effectively, racking up nine strikeouts. The Tigers hitters looked perplexed by Harden up until the sixth inning where, maybe as Harden was wearing down a bit, Curtis Granderson hit a bomb, Carlos Guillen whacked a double and the A's walked Miguel Cabrera to pitch to rookie Jeff Larish. I thought it was a smart move at the time, but it backfired as Larish took a Harden fastball to left field to help the Tigers take a 2-1 lead. Harden also threw a whopping 115 pitches. I was getting more and more nervous as his pitch count went up. I kept expecting his arm to come flying off with one of those last pitches, but alas, it didn't.

The thing about Harden that might be frustrating both to us and to him is that he's simply not the kind of pitcher who can pitch to contact like say, Justin Duchscherer. Harden's stuff is simply too baffling and has too much movement for him to count on opponents being able to get contact. That means that he's going to have high pitch counts often early in the game. Harden is simple in that the only pitches anyone ever seems to hit off him are his fastballs and occasionally the hanging changeup or splitter (that's rare). He is the kind of guy who makes you ooooh and ahhhhh when he pitches, but that remarkable stuff will make it hard for him to ever get a complete game. I forgot this because it had been so long since I'd seen him string a few starts together.

The A's came back and tied it when Daric Barton hit a long bomb off of Kenny Rogers and Rogers, finding out that A's fans aren't very fond of him, eventually left to a chorus of boos in the Coliseum. Someone brought this up in one of the threads that the A's go up to the plate looking to walk. Well, that happened in the eighth when Barton came back up with the bases loaded. Barton got the count to 3-0 in his favor and let the 3-1 pitch go by. He also then let a fairly hittable 3-1 pitch go by as well until he actually flew out to the Tigers' centerfielder. I actually liked the approach simply because you had to believe that the pitcher, Bobby Seay, was going to have to come with the fastball on 3-2, so force him to throw three straight strikes. It was a good approach because Seay looked like he was simply all over the zone.

So the A's again ride some great pitching from Harden, Keith Foulke out of the pen and Huston Street in the ninth (his fastball was once again hitting 95 and the slider had bite) to win. I personally love the great pitching. It had vacated the team for a few days there, but then again, Arlington does that to the best of pitchers. The lack of hitting will probably give me a coronary eventually, but the great pitching gives this team a good chance to win every night. Even against a team as good as the Tigers (yes, I still believe that team is really good). And that's all you can ask for. Right?

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Between the Tigers and the Red Wings, you can see why people feel this way...

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

by Nick on Jun 2, 2008 10:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I understand

that the A’s are considered “small market” and all, but after compiling the 3rd highest # of wins in baseball, aren’t we entitled to have the video link to the walk-off hit in gameday work instead of taking us to a RBI double from the Cubs game?

If they’d done that to the Yanks, you can bet they’d have fixed it in 2 seconds…not the 30 minutes I’ve been waiting

by juanmiguel on Jun 2, 2008 10:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I meant

most wins since 2000, or whatever the stat is

by juanmiguel on Jun 2, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm very excited to watch Alameda native, Willis, pitch tomorrow though I hope not too well.

I don’t expect that he will pitch more than 50-60 pitches so hopefully we can get on top of him early and find a way to take the series early… 1 AB at a time…

by jwnewman on Jun 2, 2008 10:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I just hope Eveland

gets back to form. I imagine we’ll see more righties in the lineup tomorrow night.

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Used to be that would promote great worry

I mean they had , going into this season, a so-called Murderer’s Row vs. lefties of Polanco, Ordonez, Cabrera, Thames and Rodriguez—and Sheffield!!

Now they don’t seem so proud, do they?

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's stop the MVP talk, please

The guy gets 3 hits—wins the game—is clearly having a better season than the past two, and Blez immediately says “this is what he has to do to evolve into the MVP-type player”. My God, can we let up??

You know what? I’ll settle for a dependable shortstop who can hit some—I don’t care if he never even makes an All-Star team—and I suspect he will once or twice—let alone breathe the MVP Kool-Aid talk. Chavez had it hard enougb all these years with beane comparing him to Bonds—let’s please lower our sights with crosby and be thankful he is healthy and seems to be progressing.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 10:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well said.

by jwnewman on Jun 2, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What the hell?

I didn’t call him an MVP player. I said that if he wants to really develop in that player, he needs to do that consistently. I think everyone, including Beane and Bobby himself would probably say that same thing.

Relax and enjoy the win. Sheesh. You are a MAD mongoose, aren’t you?

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hardly

Please look at the thread again, Blez. The guy gets three hits and you’re into MVP talk—to be honest, do you believe he will ever win a MVP? Or even finish in the top 5 of voting? I don’t. I hope I’m pleasantly surprised and I’ve been arguing on his behalf this year. I just thought it was way over the top to make that connection. He’s still hitting 270, for God’s sake. He may be—if we’re lucky—one of the 50 best position players in the AL—but over the last two years, i doubt he was in the Top 100. MVP? MVP? (cue the Jim Mora tape)

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm NOT saying he's an MVP player

I’m just saying if he aspires to something better, which I’m guessing he does.

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand that, but...

You said “continue to evolve into the MVP type player the experts were once predicting”

I think the use of those two verbs—and I don’t think I’m splitting hairs—implies that you think he could be such a player one day—or that it is a reasonable goal. I think he had better walk for s while before he runs 9.71 and breaks the world record. Why even bring it up?? because peter gammons once said it, a long, long time ago??

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Blez is referring to a pre-season pick

by old Peter Gammons, who said Bobby Crosby was his stealth-pick for MVP in 2006! or, was it 2005? Anyway, Peter Gammons was the one.

That is, American League Most Valuable Player… !! On ESPN, this was said!

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

by One won lost won on Jun 2, 2008 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

..and I don't fault Blez for making the remark

it was perfectly, journalistically, sound. That’s what writing here is all about, IMO. Making remarks like that (1) cannot, do not, affect the player, or anyone else’s performance (2) are simply part of the conversation around the Oakland Athletics, since the A;s do get MVPs (e.g. Tejada) and ROYs (Crosby was the latest).

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

by One won lost won on Jun 2, 2008 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh boy...

I think Blez is a lot of things—and thankfully the vast majority of them are good as his contribution to this site is legion—but “journalistically sound” ain’t necessarily one of them. That was his commentary—put up front on a game thread—and that’s OK—but don’t confuse it with journalism. You won;t see Susan Slusser leading off a story about this game or, i suspect, any other, linking Crosby to the MVP in any way shape or form until he earns that talk.

As to whether any of this affects the player, who really knows?? You certainly can’t say theya re imprevious to all fan reaction, whether vocal reaction at a ballpark, or a chance encounter at a club or the supermarket, or on a site like this. I wouldn’t presume to say that one comment from Blez will shake the world, but I wouldn’t totally discount it as meaningless either.

As to the A’s and the fact that they “do get MVPs”- well, yes—in recent years, Jason Giambi, who was the best hitter in the league from the All-Star break 1999 to the end of 2001, and Miguel Tejada, who has had countless seasons better than any by Bobby Crosby. I mean i could say that people named Brooks win Grammies, but I don’t think Albert would be in line for one anytime soon.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everything in this post is irrelevant

Crosby played well, which he should hope to continue to do.
Many people read Blez’s comment that way.

Even if, hypothetically, you caught blez in a wild overstatement (And I don’t think anyone believes Blez was making a MVP prediction), what good does it do to keep hashing it? Does that “aha- I’m smarter than the kool-aid fans AND the blogmaster” moment really matter that much?

by ohmangoAs on Jun 2, 2008 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jesus Christ

Seriously – what is your major malfunction, man?

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh come on...

I simply said “let’s not burden this guy with MYP talk, whatever the context”

Ia that such a sin? why are you guys coming down so hard on me for that? because it was Blez that I challenged? Is THAT not allowed? i wasn’t nasty, mean, petty—but I do think there’s a valid and not small point here. AN may only reflect one smidgeon of fan sentiment about this team—but it’s an intense smidgeon—and I think we—the fan base—are better off decoupling Crosby from the Gammons-inspired expectations.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

Because in the course of, basically, 3 days, you have managed to develop a reputation as someone who is:

a. cantankerous
b. argumentative
c. trivial
d. statistically unsound

... and I could probably go on from there.

Believe me when I say, I know a thing or two about irritating people. And right now you’re irritating a lot of people.

Thus: chill out. Take a deep breath. Take the night off. Have a Bud. Or something.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 2, 2008 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hilarious

I’m going to the ballgame tomorrow night—that’s what I’m doing.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope I never end up sitting next to you at a game, then.

Because if you act the same way you do here, I’d need to break out the earplugs.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also describes monkeyball, but at least he has a sense of humor about it.

I probably fit a-c, but at least I got d going for me!

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 2, 2008 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

items 1-6 definitely apply to me

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know a thing or two about irritating people

As do I and this kid is irritating as sin.

by methodrampage on Jun 3, 2008 8:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure what Blez said will have...

...less than zero effect on Bobby Crosby.

Move the fuck on.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Am doing so as we speak

And safe with the knowledge that “move the fuck on” was what it boiled down to—nice.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What can I say?

It’s the response you’ve earned.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

I love the AN Blog, I really do. No matter what you do or say someone out there has to come along and misconstrue what you say, blow it out of proportion or take it waaaaay to seriously. madmongoose….take it from an ol’ AN whipping boy…just take responsibility for being a little over the top here. Calling Blez names is really silly. The guy is funny, he is well respected here and with the A’s and devotes a lot of time to making our blog informative, insightful and fun. IT IS A FAN BLOG! This is not SI, ESPN, ABC or any other sports outlet. He clearly did not say BoCro is going to be an MVP. The guy was the rookie of the year for christ sake…we ALL drank the kool aid at one time and thought he was the second coming of Cal Ripken jr. He ended up being Cal Noughton Jr. on most nights! Lay off the steroids dude…have fun, share your opinion and try not to piss off everyone. Especially Paul Thomas…dude, when he speaks, it is best to heed the advice. Peace out. Enjoy the beating we give the Tigers tomorrow night. See you there

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 2, 2008 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every time someone uses "Crosby" and "MVP" in the same sentence,

it’s safe to assume it’s a black-comic reference to the Gammons thing.

Chill out, man.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 2, 2008 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lots of times you are right.

But I don’t think this was “black comedy” by Blez, and he’s already acknowledged that

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every time someone uses "Crosby" and "MVP" in the same sentence

an angel waves at an outside slider in the dirt.

Hopefully Vlad.

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

by Nick on Jun 3, 2008 5:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

QOTM

And only on the 3rd

by As Fan in the Bronx on Jun 3, 2008 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

If someone said – But Crosby did something he needs to do more often if he’s going to continue to evolve into the MVP-type player that all the experts were once predicting for the A’s shortstop.

- I would not think they’re talking MVP for Crosby.

by passionately objective on Jun 3, 2008 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think with the Blanton thing and now this...

...you’re just a guy who loves to argue and overreact to things.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure I asked TPTB

to give me a heads up if oaktoon came back to AN. I’m working for The Man now, you’d think I’d have gotten a courtesy e-mail or something!

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jun 2, 2008 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure...

I’m going to have to surrender my sigline.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jun 3, 2008 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The horror!

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jun 3, 2008 1:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, he just stated a fact

that journalists thought he was an MVP-type player. I thought it read exactly like that…which is very true.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 2, 2008 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

great

but that’s not what he did. He said “continue to evolve” into such a player—which certainly implies that someone believes he’s on track for such a lofty position—and I think that’s going overboard. And as a couple of us have pointed out, the “experts/journalists” were basically one very prominent guy—Peter Gammons. And that sentiment has never been heard from again as Crosby’s career has been wounded by injury and poor hitting.

If Blez had said “A few years ago experts predicted Bobby Crosby would win a MVP. That’s probably never going to happen, but it’s nice to see the guy back on track and possibly realizing much of his promise”—or words to that effect, I’d be saying “hear..hear”.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. Instead you're blowing up again over something that...

...ultimately means nothing.

Seek attention much?

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny How You See It

I’m not “blowing up”—I have a very calm, simple and reasoned point of view here. the “blowing up” is coming from others.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That may be, but you sure manage to "sound" anything but calm...

...when you go on your extended rants about absolutely nothing.

I think you need to do a better job of picking and choosing the things you make a big deal of.

This is not something that is worth the attention you’re paying to it.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

Along with Chavez, Street and Ellis, Blanton and Crosby have been the fixtures around here for about 4 years now. One of them is featured heavily in A’s trade speculation; the other has been the subject of much angst over his disappointing performance and injuries the past several seasons, and he plays the most valuable defensive position on the team. I’d say those two were worthy of some attention, but I guess you disagree.

This was hardly an “extended rant”- i made a very simple point- Blez tried to deny it—i politely responded that his words said something different originally; others tried to discount it—and i said i disagree—and we’re done. over and out on this one.

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You call that polite?

Then again, I guess it is for you.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Examples of polite

“My God, can we let up??”
“let alone breathe the MVP Kool-Aid talk.”

Throwing a couple ‘pleases’ in there doesn’t make the overall tone polite. It’d be like me calling someone an idiot and putting a winking emoticon in at the end. It doesn’t take away from the fact I still called someone an idiot.

You didn’t like Blez’s wording so you picked out something to jump on him about. Simple as that. I don’t care if Blez said it, Nico said it, Poppy, Monkeyball, me or anyone else.

I think it’s time to check your attitude here at the door because quite frankly, it sucks.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see both sides to what Blez said

While Oaktoon J.R. here looks like he’s just looking for anything wrong in what anyone types so far, what Blez said could easily be seen as Blez believing if Crosby continues what he did tonight, he’ll finally reach the MVP potential that Gammons and Olney said he’d be.

Let’s calm down a little bit here people, if we didn’t have different opinions, life around here would be quite boring. I’m sure Blez is a big boy he doesn’t need people making snide remarks and personal attacks.

"Mommy and Daddy are going to take a nap before the baseball game starts..."

by Devyn on Jun 2, 2008 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I was writing it, I probably wouldn't have used the...

...part about “continuing” anything because I don’t think Crosby has done a whole lot to earn the MVP talk in general.

At the same time, what Blez said isn’t incorrect, either. If Crosby has a lot of games like this, of course he’s going to come up in MVP talk at some point.

It’s just in how someone chooses to react to a basically harmless line.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tell us how you really feel.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jun 2, 2008 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did?

“But Crosby did something he needs to do more often if he’s going to continue to evolve into the MVP-type player that all the experts were once predicting for the A’s shortstop.”

That reads that he needs to play like this IF he’s goign to evolve…not continuues to evolve.

And PS, it wasn’s one guy as you assert, Buster Olney picked Crosby to win the MVP also…so there’s 2 prominent guys already.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 2, 2008 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sorry about the Olney thing

I accept your memory here.

As to your first point, of course there was an if—but that doesn’t in any way modify the meaning of “continue to evolve”- those words suggest that someone believes that is his proper and ultimate course- whether Blez, journalists or someone else. But really I’m just asking that we decouple the words “Bobby Crosby” and “MVP”. At least for a little while

by madmongoose on Jun 2, 2008 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair enough....

But the point is that a short 2 years ago, this guy was picked by national, veteran baseball writers as someone who would not only be a star, but the MVP of the league. That will always stick with him as a sign of his perceived potential. It’s not like some crazy A’s fanatic thought it, these were East Coast guys…..I don’t think it will be decoupled this rapidly, I know I often think of his potential due to those predictions when watching him.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jun 2, 2008 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry meant to put this here....

Wow… I love the AN Blog, I really do. No matter what you do or say someone out there has to come along and misconstrue what you say, blow it out of proportion or take it waaaaay to seriously. madmongoose….take it from an ol’ AN whipping boy…just take responsibility for being a little over the top here. Calling Blez names is really silly. The guy is funny, he is well respected here and with the A’s and devotes a lot of time to making our blog informative, insightful and fun. IT IS A FAN BLOG! This is not SI, ESPN, ABC or any other sports outlet. He clearly did not say BoCro is going to be an MVP. The guy was the rookie of the year for christ sake…we ALL drank the kool aid at one time and thought he was the second coming of Cal Ripken jr. He ended up being Cal Noughton Jr. on most nights! Lay off the steroids dude…have fun, share your opinion and try not to piss off everyone. Especially Paul Thomas…dude, when he speaks, it is best to heed the advice. Peace out. Enjoy the beating we give the Tigers tomorrow night. See you there

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 2, 2008 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Peace out, green and gold

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on Jun 2, 2008 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now....

That is some green and gold love baby! East bay all the way!

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 2, 2008 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1 to this comment

but +0 to all the other pugnacious Mongoose comments that followed, resulting in miles of stupid arguments between the original comment and this response.

Mongoose, the reason you keep ending up in mega-squabbles like this is not your tone (as commonly stated) so much as your insistence on posting a rebuttal to every single comment that answers you. You had your say, and they have theirs. It’s not necessary to have the last word on every single comment strand. That’s what causes all discussions with you to bloat out of control.

But back to your original point, yeah, I agree. Crosby had a good game. I’m really glad he’s not sucking anymore, and I hope he stays good for a long time. But please less talk of him as MVP, even in jest, and no, he’s not even the story of this game. Barton’s fine showing was just as important as Crosby’s, and the real stud of the game was Harden.

By the way, am I remembering right? In spite of all the doubles tonight, I don’t think Crosby ever made it to home himself, and the walkoff was his only RBI. Right?

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Jun 3, 2008 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

1st Inning: Opposite Field Line Drive – Hannahan to 3rd Base
3rd Inning: Leadoff Double down the left field line.
9th Inning: Opposite Field Gapper. Ruled a Single.

Personally, I like the way Crosby is taking the SS Position very single night, and playing Gold Glove Caliber Defense. Anything more than that is gravy.

The post-game celebration scared me a little bit. That dude is fragile. Wouldn’t surprise me if he woke up this morning w/ Back Spasms. Good Job, Croz!

by Colorado Fan on Jun 3, 2008 7:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reformed Crosby H8r here.

As someone who fondly wished for the Metropols to give us Reyes for Blanton last winter (I’m sure they weren’t even comparables but love is blind), I gotta eat some crow on this one. Crosby has been a changed player - not flailing for the bad pitches most of the time, spraying doubles down both baselines, and, last night excepted, actually catching the grounders when he leaves his feet to do so. I just feel confident about his play - he’s won me over.

I also feel much better about the OF with only one weak link in it. Sure, Travis makes some routine plays exciting, but he’s so gifted that he can correct. He made a bunch of good plays last evening, like the warning track ball and taking charge on some Right-Center flies - and he almost made a spectacular hustling grab of a long foul ball, at significant personal risk. Emil still makes me hold my breath - not cuz he has no idea where it’s going a la JCOA, but his concentration on defense sucks. I look forward to a Buck/PCraft/Thing2 (Swooney?) outfield, coming soon, I suspect.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

could you explain JCOA?

Jack Cust Outfield Association?

Jack Cust on acid?

Jack Cust outfield agonies?

Jesus Christ! OMG! Argghhh! (what one says when a ball is hit out that way)

by Faust on Jun 3, 2008 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

outfield adventure, I think.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That works

Don’t know why I couldn’t come up with that before the buzzer sounded.

by Faust on Jun 3, 2008 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Jack Cust on Acid better...

Who’s bat is strong and hits it long?
Who’s glove is weak and flaccid?
Who sees in trails and hugs Steve Sayles?
It’s Jack Cust on Acid!

(Paging Monkeyball to write the chorus…)

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

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 3, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t do requests.

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome man!

Freaking awesome…......

by mrod on Jun 3, 2008 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The infinite wisdom strikes again!

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's my fantasy league MVP

at least for today.

Thanks for the points BoCro!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have Crosby in your fantasy league?

...ouch.

Then again, given the level of shortstop play this season, I suppose it could be worse. I can’t remember the last time an MLB position was so overrun with washed up has-beens, busted prospects, and limp-wristed glove men.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 3, 2008 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's amazing.

Among AL shortstops, Crosby is…

second in PA

tied for second in Win Shares

tied for third in Runs Created

fifth in GPA, with a negligible difference between him and third place

second in WPA (and first in Clutch!)

Speaks volumes about Crosby, the relative weakness of the position, and the value of having a guy who can be league average with the bat while standing between second and third bases.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

MVP, MVP, MVP

(at least among SS). Bobby Crosby, you’re 2008 AL MVSS.

by methodrampage on Jun 3, 2008 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Limp-wristed glove men

Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Jun 3, 2008 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't there a song?

You’re gonna make some Lim-wristed glove man
A Rich man, someday

by As Fan in the Bronx on Jun 3, 2008 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was going to make a piazza joke…

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

by xbhaskarx on Jun 3, 2008 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I originally started with Troy Tulowitski as my SS

but he’s been on the DL forever, and I decided to give BoCro a try after the SS market had dried up.

Suprisingly, he has performed admirably for the Oakland Armada fantasy baseball team.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Best Part of the Walk-off win....

The bullpen pitchers were halfway to the pitcher’s mound before the ball even fell!!!!
And then seeing the explosion of white from the dugout was sweet.

"We get two outs, and I was sure, and I had a plan, and I shook Tek off," Schilling said. "And I get a big 'What if?' for the rest of my life."

by Imaseasonticketholder on Jun 2, 2008 10:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah it was

I also didn’t realize Crosby has three other walk off wins. Bonus points to anyone who can name it.

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Name the other ones, I mean.

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know he had a walk of Walkv Vs Dodgers.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jun 2, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember a walk in the 18th against the Dodgers; not the othrs

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 2, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gah....

I vividly remember his walk off homer against the Mariners back in September of 2004. It was just about the one thing to go right in that month of that year.

I’m stumped as to the others, though.

In God We Trust....All Others Must Show Data

by Wes7 on Jun 2, 2008 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He might only have three total

The graphic on the TV said three other walk offs, I believe, but they could’ve been wrong.

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They said it was his

third career walk-off hit, so they were including the one he just hit. This doesn’t include the walk in the 18th inning though.

The A’s website has the video on the front-page.

by GeorgiaBoy on Jun 3, 2008 5:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was a great day...

It was the last time I ever sat in the upper deck and hotboxed my hoodie.

I knew Crosby was going to hit that homer when he was in the on-deck circle, so I started packing up my belongings.

After the elation, I remember thinking, “If they just start that Blanton kid and don’t let Mulder anywhere near the mound, we might be alright tomorrow night.”

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

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 3, 2008 2:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harden's Ks

I’m pretty sure it was “only” 8, not nine as reported in the recap.

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on Jun 2, 2008 10:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Now it's 8

maybe now we can get them to link the walk-off video to Crosby instead of Jim Edmonds’ RBI double.

by juanmiguel on Jun 2, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I put up whatever they had in the box score

by Blez on Jun 2, 2008 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Final Thought before The Daily Show

I’ll probably never spell his name correctly with any consistency, but I promise DaBart I’ll match correct spelling for HRs.
Tonight baby, Daric Barton:
Photobucket

"optimism 1 pessimism 0" ~Dirk

by 149 on Jun 2, 2008 10:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not to mention,

that was the 3rd Crosby hit of the night; all of them doubles (even though the last one was a single in the books, for obvious reasons)

He was AMAZING tonight.

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

by baseballgirl on Jun 2, 2008 11:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

BoCro walkoffs

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK200405220.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK200409300.shtml

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/OAK/OAK200606170.shtml

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 2, 2008 11:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Chavvy walkoffs

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/shareit/PbPf

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 2, 2008 11:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I take it you're not counting game-ending outs?

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

by Flashfire on Jun 2, 2008 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

only game-ending RBI

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was hoping the joke would be clear

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have no sense of humor.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

at least you got number going for you

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

83

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

careful with the 8-3

those are MY cards, man!

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

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jun 3, 2008 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

MaEl walkoffs

http://www.baseball-reference.com/pi/shareit/JGEN

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 2, 2008 11:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rick Astley walkoff

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu_moia-oVI

dedicated to my new friend….madmongoose.

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 2, 2008 11:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's like Bobby Kielty's singing cousin.

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

rick astley's not white!

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

by xbhaskarx on Jun 3, 2008 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is....

I think he channeled Smoky Robinson

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

reference to previous rick astley discussion

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

by xbhaskarx on Jun 3, 2008 12:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd be ashamed for enjoying this song...

... if it wasn’t used on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and totally awesome.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 3, 2008 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If that walk off hit had counted as a 2b for BoCro...

He would lead the AL in two baggers. As of now he is tied with former A Jose Guillen, and David Murphy with 19. Former A Johnny Damon has 17.

Also occurring today was Barton moving past Emil Brown in OPS, although both are still looking up at .700. At least Crosby isn’t anymore.

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Jun 3, 2008 12:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Walk Off!!!!!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwQlT_xxvjE

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Or...

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love that one...

...only could not find a good video of it…kudos for the still. Go A’s

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you ran into the same problem I did

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 12:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

David Bowie, Sovereign of the Guild of Calamatous Intent

Props if you watch the cartoon on Adult Swim.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love Brock's reaction:

“Daaaaaaaaa-vid Bow-ieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…”

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 3, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brock Samson = Ultimate Alpha Male

To get that reaction from Bowie’s appearance made his faux-cameo all the more cool.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And let's not forget

amidst all the BoCro stuff, that we kicked the Gamblers decrepit ass tonight. I cannot stand that moron!

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The way we usually do against him here I'd say...

...2 runs over 7 IP and a ND in a win by our side qualifies well enough, yes.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Gambler's decrepit ass"

It used to be fun to sing “Oh Ruby… please take this man downtown” (never worked) when Durazo played here, but now I’m just sick of facing that old fart.

I think Rogers is one of the best pitchers in the league (No I won’t say he’s the “Cy Young-type player that all the experts were once predicting”) and is so frustrating to watch. It was GREAT to see the Gambler all flustered after Cust’s walk to get him out of there (he swiped the ball away in disgust ,missing it, when the catcher threw it back- SWEET!).

by Brian in 317 on Jun 3, 2008 6:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tonight's head-shaking tidbit, courtesy of the AP recap

“Harden has made five consecutive starts without missing a turn in the rotation for the first time in more than two years.”

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 12:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

{starts trudging to ATM machine, shaking head ruefully}

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Monkeyball loses

tell me it is not a good death my friend

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

as God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 12:31 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

'I didn't think there would actually be a leprechaun!'

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Jun 3, 2008 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what she said

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on Jun 3, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't he still 2 starts away?

Think of it this way: at least Geren inexplicably let him throw 115 pitches last night.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 3, 2008 8:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess really 111 - 4 were the IBB

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 3, 2008 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alright, fair enough...

Why are those counted in a guy’s pitch count?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 3, 2008 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's weird that IBB pitches are counted

But hard pick-off throws are not

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of those gets counted as a ball.

One does not.

by mikev on Jun 3, 2008 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But the idea behind pitch count is to figure out how much a pitcher has worked

And pick-offs are generally more stress on the arm than an intentional ball.

I guess it’s not weird, per se, just kind of wrong.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was it Dolsi...

who threw to 1st more than he threw to the plate last night?

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 3, 2008 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I trudge very slowly

Better to get a head start.

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Money well spent

I just hope you don’t have the kind of karma where, on the third pitch of the start that loses you the bet, Harden clutches his elbow and is done for the year.

by Faust on Jun 3, 2008 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now THAT should have been tonights headline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flashfire, thank you for that titanic tidbit. Someone get the ball over to the Hall….

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope the AP doesn't jinx it

Ixnay on the Ardenhay onsecutiveca artstay!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 1:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not trying to turn this into a DLD...

... but all the YouTubery eventually led me to this.

Also, great night for “Bones” Crosby. He’s quietly having a pretty good year—the bit about him being 2nd in the league in doubles was mildly surprising—and I’ve found myself more than once silently pleading with him to not get ejected while arguing a call.

These A’s don’t win pretty, but they’re winning more than anyone outside of Rob Neyer predicted, so I’ll take it. Great game.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 3, 2008 12:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Um

The link… didn’t show. So, yeah.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeW_vHlWl78

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 3, 2008 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Major points

to anyone that can decipher what the one comment on the above video says.

by GeorgiaBoy on Jun 3, 2008 5:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It looks clear to me

EH ieu thiz u lok dat ele shie he thiz danc cuz yadadud hauh teuh it duz cuh craz dier bay wak he dthiz dancin eh

"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 3, 2008 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the comments on the similar "Jose vs. Stomper" video:

the mouse won if he was out the suit he won yall dumb asz kids so sdfu

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 3, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We are a bunch of fans

In our boxers past midnight on a blog. Break out the links baby! This was a good win so enjoy the night. I know I would not be here were it a loss! I would be sleeping having dreams of Count Chocula biting Kenny Rogers head off to the sounds of Kenny Loggins…..hey, I have weird dreams.

Smells like team spirit

by since72 on Jun 3, 2008 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Most doubles

As of tonight, Crosby’s in a three-way tie for first. Other two are K.C.’s Jose Guillen and Texas’s David Murphy.

formerly known as mdl

by iglew on Jun 3, 2008 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta give it up to Harden, Barton and Crosby tonight

And in Barton’s case, last June he absolutely Tore. It. Up. Granted, Triple-A, but yeah.

I’d take a little of that again at this level.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What I find amazing

Is that a Bobby Crosby-related flame war started and I was not part of it. At all.

This is what I get for getting a girlfriend recently. Damnit. I’m not living up to my blogger reputation. :(

So, um, BoCro had a great game, but I still think he’s pretty meh overall. It’s just too hard for me to hate him so much this year because he’s not painfully bad and Emil Brown is on the team.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 1:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm still trying to figure out why Blez wants Harden's arm to fall off. *

“I was getting more and more nervous as his pitch count went up. I kept expecting his arm to come flying off with one of those last pitches, but alas, it didn’t.”

Alas?

this comment certified graphics-free.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 7:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh

Had the same thought myself, but I wrote it off as a slip of the fingers and didn’t see the need to raise a fuss about it like madmongoose did about the MVP thing.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe he's got a bet with mikeA as well?

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah...

he was just channeling his inner monkey.

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

by DMOAS on Jun 3, 2008 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was looking for the sheer spectacle of it

;-)

by Blez on Jun 3, 2008 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here ya go! May be NSFW.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They’re real, and they’re SPECTACular!

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If somebody got fired for that image

I’d hope the company that fired them went out of business on general principle.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just wondering...

I wish I had the time to pour over the game logs to see how well the intentional walk strategy has worked for the A’s since Geren took over. I’d also like to know how many intentional walks he orders compared to other managers. It may just be selective memory but it seems to me that a lot of the hitters who come up after the intentional walks reach base and an unusually high percentage of Geren’s free baserunners score. I’m not totally opposed to the free pass in critical situations but I think it’s being overused.

by Monday Fan on Jun 3, 2008 1:31 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

May be, but this time it was kind of a no-brainer

As much as I don’t like to put extra runners on base, you don’t usually have a sequence of M. Cabrera-Larish where the drop off is so big. I’d walk Cabrera there every time.

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 3, 2008 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wasn't Larish OPSing like 1.200 in AAA before they called him up?

I seem to recall him being a capable hitter.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 3, 2008 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It seemed odd --

He was hitting .091 to start, then went to .083 and .077—looking woefully over-matched on both Ks. Then he up and hit the RBI liner to left and his average jumped to .143 for his last AB (another out). He’s now listed at .133. Does that math work?

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Math

1 for 11 is .091
1 for 12 is .083
1 for 13 is .077
2 for 14 is .143
2 for 15 is .133

by LogicRules on Jun 3, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, man.

I ran out of fingers and toes.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still a pretty big difference...

I haven’t liked most of the IBBs, but hard to argue with that one.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 3, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

An argument can be made...

Besides the bad idea of giving the opposition free baserunners, there are other angles at play. You have one of the most unhittable pitchers in pro baseball and you’d like to send a message. You make a trip out to the mound to tell Harden, “You’re our man and we have every confidence you can put down any hitter in this league. Go get him and you’ll have Larish leading off the next inning with nobody on.” Telling him you don’t like his chances of getting a good hitter sends a pretty poor message in my estimation. If it was Lenny DiNardo or Dallas Braden, yeah you work around the tougher hitters in a situation like that. But not with your ace.

by Monday Fan on Jun 3, 2008 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby Crosby for MVP!!

Start up the bandwagon!! Stuff the ballot boxes!! Light up the airwaves!!

Just kidding.

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jun 3, 2008 4:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Is there a highlight on MLB.com somewhere of Barton's homer?

I don’t care about Emil Brown catching a ball, but that’s the 3rd highlight on the A’s homepage.

by mikev on Jun 3, 2008 7:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That kind of IS a highlight for Cust sometimes

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And, for Brown in night games at home

A successful battle against the Lightsdragon is noteworthy.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A pox on the controllers of the lightdragon!

I always knew that the heathen in the All-You-Can-Eat section were up to villainy!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rules Qs.

Crosby’s walk-off was clearly going to be a double, but he watched Zooks score as he ran toward second base, and broke it off to join the celebration.

Now, if he’d made it to second before Z scored, would that have been a double? Hell, Jake Taylor could’ve scored on that hit. Not at all suggesting that anything but the outcome is important, but a 3-double night was earned—to left, right and centerfield.

Also, why is it that a walk-off homer with men aboard counts all the runs, rather than just the one(s) needed to score the winning run, whereas a walk-off hit only counts the winner?

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 8:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, it would have been a double if he had touched second base.

by mikev on Jun 3, 2008 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Basically, it's like this

On a hit in play, the game ends the moment the winning run touches the plate. It’s like the last out of an inning.

On a home run, the play ends when the batter finishes circling the bases. Thus, all runs count.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

slightly incorrect.

The play ends when the batter safely reaches first base or when the runner crosses home plate, whichever occurs later. If Bobby had forgotten to run to first, he could have been forced out at first base and the play would be a fielder’s choice (or if there were two outs, the run would not have counted!)

stat-addled alien overlord

by salb918 on Jun 3, 2008 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Point, yeah. Has to touch first for it to count.

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

still slightly incorrect

According to Urban this morning, Crosby would have been credited with a double had he actually continued on to second (which clearly would have happened after the run had not only crossed the plate but become “official” with Crosby’s touching of first). Apparently if the winning run has to advance 2 bases, the batter can claim the same number of bases, provided that he actually goes and touches second. Crosby said he didn’t know that (as most of us probably didn’t) or he would have gone on to second.

Too lazy to look this up myself, but I’m guessing the official scorer has some discretion here to keep someone from padding their stats by continuing on to second on a clear single that scores the winning run from second base. After all, the defense isn’t going to bother to try to stop him once the run crosses the plate.

I have a feeling – if someone knows the history I’d love to hear it – that this has been changed a bit over the years. I think in the old days the game really did end when the run crossed the plate (provided of course that the batter and any runners – that means you, Fred Merkle – who have a force play in effect advance the requisite one base) and you didn’t get to make it a double. For that matter, I wonder if it’s always been the case that you got credit for a home run if one of the runners on base at the time was actually the winning run, or did the game end when that run crossed the plate?

by Faust on Jun 3, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_Haddix

This doesn’t answer the question but to get credit for the home run EVERYBODY on base has to score. Not like in this not famous game, where some nodoby totally blew it.

by Future Ed on Jun 3, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember that game

because I was both a Pirates and a Braves fan, but especially a fan of the Braves. Vin Scully was giving updates about it during the Dodger broadcast. The awe and wonderment in his reports was intense and dramatic. When I read about it the next day, I could not understand what Henry Aaron was doing, going back from second base after he rounded the bag. As I understood it, Adcock passed Aaron, so Adcock was out, credited with a double.
Those were the days of gigantic newspaper headlines. The headlines and pictures for that game had more page coverage than the moon-landing, nine years later.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 3, 2008 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never knew the rule Urban referred to either

And you know what else is interesting? Evidently the “automatic double” rule (what’s usually referred to as the “ground rule” double, but is different) was adopted by the AL and NL in about 1930. Before then, if a ball bounced over the fence in fair territory, it was a home run.

Now, 1930 is long before warning tracks were introduced, so maybe this didn’t happen all that often. But it makes me wonder now how many of Ruth’s or Musials or Wagner’s or any one of those pre-30s players’ homers would have been doubles according to today’s standards.

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

by Nick on Jun 3, 2008 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Duh, not Musial, I meant Gehrig.

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

by Nick on Jun 3, 2008 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I support changing the rule (for home runs too) to

allow the outfielders to go into the stands and do battle with the fans to try to get the ball back in.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 3, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They could even put in a few pull-down ladders

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 3, 2008 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's just the idea that a guy earned the home run

But we don’t know what he earns on a ball in play, since the defense usually stops trying once it’s obvious the runner is going to score. So what do you do? Just let that bvatter keep running and force the defense to make a play?

If I recall correctly, the walk-off HR wasn’t always a HR if the extra runs were unnecessary. I’ve heard that some old-time (don’t ask how far back) guys were robbed off HRs this way.

Also, didn’t Robin Ventura have a HR turned into a single in a playoff game because he stopped running?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember somebody (Twins, maybe?) hitting a walkoff Grand Slam in the playoffs

It was ruled a double because the guy got mobbed after rounding second base and didn’t finish running the bases.

by mikev on Jun 3, 2008 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Robin Ventura.

Mets.

"Looks like you brought two too many."

by BWH on Jun 3, 2008 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The wikipedia page on that Ventura play

is here: the Grand Slam Single.

One detail I never knew: the over/under on the game in Las Vegas was 7 1/2. The final score ended up 4-3, because Todd Pratt, who was the runner at first, turned to pick up Ventura, instead of running to touch second.

“Now, let’s go to Ray Fosse at Harrah’s”

“Thanks, Ken. I’m here with Ron Ronson, who bet the over on this incredible game. Ron, how much does it suck to lose your bet because Todd Pratt just had to hug Robin Ventura?”

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

by Nick on Jun 3, 2008 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was really exciting

to actually listen to the whole game on the radio. I really wanted Harden to get the win but obviously the team victory is what is most important. Really, especially, love the fact that we knocked that c*#%sucker Rogers out of the game! I cannot stand that guy and it is always a sweet, guilty pleasure whenever the A’s have success against him. So, kudos to our boys for getting it done and especially, Harden, Barton, the ‘pen, and of course…
Bobby “Bones” Crosby!!!!!!

by mrod on Jun 3, 2008 9:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A sweet, guilty

and exceedingly rare pleasure

by Faust on Jun 3, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rogers is not a "c*#%sucker"

According to experts in the game thread, Rogers “sucks donkey balls,” which has inspired Kenny’s new nickname: “Ol’ Donkey Balls.”

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

by Nick on Jun 3, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby was robbed of SLG.

All the boys in the Bill King Booth were certain Crosby’s third hit of the night would also have gone for a double if it hadn’t driven in the winning run. It was scored a single, because the extra base was “unnecessary”. I hate this rule. If it had been a walk-off home run, he would have been credited with the extra bases as well as the RBIs. This rule is unfair!

"The Athletics at Fremont" is noxious

by ArakSOT on Jun 3, 2008 9:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was scored a single because that's where HE stopped

and the team mobbed him.

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

by Jennifer on Jun 3, 2008 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

“Bones” was more concerned with getting in the moshpit anyways…..

: >

by mrod on Jun 3, 2008 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bones? When did this start?

“Dammit Jim, I’m a shortstop, not a miracle-worker!”

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Sulu"

“Prepare for warp speed….............and Captain’s log 387364”.

by mrod on Jun 3, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, my!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 3, 2008 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bones is the nickname Crosby gave himself...

... after seeing being to several visiting parks and seeing the name of a couple of different early game players printed on the outfield wall, in the rafters, etc. He thought it sounded badass and old-timey. And as lame as it is to give yourself a nickname, I’ve actually heard some other players call him “Bones” in spring training interview videos and such.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 3, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus he's forever breaking them.

by OldhamA on Jun 3, 2008 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But...

it’s pronounced “Bunnies.”

AN 3.0's Search Function is *hawt*!

by Poppy on Jun 3, 2008 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, Popeye!

/that was before my time, I think .

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

start posting again, eamb!

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jun 3, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, you know how often I'm wrong

but as i understand it, even if he put his head down and avoided the mosh, it would still be ruled a single, the idea being that once that winning run crosses the plate, the game is over and nothing that happens after counts

iirc, before MLB became uber-enamored with the long ball, walk-off home runs were also scored this way – as whatever hit was required to drive home the winning run

"The Athletics at Fremont" is noxious

by ArakSOT on Jun 3, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guessing is also unfair

I actually like the rule, because otherwise you are left to more “official scorer” decisions. I was sitting along the right field line last night, and definitely thought that his hit looked like a double, but given that he stopped running hard, and Granderson pretty much gave up on it when it was clear he wasn’t going to catch it, the scorer would have to guess the final outcome. And I think there is enough guessing already in error calls, and don’t want more. Too bad for Bobby, though.

by el generico on Jun 3, 2008 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

but the win is more important than the individual stat. Oh!!!!!!!!!!

.........and Emil Brown still sucks!

by mrod on Jun 3, 2008 9:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Im the biggest h8ter here

when it comes to Spam Brown. The guy is just not good at almost anything baseball right now. I saw his name in the lineup last night and almost puked. Even worse is he will be in the lineup again tonight. His OPS of .663 is 53rd best in the AL for outfielders. His OBP of .282 is good for 67th best in the AL. All of this coming from an everyday corner outfielder. I know he is better then this , well at least I hope so becasue we all know that we are going to see alot more of him. So I hope he improves rapidly.

by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 3, 2008 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right now his OPS is 60 points under his career average

So he’s probably a little bit better than this, but really not much. I can’t figure out why he’s not batting 9th. Maybe he’s a bit more productive than Suzuki, but there’s not a guy in the lineup who doesn’t deserve more at bats than Brown.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jun 3, 2008 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"He's a high line driver and a rainbow rider -- a two-baggin' son-of-a-gun."

Three Dub Night.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 9:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

is that James Street on the left?

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dunno -- but Eckersley's on the right.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eck?

Looks more like Fingers in an Eck wig.

And that’s gotta be John Sayles in the middle.

Who has Cust love, besides us? @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 3, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You didn't have to be so nice

I am Ray Fosse's man crushes for Clay Wood and Jason Kendall.

by franks a lot on Jun 3, 2008 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry

But ugly dudes offend me.

by methodrampage on Jun 3, 2008 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A thousand pardons, and a word of advice --

Avoid AN Day.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 3, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by Flashfire on Jun 3, 2008 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice............

sweet picture bra!

by mrod on Jun 3, 2008 9:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I noticed that all but one of Harden's strikeouts were on offspeed pitches

it looked like he was throwing two kinds of offspeed. one would go 84 mph and the other 86-88 mph. Is one the change and the other the split? which is the slowest? or were they all change ups that fluctated in speed?

When he came back from the DL they were saying he was basically a two pitch pitcher. I thought he would be better suited to a bullpen role when i heard that. BUT obviously i was wrong.

Also, I know it was previously mentioned but has anyone seen a video highlight of DB’s HR? if a HR is hit and no-one sees it is it really hit : -)

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jun 3, 2008 10:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My understanding of it

is that part of Harden’s nastiness is that he varies the speed on his pitches up or down depending on the situation and what the hitter is expecting. He can throw his fastball at a (for him) BP velocity of high-80s, or crank it up to 98, and similarly the changeup can go 82-88 with varying movement on it.

So while they refer to him as a two-pitch pitcher, it’s a little inaccurate, because he kind of has pitches 1a, 1b, 1c, 2a, etc.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 3, 2008 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh, that makes sense

I knew I could count on you : – )

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jun 3, 2008 10:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just realized I didn't give Barton any love on that HUGE HR

Love love love love…nice homer!!!

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

by baseballgirl on Jun 3, 2008 4:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow - Joba's debut lasted all of 2.1 IP

62 pitches, 32 strikes (4 BBs, 2 runs). B’bye, Jobs.

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 3, 2008 5:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Adrenaline: Use Sparingly

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 3, 2008 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ask your doctor if overthrowing is right for you

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 3, 2008 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

some may experience dizziness,

a lack of sleep, dry mouth, and rectal bleeding…
If any pitching performance lasts more than four hours, call your doctor immediately…

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

by One won lost won on Jun 3, 2008 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just saying, no malice or harm meant Nico

but what does that have to do with last nights game? : -) Just wondering, Note the smiley face!!! maybe I’m just jealous because my comment only garnered 1 reply (thanks PaulThomas). I guess I need to be really funny, really smart, or be a jerk to get attention. although I’m glad Joba did poorly, or at least not that great.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jun 3, 2008 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs