Wrap: Game 75 - A's 7, Marlins 1

by Taj Adib on Jun 22, 2008 4:19 PM PDT Comment 116 comments

Two-out RBI's, double steals, ejections. These are words not normally associated with the Oakland Athletics, and yet, on this day they were words that described just the tip of the iceberg of the A's performance, as they captured a series win with a 7-1 victory.

Mark Ellis was the story of the game, and perhaps the entire series, as he went 3-for-5 with 2 singles, 1 double, 2 runs scored and a stolen base. He set the tone early for the A's offense, starting off the game with an excellent 8-pitch at-bat, exposing Andrew Miller's stuff for the rest of the lineup and eventually reaching on a line-drive single to left on a 3-2 pitch. I think Ellis has found a permanent home at the top of the order and I couldn't be more confident in him at that spot. He's just a ridiculously composed, professional hitter that can set the table for the A's offense.

Of course, Mark actually lost his composure in the 8th inning after home plate umpire Lance Barksdale made some very dubious ball and strike calls, resulting in a strikeout for Mark. Ellis threw his helmet and bat to the ground in disgust and exchanged pleasantries with Barksdale, thus earning the ejection. Geren continued the dialogue with Lance between innings and eventually got thrown out himself. You never wish for players or coaches to get thrown out, but when calls are that bad, you gotta love seeing normally-passive players care enough about the game that they would get fired up enough to get thrown out, and normally-stoic coaches back their players up with some fire of their own. The most memorable scene from the game for me: the moment immediately after Barksdale ejected Ellis, as Mark threw his arms up in the air in a "are you f*&@king serious!?" manner that you just don't see very often out of him or really anybody in an Oakland uniform nearly often enough.

As for the actual game, what else is new? The Duke mowed down the Fish for 7 2/3 innings, only allowing one run on 6 hits and striking out 3. He's now pitched enough innings to qualify for the league ERA title, which he currently leads with a ridiculous 1.99 overall mark. The A's offense was busy all afternoon, scoring in 3 different innings and using everything in their bag of tricks to do it. The offensive highlight came in the 6th when, with Ellis at 2nd and Cargon at 3rd, the A's pulled off the double steal with the Patrol Craft sliding into home for the run after Mike Rabelo fell for the ruse and threw to 2nd in a feeble attempt to get Ellis. Everyone was safe on the play and the A's padded their lead.

Andrew Brown and Chad Gaudin pitched 1 1/3 scoreless frames to seal the victory. With a day off tomorrow, hopefully the A's won't suddenly get cold and lose their momentum, since the combination of hot-heads and hot bats produced some fine Sunday afternoon entertainment and I'd love to see an encore on Tuesday night!

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It is refreshing to see the A's show a little fire.

Geren did the right thing in backing up Ellis. The umpires do take heat from their supervisors over shoddy performances, especially ones that garner the league’s attention. Ejecting normally docile players like Ellis is a sure fire way to bring scrutiny on the balls and strikes calls. By the way, is Ques-Tec still around?

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jun 22, 2008 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Pitch F/X is basically Ques-tec available to the public

Looking at the replay of the Ellis at-bat, the last pitch was actually a good call—it was a rulebook strike. Not, I’ll grant, one that is called very often by the ridiculously inconsistent MLB umpires—but it was a strike.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know how far the technology has advanced.

Ques-Tec itself left a lot to be desired. Of course, it was barely a legit company to begin with…if that. I’ve heard that “strike zone” and other such measuring devices are fairly decent for the TV viewer, but sorely lacking from a professional standpoint.

I’ll grant that the umps have an incredibly difficult job. Major league pitchers aren’t aiming for the heart of the plate, so marginal calls are the rule of the day. However, I think you hit the nail on the head. It’s not so much what the ump calls a strike, just call the same damn thing every time.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jun 22, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh?

This:

It’s not so much what the ump calls a strike, just call the same damn thing every time.

is the single thing about baseball umpiring that pisses me off the most.

So if I gave the impression that I was in favor of that, I clearly did not word my post well.

Every umpire should be calling the same strike zone. It should not be changing based on an errant call in the first inning, because the umpire has a bad knee and is having trouble seeing the bottom of the zone, or because he wants to get out of town early. Or worst of all, based on the umpire’s personal preferences.

With the way balls and strikes are called nowadays, getting a scouting report on the umpire is probably as important as getting one on the opposing player. I think that’s totally ridiculous.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I agree about having a book on every umpire. I bet there is such a thing. Like a ques-tec report card.

"There's only one Ken Griffey ." Jay Bruce

by tresselfan on Jun 22, 2008 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand your point....and I tend to agree.

The rule spells out exactly what is a strike and what is not. However, in practical application I can understand that there will be variance. I can live with that, and I’m fairly certain most players can live with it too. The problem occurs when a certain pitch is a strike on an 0 and 2 count in the 8th inning when it was a ball on a 1 and 1 count in the third inning. An umpire can have a convoluted strike zone and still be a good ump. He just has to make the same calls consistently for both sides.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jun 22, 2008 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree 100%

and, to add to, I just read where Scott Kazmir is referring to a particular ump as “shoebox”, as that is the size of his strike zone when the batter has two strikes on him.

Never heard this before, but it rings true: an ump who doesn’t like to see batters “caught looking” so he subconsciously shrinks the zone.

Along with a bad setup causing a poor view of the strike zone with a curveball going through it, or a batter dropping the zone in ump’s mind with kneebends up and down, there are countless reasons to go to a computer-generated strike call.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 22, 2008 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

The pitch looked a bit inside on my Gameday.

by Danny on Jun 22, 2008 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It looked like it passed partially over the plate

Probably about 2/3 of a ball width over the plate, 1/3 over the dirt.

So, a borderline strike for sure, but a correct one nonetheless.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess our visions vary

by Danny on Jun 22, 2008 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Duke

is my hero! And Ellis getting thrown out of the game was total bullshit! I was happy to see Geren come out to back up his boys, though.

Boy did he give that ump a piece of his mind!

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 4:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The real takeaway

Is that we should DFA Brown today so he can go out on a high note.

by nevermoor on Jun 22, 2008 4:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Brown showed that maybe he would be woth something in a trade today

and on the other side he probally did enough to stay around for a while long as well

by A'sfaninNC on Jun 22, 2008 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The man was 2-2 with 2 RBI and 2 walks, and you can't enjoy the win without the DFA Brown?

He has really stunk lately, but unlike Buck, sitting on the bench, and playing once every week or 2, doesn’t effect his development, or the A’s future. He serves a purpose.

by theblackpearl on Jun 22, 2008 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder

And if I were not so lazy, I could probably figure it out, but what effect does a series with the A’s have on the opposing team? If I were to guess, i would say RA would be up in the series following an a’s series. I would expect that to be true of any high pitches per plate appearance team. Just something I was thinking about during Unicorn’s fantastic ab to start the game.

"My boyfriend drinks ALOT, you know, because he's a rebel."-Reyna

by tresselfan on Jun 22, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ellis's first at-bat

Are you sure it was only eight pitches? I could have sworn it was 11.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jun 22, 2008 5:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was definetly 11 or 12

"Was that a 'welcome to the AL West?'"
"No, that was a 'welcome to me" -Tim Hudson

by A's photoguy on Jun 22, 2008 6:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

12, I believe

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 22, 2008 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seconded

Definitely 12 pitches… that’s a perfect AB by the old-fashioned conception of a leadoff hitter – getting on base and letting your team see a lot of pitches. And he fouled like 5 or 6 of them straight back too.

by C-Gon on Jun 22, 2008 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You realize that Duke and Ellis are probably the two A's players most likely to be traded.

Ellis is in the last year of his contract with Guzman and Petit in AAA and his offense is good and great defense and Duke is the pitcher that other teams are seeing right now on the A’s, other than Harden, who is worth trading for in July.

Even though Blanton would probably do better on a team with a better offense Beane probably won’t be offered what he wants.

I loved this game today because the team looked like they were having fun, enjoying the day, and as a result they played good ball, hitting a lot to the opposite field

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jun 22, 2008 6:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"You realize that Duke and Ellis are probably the two A's players most likely to be traded."

I disagree…....especially if the A’s are in the race in July. If I were Beane, I’d extend both Ellis and Duke asap. But that is just my opinion. and it was fun to watch today as well, yes!

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 6:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WHY would you trade Duke?

He’s under club control through 2009, he proved himself to be a low 2.00 ERA reliever, and he has been as good – actually a little BETTER – as a starter. And he appears to be healthier as a starter. And he’s only 30.

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 22, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I didn’t say I wanted them traded cause I would love to have both signed to extensions. It is only that these are the two players that other teams would want, in my opinion. Both are having good years (I always factor in Ellis’ defense and leadership first and the offense is just gravy).

I have to say though that looking at Guzman and Petit I am not at all concerned with our near future in the middle infield. With Swooney and Cargon in the outfield and hitters like Carter, Doolittle and OF Cunningham coming up I think we have a great future for our A’s.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jun 22, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

in regards to your opinion on how much other teams want Duke

... maybe.
i personally think Duke is still underrated, or risky, enough (largely due to missed time because of injury) that he is a quintessential keeper for the A’s.

also, im not really familiar with how much teams value guys that have as mixed a bullpen/starter career as Duke. my guess would be that another year of starting under his belt would give him the trade value the A’s want. but at this point, the A’s would not get enough to warrant the trade

by oakinboston on Jun 22, 2008 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Losing Ellis might be pretty bad for the near future (i.e., next season)

This is a lineup that is lacking in the pop department as it is. Petit may prove to be as good a defender as Ellis (tall order, but possible), but he doesn’t bring the type of power that Ellis brings to the plate. And as much of a Swooney booster as I am—and believe you me, I am—he doesn’t have near the power that you’d like to see out of your corner outfielder. Gonzalez is still adjusting to ML pitching, and guys like Carter and Cunningham will have to go through their own adjustment periods as well when and if they come up.

All of which is to say that losing Ellis and the decent pop he provides (especially for a 2B) in a lineup that is already underwhelming in that department could make the straits that much direr, especially next season.

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

by Joey C. on Jun 22, 2008 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Money for nuthin...

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jun 22, 2008 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sultans of swing, they ain't

President and CEO of the Ryan Sweeney Apologists Consortium

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

Ahem.

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

by The Dogfather on Jun 23, 2008 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just got back from the game!!

It was pretty damn awesome!!

1. Duke was BRILLIANT!! Aside from the homer at the top, he dealt it to the Marlins. I was wishing for a CG, but it was all good!!

2. A’s double steal-one of them being for home-huh? It was great!

3 I also enjoyed all the hits. The A’s got enough runs on the board to get us coupons for a free two liter of pepsi.

4. I got to meet ANer and Silver and Black Pride moderator, Saint, at the game. It was cool to see Mrs. Saint and Baby Saint there also.

I guess the only thing that sucked was that my pal and I just missed out on the free jersey by eight people. I had the opportunity to buy one on the bart for 20, but I am tight on casheesh right now.

Maybe next time.

Great win—GO A’S!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 6:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bro...It was Fantastic to put a face to a name...

I missed out by, I don’t know….maybe 100 people…But damn that game was great, and Vida signed A-meli-A’s ball after the game…

Cheers,

Raymond

Pride And Poise!!!

by saint on Jun 22, 2008 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The honor was mine, sir!

I should’ve hung around to meet Vida like you guys did. Still, I have to take solace in my sweet Pepsi!

Today’s game makes me think I should get a jersey with “SMASH” on it or something, so I can get the instant notoriety. Granted, I don’t get to as many games as you do and I don’t have my own drums—just my Hulk Fists.

Note to Blez: AN Patches would be great to have. I would get one sewn on my game jersey.

It was awesome for meet you and your family, and was made even better by learning first hand how great of a guy you are.

Till the next time,

Ken

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 23, 2008 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe four patches

tone on tone, for each of the jersey colors.

"There's only one Ken Griffey ." Jay Bruce

by tresselfan on Jun 23, 2008 5:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel your pain on the jersey

I missed out buying a jersey by about 10 people and i showed up at 10:30!

"Was that a 'welcome to the AL West?'"
"No, that was a 'welcome to me" -Tim Hudson

by A's photoguy on Jun 22, 2008 6:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As a San Jose native and Bart user

sometimes you can’t get up early enough

maybe if some money comes my way, perhaps

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We got to the game at 10:30 as well

When we went through the line there were still plenty of Jerseys left. I asked Ruthie the ticket lady on Fri what time to show up and she said to get there by 10;45 and we’d get a jersey. So we aimed for that .

by IM4Oakgal on Jun 22, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It also depends on what gate you enter into, I was told that the distribution wasn't even, so you

could be at the gate with the most jerseys, and be there at a later time than someone at a different gate.

by theblackpearl on Jun 22, 2008 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

darn

Which gates are usually the busiest? We went to the LL gate nearest to the bridge and they were out by 11 =/

by C-Gon on Jun 22, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I'm no longer going to the Bart Bridge gates

Darn—I wanted that jersey

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's some guy on Ebay selling like 15 of them

I guess he got all the jerseys? Bastard. Some auctions are over $20

by C-Gon on Jun 22, 2008 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, it's not high on my priority of things to buy

Maybe sooner or later.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 23, 2008 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really enjoyed Vida in the booth today.

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

by Jennifer on Jun 22, 2008 7:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Okay, I'm just watching today's game.

I love that the scoreboard had Duke’s name as Duchsch’er.

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

by Jennifer on Jun 22, 2008 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I joked around with a friend

that someone should bring a poster with Duke’s name on it and add an ‘ER’ everytime he strikes someone out.

He reminded me that we wanted Ks not Earned Runs (ER).

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Somehow Duchschererkkkkkkkkkk

doesn’t quite have the same ring to it, does it.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about

DuKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKe

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It could get dicey in the middle innings

if it looked like (David) DuKKKe.

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 22, 2008 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Middle innings?

That’s where Duke ends most games

by nevermoor on Jun 23, 2008 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Watching the Red Sox D-Backs game

I spied BecKKKKKKKKett fan posters in the stands.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 23, 2008 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looking around the Minors rosters, Brett Anderson is showing up on the Midland

Roster. He joins Cahill.

http://midland.rockhounds.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?t=t_ros&cid=237&stn=true&sid=t237

by theblackpearl on Jun 22, 2008 8:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow

How can people born in 1988 be professional athletes?

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Jun 22, 2008 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know, I was stationed at Dover AFB in 1988, and he is in AA now

by theblackpearl on Jun 22, 2008 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was in Yokusuka, Japan.

At least I missed out on the AA part. But is wasn’t for lack of effort.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jun 22, 2008 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How old is LeBron James, like 22?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crazy, huh?

I share the same birthday with both Brett Anderson and Justin Sellers. February 1st!

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And my brother, and my daughter

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Jun 23, 2008 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, They have 17 pitchers, 3 catchers and only 4 infielders.

No backups for the infield with only Michael Affronti (SS), Tommy Everidge (1B), Justin Sellers (2B) and Brian Snyder (3B).
Do you think any infielders like Doolittle or Carter may be pushed up to soon?

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jun 22, 2008 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They are like the King and His Court, pitchers so nasty, you only need a SS, 1b and

1 outfielder. I know I struck out 4 times against him.

by theblackpearl on Jun 22, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

excellent

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 22, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

there's some nice starting pitching in midland

cahill, anderson, simmons, mazzaro, let’s hope that works out better than the stockton group from the beginning of the season.

will they use six pitchers or are either andrew bailey or ryan webb out of the rotation? and what happened to andrew bailey? his numbers were quite good last year and they’re terrible this year.

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 22, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ks are still good

but he’s been incredibly homer-prone this season. Last time I checked he was averaging nearly a HR per start.

Part of that is the park, part of it is him naturally being HR-prone as a pitcher throughout his career, part of it is poor control. The upside is still there, but unless he gets the walks and HR under control, he’s not going to reach the majors.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hahah

Photography Site | Flickr

by Kimberly on Jun 22, 2008 8:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The ump was full of BS today

OH NO!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never thought you could caption a Mark Ellis photo with:

“You want summa this?”

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 22, 2008 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's the black jersey....

He thinks he’s a Raider.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jun 22, 2008 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

RRRRAAAAIIIIIIDDDEERRRRRRSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

Pride And Poise!!!

by saint on Jun 22, 2008 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

0-16

by nevermoor on Jun 23, 2008 8:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

0-16 raiders? never--moor likely for the niners

together in a phrase, it makes sense

WIth JaMarcus and DMC in a full camp and the niners with a first-round QB bust, I’d be careful about slinging that number around.

It’s not like your niners are the patriots or the colts, and you shouldn’t be surprised if the Raiders do better than the niners this year, because it definitely is possible.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 23, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Make that "likely."

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

by Monday Fan on Jun 24, 2008 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"You want a piece of me?"

“No, I want the whole thing.”

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

by Jennifer on Jun 22, 2008 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes please.

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 22, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't start none, won't be none!

"There's only one Ken Griffey ." Jay Bruce

by tresselfan on Jun 23, 2008 5:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DON'T YOU KNOW I'M A FUCKING UNICORN???

by mikev on Jun 22, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unicorns

kick ass!!!!!!!

Maybe that will be the A’s new attitude:

“Oakland Athletics Baseball…..100% Badass!”

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 9:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not to be confused with John Lackey's new slogan

“100% Jackass.”

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 22, 2008 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or K-Rod's new slogan,

“OH MY GOD, EVERYONE – I ACTUALLY SAVED A BASEBALL GAME!!!! THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!”

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 22, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What really bothers me about K-Hole

is that Sciosia actually condones that kind of shit. Figures, I never like him when he was a player and I dislike him even more from the dugout…...always running his damn mouth and bitching non-stop!

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or Barry Zito's new slogan

“100% Down THe Shitter!”

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His should say

100% Butt Ugly!”

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

For Lackey that is

not Zito….

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 10:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I am saddened, one of my favorite all time comedians has passed

Comedian George Carlin dies in Los Angeles at 71

by theblackpearl on Jun 22, 2008 10:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sht, Pss, Fck, Cnt, Ccksucker, Motherfcker, and T*ts

one of the masters is gone :(

by mikev on Jun 22, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And Tits is such a friendly sounding word.

like a snack. New Nabisco Tits.. Bet you can’t eat just one.

I loved George Carlin’s routine he was one of the greats.

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"

by Eastbayjim on Jun 22, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My favorite line of all time

“That’s rat’s asshole. Don!”
“Fuck it, makes a helluva fondue!”...........

RIP George

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seriously?

That caught me off guard.

A lot of celeb deaths have caught me off guard lately.

Rest in peace, George. You made us all laugh and look at things a whole lot different.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

RIP

news so fresh it wasn’t even on google news yet.

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 22, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's sad about Carlin

He was one of the greats. 71 is too young. Great game today! Love the Duke. I hope he gets an extension, as well as Ellis. Awesome toss out. Loved Geren jumping to his aide. I hope there’s no letdown when the Phils come to town. Oh boy, Junkball Moyer. C’mon Joe, don’t let us down. And why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways, anyway?

by A'sfansince1970 on Jun 22, 2008 10:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Chavvy owns Moyer, though.

He’ll probably even go pick him up at the airport and take him to the team
s hotel, personally!

And then proceed to crush a couple of jimmy-jacks off him on Tuesday….....Yeehaw!

by mrod on Jun 22, 2008 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Suzuki

Great game, beautiful day!
I heard some guys behind me call Zooks, “Kurt Yamaha Suzuki Honda”... like that means he does everything I guess?!

by streetfan on Jun 22, 2008 10:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yay Duke!

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Jun 22, 2008 11:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

RIGHT ON, DUKE!!

The next in the long line of Oakland Aces!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 22, 2008 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He'd better be an F'ing All-Star Again!!!

Pride And Poise!!!

by saint on Jun 22, 2008 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.....

he better be the F’ing All Star Starter Ray!!!!!

by mrod on Jun 23, 2008 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be so awesome

First Haren then Duke!

Two A’s starting in consecutive All-Star Games would rule soooo much!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 23, 2008 12:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sadly it'll probably be joe f'ing saunders because he has 11 f'ing wins.

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 23, 2008 1:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if the starter is cliff lee i can accept that.

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 23, 2008 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Duke probably starts the Sunday before the AS game

by boilerdan on Jun 23, 2008 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

From Ken Rosenthal today:

Ken Rosenthal, a senior writer at Fox Sports, suggested in his Sunday “Full Count” piece that the A’s could be in the market for a big-name power bat and could even get into the sweepstakes for Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia, a Vallejo native.
“For all of the talk about Billy Beane trading Rich Harden, it’s quite possible that the A’s could become a buyer,” Rosenthal said. “Their biggest need is a right-handed hitting corner outfielder, and Matt Holliday of the Rockies would be the perfect fit if that team fell out of contention. Another guy to watch is the Pirates’ Jason Bay.”
Left-hander Sabathia, who was 19-7 last season, is being linked to just about every team in contention. He is 5-8 with a 4.06 ERA this season and has struck out 107 in 106.1 innings.
“Don’t be surprised if also is Beane interjects himself into the Sabathia discussions with the goal of swinging a three-way deal,” Rosenthal said. “He loves to get in the middle of blockbusters, and he’s got the prospects to acquire Sabathia.”

I don’t really see this happening, though. Not with Sabathia. Holliday or Jason Bay, on the other hand….....now that would be nice.

by mrod on Jun 23, 2008 12:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Holliday...

At first look this guy appears too good to be true. A legitimate right handed, power hitting, corner OF. I can’t remember the last time we had one of those… Only problem is, after looking more into him, his home road splits are crazy. From a FanGraphs article last month it listed his career splits as:

Home: .363/.426/.662, 73 HR, 189 K, 1274 PA
Road: .274/.336/.444, 36 HR, 238 K, 1260 PA

or as the article stated, Albert Pujols at home, and Auburey Huff on the road. With that said though, during the stretch run last year, he killed the ball no matter where the game was played. Ideally, thats when the A’s would be benefitting from him as well. I would love to see this guy in an A’s uniform. I imagine it would take a boatload to get him, but as long as the trade doesn’t involve Harden or Duke I’m game. The current big league roster with the addition of Holliday would give us two legit shots at making the playoffs in 2008 and 2009. With no guarantees in this game, I’d take my chances in the present rather than crossing my fingers hoping prospects work out and the team will contend in 2 or 3 years.

With the uncertainty around Buck, and the likelihood of further injury to Thomas, and MSweeney, Holliday would provide some depth in case anyone went down. I’ll be really interested to see what Beane is working on in a month from now.

What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.

by KMoAsFan on Jun 23, 2008 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coors

Sure, a lot of those splits can be attributed to Coors, but keep in mind that a lot of people hit better at home than on the road.

However, I’m not convinced that the Rockies are gonna sell – With Tulo back and Francis and Jiminez starting to come around to give them 3 legit starters, their management might be convinced they have another crazy September in them. They already have a pretty decent farm, so I’d imagine we’d have to give up some of our top pitching prospects…

by C-Gon on Jun 23, 2008 5:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, how can his work out?

Do we still have a few extra boxes of Vida Blue jerseys to give’em?

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 23, 2008 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

holliday? only if the a's can play half their games at coors field.

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 23, 2008 1:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Based on his actual performance this season...

Justin Duchscherer is the best pitcher in baseball.

Yeah, I know he missed some time with an injury. And no, I don’t think he’s quite as dominant as he has looked during the past month. But still, it’s worth chewing over when people complain that the A’s don’t have an ace.

Right now, a healthy and effective Rich Harden isn’t even the best starter on his own team.

by bear88 on Jun 23, 2008 1:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I think he has the aura of an ace - great mound presence

Like yesterday, that Hermida home run in the first didn’t shake him at all. He gets frustrated with himself sometimes, which shows that he expects a lot from himself, but it doesn’t affect his mound presence. He does the exact same thing everytime regardless of how he’s pitching or the score: he always does that thing where he brings up his arms over his head before going into the windup. It’s like nothing really fazes him (although that one time he did react poorly to Cust not getting to a ball). I think little things like that separate the true aces from kids like King Felix who have great stuff, but start making angry childish faces when things don’t go their way.

by C-Gon on Jun 23, 2008 5:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Duke got a bad rap on the Cust play

I read it as him raising his hands to signal foul ball – not in frustration over Cust not getting to the ball. Was there ever any comment in the media about this?

by boilerdan on Jun 23, 2008 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was reported that it was more frustration of making a good pitch, and having Giambi still

get on, since Giambi hits him well. It was a ” how can I get this guy out”, not a my teammate did something wrong.

by theblackpearl on Jun 23, 2008 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks - I stand corrected

by boilerdan on Jun 23, 2008 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at that game

Duke just frustrated that Giambi got the “dink” double off of him. Nothing more, nothing less…....

by mrod on Jun 23, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Although, when Harden starts stretching out his pitch count even a little more, there is no doubt his stuff puts fear in the opponent. Duke just plain ol’ outfoxes his opponents to the point of “Jeebus! How is this guy giving me another 0-4!!??“

They are both a joy to watch and we are fortunate to have 2 guys on the staff that we always circle a win in on the calender when they start…....

Go A’s!

by mrod on Jun 23, 2008 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed! We're incredibly spoiled!

I love the Duke’s professionalism and perfectionism. He’s a joy to watch, totally fooling batters. Harden plain over powers them. Bring on the Phils! And SOMEBODY beat the stupid Angels! Although I’m sure theyr’e looking over their shoulders saying “how are the frigging A’s still so close?” Awesome!

by A'sfansince1970 on Jun 23, 2008 11:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's need doubles hitters, not HR hitters

The more success I see A’s have with doubles hitters like Crosby and CarGon, and Buck when he was hitting, the more I suspect that they should really get more doubles hitters to play to the home park. With the larger dimensions, it’s obvious that HR hitters will suffer. Also is outfielder has to cover more ground because the walls are further back, the there is more chance for line drives to fall in. Plus now with all the young legs and more small ball by Geren, a single + a double will score a run, a lead-off double can easily translate into a run now for the A’s. I think A’s will get more bang for their buck if they just stock pile doubles hitters.

by asfansince1989 on Jun 23, 2008 12:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

...or the home run hitters would hit doubles

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Jun 23, 2008 12:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point

I can see Chavez hitting more doubles since he’s more of a line drive hitter. But for guys like Cust who has a lot of loft on his swing, if he can’t get the ball out, it’ll more likely be caught. I don’t mean specifically Cust is not well suited, I think he is because he has enough power to get the ball out. I guess I would rephrase my original post to say that A’s should shoot for line drive guys with HR power instead of fly ball hitters that thrives in smaller parks, unless if you have a guy like Cust who really fits well. Line driver hitters + power = good, that’s probably an obvious observation so I’ll stop here.

by asfansince1989 on Jun 23, 2008 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with the line drive hitter part.

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Jun 23, 2008 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The key phrase is "more bang for their buck"

If you buy home run hitters and they hit doubles, it will cost you more than if you buy doubles hitters and they hit doubles.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jun 23, 2008 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's true (I did notice that he said that, but I guess I just don't want a bunch of Bobby Crosbys/Crosbies)

I generally bemoan the profusion of Mr Sabermetric Sporks in the Scrabble ranks who don't know the meaning or usage of 50% of the words they use. -monkeyball

by JediLeroy on Jun 23, 2008 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On Crosby

If he weren’t a decent SS, I wouldn’t want to use Crosby’s as building block for my team. But considering his defensive position, you could definitely do worse. And he’s not too expensive. In the end he contributes what he can. The A’s can’t afford someone like a Pujos who can carry an offense all by himself, so they’ll need a bunch of decent players who can contribute what they can without trying to overreach. Plus seeing him bounce back after 2 horrible years, after pretty much all the fans have written him off, I think he’s a gamer, and I think he’s a keeper.

by asfansince1989 on Jun 24, 2008 12:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs