A's Lay the Smack Down on Angels

by Blez on Jun 30, 2008 10:07 PM PDT Comment 156 comments

The A's rode Greg Smith's second career complete game to victory tonight, 6-1. They received some timely hits off of Jon Garland to support Smith's stellar effort. Smith was fantastic tonight, working in a curve ball more often than I have seen him do in his young career. Perhaps that was something that Curt Young and company scouted ahead about the Angels and their weak offense. Whatever it was, the A's largely worked the outside corner for most of the night against the Angels.

The A's got most of their offense tonight from their young guns. The same guys I talked about in my grading post earlier today who have largely struggled. Daric Barton had two hits, a run and an RBI. Ryan Sweeney had two hits, a run and an RBI. Kurt Suzuki had two hits and scored a run. Carlos Gonzalez had three hits and scored a run. But probably the biggest blow of the night came from Eric Chavez, who got a huge two-run hit past a diving Casey Kotchman to give Greg Smith the chance to go the complete game because his hit made it 4-1 instead of 2-1. You just had to figure that Smith would've been coming out of the game at the first sign of trouble if the A's didn't have breathing room.

You have to realize that if the A's are going to remain in the race for the AL West title, they're going to need consistent contributions from their young guns. So tonight was definitely a good start to the second half for those guys. It's especially good to see Daric Barton come through tonight. He's looked pretty lost at the plate lately, so seeing him have a little more success tonight is probably a weight lifted off his very young shoulders.

What was fascinating about watching this game tonight is that the Angels offense is sputtering worse than the A's offense right now. Outside of the normally hacktastic Erick Aybar, the lineup didn't show much patience against Smith who has often had control issues lately. Aybar got the only two walks of the game for the Angels. Still, Smith did what he does best when he is on, working the corners perfectly and inducing lots of flyballs off the end of the bat or off the fists. Through the first six innings, Angels hitters had seven flyouts to Ryan Sweeney when he was playing right field. Smith's only mistake of the night was a bomb from the bat of Mike Napoli.

All in all, this is a great win and sets the A's up for the rest of this series. Even though the A's have Harden going tomorrow, the Angels are putting A's killer Ervin Santana out on the hill, so you have to figure the A's will struggle to score runs. Santana just owns our A's. But it's most definitely a nice way to start out the second half of the season. I always seem to have a bit more bounce in my step and birds sing beautifully whenever the A's beat the Angels. So I'll cherish this for the next 21 hours or so.

Thank you, Greg Smith.

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Comments

can i get an AAWWWWWW?

""These guys are a different breed of ballclub." - Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on the A's

by gotgreen on Jun 30, 2008 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

you know how i know you're gay

you’re holding each other, ever so gently.

by sourstuff on Jun 30, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nah, just bein' Hawaiian, Bra!

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sorry, that's JUST adorable.

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 30, 2008 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

(awww)

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a really sweet picture

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on Jun 30, 2008 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!! I love Greg Smith!!!! Ragin' Cajun last night!!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!
It's only Spring Clean for the May Queen. Call the Gardener!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 1, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

three changes

1. Hurt back in lineup

2. Chavy playing 3rd nearly all the time

3. Gaudin in—Blanton out

Dare we dream then that we can beat these suckers??

by windyfelix on Jun 30, 2008 10:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree on first 2. I am not willing to give up on Blanton yet

Anyway. Go A’s

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Big Hurt is out until post-ASB

so hold off on that first one for another few weeks….

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 30, 2008 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to be a party pooper, but Cust does not look good right now

He may be going through a slump again. How long before the DFA lynch mod turns their focus onhim again?

by asfansince1989 on Jun 30, 2008 10:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

cust is cust

you know what your getting with him. A walk, a strikeout or a homerun. And with an On base team who doesn’t exactly score lots, you take what spartacust gives us. No doubt he has been poor of late, but Zook has picked it up :)

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His OPS batting sixth is great!

just move him down in the lineup.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i ponder that move

move cust down, which cleanup is usually for a hr hitter, but he’s inconsistent. so when he’s on a tear leave him at 4. When he’s not put him in the bottom to boost the bottom end of the lineup.

Since we don’t rely on teh long ball, put Twix in the cleanup hole when cust is slumping. If the cleanup is meant to cleanup and we aren’t banking on HR’s why not a player who gets lots of doubles. Crosby could be put there too, but i think Cargon is a much better hitter.

Well just a crazy thought. prob. will never happen

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twix?

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

by iglew on Jun 30, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh yeah

sorry. thats what i call him from all the doubles he hits. Double = Twix (2 bars in a twix)

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's actually really creative

I like it.

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cust BA hitting 6th is .407!

and his OPS is 1.345!
That’s for nine games, 37 PAs…

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Totally agree

He would be better at 2nd or 6th/ 7th in the order.

The #3 hitter should be a guy who hits for a higher batting average.

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+++

Cust needs to move down in the order or up one.

by mrod on Jun 30, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking that since we want Cust's HRs

to come with runners on base, but he can be a bit of a rally killer when we need to keep the line moving, 5th or 6th might be better than 3rd. It’s just the classic problem that we don’t have a good option to replace him – I don’t really want Crosby batting 3rd, Ellis is a stretch, and and Gonzalez shouldn’t be put in the #3/#4 spot yet. Tough call.

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 30, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Ryan Sweeney or Chavez??

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

Chavvy in the 3 spot eventually. He has not looked to shabby so far….

by mrod on Jun 30, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

looked clutch tonight.

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He did, but his bat also looked slow

His whole body did – he’s definitely not close to 100% yet.

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 30, 2008 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was figuring Chavy #4

R. Sweeney doesn’t have middle of the order pop at this point. I like him #1 or #2 just fine, but at #3 it’s kind of like batting Hatteberg or Barton #3 – which, sadly, we’ve done.

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 30, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is Hatte still playing?

I know he was released outright by the Reds earlier this year. Is he done?

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm starting to warm up to the Barry Bonds idea

God forgive me.

by Blez on Jun 30, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yup

Contention makes for strange bedfellows

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

God will not forgive you.

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 30, 2008 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

God loves a working man

and with our anemic hitting, we’d put Barry Lamar Bonds to work.

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You call yourself an A's fan?

I’d like to hear you having an A’s/baseball discussion with some faithful at the Coliseum that you as an A’s fan want Barry Bonds on the team. That would be entertaining.

Dude, you’re a fucking idiot.

by AtTheColiseum on Jul 1, 2008 3:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The conversation:

Blez: The A’s offense needs to improve…we should sign a guy whose OBP was .480 last year.

AtTheColiseum: You mean you want the team to be better? You call yourself an A’s fan?

Blez: Um, yes.

You’re right…that would be entertaining!

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Jul 1, 2008 4:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And in other news, there's a new CGV system this morning

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And it's already being utilized.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 1, 2008 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know what's funnier

that an attack starts the morning the new system is announced, or that it all starts with a guy who joined today and has made three whole comments dropping an f bomb on the blogfather.

(Not that Blez should be exempt from being called out if needed. But I was afraid to even stare at his posts for too long when I first joined for fear of his glory burning out my retinas.)

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

by 5Aces on Jul 1, 2008 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One things for sure

I don’t ever want to see Bobby Crosby batting third or cleanup EVER again. What was Geren thinking last weekend? Did he pull names out of a hat Billy Martin-style?

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You forgot one other sure thing

Barry Bonds will NEVER be on the Oakland A’s.

by AtTheColiseum on Jul 1, 2008 4:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boy, it's a good thing we have you around

as our resident psychic, isn’t it.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hitting .333 when batting in the second inning

so 6th spot is the best triangulation on this man.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

2nd?

has there ever been a guy lead the league in K’s and get moved to the 2 hole.

by KCB58 on Jul 1, 2008 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, Cust + Brown is our poor man's Vlad

Cust has 13 HR, same as Vlad
Brown has 43 RBI, same as Vlad

If we can somehow morph them into one player, they would be a HR powered switch hitting left field ball hawking machine, OK maybe not the last part.

by asfansince1989 on Jun 30, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Keep in mind

This is an off year for Vlad

by nevermoor on Jun 30, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or the beginning of inevitable decline

Oh, and Cust has been a better (offensive) player.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 1, 2008 2:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, ups and downs are what you get with Cust.

Still, awesome game. Way to go Smith, Chavvy, Sweeney, Zook, Dale, and the rest of the gang. Let’s come back tomorrow and kick some Angel butt!

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jun 30, 2008 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trendy youth that I am

I would be totally down for being in a lynch mod.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jul 1, 2008 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jeff Pearlman, on the other hand, is a lynch Rocker

And, yes, me, I’m a lynch mocker.

He's a very personable, sweet, nice chimp. He's not going to be aggressive unless he's provoked. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 1, 2008 9:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny thing

the D and B are nowhere near each other on a qwerty

by KCB58 on Jul 1, 2008 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I pondered the evening of baseball

and I saw that Barry pitch another gem to fall to 3-12 on the year and watched Mulder make his first appearance of the year(as a ninth inning reliever in a game all but decided), I juxtaposed that with Greg Smith’s performance tonight, and the excitement that this young club brings to the table. In the words of Pete and Roger, the kids are alright.

Pennant chase or no, these guys are fun.

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And the New Boss

might just be the Old Boss—in terms of this division

by windyfelix on Jun 30, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you nailed it,

they are fun

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm too lazy to pull out the record...

...but I’m pretty sure Pete wrote that one solo.

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But tonight, Tommy played left field for Them.

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

by The Dogfather on Jul 1, 2008 5:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nyuk, nyuk!

And the poor guy had to stand out there quite awhile to stew in it. That half inning probably felt like a year to him.

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could not agree more

Every time I hear someone complaining about all the trades Billy has made, I just shake my head and wonder what these people are thinking. It is great having all these young guys. Hopefully their performance continues/improves.

Anyway, so far, so fun.

by oakAK on Jul 1, 2008 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big change in clubhouse

Emotional boost from Big Hurt and Mike Sweeney in clubhouse.

Ryan Sweeney mentioned it on postgame show. Boosted everyone.

Big Hurt says, “I will be the big bat deadline guy”.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That's just awesome

I love Big Frank.

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nestle

should officially change the name of the “Baby Ruth Bar” to the “Big Hurt Bar”

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baby Ruth

was President Harding’s daughter.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe

there was also a baseballer with a similar-type name right around then too…

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope.

doesn’t ring any bells

by nevermoor on Jun 30, 2008 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

big fella, about yey high

like to smoke cheap cigars (but, unlike Les’s guy, did not run the bumper cars or candy up his nose, to the best of my knowledge)

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Babe Herman!

great story about Babe Herman…
..wish I could remember it…

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, that reminds me - great story

about Alzheimer’s…

Yes?

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 30, 2008 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who are you people

and what are you doing in my home?

Have any of you seen my pants?

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

who was the mother?

alaska A

by ak_A on Jun 30, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You'll know soon enough!!

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

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean President Cleveland

Except it’s not true.

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

by iglew on Jun 30, 2008 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was President Harden

Heck, I’d vote for him.

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 30, 2008 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay iglew, which president cleveland?

because when I look at the lists of presidentz I see two clevelands.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jun 30, 2008 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's gotta be Grover.

That guy gets 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 30, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stephen

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

by iglew on Jun 30, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

him

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, named after Cleveland's daughter

while Harding was president.

I think we have a current example of weird time-travel, with the new “Gerald Ford” stamp coming out in 2008!

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i did not know that

intersting american history right there

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was there any more updates upon their returns?

It would be great to get at least one back for next series vs. Angels.

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas is confident he'll be back

right after the ASB – too late for the Angels series but still mighty fine prospect indeedily-doodily. Mike Sweeney is having his gall bladder grafted onto his spleen in a desperate attempt to improve his knees.

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 30, 2008 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If we can get 40 starts at 1B from M. Sweeney and have him for the playoffs it would be great

He would be a fine addition to the line-up.

I would think he could replace Brown on the roster.

Buck if improved could replace Davis.

Thomas might have to replace a reliever.

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please, no.

Leave him in the booth with Kuiper the Lesser and Ray.

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What is wrong with M. Sweeney if healthy?

He was hitting about 70 points better than Barton. He is a veteran who rarely strikes out.

That is just the kind of guy you want on your team in a big game. Not someone who takes a 3rd strike when a walk actually does you little good in the bottom of the 9th.

He is also a great guy and had a positive attitude- even in May when Barton was hitting below .200 for the month and Sweeney was hitting nearly .300- yet he was not the primary starter.

I know in a playoff game say at Fenway Park I would much rather have someone like Sweeney in the line-up than Barton.

Then again Sweeney is not a young guy and won’t be on someone’s projectred roster for 2011 so to many he’s worthless.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 1, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I do question whether he'll be able to run

more than “Thomas-level station-to-station,” and we can’t have two of those in our lineup. Having two slow guys is different from having two guys whose body will not allow them to push forward.

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 Jul 1, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say worthless

There’s a good reason why a hobbled, fading first baseman who hasn’t exprienced a good season since 2005 was playing caddy. Don’t let a few weeks of decent spot duty fool you. I think Barton’s chances of coming around are better than Sweeney’s chances of contributing in a substantial role after surgeries on both knees. Once Frank Thomas returns, Sweeney the Elder is redundant.

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Although it's early, if the playoffs were tommorow, I would agree

I am not sure how the roster shakeup would work of course, but Mike Sweeney is exactly the type of player you would want on a post season roster. A proven hitter who rarely strikes out (huge in the playoffs) and has a good attitude.

by AtTheColiseum on Jul 1, 2008 3:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Much, much better than Barry Bonds, agreed?

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Jul 1, 2008 4:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weird that RotoWire's

first item up is about Chavvy. I mean, yeah, that was a nice hit, but you’d think they might notice someone else, like, I don’t know, maybe Greg.

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

by iglew on Jun 30, 2008 10:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Strange

I was just about to say how two or three years ago, Chavvy doesn’t make that hit. He walks, maybe, but doesn’t make that hit. That was the nail in the coffin.

But I’m with you: Smith is the story here.

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I said it in the previous thread Blez

I am always more amped up we we take the Angels’ lunch money, brother!

by mrod on Jun 30, 2008 10:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We took their lunch money too?

Awesome.

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 30, 2008 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do we split that up or...?

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twinkies, Fritos, and all of their

Juice Squeezers!!!!!

by mrod on Jun 30, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

With smith pitching a great game like that

beane’s trades keep looking better and better. I”m sure he was thinking “Rebuild that MLB”

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Haren is great but that trade is amazing

Hopefully, we will compare it one day to the late 80s trade where Minnesota Vikings got Hershel Walker form Dallas.. in return, the Cowboys got nearly 4-5 great draft picks and a few other good players.

It led to great years for the Cowboys.

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can understand the D-Backs desire to add Haren,

but they gave up an awful lot. Not that I’m complaining, but I wonder how Haren-Gonzalez straight up will look come 2010. And Smith-Eveland rock. And that’s just half the players.

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 30, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, i have the same thoughts nico

except I use 2029.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jun 30, 2008 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As they say,

hindsight is 2029 if you need to update the prescription on your glasses.

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 30, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

damn, Buan has not played the OC theme yet

and I always try to email him to do it. I think he just hinted at that to his producer. really makes my night when he does that. (looking forward to denver move)

alaska A

by ak_A on Jun 30, 2008 10:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Your cats must be ashamed to know you

Hey, are you coming to AN Day? You HAVE to.

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 30, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One cat. singular. please, i am not that bad off. (checks shopping cart collection on my deck)

I have analyzed my discretionary cash situation and decided to opt out of AN day. And instead stay in Alaska that weekend and just feel good knowing all the AN’ers that will be queuing up to have a word with you.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jun 30, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope your other cat dies

We’ll miss 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 30, 2008 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I keep hearing that the schedule is going to be tough for the A's in 2nd half BUT-

On the positive, shouldn’t we have a huge number of games left versus Seattle??

I would think that we might get a nice number of wins at their expense in the 2nd half.

We will play at the Yankees, at Detroit , at Minnesota, at Tampa and at Boston several times and they are the teams that we will be competing with for the Wild Card.

Nonetheless, we probably have alot of games with the MAriners to help boost the record (KC as well)

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

lets hope

the twins and tigers cool down before we face them. Not great teams, but playing very well at the moment

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jun 30, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playing the National League a bunch will make an AL team hot.

I don’t buy the Twins. Detroit, on the other hand, will probably end up winning the AL Central.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 1, 2008 2:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seattle will play us tough

somehow, they just get amped for the A’s. Baltimore, Toronto…no….A’s ?? grrrrrrrrrrrr

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you are right but from what I read

The Seattle team morale/ chemistry is so low right now I don’t see them getting excited to play anyone.

I read an article quoting some coaches that many of the stars are selfish and don’t work hard to prepare for the games.

I still think it sucks that they have such huge crowds at home compared to the A’s.

Their fine attendance reinforces my theory that often the main causes of good attendance at baseball is a) pre-season expectations b) ballpark ambiance c) lots of high income people in the area.

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it sucks that the Angels draw 40,000+

on a Monday night and the A’s can only sell out a weekend game if the visiting team’s fans fill the place out.

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 30, 2008 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right. That does suck.

Not that the Angels draw, but that the A’s don’t

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 1, 2008 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To win we will have to win on the road,

but other than that it’s not THAT tough a schedule – just the lack of home games. Either we become “road warriors” or we don’t. Right after the ASB we play NYY and TB, so I figure we’ll face Pettitte, Joba, Mussina, but then TB’s 4-5-1 (Sonnanstine, E. Jackson, Kazmir?). Throw Blanton #3!

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 30, 2008 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's like when the Expos had to play about 25 straight road games

when their stadium collapsed, and they did pretty well. We can do it if Frank indeed returns.

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 1, 2008 7:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A's one of three teams with

winning records on the road, in the AL.
Yankees and Angles the other two.

Ellis hitting .340 on the road, sub.200 at home.

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

by One won lost won on Jun 30, 2008 10:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good points on the Ellis numbers

If he can start hitting like he did last year then with the return of Thomas and the Sweeneys we would have the needed bat to the line-up.

BArry Bonds replacing Brown or Cust is an interesting thought.

by Yellowhorse on Jun 30, 2008 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bonds replacing Cust isn't at all interesting

Because I don’t think he’ll be any better at all. Like, at all.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 1, 2008 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Emil on the other hand...

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 1, 2008 7:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is no doubt Bonds would play better - However, the team morale may plummit

I think if the A’s added Bonds it would be at the expense of Cust. I think that Cust’s being out of team or line-up would probably ruin the team’s chemistry. Cust has been trying and appears to be a good guy, it might be a morale killer to have him dumped for someone whom is not the nicest of people.

Bonds being on the team would be a distraction. The entire media would focus on the arrival of the HR King/ possible convict story, many of the guys performances COULD take a turn for the worse.

If many other players started to perform poorly after the arrival of Bonds, it wouldn’t be worth it.

That to me is the interesting thought. What would Bonds’ arrival mean to the team’s morale if it meant Cust was benched, traded, sent to minors.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 1, 2008 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why can't Cust and Bonds split LF/DH?

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Jul 1, 2008 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is doubt

Bonds has played effectively into his 40s as no player has before. However, it’s not a given that he will continue to do so. An argument can be made that he’s worth a flier but it’s wrong to say there’s no doubt he would be better than Cust at his age and after sitting out for so long. There’s plenty of doubt.

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was a great baseball night for me.

1.) A’s smash

2.) Angels get smashed

3.) Cubs crush

4.) Giants get put back in their place

The two teams I love played phenomenally while the two I absolutely despise bite the dust.

As the song says, Please, don’t let this feeling end…

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 30, 2008 10:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

For me, great because:

1. A’s smash
2. Angels crash
3. Yanks lashed
4. Red Sox and Yanks looking up at someone else

As the song says, “867-530ni-yee-yi-yine”. Well, it does.

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 30, 2008 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So in this instance

Tommy Tutone is calling someone (to wit, “Jenny”) from a number he got on the bathroom wall. Why, exactly, is he so excited about this? Is he such a horrible musician that he cannot rely upon the normal bevy of groupies and must desperately phone strangers with the slim (but obviously passionate) hopes that they are indeed “good-time girls”? And did I perhaps spend too much time in grad school?

Florida ain't no place for a self-respecting A's fan.

by Leopold Bloom on Jun 30, 2008 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tommy Heath

Tommy Tutone is the name of the band (shortened from Tommy and the Tu-tones).

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That too

Keep the Spanks and the Sux out of the playoffs!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jun 30, 2008 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't want Bonds either

for a ridiculous salary, and when we had Cust as DH, but now, if BB is willing to come in for a one million base plus Plate Appearance bonuses, and DH and play left, I’m totally okay with it.

by connie mack on Jun 30, 2008 10:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

His agent claims he told all 30 teams he'd play for the minimum

and even donate that to charity. He received no offers.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2008-06-25-bonds_N.htm

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 1, 2008 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe everyone is just in shock that Bonds might actually do something...

...courteous for others.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 1, 2008 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then why not give it a try.

If it doesn’t work out, cut him.

If it does, great.

Seems like a low risk opportunity. Given the Angles troubles, I’m surprised they don’t try it.

by oakAK on Jul 1, 2008 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The main reason not to consider Bonds

is that Thomas figures to be back 12 games from now. Bonds would have been a terrific temp-DH to keep the offense afloat while The Big Sweeney and Mike Hurt were out. But no way will Thomas, Cust, and Bonds play at the same time and no way does it make sense to have one of them on the bench.

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 Jul 1, 2008 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is the problem. I think if the A's

would have known that Thomas and Sweeney would be out that long they SHOULD have picked Bonds up in late May. Now there is no room unless the team traded one of the following (F. Thomas, Cust, Brown, Mike Sweeney, Barton). They will actually have to probably cut one of them once Thomas and Sweeney are healthy.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 1, 2008 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great win!

Harden 6-0 after tmrw! Fearless prediction!

by Oaktownflav on Jun 30, 2008 10:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I really liked Sweeney's commentary during the game.

I can easily see why this guy is so well like throughout baseball. Nothing but praise for Barton, even on the DL he’s trying to build the guy up. Here’s to hoping that Barton learns all he can from Sweeney while he’s 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 30, 2008 11:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I really hope he's offered a coaching job when he retires.

by mikev on Jun 30, 2008 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

screw that

They should have Sweeney take over for Selig.

He's a very personable, sweet, nice chimp. He's not going to be aggressive unless he's provoked. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jun 30, 2008 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obama-Sweeney!

Crap, CGV.

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 30, 2008 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

McCain-E. Brown!

We’ll take Rhode Island!

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 Jul 1, 2008 8:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

what was that about Obama's weeney?

He's a very personable, sweet, nice chimp. He's not going to be aggressive unless he's provoked. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 1, 2008 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about Big sweeny for A's hitting coach?

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 1, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last 123 games between the A's and Angels since 4/13/02

A’s 62 wins – Angels 61 wins

A’s 488 runs – Angels 486 runs

50 games decided by 1 run

20 games decied by 2 runs

by easyraider on Jun 30, 2008 11:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Such a fun rivalry!

by drmmerchk on Jul 1, 2008 2:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great game to be at last night!!!!

Smith looked awesome; made short work of the Angels and Vlad, and I can’t remember a game with more fly-outs. Ever.

And I met Rex Hudler!!!

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

by baseballgirl on Jul 1, 2008 9:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

did he remember to use Visine?

by oakinboston on Jul 1, 2008 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brad Ziegler on ESPN MLB front page

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

by SwampyD on Jul 1, 2008 9:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

just read that,

great stuff for Ziggy!

by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jul 1, 2008 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never Liked Cust

Yeah, he had that great first week last season with the 8 HR’s, but I’m truly sick of seeing this guy come to the plate. He strikes out more than anything, has a low batting average, and doesn’t drive in any runs, rarely puts the ball in play. Yeah, I know, he comes cheap, who else is going to fill in, etc., but the guy is a MAJOR liability. Forget about walks, OBP, OPS, or whatever, just freakin’ watch the guy when he bats. Every time he whiffs he just walks back to the dugout with that stupid look on his face that says “Oh, well, that’s just me striking out again, better learn to accept it.” He has the very same upper-cut swing as Terence Long, and can’t play the outfield or run the bases. Why not go out and sign Dave Kingman or Rob Deer? Time to get Travis Buck back in LF or trade for a right-handed bat.

by FurVault on Jul 1, 2008 10:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hm

I can’t guarantee that your comments won’t cause considerable ire in a number of people.
Also, I prefer watching my game unfold on paper, so I really can’t relate.

by oakinboston on Jul 1, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've concluded (and from the lack of replies here, I suspect others have too)

that Cust is basically a litmus test. If someone thinks Cust is a bad hitter, that is prima facie proof that they have no idea what a good hitter is.

By the way, even with the slump, Cust’s Equivalent Average is .310.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why limit it to Cust and hitting?

Don’t you conclude that if someone thinks (X that you don’t think) about Y, that is prima facie proof they have no idea what a good Y is?

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 Jul 1, 2008 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If there are objective ways to measure Y

then sure.

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

by andeux on Jul 1, 2008 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't limit it to Cust...

If someone moves a rook pawn with their first move in a chess game, I conclude that they do not know how to play chess.

If someone says that stadiums are good for cities’ economic growth, I conclude that they do not understand the issue.

Some problems are solved at this point. The value of hitting production isn’t quite a solved problem, but it’s very close to being one—close enough that there’s really no case whatsoever for arguing that Jack Cust is a bad hitter.

I’ll anticipate your reply and say that I can basically tell the difference, at this point, between someone who is genuinely curious and open-minded about an issue, and someone who is simply demanding that their viewpoint be heard no matter how outlandish it is. Arguments with the latter are almost invariably a waste of time. Someone who comes into a discussion with a hostile attitude is going to find that attitude reciprocated at times.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know what a good Y is

Cheap rooms, gym, all sorts of opportunities for varieties of fellowship …

He's a very personable, sweet, nice chimp. He's not going to be aggressive unless he's provoked. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 1, 2008 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Young man...

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Jul 1, 2008 2:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Travis Buck?? He was hitting much worse than Cust

I am not the biggest Cust fan. I think he is at best a role player. On most teams he would be batting like 7th (which is where I think he should bat once Frank and M. Sweeney come back). He is not a #3 hitter. nor a #4 hitter because of the low batting average.

I wouldn’t be that mad if the A’s through a trade brought in someone to replace him.

However, he is not the biggest problem with the offense. I beleieve in Sunday’s game we had 3 guys in the line-up hitting below .220 (THAT IS THE PROBLEM).

by Yellowhorse on Jul 1, 2008 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, Hannahan is the one I worry about

0.189 avg, .0.541 OPS in June.

Of course Brown is worse, but I don’t see him being a full time player or a long term part of the A’s.

by asfansince1989 on Jul 1, 2008 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are we in a time warp?

Batting average was a useful measure of a hitter’s ability when it took eight balls to draw a walk and extra base hits were rare. Using it now seems rather silly.

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

by Monday Fan on Jul 1, 2008 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow miss a game and miss a lot.

What a great game last. I just check the gameday videos and the box for the game and was very please at what I found. Also I like Sweeney at the top of the order, and Smith was great on the mount. After reading the recap over on yahoo it said that he watched a lot of video of lefty pitchers and learned how to be more effective. That alone was great that the young guy is trying to improve himself for the long run. And you got to love Carlos González going 3 for 5 against the Angels here is hopping that is something he does for the rest of his time in Oakland. And that is all that I will say about the offense from last night and now it is time to keep it going.

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 1, 2008 10:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

By the way

Smiths reaction to the Napoil homer was great. He was all that shit dont bother me Im going right back to dealing

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 1, 2008 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My reaction was not so mature

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 Jul 1, 2008 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smith Was Great, Right?

I didn’t see the game, but with the way the Angels are swinging the bats right now (or not) it’s kind of hard to know how effective Smith was. I love the kid, but when you get shut down by Chan Ho Park, you really suck.

I did watch Lincecum’s start Saturday afternoon quite closely. Seemed to me he again had the so-so stuff that got him rocked his two prior starts. Strange division in that no one can hit except the Rangers, and they traded away their best pitching prospect to get another guy who can hit.

I’ve been away from AN for a week or so. Where do I go to moan about Cust?

by solotar on Jul 1, 2008 1:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs