Open Thread: Game 62 - A's vs. Angels
by Taj Adib on Jun 7, 2008 5:46 PM PDT
Email
PrintLos Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics, Jun 7, 2008 6:05 PM PDT
Ohh boy guys and gals! Since I live in SoCal and do not have access to KICU on MLB Extra Innings, I have the distinct privilege this evening to listen to the existential musings of baseball's most colorful color commentator Rex Hudler! Seriously, that guy and his unqualified praise of every Angel of the past, present and future just thrust my intense dislike of everything Angel into the stratosphere. I'll seriously be considering placing my TV on mute tonight, just to spare my sanity...
Although, it's actually fun to listen to him when the Angels are losing, when he's embarrassing himself by scrambling incoherently for positive things to say...so lets hope, just maybe for my sake, that Greg Smith and the rest of the Green and Gold can make it happen this evening. Tonight might be the team's best chance to steal one from the streaking Halos and get back on track and back in the mix for the AL West lead, as The Halos will be sending their least formidable starter to the mound tonight in the person of Jon Garland.
While Jon currently sports a better-than-average ERA of 3.99 on the season and is 5-3 on the year, he's walked more batters than he's struck out so far this year (22-29) K-BB ratio and has given up more than a hit an inning for an un-impressive overall WHiP of 1.46. The A's beat Garland fairly convincingly on April 28th of this year and let's hope they can rack up a similar amount of damage against him tonight (7 Earned Runs on 10 hits over 6 innings).
As for the home team, Greg Smith will toe the rubber this evening. I have a good feeling about Greg tonight. Greg threw really well against the Halos earlier this year, going 8 innings, striking out 5, walking 3 and giving up only a couple of runs. Greg is also pitching at home tonight, where he is 2-1 with a 2.27 ERA. Also, with his world-class pickoff move and league-leading 7 pickoffs, Smith should be able to neutralize Scioscias's speed-based stratagems. Greg also is a guy who lives on the corners of the strike zone and forces batters to put the ball-in-play...against a free-swinging team like the Angles, such a pitching plan could lead to a lot of early-count outs and ground balls. Hopefully Crosby and Ellis will be a little more adept with handling those ground balls tonight than they were yester eve...
Angels
1. Izturis
2. Kendrick
3. Guerrero
4. Hunter
5. Matthews Jr.
6. Quinland
7. Rivera
8. Wood
9. Mathis
A's
1. Hannahn (DH)
2. Crosby (SS)
3. Cust (LF)
4. Chavez (3B)
5. Ellis (2b)
6. Barton
7. Buck
8. Cargon (CF)
9. Suzuki (c)
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MLB Extra Innings
This game isn’t on Extra Innings for me. That’s the fourth A’s game I’ve missed in the last week and a half because of this. It’s frustrating that virtually every Red Sox/Yankees game is on, but not the A’s.
Oh, and half the time the A’s are on, I’m forced to suffer through the opposing team’s broadcast. There HAS to be a better way to get out of market games…
by VORP is too nerdy on Jun 7, 2008 5:58 PM PDT reply actions
I have EI...
and since the Opening Day debacle, I haven’t really had anything to complain about. I’m okay with whatever announcers I get just as long as I get to see the game. I remember a stretch a few years back when they had me completely pissed off.
"JOAN! Are you watching Bombast? Did you see Lack Bust drop that fly call?"
Dude
same here. Says the game is blackedout in my area yet the fucking game is not on any channel on my tv! go figure, lol
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Dejavu
ok, Harden, tomorrow to lead off the game, lets do something different and have Izturis hit it out of the park with his head.
If Harden pitches tomorrow.....
"JOAN! Are you watching Bombast? Did you see Lack Bust drop that fly call?"
Harden is pitching!!
oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!
It's only Spring Clean for the May Queen. Call the Gardener!
by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jun 7, 2008 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Okay, who is replaying last night's game?
"JOAN! Are you watching Bombast? Did you see Lack Bust drop that fly call?"
"Let's not do that, please" love, Zook
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Looks like he won't be a donor, either.
His boys have to be swimming a little slower today.
"JOAN! Are you watching Bombast? Did you see Lack Bust drop that fly call?"
We're way ahead of you
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
We didn't break the news to Zook, though
I didn’t have the heart to do it.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Maybe its a blessing I cant get the game
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:14 PM PDT reply actions
Enduring Rex Hudler for two nights in a row
takes far more discipline than I am capable of.
by VORP is too nerdy on Jun 7, 2008 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Not to good
I didnt even see a nipple. Maybe tonight, Saturdays are much more fun anyway. The Beach was packed with all kinds of piercings today though.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions
On chicks I hope
not that there is anything wrong with liking them on dudes. Just saying.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
On the bright side
we should be able to tag Garland
Hope they take notes re swinging at first pitch and getting a meatball to hit out of the park
No Emil Brown in the lineup again?
Has Geren finally answered my prayers?
by VORP is too nerdy on Jun 7, 2008 6:18 PM PDT reply actions
Not sure about the strike zone so far
Ball 2 to Matthews (before he K’d swinging) was a way better pitch than strike 2 to Hannahan.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Since the team has no power, I think we should learn from the Angels
and perfect the art of the Bloop Hit.
Too bad FT is on the DL
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
He sure has been zoned in on his little spot down the RF line!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
My wife is there with my 6 year old right now.
by theblackpearl on Jun 7, 2008 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Good to see him swinging at the first pitch
Needs to do this more often and they will start him off with balls
I don't think he's on at all
Not looking good at all so far
With Eveland and Smith
we have to expect some of this. Rookie pitchers will struggle, well most of them anyway.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions
This is my first time
listening to a game on the radio. is it Ken Korach on the radio? Whoever it is calls a good game.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:30 PM PDT reply actions
Pretty good team calling a game.
Im impressed
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Vince Cotroneo
I think he’s a Texan and was with the Rangers. Not sure of that though
The bullpen will be in use tonight for us
that’s for sure
I have got Amstel and Corona on ice
What is everyone else enjoying on this very nice night?
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:37 PM PDT reply actions
Diet Coke
But I do have some Anchor Steam and Orion in the fridge if conditions warrant.
Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream
What conditions are those?
I guess the sun being up and I dont have to work in the morning is enough for me. LOL
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Just made a couple of rhum agricole mojitos
with La Favorite 50% rhum blanc. Usually I’d make ti punches, but we got fresh mint at the farmer’s market today.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
What is a Mojito?
Im going to order one when I go out tonight. Its nice Martini bar but im sure they know how to make other drinks.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Rum, lime juice, sugar, mint leaves muddled in, topped off with club soda
It’s originally Cuban (or so all the web sites say) so you’re supposed to use a Cuban or English rum (made from distilled molasses) but I really like French-island rhum agricole (which is made from fresh sugar cane juice, like Brazilian cachaca).
If they don’t make it from mojito mix, it’s good, and dangerously easy to drink.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Rum, sugar and Mint
where do I sign up? Sounds fricken good, im having one tonight. Sound like they can screw you up pretty quick if your not careful though.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Very, very quick!
It’s really thirst-quenching, so if you’re thirsty you might want to drink a glass of water first!
The ti punch I usually drink is just a daiquiri on the rocks made with rhum agricole, basically: lime juice, sugar or cane syrup, rhum agricole (regular rum in a daiquiri) and ice.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I some some expensive
Mojito’s premade at the store. Any chance they are any good?
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I've never tried them
but when I was growing up in Berkeley mint just grew like a weed. I’d bet it’s the same down by Pismo. It’s not that hard to get some mint and limes, and mix in some sugar or, if you can find it, cane syrup. Bet it’s cheaper, too. The mixes probably use high fructose corn syrup, which is bound to taste different from sugar.
Also, I really, really recommend daiquiris. Not the frozen, alcoholic smoothie thing. Just lime juice, some sugar (or Rose’s lime, that’s good too) and rum. Brugal is a good Dominican rum you can get for a reasonable price ($12 a bottle?), and makes a good daiquiri.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Wow
thanks for the advice man. Make my mouth water, lol
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions
If you want to get really obsessive
go visit The Ministry of Rum—tons and tons and tons of information.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Just to put it out there, asfaninpismobeach....
Ken Korach is a excellent announcer with decades of experience, has always been a great courteous friend to Athletics Nation, and according to Baseballgirl, has “a voice like sex buttah.”
That Ken Korach is impressive, yes.
striking out twice against a non strike out pitcher in that inning
is simply pathetic
Early evening. Shadows.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
AAH! DR. EARL HOLLOWAY!!!
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Jeez Lou-eez...
The A’s are on a mission to equalize Garland’s K-BB ratio. 3 K’s and counting by a guy who had only struck out 22 other batters in the whole season before tonight but of course hew looks like Nolan Ryan as soon as he comes to Oakland.
They should all go up there and swing at the first pitch
No matter what
Otheriwse they are fucked
I know
does anyone else feel like the “game’s gettin’ away” as soon as the other team scores one friggin’ run??!!
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Kendrick
a tenth round pick? Talk about a diamond!
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:45 PM PDT reply actions
And this is not being negative
but being realistic.
If the first two innings are any indication, the A’s hitters couldn’t get laid in a whorehouse with 10 million in cash to dispense
That's like a 7-0 lead for anyone else.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Anyone else notice with Chavez
that he is not throwing well to first? He’s darting or aiming the ball there instead of throwing it.
He always seemed
just average throwing to first. Good arm but bounces more then most I think.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions
On purpose
He said last year with the arm trouble he has had. To save his arm he sometimes bounces the throws there on purpose. So it should look like he does it more than most. Since he is the only one I know, that will do it on purpose.
I was going to say
last year a ton of them
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions
You guys better not let salb or jd44 hear you ...
Chavez is King, baby.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Ray, we don't need you acting like there's a conspiracy
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Double Double Double Double Double Double
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
We have GOT to score this run
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
On the radio
you can hear the differance when Gonzales makes contact.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 6:55 PM PDT reply actions
electronic strike zone
but, who doesn’t like a little favoritism??
The “human element”...wavy foul lines, anyone??
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I feel like we try to walk our runs in every inning
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
We need to be WAAAAY more aggressive.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
You see how Suzuki took that "outside strike" to right?!
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Hell yes, we'll "take it."
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
I guess they have to go through a lot of pitch calls before...
...they get to “hit the batter.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Hudler:
“It’s okay to hit guys. It’ll help Garland going forward to open up the outer half of the plate.”
What a clown!
wonder why he's DH
wouldn’t it be better to DH Cust and play Hannahanna in left?
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
Geren ought to spend about 10 minutes
bitchin and moanin about a balk, now.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
like Chavez, right?
oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!
It's only Spring Clean for the May Queen. Call the Gardener!
by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jun 7, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
There's the unconventional DP and a bad baserunning mistake
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Do we not ever go over these things ... I don't know .. in meetings or anything??
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
I know he thought it was dropping, but you just can't go too far like that
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
I know, but it sure seems like we make a ton of 'em
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Crap, we are sooo poor at fundamentals.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Look on the bright side
The A’s didnt get no hit
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:03 PM PDT reply actions
No, we just have fans who are so damn negative, they think the A's will get no hit.
How many times this year have they been 1 or 2 hit????
by theblackpearl on Jun 7, 2008 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions
we're getting to Garland, though...
one hit and a HBP. Babysteps.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
Juan Rivera is a free agent after this year.
Wouldn’t be a bad guy to pursue in the off-season. Righty bat with some power and can play the corners.
Way to use your head on that one, Travis.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Honestly
I love the A’s but the Angels have just as good of pitching as the A’s and pretty much a better defender or hitter at every position on the diamond besides maybe Thirdbase.
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Given the offseason talk
I am very pleased that the A’s are only 4.5 games out of first on June 7. I’m thrilled that they are several games over .500 and 11 games ahead of the Mariners.
+1 for perspective
We’re playing with house money this year. Enjoy the ride!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I agree man
Angels are a more mature team. Shit! They should win the division, they have a high payroll, I mean come on, how many teams can replace a $50 million dollar Centerfielder with a $64 million one( or whatever it was).
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with this. It’s easy to get caught up in individual games and get frustrated, but I am really pleased with what has happened this year so far. It’s be really fun to watch the young guys develop. And the fun bonuses like getting Frank Thomas back on the team… it’s been really fun so far. Hopefully we can stay competitive the rest of the year.
Yes, this sums it up pretty well
If the Angels win 100 games and run away, congratulations to them. I’m enjoying watching Eveland, Smith, Casilla, Devine, Suzuki, Barton and R. Sweeney. I would love it if the A’s could finish 10-20 games over .500 with this crew. I’m just not obsessed with “we are now only X number of games behind the Angels” this year.
Yes
The teams that buy all the FA’s need to win today. How much fun is it to watch Gary f’n Matthews hit .230 with no power? Watching young players develop has always been the best part of being a fan for me. And this team is just a hell of a lot of fun to watch.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Brandon Wood is trying to become Jack Cust
except that he wants to make it Strike Out or Homerun, screw walks.
Looking toward tomorrow
Harden has to throw a 98 pitch perfect nine innings with 88 of his 98 pitches for strikes and 17 K’s.
And hope we score 1 run and that is a tall order
Go A’s
tides a turnin'
after 67 pitches, Smitty’s finally warmed up. Too bad he can’t throw 130 pitches so he can make it through the 6th.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
A's are going to win this game!
Just a gut feeling. Even down, I think it’s gong to happen!
A's, baby!
if Gameday's right...
Cust was correct in taking that last pitch.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
Chavez, on the other hand...
took the called third strike right down the pipe.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
It was borderline.
But this umpire’s been giving both pitchers a very liberal strikezone and Jack certainly didn’t argue the call.
I haven't been a fan of an electronic strike zone before...
but, after watching games this season and Gameday at the same time, I’m coming around to that way of thought. Some of these umps are atrocious.
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
This is a multi-million dollar
business, with million dollar salaries!!!
How many data centers are run by “eyeballing” important stuff??
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Fuck off Cust
statue ass! Sorry, I feel better though
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:14 PM PDT reply actions
Cust looks at a meatball that my dead grandmother who has been dead for 40 years
could have hit for a home run
5 stikeouts
against Garland? Time for some of the A’s players to think about another career. That equals around 20% of his strikeout total on the whole year! Pathetic!
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions
unfortunately, we seem to have gotten...
“good” Garland tonight. An infrequent occurence, sorta like CarGon hitting a single….
Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb
Come on, damn it!
Take the bat off your shoulders guys…especially with two strikes. Kids in A-ball can do a better job than you have been doing! Protect the plate!
Even non-strikeout pitchers get them when people don't swing.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
5 strikeouts (SWING THE BAT AT THE FIRST PITCH)
Swing at the God Dammed first pitches you a-holes
I have been saying this all game.
throw that garbage take philosophy out the window it is not working tonight
I don't think he will
Sweeney will be taking someone’s spot though
What do you do with Cust
when Thomas comes back?
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I dont think the A's
can take the Division without Thomas. Just my opinion
by asfaninpismobeach on Jun 7, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
just in time to see CarGon's web-gem....nice
and 2-0 better than 4-1 (hits) as I perceived on the box score line.
alaska A
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