I didn’t like pinch running for Chavez, though, as you say, he might have been spent. I’m leaving open the possibility that removing him from the game wasn’t merely a matter of Geren thinking Brown is a faster/better baserunner. If that was the case, horrible move and Geren gets 20 lashes or something.

I didn’t like Embree in the 7th. I know Embree is one of those rubber arm guys who can seemingly pitch everyday, but that doesn’t mean he should be doing that, especially when he’s the only LHP in the bullpen. (I also know that there are plenty of relievers in baseball who have pitched in more games than Embree, but, again, doesn’ t mean it’s a good idea). I thought Brown was a perfect fit for the 7th down a run, and I probably would’ve sent him back out there for the 8th unless the score changed drastically (as in the A’s scoring 6 runs or something).

I don’t have a problem with Foulke in the 8th just because I have more confidence in him than everybody else. I also don’t like using Street for more than an inning unless absolutely necessary.

It’s always a tossup late in a close game—the run that Davis can score but Cust can’t may be huge, but so may be the out that Cust Doesn’t make later that Davis does.

It was more the confluence of all three moves that I didn’t like—unless Chavez was actually hurt, if I’m Geren, I keep Chavvy in the game (he was only DH’ing, after all).

And I agree with thejd44 below—if the Brown-for-Chavez move was a pure strategic move to get a marginally faster player in at second, horrible move and 20 lashes for Geren.

Geren said that’s why he and the trainer ran to the mound, but Street waved them off.

Let’s just hope Crosby’s staying in for most of the game even though his ankle was sprained doesn’t come back to bite the A’s.

I had a good feeling about Ellis in that last at bat. Bases loaded, Bootcheck couldn’t walk him.

I know BBTN smokes the good stuff, but wow.

The offense wasn’t terrible today until the two best hitters (3 best, I guess, if you count Crosby). Of course, Petit and Davis both played significant roles in scoring a run in the last inning.

My wife’s brother was having a little birthday gathering and I had to leave after the top of the 11th. I told my wife on the way out the door that the team will likely lose now because they don’t have either Chavez or Cust in the lineup and I couldn’t stand to watch a sweep in Oakland any way.

I’m SOOOOO glad I was wrong.

Come on, Ziggy, you can do it!

After today’s game and the hurt the A’s put on him during that blowout, I’m actually starting to feel sorry for Chris Bootcheck.

sustained, I believe, leaving the batter’s box in his final AB. Tsk, tsk – if he had just struck out, this wouldn’t have happened.

I kind of liked it. :(

when you are not using it. This is California, not BC.

And thanks for losing the marmot.

I thought he was their official #3 – whatever the heck that even means.

and especially congrats Ziggy on first MLB win!

with every MLB appearance. You’d think that they’d either keep him or trade him rather than warehouse him in the minors. He’s not getting any younger.

But I read in the game recap on mlb.com that he had allowed 3 of his first 6 inherited runners to score so he’s not doing amazing. But that’s not to say he hasn’t pitched well for a first-timer, because he has.

I had forgotten about it until just now.

which I think he will be (defensively) but it’s reasonable to fear he won’t.

Was pure luck. He broke wrong (as you said) got back and got a glove on it, bobbled it and just got lucky that it landed back in his grasp. But he is a slick fielder that’s for sure, it’s just that I wouldn’t pick that play to argue my point.

I’m not sure about Ellis still being around much longer but Petit is very good with the glove. He looked outstanding at shortstop and second base when he was with Stockton. I think the only question is, will he hit enough to hold a job?

While looking for MiLB stuff, I finally found the slate hoodie I was looking for!

Chavez had the huge 3-run HR against Detroit and a huge game-tying hit – off a lefty – today. He hasn’t just been good, he’s been clutch in the very ways he either wasn’t, or was perceived not to be, before.

on paper or on calculators, so while I trust the Angels will cool off I also think it’s downright foolsh to hope that they are actually a .515 team that just keeps getting “lucky”. They are a good team ripe for a slump.

but I don’t mind walking him in the slightest. Basic strategy would seem to dictate that you throw balls to guys who swing a lot and never walk, and strikes to guys who walk a lot and don’t swing much.