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DLD 7/1/08 - Clever Title boycott

Smitty pitched a complete game.

Smith, knowing his situation might be tenuous, said he was trying to avoid Geren in the dugout in the top of the ninth.

"I looked out of the corner of my eye and saw him coming over, so I was trying to move away from him," Smith said.

 

Rich Harden is relying on just two pitches.  I hope no one finds out.

Also in that article:

On Monday, the A's donated $8,500 to the Ravenswood Little League program of East Palo Alto, replacing the equipment that was stolen this past weekend from their storage facility. The Athletics will replace the 50 baseball gloves, 30 uniforms, pitching machine, megaphone, television, microwave and food supplies that were lost in the theft from Martin Luther King Park. The Ravenswood Little League is made up of more than 60 children, ages 9-12, from East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park.

Way to go, A's!  Way to fall down on your obligation to kids in your "territory," Giants!

Marty Lurie says the A's are the 2nd-best story of 2008.

The A's have two of the top starting pitchers in baseball with Rich Harden (healthy again), and Justin Duchscherer (a converted reliever). Harden can beat any team in the baseball when he takes the mound. Duchscherer's pinpoint control and off-speed pitches have the batters constantly off balance at the plate. Both unquestionably should be all-stars as the A's staff leads the majors in starters ERA.

We know.

UGH...

Booooo! Misleading headline of the day:  San Mateo's own Jurassic Park.  I thought we had Sam Neill running around with dinosaurs.

An offshoot of ImprovEverywhere:  UrbanPrankster.  I love this gallery that I found linked there.

Happy July!

 

 

6 recs  |  Comment 184 comments

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Probiotics changed the way I feel now

Shit. This may just put me out of the Poetic Interlude business entirely. I can’t top that.

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 10:35 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

New Urban Myths/Mailbag
This is a completely random question: I could’ve sworn that Bobby Crosby was referred to as “Bones” in an article on MLB.com a couple of months ago. Where did he get this nickname? Is it because of his injury track record? Does he enjoy the television show? I’m just curious.
—Claire W., San Diego

Crosby gave himself the nickname a few years ago, and it has nothing to do with his injuries, Dr. Brennan or Agent Booth. It’s a long story, but it started when he was in college and saw some nicknames on a wall while his team was playing in Washington. He liked “Bones” and adopted it, and it’s the rare self-given nickname that stuck.

Also, another reader asked me to find out why Crosby touches the bill of his helmet while crossing home plate after every home run. He said it’s a little sign for his fathe

r.

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080629&content_id=3025973&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

by theblackpearl on Jul 1, 2008 10:41 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I thought it was from a few years ago

when the A’s visited RFK? Right about The Bus Speech. BRB going to use AN’s hawt search function!

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

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Found it!

http://www.athleticsnation.com/2006/5/2/105133/0786

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

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Claire needs to read AN.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It took me far too long to figure out who the hell Claire was.

I was like, Turniphead’s mom?

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

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Where/whatever happened to Sharon?

I remember her being a fun poster around here….just like the Jennifers , the Poppys and the GreenNGoldGirls…..

by rh40 on Jul 1, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

We just can NOT catch a break
Yoshi Nishio, the A’s full-time massage therapist, is in an Oakland hospital with an undisclosed condition

by nevermoor on Jul 1, 2008 10:54 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Ziggy gets some ink from Olney

Or since it’s online, is it ‘some electrons’ from Olney?

Which gets me to wondering if anyone has ever tried to estimate the number of electrons in the universe? A quick search on wikipedia brought the number 10^79 which is…quite large. I wonder how many of those electrons are currently being used to write about Brad Ziegler?

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3468800&name=olney_buster

(it’s one of those “free” insider articles)

Nothing here that’s new to AN, but its fun to see Brad get some pub, including the current photo on ESPN’s MLB page.

Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?

by JLeverenz on Jul 1, 2008 11:01 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

just worked it out

and I get 2.17 * 1078 electrons in the universe. Actually, I’m really surprised that my value was that close to the wikipedia one.

1. I refered to wikipedia for the critical density = 9.9 * 10-30 gm/cm3
2. Baryons account for 4% of the critical density
3. “Volume” of the observable universe is 4/3 * pi * (13.7 billion light-years)3
4. I assumed that all the baryonic matter was protons, so the number of protons is equal to the total mass in baryons, divided by the proton mass = 1.67 * 10^-27 gm
5. number of electrons equals number of protons to keep the universe electrically neutral

In order of sketchiness, I would put the volume of the universe calculation first, and the assumption that all baryonic matter is protons second.

by colin on Jul 1, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

qotm

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

of course, I got a typo

in my actual result. That’s supposed to be 2.17 * 10^78.

by colin on Jul 1, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking qota (aeon)?

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

by alox on Jul 1, 2008 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Barryons account for far more than 4% of the critical density at AN

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 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

After Pittsburgh, Barryons have accounted for more like 37% of the critical density

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 Jul 1, 2008 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Carryons account for more than 4% of the critical density in the overhead compartments.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crayons account for more than 4% of the critical density in diapers

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 Jul 1, 2008 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tarrytowners account for fewer than 4% of the ciritcal mass on the Tappan Zee.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Carrion accounts for more than 50% of the A's batting order

Not sure what to say about density

it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you

by eastcoasta'sfan on Jul 1, 2008 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hammer-ons account for more than 50% of the density of Eddie Van Halen's fretwork

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 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Strap-ons account for more than 50% of Nico's love life.

... because I had to. Pleeeze don’t CGV me!

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

by The Dogfather on Jul 1, 2008 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

True statements are CGVs?

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disappointing

When I read the title of your post, I thought you had worked out how many electrons were being used to write about Ziegler. I guess this is another question to which the world will never know.

Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?

by JLeverenz on Jul 1, 2008 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

grumpy salb918 today

coworker: [walks to salb918’s desk, picks up what is quite obviously object X] Cool. Did you get some object X made?
salb918: [death glare]

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:14 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fun with Letters
coworker: [walks to salb918’s desk, picks up what is quite obviously a dildo] Cool. Did you get some dildos made?
coworker: [walks to salb918’s desk, picks up what is quite obviously pants] Cool. Did you get some pants made?
coworker: [walks to salb918’s desk, picks up what is quite obviously a nobel peace prize] Cool. Did you get some Nobel Peace Prizes made?

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 1, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Two questions I hate:

1. What are you doing up? I’m plotting your death. You caught me!
2. Are you leaving? No. Not at all. I just have my bag and keys with me.

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

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another one

salb918: [eating lunch, surfing AN]
coworker: hey, can you help me out with this complex, nuanced issue?

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

To that I say:

(with food in mouth) Gouwwh Fuemfnff Yofeham Semhgsfff

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

by DMOAS on Jul 1, 2008 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fercrissakes

Just now. NOW.

salb918: [opening package]
coworker: [watching salb918 open package] I left a package for you on your desk – did you see it?

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Clearly you need the Mad

“Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions” books.

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

by andeux on Jul 1, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I read more Chris Jaffe than I do Al Jaffe.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I had a wedding picture (of me & Mr. Poppy, that is) on my desk...

coworker: Aaw, is that your wedding picture?
Poppy: No, my boyfriend and I like to get really dressed up and have our picture taken in churches.
coworker: ...
coworker: Are you kidding?

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Just what I was thinking!

"Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all games and holes are created equal." --George F. Will

by anomaly_kat on Jul 1, 2008 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

grrr
“Every game is big,” Garland said. “We play these guys five more times before the All-Star break. We have a chance to bury them, but we have to come out and play good ball.”

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:16 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Eh, I have no problem with trash talk, as long as it's accurate

And it is… they do have a chance to bury Oakland. Not a very likely chance at this point, but clearly if they were to win all 5 it would be a devastating blow to the team’s playoff hopes. Even 4 wins, while I wouldn’t describe it as “burial,” would put the A’s 6.5 out pending the results of the other two series.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't disagree.

I’m mad because it’s true. The Angels are almost certainly a better “true talent” team, but the A’s have outplayed them and almost everyone in the league so far (see my THT article yesterday). And yet, the A’s are the ones who have to avoid burial. The Angels have played like shit this year, and I want the A’s to dominate their asses.

Also, I’m grumpy today (see above).

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

They are who we thought they were

...etc etc etc.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently they're not.

What to make of the fact that they have scored only two runs in the last 36 innings? Could this fabled “mean” be exerting itself?

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

by alox on Jul 1, 2008 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

But the woofin' gods, they're real.

AND they don’t like to be disturbed.

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

by The Dogfather on Jul 1, 2008 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cool. Did you get some bookmarks to the LAT sports page made?

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 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

[death glare]

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

And just after Garland said this

he took off his shoe and banged it on the podium at the post-game press conference.

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on Jul 1, 2008 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINSTAAPP

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/article652888.ece

Top Pitching Prospect for the Ray, Jake McGee, is going under the knife for a little Tommy John w/ Dr. Andrews. Fautino De Los Santos says hello.

by Colorado Fan on Jul 1, 2008 11:24 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

TINSNIPS

There Is Never Sufficient Negativism Investigating Pitching Statistics

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 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINCUP

An amusing sports movie with entirely too many chick-flick moments

by nevermoor on Jul 1, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINTIN

A cartoon character who bears a passing resemblance to Daric Barton.

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 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINNITUS

WHAT?

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

by andeux on Jul 1, 2008 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINTINNABULATION

The celebratory cries made when one captures a certain cartoon character.

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 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINTINABULA

A funny thing happened on the way to the (fan) forum.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

grrr.

Should’ve been TINTINABULAN

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey sal

Did you make a typo?

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

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

grr.

Rich Harden better throw a no-hitter tonight.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Does that mean when he doesn't give any hits?

Also, could you help me solve this multivariable calculus question real quick?

by nevermoor on Jul 1, 2008 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

just don't forget to add a constant

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINROOF

A flavor of ice cream that is supposedly different from rocky road

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 Jul 1, 2008 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

RUSTED

The second half of the line.

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 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

{hat tip}

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 Jul 1, 2008 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're what?

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ridiculously Underestimating salb918's True Emotional Distress

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 Jul 1, 2008 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oy

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

by Joey C. on Jul 1, 2008 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TINTINABAR

A thoroughly useless Relic in FF6.

Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?

by JLeverenz on Jul 1, 2008 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Preston "Petey" Paramore is Playing in Phoenix*

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

by andeux on Jul 1, 2008 11:39 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

perhaps at Papago Park?

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 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did anyone ever figure out what the minor-league 60 Day DL is used for?

I had never heard of it before I saw that Paramore was put on it.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No idea

Especially since he’s now playing like a week later.

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

by andeux on Jul 1, 2008 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I guess the MLB equivalency factor for the DL is about .1166

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 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let me try this again

since my question yesterday was derailed into a discussion about female dogs

what exactly is pitch F/X? is it showing downward break? something else?

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Jul 1, 2008 12:13 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 1, 2008 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Haha

I got smoked with style

by nevermoor on Jul 1, 2008 12:23 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I gotta admit

I’ve read that article before, and I still can’t tell what pitch f/x is, except that is a neat feature on gameday. what the heck is it exactly?

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Jul 1, 2008 12:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I found it

The “Pitch-f/x” value is the measurement of the distance between the location of the actual pitch thrown over the plate, and the calculated location of a ball thrown by the pitcher in the same way, with no spin; this is the value MLB.com provided in Enhanced Gameday last season as “Break.”

“Break” is now defined as the measurement of the greatest distance between the trajectory of the pitch at any point between the release point and the front of home plate, and the straight line path from the release point and the front of home plate. By this definition, for example, a Barry Zito curveball will have a much greater Break value than a Brad Penny fastball.

thnx salb for your links and zonis for a cool picture

Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC

by closetasfan on Jul 1, 2008 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

pitch F/X is the system used to track

the ball from a pitcher’s hand to home plate. If you use Gameday on MLB.com, pitch F/X is used to show the trajectory of the ball. It tells you stuff like spin, break, and velocity.

Lots of cool research can be done with the data, such as…

http://baseball.bornbybits.com/plots/Barry_Zito.html
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/anatomy-of-a-pitch-change-up/
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/anatomy-of-a-player-albert-pujols/
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/jack-cust-eats-fastballs-for-lunch/

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why are teenage girls the biggest

slobs on the face on the planet? Can anyone answer this?

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

by alox on Jul 1, 2008 12:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking they just like watching

their father become apoplectic. Such fun moderating a three way debate on who vacuumed the living room three days ago.

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

by alox on Jul 1, 2008 12:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

If they were teenage cavemen, it would be 10,000 years ago

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 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

eeeeee

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

by SwampyD on Jul 1, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Robinson Cano? Srsly?

Yankees fans are stoopid.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 12:47 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Let's see...

C: Twin
1B: Red Sock
2B: Red Sock
SS: Yankee
3B: Yankee
OF: Red Sock
OF: Ranger
OF: Mariner
DH: Red Sock (won’t play due to injury; Yankee in second place)

Win Shares all-stars:
C: Mauer, Navarro, Suzuki
1B: Morneau, Youkilis, Kotchman
2B: Kinsler, Roberts, Ellis (yeah right)
SS: Young, Cabrera, Crosby (ha ha)
3B: A-Rod, Blake, Figgins
OF: Hamilton, Upton, Sizemore, Damon, Drew, Quentin, DeJesus, Ramirez, Markakis
DH: Bradley, Matsui, Huff

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just the fact that Cano is in 3rd place in voting... is stoopid.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think I'll write my name on the ballot

I’m not sure which position.

"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."

-Charles Manson

by kaweahkaweah on Jul 1, 2008 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Always good for a chuckle,

Zito had another start. Recap

“I’m fired up to go out there Saturday,” Zito said. “It’s night and day with my stuff, even since I signed the contract last year. It’ll be a tough sleep tonight, but I’ve got that feeling back, what I know I can do. It’s only a matter of time.”

by dscel on Jul 1, 2008 12:55 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Tidbits from Rosenthal
A’s Harden: The great humiliator
A’s general manager Billy Beane says Dwight Gooden and Rich Harden are the two most dominant pitchers he has seen, putting them ahead of even Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson.

“I’m not saying they’re better — that’s not my point — but when you see Rich and Doc at the right time, hitters look defeated,” Beane says. “When Clemens was dominant, when Randy Johnson was dominant, they would blow people away. But guys would still take swings up there like they thought they were going to get ‘em.

“You see them take swings off Rich, and it’s like, ‘If I make an out on the first pitch, OK, I’m fine, I know when I’m overmatched.’ On that given day, he can humble guys. It’s like, ‘I’ve got no shot to get this guy. I’ve got to get lucky.’”

Is Beane simply pumping up Harden’s trade value? Perhaps, but it’s doubtful that any team will meet Beane’s price, considering Harden’s injury history and the A’s status as a contender. The A’s, whose run differential is the third-best in the AL, will continue assuming the risk with Harden if no team makes them a knockout offer; Harden is earning a mere $4.5 million this season, and the club holds a $7 million option on him for 2009.


How serious are the Mariners about revamping their club? Let’s see what they do with third baseman Adrian Beltre. The A’s like Beltre, and the Dodgers would be another potential fit. Beltre, 29, offers defense and power, but his career OBP is only .326. He is signed for $12 million this season and $12 million next season, and his limited no-trade clause enables him to block deals to eight clubs. It is not known which teams are on that list . . .

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 1, 2008 12:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Let's guess the 8 teams.

1. Pirates
2. Kansas City
3. Baltimore
4. Nationals
5. Rays?
6. Marlins?
7. Brewers
8. Mariners

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

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, Beane's trying to trade him

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 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

zonis

what happened to the old avatar I miss it

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

by SwampyD on Jul 1, 2008 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah that guy

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

by SwampyD on Jul 1, 2008 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

AN euphemism alert.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

In the hierarchy, I'd say that = going to a strip club and getting mugged

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 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am!!!!

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

by baseballgirl on Jul 1, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Superior Team Loses

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

by SwampyD on Jul 1, 2008 1:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

lolz.

here

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

by SwampyD on Jul 1, 2008 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You Fell...

Right into the Rev’s Trap. That dude is begging for traffic from AN. Don’t give it to him.

by Colorado Fan on Jul 1, 2008 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 1:53 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

and don't

get me started on dressing for those snobs at rite-aid….

"...in baseball you wear a cap." -- george carlin

by Hot Cup Joe on Jul 1, 2008 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kind of a colorless link dump

Needs some pictures.

How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 1, 2008 1:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You must be *this* tall to ride the Swooney

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 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

*how* tall??!!

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 Jul 1, 2008 2:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if you have to ask ...

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 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Kurt is 6'...

Ryan must be about 8’4”.

[mind hits gutter]

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the rain gutter?

Damn. You’re really tall.

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 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

beautiful.

ryan’s only a year and a half older than me, he’s taller than me (many normal non-athlete guys aren’t), and he’s from iowa - i just spent the better part of 4 years in school in iowa. we have so much in common - it must be destiny.

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 1, 2008 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes, I remember our "tall" conversation.

Sometimes I feel like Andre the Giant…. except Andre had better hair than I do.

And I cried a little when I googled Ryan’s age.

by Jennifer on Jul 1, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

NRAFs! Big Hurt and Old Sweeney feel your pain

From Slusser’s notes column, regarding Thomas and Sweeney rehabbing at home, away from the team:

Both Thomas and Sweeney have followed the A’s fervently, and both expressed dissatisfaction with the number of games blacked out on the major-league TV package.

“It makes me mad, I only got about four of seven games in Vegas,” Thomas.

Like Thomas, Sweeney often had to resort to following the game on the computer. “I watched every pitch,” Sweeney said. “There was a lot of calling people, leaving messages for guys, screaming at the TV when there was a bad call.”

How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 1, 2008 1:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Blez needs to get those guys userids

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 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I reallly like this photo from yesterday

It’s fierce. And typing of fierce, for anyone interested in the NHL July 1st Free Agent Frenzy. So far, Sharks remain silent…

by SwisherThresher on Jul 1, 2008 2:06 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Doug Wilson doesn't sign many free agents

Generally he just re-signs his own guys or replaces them with players from the farm team. The only real question is whether they re-sign Brian Campbell or not.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Good

That guy disappeared off the face of the hockey earth when the Sharks needed him in the playoffs.

Trade Marleau for someone who will be worthy of a Captain’s “C.”

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 1, 2008 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Okay

Can we just surgically remove the “Cap’n” from his name and transplant it to Scott “Real Man” Thornton?

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 1, 2008 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd hope not. Scott Thornton's retired.

I think Joe Thornton’s content with wearing the ‘A’ after his not-so-happy stint as Boston’s captain, though I’d also like to see him with the ‘C’

by SwisherThresher on Jul 1, 2008 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry

why did I say Scott when I obviously meant Jumbo Joe?

Hockey is not on my brain right now.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 1, 2008 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think perhaps

Sal’s mood wore off on me…2,500 miles away…I wanted to kill everyone today. And people would not stop annoying me. I need to be Pope. Please vote for me the next time it comes around.

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

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 1, 2008 3:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

"Annoying behavior" is now a criminal offense in Australia?

I can’t figure out which is worse—making annoying behavior illegal all the time, or only if it’s annoying to a powerful religious group (which is itself free to be as annoying as it wants to be).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I promise I'll change all that

when I’m in charge, PT. No more oppression, repression, guilt, sin-talk. Just straight-forward, good-old-fashioned Popiness.

So…I have your vote?

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

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 1, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Popes used to have crazy sex parties

would you bring that back?

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 1, 2008 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It’s good to be the king pope…

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 1, 2008 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm a credit man!

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 Jul 1, 2008 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh

most def.

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

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 2, 2008 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

“These are powers to stop people taking things in … like a paint bomb, all of those sort of things that … certainly you couldn’t take to the football on Saturday,” Scipione said.

um.. if they wanted to stop someone from doing a paintbomb.. couldn’t they just say that the paintbomb would fall under, I don’t know, assault?

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 1, 2008 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That wouldn't have the happy side effect

of making those pesky atheists afraid to protest this boondog…er, I mean farsighted expenditure of taxpayer dollars.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Please vote for me ... "

I think you need to be asking over at Viva El Birdos.

by green star oakland on Jul 1, 2008 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

officer, all those people up there, blocking the street, and the guy with the funny hat...

they’re annoying me, since I can’t drive through… can you arrest them for me? Thank you.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 1, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

not-so-Big Three update

Huddy’s last start against the Jays didn’t go so well, Zito got shelled by the Cubs yesterday (yawn), and Mulder actually pitched a scoreless inning in his first career relief appearance. The times, they keep a’changin’...

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 1, 2008 3:39 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Welcome back, Mulder. I'll be optimistic.
“You know what? I’m back pitching,” Mulder said. “That’s enough. If I do that for the rest of the year, then that’s OK. If there’s more, that’s OK. ... It’s enough to be back.”

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 6:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sean Doolittle has a new Journal.
Hector from San Fran writes:
Playing first base was so much fun when I was playing in high school and college, but for some reason it has been viewed as the “just stick anyone out there” position. Do you enjoy all the nuances of playing first base? What’s your favorite part of the position?

I enjoy everything about playing first base. I take a lot of pride in my defense and work very hard at it. I guess my favorite part about playing the position would be digging all those throws out of the dirt. I work hard at it so that our infielders know that if they do make a bad throw, I’ll pick them up and save them the error. Defense is something that can show up to the yard every day regardless of how you’re swinging the bat at a given time. It is especially important when you are on the receiving end of every throw in the infield, so I definitely enjoy every inning I’m out there on defense.


http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080701&content_id=3041159&vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

by theblackpearl on Jul 1, 2008 3:50 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

They've had a lot of A's content lately, interestingly

In addition to Doolittle’s periodic epistles, they’ve written on Sulentic’s offseason boxing regimen (mmm, gritty), Josh Horton finally hitting a home run (I like him… he could be a Placido Polanco-like irritation at the top of the lineup in 2010 or so) and Jerry Blevins’s intellectual side (Future Lawyers of America crowd, take note). And now we learn of Sam Demel’s conversion to a studious pitching approach and Harry Potter fandom.

At least the minor leaguers are drawing notice…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 1, 2008 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bizarro World Mark Ellis

On a tri-state killing spree.

How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 1, 2008 5:01 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

fortunately, this is his age-28 year

His killing productivity is likely to decline.

Impressive range, though.

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 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

QOTM

new tagline

Fortunately, this is his age-28 year: his killing productivity is likely to decline. Impressive range, though. -Monkeyball

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 2, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

That guy does not look like Mark Ellis! I think you’re doppelganger assessment-challenged… ;)

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're just in denial

because your favoritest player ever is on the lam. I’m tellin ya, ditch the top guy’s wispy facial hair and meth-addled death stare, swap in a Dakota smile, and they’re separated at birth.

How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 1, 2008 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"meth-addled death stare"

Just what exactly are you implying about salb918’s work habits?

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

by monkeyball on Jul 2, 2008 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The guy above looks somewhat like Ellis

but he looks more like Jeff Garcia.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 2, 2008 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes! He looks like Jeff Garcia!

The shape of his head, nose and mouth are totally wrong for Ellis. Eye shape is close, but color is wrong. Ears and baldness are the only sort-of matching features.

Not that I’ve, like, inspected Mark Ellis that closely or anything…

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 2, 2008 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's another picture:

I got really bored again, so I decided to do another pitch sequence photo.

Photography Page | Flickr

by Kimberly on Jul 1, 2008 5:17 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

double ugh...

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3470016

Baron Davis shocked the Warriors by opting out of his contract on Monday. Imagine their surprise now.
NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com’s Marc Stein that the guard reached a verbal agreement with the Clippers on Tuesday night and will sign a new multiyear contract with Los Angeles after the leaguewide moratorium on signings and trades is lifted July 9.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 1, 2008 6:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

So bummed....

Sucks

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 1, 2008 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

DAMMIT!!

Bring back J-Rich because not having either of them is seriously bumming me out too!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 1, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

BOOOOOOOO!

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awesomeness

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 6:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That is cool

Isn’t there an earlier scene where he’s driving along a street in Nob Hill, decides he wants to make a phone call, finds an empty parking place and jumps out of the car and goes to a phone booth? I’d like to know where that was ever possible.

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on Jul 1, 2008 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

if by "phone booth" you mean "the lobby of the Mark Hopkins," yes

My absolute favorite SF-insider moment, though, is when he goes to visit his girlfriend (Jackie Bissett), who works in some unspecified architecture/design firm—and when McQueen walks into the office, he’s framed in deep background behind a matte black 12” tall scale model of …

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 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought it was one of those little fiberglass phone shelters

but I might be conflating a couple of movies of the period.

Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream

by Englishmajor on Jul 1, 2008 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the only time that I can recall ...

... in Bullitt when he parks on Nob Hill and enters a structure is when he goes into the California Street lower entrance of the Mark. But I could be misremembering.

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

by monkeyball on Jul 2, 2008 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's weird.

There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.

by Poppy on Jul 1, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You've made me homesick again.

damn monkey.

Fortunately, this is his age-28 year: his killing productivity is likely to decline. Impressive range, though. -Monkeyball

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 2, 2008 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

More fodder for the anti-Sweditic contingent

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 6:29 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Mark Kotsay is hitting .294/.344/.435

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Jul 1, 2008 6:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

and is on the DL

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 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not anymore

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 1, 2008 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

eh

give it a day or two.

Fortunately, this is his age-28 year: his killing productivity is likely to decline. Impressive range, though. -Monkeyball

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 2, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Headline I am hoping to see tomarrow

“A’s Designate LHP Alan Embree For Assignment for ‘Sucking Too Hard’”

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 1, 2008 9:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

*insert generic innuendo*

.....thats what she said

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Jul 2, 2008 2:00 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"insert generic innuendo"

... that’s what the Italian nurse said as she handed me the unbranded enema.

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

by monkeyball on Jul 2, 2008 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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