DLD 071108: Can I see some ID, kid?
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 11, 2008 9:37 AM PDT
176 comments
I commend you to this fine tale of one man’s refusal to accept the end of his dream, to play professional baseball, and the outlandish steps he took to sustain it. In short: lie about age, briefly join A’s organization, get cut, move to Australia, lie about name age with a newly created Aussie persona, don goofy wig, suffuse skin with anti-aging cream and thrice-daily shaves, and finally make it onto a professional ballfield at age 36…only to be undone at the last by a hidden ball trick. Worth a read. Also reminds us that some things never change:
Pohle reported to the A's "Diamond City" complex, a multifield facility they shared with the Pittsburgh Pirates. There were hundreds of players in camp, major leaguers and minor leaguers from both organizations…
After a month of workouts, Pohle assumed he'd made the team and was ready to begin his pro career for real. But then Daytona Beach manager Bobby Hoffman called him into his tiny office one day…Hofman told Pohle that "he could play" but that the organization had more money invested in other players, guys who had to make the team. He handed Pohle an envelope and wished him luck.
By the time Pohle packed his bags and looked inside the envelope, he realized the A's hadn't even afforded him the dignity of a flight home. "I had to ride a train all the way from Florida to Los Angeles," he remembers. "I arrived at the station at 3 a.m. and I didn't want to wake up my sister, so I walked the six miles to her place. When I got there, I found parking tickets all over my car. I spent my first day back in California holed up in the police station."
In other news: Emil credits Ty Van Burkleo for yesterday’s walk-off. ‘"Everything (Van Burkleo) said (Jimenez) could possibly do, he did," Brown said. "He gave me the game plan, and I kept it in the back of my head."’
Greg Smith has tied the A’s single-season pickoff record and is just one away from expunging the most odious name in the Oakland record books: Kenny Rogers. (Also here: Sweeney day-to-day with pinky, Bowen to play more in next few weeks, and Sean Gallagher will wear lucky number 36.)
Terry Steinbach won the 1998 All-Star Game MVP award…too bad they spelled his name wrong on the trophy.
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'sall good
"The Athletics at Fremont" is pretty bad
by ArakSOT on Jul 11, 2008 9:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You are a gentleman and a scholar
though I was fixin’ to delete this DLD in deference to your fine offering, which beat me to the post by a good four minutes.
How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 11, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
please, you're too kind
it was completely pedestrian
"The Athletics at Fremont" is pretty bad
by ArakSOT on Jul 11, 2008 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude, I swear there was another DLD somewhere....
I was trying to post this, and it wouldn’t let me. I thought I had killed the site, but apparently just that DLD….good thing I found another to ruin….
A cute little Q&A with Huston. He shares his thoughts on learning, politics, and spelling. Oh, and lots of other stuff….
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jul 11, 2008 9:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That was awesome.
I needed that.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what Jennifer said
Plus: Andrew Brown is awesome. And Huston is pals with Richard Linklater! (No, Jennifer, not this guy.) And:
That’s just how lazy we’ve gotten in this country. I want to hand-deliver everything.
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
but the interviewer has Aidin Vaziri syndrome.
"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.
by andeux on Jul 11, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't be H8in' on AV
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
unless it's Aileen Voisin
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 11, 2008 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Hey," Street says. "I got to take care of my boys."
♥
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 11, 2008 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
best part
Q: You’ve double-bagged a plastic grocery bag full of water bottles on the road; but you have a backpack at home?HS: Yeah, they had a giveaway at the ballpark where they put my name and number on a backpack, so I figured, why not just use that as my carrying case?
(and the motorized cooler used by the cards)
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that must be where they store their nacho runs
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome.
Super-sonic Huston underwater tunnel to Australia. Sweet.
— What’s your speed limit?HS: I don’t have one.
— How much is the toll?
HS: There is no toll. You ride for free, as long as you ride safe.
— How do we pay for this amazing tunnel without a toll?
HS: How do we pay for this [sighs]? Goodness. I was going to say … Do we? I didn’t know I had to pay for it.
— I’m not saying you, but someone’s going to have to.
HS: Oh! Well, people are pretty generous. We’ll just take a dollar from every person in the world.
by whiteshoes40 on Jul 11, 2008 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Because some people out there in our nation don't have maps..."
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why is Huston sipping Pepto while playing chess?
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 11, 2008 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
he’s analyzing a zugzwang that involves promoting a pawn to a knight.
"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.
by andeux on Jul 11, 2008 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see that move performed when we play the Yankees ...
Zigwang
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
does anyone have the ESPN mag
article mentioned in the comments there?
"Ryan [Sweeney] has got the perfect baseball body..." -Mike Sweeney
by Christine on Jul 11, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FOUND IT!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thank you so much :)
"Ryan [Sweeney] has got the perfect baseball body..." -Mike Sweeney
by Christine on Jul 11, 2008 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think this is it.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3426289
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Casilla's nickname is Willy? Huh.
by whiteshoes40 on Jul 11, 2008 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it's Wiley
In reference to his clever identity change schemes.
How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 11, 2008 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Tommy Lasorda once pointed out, about all of the big-time autographs — Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan — and he told all of us when I was on Team USA. He goes, look at this: not one of you has come close to matching any of the accomplishments of any one of these guys, yet every one of them takes the time to spell out their entire name. Until you are better than any of these guys, then you need to do the same. So, I continue to spell out my entire name.
Justin Duchscherer does that, too.
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thereby making his autograph extremely valuable ...
... because he’s only ever been able to finish 4 of them.
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinking,
Mr. Hand, since you’re here and I’m here, doesn’t that make this our time?
Hey, today ain’t Sunday. Get em off of your fanny.
That’s right folks, you could say this meat has been on the disabled list for 21 days.--Marty Lurie
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Santas plunged into civil war
Organisers of the annual convention in Kansas of the Amalgamated Order of Real-Bearded Santas, fear it will be disrupted by splitters from rival groups such as the Fraternal Order and the Red Suit Society.
"The Athletics at Fremont" is pretty bad
by ArakSOT on Jul 11, 2008 10:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
man, jurisdictional disputes are murder
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The trouble started last year with a row on the board of the Amalgamated Santas…
That makes me think of the Crimson Permanent Assurance, but with Santa suits.
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Santa drive-bys
Presents that explode left under the tree.
Big fat Santa with no shirt on, tattoo across his big fat belly, in old english script, reads “Jolly”
That’s right folks, you could say this meat has been on the disabled list for 21 days.--Marty Lurie
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The best part about watching Smith pitch
is listening to the opposing announcers complain about him not being called for balks.
Most pickoffs by a first-year player (since 1956):
Garvin (‘77): 23
Shirley (‘77): 13
Pettitte (‘95): 12
Smith (‘08): 10
Erickson (‘78):10
by Danny on Jul 11, 2008 10:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
His move might be a balk
Honestly, I don’t even know what the hell constitutes a balk. I mean, I know the obvious ones where a pitcher clearly flinches or drops the ball or does something silly. But on pickoff moves? It’s about as tough to tell as the check swing appeal.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The balk rule
is one of those incomprehensible rules in sports that should be eliminated (or radically altered) because it’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Ditto with the offside rule in soccer. If the officials who are trained to call it are blowing it half the time, it’s clear that it’s a bad rule.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
following that logic, should we eliminate the strike zone?
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
better watch it...
you may end up being more trouble than you’re worth.
by rebus on Jul 11, 2008 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I pride myself on having an unacceptably high risk:reward ratio
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 4:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And there is where we meet
in the Vinn Diagrams of our lives.
And why I love the monkey.
That’s right folks, you could say this meat has been on the disabled list for 21 days.--Marty Lurie
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As called by humans? Yes
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As I've understood it, the balk for lefties is basically if the front foot crosses the back leg.
If it does, you have to go to the plate. If it doesn’t, you can go to home or first.
I’ve never looked it up to verify or not, but if that’s true then the ones who keep their foot from ever crossing the back leg have a distinct advantage even if the body looks like it’s going forward.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jul 11, 2008 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In his case the issue is going forward too far, not back
the rule for going forward is that your leg can’t exceed a 45 degree angle towards the plate.
The A's colors are green and gold.
by mikeA on Jul 12, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Harden and
There’s an article on ESPN.com (by John Shea) today about Harden’s health issues. A lot of credit is given to Ron Romanick for his health so far this year.
Harden credited his recent sturdiness in part to Ron Romanick, who’s in his first season as the A’s bullpen coach after serving as the minor-league roving pitching instructor for nine years…I believe I also read that Duke had given some credit to Ron for his health, not to mention he helped Ziggy redevelop his delivery when he was working in the minors. Seems like a real asset to the A’s.
“He really knows his stuff, and he really knows the way I throw and my mechanics,” Harden said. “He came up with my throwing program, which limits the throws between starts and limits the stress on my arm. He made me realize you don’t need to throw a ton of pitches to be ready.”
by McMillinBr on Jul 11, 2008 10:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
tv shows
i need something new to watch, how is john adams? john from cincinnati?
i just finished season one of mad men. i rented it because i liked the dvd box:
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 10:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
have you seen The Riches?
It’s certainly not groundbreaking, and the writing is really uneven, but Eddie Izzard is fantastic in it (and Minnie ain’t bad). And DePalma regular Gregg Henry goes all Lithgow in it.
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two words: Big Love
You’re welcome in advance
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i enjoyed both john adams and john from cincinnati
john from cincinnati starts out very slow and wtf-ish and gets better over the course of the season…unfortunately they lost their viewers early because of this. i was mildly surprised that it got an early ax after only one season, i would have thought HBO would continue the product as the intended, but apparently there just wasn’t enough to keep the show going.
Jeremy was safe. He jumped over the tag.
by mrrickyg on Jul 11, 2008 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Try Burn Notice
I tried the 2nd season premiere last night on USA based on this review by Tim Goodman.
Found it very entertaining, kind of like a cross between Magnum P.I and Rockford Files.
Mocha Almond Fudge
by Ice Cream on Jul 11, 2008 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Psych comes back next Friday. I have grown to like that show.
by theblackpearl on Jul 11, 2008 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That show is HILARIOUS
I started watching it because of Dule Hill – he was Charlie on The West Wing and is Gus on Psych. He and James Roday have unbelievable chemistry on Psych. Even their commercials hyping the new season crack me up.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh wow.
That box is awesome. How’s the show?
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i enjoyed the first season. not the best show, but worth watching.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dead Like Me
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Jul 11, 2008 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wish that show would've gotten a full run
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh me too
They’ve been replaying them on channel 2 every Saturday-I put it in my Tivo pass just to re-live how great it was. I’ve been reading a kitchen remodel online forum and there’s a poster over there with the handle “Daisy Adair”-at least someone else out there liked it.
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Jul 11, 2008 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't really know anybody who dislikes it
The problem is that most people don’t know about it.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh, and if you're looking for movies
I totally recommend “The King of Kong.” I just watched it last night—really funny documentary.
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Jul 11, 2008 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, Billy Mitchell looks just like Danny Haren
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
eww don't say that
That guy has such a dated doofus look, plus, what a douche!
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Jul 11, 2008 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hated Billy Mitchell so much. But...
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, in that haren shot you've got a point
but I think that photo is the exception (I hope)
"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King
by batgirl on Jul 11, 2008 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't really see it
Sure, they’re both white guys with dark hair and beards … hey, I guess I look like Dan Haren too.
"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.
by andeux on Jul 11, 2008 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
love that movie
we discussed it a few times last year, and of course billy mitchell looking like haren came up.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"You've got to respect the pajama"
Goodman sez Generation Kill is worth watching.
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i’m already planning on watching that one.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
my expectations hover
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
same guy that did The Wire, right?
Season Four of The Wire may be the best thing I’ve ever seen on television.
That’s right folks, you could say this meat has been on the disabled list for 21 days.--Marty Lurie
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what??
season 4 was the worst season (i haven’t seen 5, i think it comes out on dvd later this month). it was totally predictable melodrama, unlike the first three seasons. every bad thing that happened to the various characters could be seen coming from a mile away, and just came off as manipulative nonsense. it was still good compared to most shows, but definitely not the best season of the wire.
personally i thought 1 and 3 were the best seasons.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, then
we will have to agree to disagree. I thought that, instead of showing through a series of flashbacks and weird plot lines, they showed how Avon and Stringer (and Bubbles, and…all of them, really) came to be. I thought it was brilliant.
I thought the second season was awesome too. But one and three are really, really good as well.
Based on the post you actually replied to, I think you need the built-in hormonal function. -Green Star Oakland
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, 5 isn't predictable
At least with the way they handle a few of the more popular characters.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
say, like,
Omar?
Based on the post you actually replied to, I think you need the built-in hormonal function. -Green Star Oakland
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Breaking Bad
was breaking good. The last Nip/Tuck season was pretty funny.
Nature's first green is gold...
by prana160 on Jul 11, 2008 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BP on inoa
KG: Signing a 16-year-old for $4.25 million does come off as, for lack of a better term, a very un-Oakland move. Can we finally stop talking about Moneyball?DF: We both know how overused and misused the terms ‘Moneyball’ and ‘market inefficiency’ are. Singing Inoa is not about any sort of philosophy and/or market inefficiency—it’s about the unique nature of his talent. It’s not now suddenly our practice to spend seven figures on international talent. The significant amount of work we put into this had us feeling very comfortable that it was an investment worth making.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 10:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Singing Inoa!
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 11, 2008 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there anything the kid CAN'T do?!
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greg Smith
is so a young Kenny Rogers.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
by walk off bunt on Jul 11, 2008 10:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ew.
Gross.
That’s right folks, you could say this meat has been on the disabled list for 21 days.--Marty Lurie
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quiz
Suppose the American League champion is better than the National League champion, such that it has a 55% probability of winning each game against the NL champ. Then the NL champ nonetheless will win a best-of-seven-games series four in 10 times. What is the smallest odd number, X, for which a World Series between these two league champs that is best-of-X will ensure that there’s a 95% probability of a just result — the superior AL champ winning?
by 74mk on Jul 11, 2008 10:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It is revealed that Roger Clemens routinely dispenses pitching advice to Joba Chamberlain via text message. While some express concern, cooler heads prevail when it’s pointed out that Chamberlain is 22 years-old, and as such is much too old to hold Clemens’ interest for long.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 11:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
does it count as cheating
if I use software that has a built-in binomial function? ‘Cause then it’s pretty easy.
by colin on Jul 11, 2008 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Based on the post you actually replied to
I think you need the built-in hormonal function.
by green star oakland on Jul 11, 2008 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
new tagline
Based on the post you actually replied to, I think you need the built-in hormonal function. -Green Star Oakland
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nobody doesn’t love Rich Harden when he’s heaving fastballs in the high 90s for seven or eight innings. Sadly for the A’s and Harden, that hasn’t happened all that often, and at the time of the trade the organization was actually considering expanding the rotation to six, in part to cover for Harden’s frailties.
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05
by xbhaskarx on Jul 11, 2008 11:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe that "skee-lo" returns no search results on AN.
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 11, 2008 11:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
An advocate for the common man
For I, too, wish I had a rabbit in a hat, a bat, and a ‘64 Impala.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
by Joey C. on Jul 11, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be okay with just being a little bit taller.
Actually, being a baller would probably kick ass, too.
by mikev on Jul 11, 2008 3:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being a baller is
NOT COOL.
Stay in school, kids. Don’t be a Balla.
Based on the post you actually replied to, I think you need the built-in hormonal function. -Green Star Oakland
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 11, 2008 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Next best thing: if you can't be a Balla
you can still use Balla brand testicle talc!
“Balla Powder for Men is the ideal anti-chafing and anti-wetness solution for clammy sacks. Guaranteed to prevent the dreaded “bat wing” syndrome, Balla Powder for Men is lightly scented with a masculine fragrance, for anyone else who plans to work in your close quarters. Can be sprinkled into your fudgies for all-day-long comfort and dryness. A fabulous post-workout treatment, Balla Powder for Men can also be used between your cheeks, as well as on fetid feet and aromatic armpits.”
How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 11, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"bat wing?"
I probably don’t want to know…
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AL East players tend to get "bat wang"
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It catches bugs in flight while making a high-pitched squeak?
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn man, in America, we don't need no wussy euro crap like Balla
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jul 11, 2008 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heres a little bit from BaseballAmerica on out pitching
“With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-A batters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depth is officially the envy of baseball.”
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/prospect-hot-sheet/2008/266495.html
Check out the link for a read on Gio, Cahill, and Simmons.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Jul 11, 2008 11:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you scroll down to the bottom?
RASHAUN DIXON, CF
ATHLETICS
Team: Rookie-level AZL Athletics (Arizona)
Age: 17
Why: .429/.478/1.000 (9-for-21), 3 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBIs, 7 R, 2 BB, 4 SO, 1-for-1 SB
The Scoop: Oakland’s 10th-round pick in this year’s draft, Dixon has been most impressive due to his quick adjustment to professional baseball. The past week served as Dixon’s coming-out party, as he raised his average over 100 points. A three-star football recruit, who had committed to Mississippi State as a wide receiver, Dixon has plenty of size (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), but also the athleticism to remain in center field. Having a two-home run game, as Dixon did on Sunday would usually be the highlight of a player’s week, but Dixon’s 3-for-5 night on Wednesday with a triple and three RBIs and a stolen base may have highlighted his skill set even more.
Jeremy was safe. He jumped over the tag.
by mrrickyg on Jul 11, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I saw that too.
He could be great. But hes 5 years away,
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Jul 11, 2008 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I mentioned that he was part of my dream 2012 outfield
along with C-Gon and Corey Brown, this is why.
Desmond Jennings has gotten a lot of good press for his skill set, and Dixon is a very similar prospect (hopefully with better health, although given that this is the A’s I’m not optimistic).
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The beautiful thing
about a prospect as athletic and raw as Rashaun Dixon is that his skill set can be almost anything a few years from now. Chris Lubanski comes to mind, who was drafted as a very fast, low power, defensive skills guy who became a power hitter with average speed and corner outfielder skills. Hopefully Dixon turns out better than Lubanski.
Dixon can become a superstar or nothing, and that’s pretty nice to get from a 10th rounder. I would rather have Dixon instead of yet another college pitcher with a mid-80’s fastball.
by BlameChannel53 on Jul 11, 2008 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with the last statement
I’m ok with the safe picks in the first couple rounds because the A’s have a smaller margin for error. They need guys who can do something. But in the 10th round, that’s your risk-taking territory. That’s where they should take the boom or bust guys, because if every 10th round pick busts (and that’s not likely) you can still have a very successful organization.
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dixon was not a 10th round pick talent-wise
He was a guy who was perceived as unsignable and dropped to the 10th round because of it. The A’s took him and threw a wad of cash at him, and surprisingly he took it early enough in the signing process to where he could play more or less a full (short) season.
The A’s took an unusually large number of “signability” picks this time around, which hopefully (along with internationals like Inoa) will provide a use for the money that they aren’t spending on the major league team. But it’s very rare for an over-slot guy like Dixon to sign as fast as he did. Most of them don’t sign until close to August 15th.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't that as much Selig as the players though?
I’d heard MLB tries to make teams going over slot wait so they don’t influence slot deals.
by nevermoor on Jul 11, 2008 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really hope AN has someone at the
Dale Swooney signing today.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 12:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Boo, I couldn't go.
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 11, 2008 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are dead to me.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 12:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I. am. heartbroken.
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 11, 2008 12:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
with a camera
"The Athletics at Fremont" is pretty bad
by ArakSOT on Jul 11, 2008 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't be bothered.
There's no textbook for how to treat a geriatric tapir.
by Poppy on Jul 11, 2008 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I *almost* decided to go.
Then my evil alter-ego took over and made me stay home. Boo.
by whiteshoes40 on Jul 11, 2008 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't like your alter-ego.
Boo!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
evil alterego: blackshoes40?
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
does he live under water?
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just wanted to see Sweeney's finger
Didn’t look too bad; he wasn’t having any problem signing lots of stuff.
by Soaker on Jul 11, 2008 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was it crowded?
I almost went, but got busy with work. He’s a lefty, yeah!
Nature's first green is gold...
by prana160 on Jul 11, 2008 4:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There were at least a couple hundred people in the line
waiting to get stuff signed. It was tough to get a decent picture because they were sitting in shade underneath a canopy with a bunch of security and support people milling around. I didn’t even notice that microphone stand until I downloaded the pics.
by Soaker on Jul 11, 2008 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So as many people for an autograph signing as an actual game?
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Murton still not on Sacramento roster
It’s been almost 72 hours.
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 12:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He should be on his way to Oakland
to play for Sweeney. If he isnt then who knows.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Jul 11, 2008 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if Sweeney isn't going on the DL,, who's getting sent down?
Or… is DFA being DFAed???
by mikev on Jul 11, 2008 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The very thought made it move a little
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rather DFA Davis.
When will then be now? Soon.
by Syphon on Jul 11, 2008 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did Chicago get a tracking number for him?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jul 11, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playing GM: How ’bout Joe Blanton in Cardinal red?
by rebus on Jul 11, 2008 1:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Joe Blanton is better than Kyle Lohse, right?
(After all, I mean, who ISN’T better than Kyle Lohse?)
Kyle Lohse moved to St. Louis and has posted a 10-2 mark with a 3.61 ERA.
I use this immaculate logic to determine that Joe Blanton would in fact be 12-3 with a 3.30 ERA if he was pitching for St. Louis right now. Trade for him, Cardinals!
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
(After all, I mean, who ISN’T better than Kyle Lohse?)
my thoughts exactly.
I like how Cards fans think guys like Stavinoha and Reyes would actually be worth anything in a trade.
by rebus on Jul 11, 2008 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish we had stronger church contacts
I found this comment in a church newsletter (of all places) and it fits right in with RVB’s post. So, the thought for today is: Every ball team could use a man who plays every position perfectly, who never strikes out, and who never makes an error. But there’s no way to get him to lay down his hot dog and come down from the stands!
Brilliant
by nevermoor on Jul 11, 2008 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
mmmm hot dogs
http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/
by thejd44 on Jul 11, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants bullpen blows again
Must be tough being a starter over there … 7 innings of 3-hit shutout for Cain, only for Tyler Walker to give up a 3 run bomb in the 8th.
by green star oakland on Jul 11, 2008 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It is much different
Than giving up one run and assuming you’re taking the loss?
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
by sprtsnwyn on Jul 11, 2008 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
probably shouldn't have IBB
to get to… Aramis Ramirez.
by rebus on Jul 11, 2008 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little known piece of Harden deal
Cubs give Harden his own spot in the new cemetary designed to resemble Wrigley Field.
A Chicago man and Bohemian National Cemetery on the city’s North Side are joining forces to build for Cubs fans a final resting place that looks a lot like the spot where they saw their dreams of a pennant die year after year….Near each urn will be a bronze baseball card with a photograph of the deceased fan who, Mascari said, depending on the wishes of the family can be dressed up in a Cubs hat, Cubs jersey or full Cubs uniform. It could also include the dead fan’s ‘statistics’ such as date of birth, date of death, and maybe their favorite Cubs game and favorite Cub.
There’s even talk of piping in Cubs games on speakers so nobody, living or dead, will miss an inning. Not only that, but if this idea appeals to more than 280 Cubs fans, the cemetery has set aside enough land to add a right-field wall and a left-field wall.
The price tag for interment will cost as much as $5,000, the “grand slam” package that includes pick up of the body and delivery to Bohemian for cremation in its brand new $100,000 cremation oven, a service, and, of course, the baseball card plaque and urn.
How do the angels get to sleep when the devil leaves the porchlight on?
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jul 11, 2008 3:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Personally, I'm holding out
for the Fenway-shaped cryo lab.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All eternity surrounded by Red Sox fans ... sounds like hell to me.
by green star oakland on Jul 11, 2008 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not all eternity
Only until I’m revived and cured.
At which point I will again be surrounded by Red Sox fans.
Hm.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have no idea what's it like to be surrounded by Red Sox fans.
ArakSOT and I, we have to pack heat just to watch our moppets play on TV.
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 11, 2008 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
pack in heat?
Someone tell Nico
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like something
that could result in batwings….
"...in baseball you wear a cap." -- george carlin
by Hot Cup Joe on Jul 11, 2008 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Murton
According to the Oakland Press release, the A’s called up Matt Murton and optioned Wes Bankston to Sacramento
by webgem101 on Jul 11, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why option Bankston down? He was actually HITTING!
Why not option Barton down to regain his stroke, or DFA DFA?
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jul 11, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
because bankston was just lucky?
Jeremy was safe. He jumped over the tag.
by mrrickyg on Jul 11, 2008 6:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
... arousing men to burst the chains under which monkeyish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves ... @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jul 11, 2008 5:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Keith Olbermann?
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In
the immortal words of Keith Olbermann, “We are all day-to-day.”
by sslinger on Jul 11, 2008 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Love that!
Miss him this week. Good night and good luck.
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nonsense
If he was a true Athletic, he’d spell his name with two “F”s.
Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.
by PaulThomas on Jul 11, 2008 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was
in Milwaukee this week, and thought you’d all like a little nostalgia.
by sslinger on Jul 11, 2008 5:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
WTF?
Kendall has a homerun?
facepalm.jpg
by Zonis on Jul 11, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And an aura
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jul 11, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Happy Birthday!
Englishmajor, too!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Jul 11, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
I got a left fielder
and a starting pitcher 
and some really good fireworks. Also, the guy sitting in front of me bought hot dogs for the entire section. 
Don't blame me, I voted for Ice Cream
by Englishmajor on Jul 12, 2008 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Jennifer!
The party is actually Sat afternoon (right before the RAFs start boozin’ up the Coliseum parking lot)—I might post pix.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jul 12, 2008 6:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see Kendall moved up in the order...
...in front of the pitcher. LOL!
You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the goddamn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all. ~Earl Weaver
by UncleLeo on Jul 11, 2008 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Corey Brown / Donaldson / Doolittle
I haven’t seen it anywhere…
So.. Corey Brown & Josh Donaldson were promoted to Stockton. Sean Doolittle was promoted to Midland.
by Colorado Fan on Jul 11, 2008 5:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sean Doolittle
Sean went 3-6 in his first game with the Midland Rockhounds with a double. He also committed an error at first (on a throw). Doolittle hit 5th in the Rockhounds lineup
by webgem101 on Jul 11, 2008 6:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brett Anderson
Any idea why he was pulled in the 2nd tonight?
by Copenhagen on Jul 11, 2008 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say
Futures Game coming up on Monday (I think). Anderson was pulled early from his last start, too.
by Colorado Fan on Jul 11, 2008 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anderson only threw 33 pitches
He walked 3 in 1 1/3 innings. Very suspicious. Also, Cahill came in in the 4th.
A little plumbing! Got to plumb! Plumb the depths! The depths of hell! - Larry David, CYE
by Swooney's Left Foot on Jul 11, 2008 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure i's just for the Futures Game
Both Cahill and Anderson threw only 33 pitches.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jul 11, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
*it's
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jul 11, 2008 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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