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Open Thread: Game 95 - A's vs. Angels

Countdown_tiny by Taj Adib on

Los Angeles @ Oakland


Boy, it would be nice to win this game today. Not just because it's the last game before the All Star Break, it would net a series win for the A's, it would build some momentum for the dog-days of late July and August, it would cut the Angels' lead in the division to just 4 games and it would give unlikely-ace Justin Duchscherer that much more credibility in the eyes of the national media...but also because it's a lot sweeter to win any game against the Angels, especially when clowns such as Justin Speier spout off about "playing the game the right way":

Angels reliever Justin Speier hit two A's batters, Mark Ellis and Donnie Murphy, on Friday - and Murphy was drilled with the first pitch after Jack Hannahan's two-run homer.

"I always pitch inside, and when their hitters are leaning over the plate ... I know the timing was not right, but felt it was important to pitch inside right there," Speier said. "I was definitely trying to come up and in on both of them. I was not trying to hit either one. But if their hitters are going to continue to lean over the plate, we're going to continue to pitch them in.

"They're all diving. Their whole team dives," Speier said. "I consider (pitching inside) good baseball. It didn't look good that I hit the second guy, but that's the way the game should be played. ... I could care less about their bench being upset

Makes you wonder what he actually said in place of those, "...", doesn't it? It's funny, you would think that as an A's fan I would hate guys like Ervin Santana, Vlad Guerrero, Garrett Anderson and Scot Shields...you know, the guys that have traditionally tortured the A's. However, I respect those guys as players and also respect the fact that they don't go about their business with unnecessary and annoying flair (K-Rod) or a dangerous sense of entitlement to go ahead and hit batters with 90+mph fastballs up-and-in (Lackey, and now Speier).

Anyways, the Duke will look to build on his major-league leading ERA and reinforce his case to be considered a starter for the All Star Game as he faces an Angels team against whom he's 6-0 with a 1.28 ERA in his career. Joe "Colonel" Saunders, the Angels' scheduled  starter for the game, has been scratched as he continues to attend to his wife and brand new baby daughter. Congrats Joe, just don't hit any of our batters! Dustin Moseley will take his place and start for the Halos.

Lineup

Los Angeles Angels @ Oakland Athletics

07/13/08 1:05 PM PDT

Los Angeles Angels Oakland Athletics
Maicer Izturis - 3B Kurt Suzuki - C
Casey Kotchman - 1B Matt Murton - LF
Garret Anderson - LF Jack Cust - DH
Vladimir Guerrero - DH Emil Brown - RF
Torii Hunter - CF Carlos Gonzalez - CF
Juan Rivera - RF Mark Ellis - 2B
Howie Kendrick - 2B Daric Barton - 1B
Jeff Mathis - C Jack Hannahan - 3B
Erick Aybar - SS Donnie Murphy - SS


 

 

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Hello People!! I officially welcome myself back to AN! lol Did ya'll miss me?

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:01 PM PDT   0 recs

Required reading for all AN'ers

Read 67MARQUEZ’s post here

Let’s Go A’s

"There's m'fn sprinklers on the m'fn infield!'" - Ice Cream (AN), 6/13/08

by doctorK on Jul 13, 2008 1:02 PM PDT   0 recs

Just interesting to ponder -

If this were the season’s last game and the Angels were 1 game up, would they let Saunders go be with his wife?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 13, 2008 1:04 PM PDT   0 recs

Of course

because they do things the right way.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 13, 2008 1:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You would hope so.

But on local radio down here there was a heated discussion about him even pitching in the All Star game while his wife was recovering, so you never know.

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Get used to them... Duke said

Hes gonna wear them every time he pitches at home.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 13, 2008 1:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well every pitcher chooses that days

Jersey color.

When will then be now? Soon.

by Syphon on Jul 13, 2008 1:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Man, those throwbacks are niiiiiiiiiiiiice!! I especially loved the socks!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:12 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm wishing that, too.

Assuming you mean the bright green with yellow helmets.

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

by iglew on Jul 13, 2008 1:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's safe to say it's worked so far

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

by Joey C. on Jul 13, 2008 1:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why mess with what's working right!?!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Gallagher said the other day

that the black jerseys were made of a lighter material, so it was more comfortable for him to pitch in. So, I’m guessing maybe that’s why Duke likes them so much.

Photography Page | Flickr

by Kimberly on Jul 13, 2008 1:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Here is Kansas

We’ve had Mariners-Royals on TV this weekend. Talk about some really, really boring baseball.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 13, 2008 1:10 PM PDT   0 recs

Ah, the Duke.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 13, 2008 1:12 PM PDT   0 recs

Hasn't been talked about much

But what do people think about if Duke is going to wear down or not as we get towards the end of the season? I would say yeah, but he doesn’t exactly throw fireballs out there, so I could see him continuing to pitch well. Any thoughts?

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 13, 2008 1:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This is a concern for just about everyone on the staff

Minus Joe Blanton, anyway. Moving into unsure territory this second half.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 13, 2008 1:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

True

Not to mention the rookies.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 13, 2008 1:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I dunno - everyone always has a reason why

Duchscherer won’t succeed, and the guy just goes out and gets people out.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Valid point

I still worry about unprecedented work loads. Even if it doesn’t manifest as arm trouble this season, there is a lot of evidence that it manifests the season after (re: Francisco Liriano). One thing that works in Duke’s favor is that he came up as a starter, so he has some experience with season-long starting work.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 13, 2008 1:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

he's also fairly efficient

about 92 pitches per start and only 101IP with his brief injury. he’s way down there in pitcher’s abuse points too 121st with a total of 1252.

by rebus on Jul 13, 2008 1:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think there is a good chance that we'll see DiNardo, Saarloos, Meyer and/or Gio G

before the end of the season as guys need to be pushed back a start or two.

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Moseley on 3 days rest

Damn we need to win this game.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 13, 2008 1:14 PM PDT   0 recs

Yay.

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 13, 2008 1:14 PM PDT   0 recs

Alright Suzuki!!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:15 PM PDT   0 recs

Start the All Star game?

What? On two days rest? As though it was his side work or something? I REALLY hope he does not get a chance to pitch in that game. I know it would be a nice experience for him, but with the way these teams are assembled, it is not really a direct reflection of your ability. Jeter at short? Really?

"There's only one Ken Griffey ." Jay Bruce

by tresselfan on Jul 13, 2008 1:16 PM PDT   0 recs

Dude, he didn't get to pitch last time! I'm pretty sure he would love to pitch in this one

and A’s fans would like to see representation on the field that day!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Meh...

What he would love, and what I would love are totally different things. The A’s sign his checks. Seems like a bad time to make any changes in his program. I know, I know, one inning maybe. Yet I can see how easy it would be to try to “ramp up” for that one inning, maybe more so than regular side work.

"There's only one Ken Griffey ." Jay Bruce

by tresselfan on Jul 13, 2008 1:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah but still.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Pam's doing great

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 13, 2008 1:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Pssssh. Now that I have some water in me, I am!

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 13, 2008 1:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

"Pssssh" = sound of water flowing?

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

by iglew on Jul 13, 2008 1:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The sound of me admonishing sprtsnwyn

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 13, 2008 1:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I heard he's just playing b/c Beane wants to trade him, I heard to the Rays... but then again

it’s ESPN.

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Did Moseley pitch against the A's earlier this year?

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 13, 2008 1:19 PM PDT   0 recs

Ya. But only in relief.

Has gotten killed by the A’s so far: 5 earned runs in 4 innings (prior to this game).

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yay runs

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

by Joey C. on Jul 13, 2008 1:21 PM PDT   0 recs

A's:2 Pigs:0

Sorry It’s a Monty Python’s Flying Circus reference!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:21 PM PDT   0 recs

No need to apologize for that

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

by Joey C. on Jul 13, 2008 1:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I couldn't help myself!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hella sweet.

Photography Page | Flickr

by Kimberly on Jul 13, 2008 1:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Good start so far

Wish we got this start last night.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 13, 2008 1:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Unicorn...time for some RISP magic!

Love the Lansford Stache! LOVE IT DAMN IT.

by Langerhans4Pres on Jul 13, 2008 1:22 PM PDT   0 recs

UGH

Love the Lansford Stache! LOVE IT DAMN IT.

by Langerhans4Pres on Jul 13, 2008 1:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You got the power!

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

by Joey C. on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

GIDP figures...

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT   0 recs

Gaudin in for CHC

they sure do use him a lot

by schmifty on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT   0 recs

They don't know how to use him!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/lacertabattuereadpax
Make sure to add me!

Dumb and Dumber:
[after Lloyd trades the van in for a moped]
Lloyd: I get 70 miles to the gallon on this hog.
Harry: Just when I thought you couldn't get any dumber, you go and do something like this... and totally redeem yourself!

oAkLaNd AtHlEtIcS!!

by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

We need more runs

if we’re going to instigate some brawls.

by greala on Jul 13, 2008 1:24 PM PDT   0 recs

Jesus, Ellis is really struggling at home.

It can’t just be the foul territory. He swings into outs between the lines a lot more often than he does outside of them.

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:25 PM PDT   0 recs

Good area for investigation

when there is sufficient sample size, what is it?

Or, is it simply insufficient sample size?

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

by One won lost won on Jul 13, 2008 1:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Can't be small sample size.

He’s got 185 home at-bats so far this season. Dismal stats:
.184/.293/.297

Yikes!

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yes it can

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 13, 2008 1:33 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Over 2005-2007 he was markedly better away than at-home.

Home: .267/.335/.423
Away: .291/.354/.445

The difference isn’t as drastic as it has been so far this season, but there’s no question he’s a better hitter away from the Coliseum, no matter where he hits. That’s not sample size, that’s a fact.

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Right, but this year is just a curiosity

The whole team hits a lot better on the road, and the pitchers do a lot better at home. It’s a tough park.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 13, 2008 1:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, I guess it's true that everyone is a better hitter away from the Coliseum.

But Ellis has been particularly atrocious at home this year. Like mikeA said, it’s probably just a coincidence.

by Taj Adib on Jul 13, 2008 1:43 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Have you figured the splits for

pre-Briggs vs post-Briggs? Maybe he gets more sleep when he’s on the road.

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

by iglew on Jul 13, 2008 2:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

.184 vs .314

... is there an spray chart somewhere?