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Open Game Thread: Game 96 - A's at Yankees

527918550406_0_bg_tiny by notsellingjeans on Comment 336 comments

The A's kick off the second half of the season at Yankee Stadium with a three-game series against the AL East's third-place team.  

Greg Smith, proud owner of the best pickoff move in baseball, takes the mound against Mike Mussina tonight.  Let's hope Smith won't need to use that weapon much tonight against the injury-riddled Bombers lineup  (Study their lineup from the fifth hitter on - how the mighty have fallen!  Nobody scares you a bit after Posada).

Richie Sexson makes his first start as a Yankee tonight, batting fifth and playing first base, as Giambi gets the night off against a lefty. Sexson was released a week ago by the Mariners and the team ate the remainder of his 13 million dollar expiring contract.

As for the A's first base situation, Daric Barton is out of the lineup and Jack Hannahan is playing first.  

Bobby Crosby was activated from the DL today and starts at short, and Gregorio Petit was optioned back down to Sacramento.

Lenny DiNardo, who has already passed through waivers once this season, re-joins the 40-man roster and the big club today to take Joe Blanton's roster spot.  

Lineup

Oakland Athletics @ New York Yankees

07/18/08 4:05 PM PDT

Oakland Athletics New York Yankees
Mark Ellis - 2B Derek Jeter - SS
Kurt Suzuki - C Bobby Abreu - RF
Ryan Sweeney - RF Alex Rodriguez - 3B
Jack Cust - DH Jorge Posada - DH
Emil Brown - LF Richie Sexson - 1B
Bobby Crosby - SS Robinson Cano - 2B
Carlos Gonzalez - CF Melky Cabrera - CF
Jack Hannahan - 1B Jose Molina - C
Donnie Murphy - 3B Brett Gardner - LF


 

 

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About time

Baseball being played….damn ASB

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 3:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

they used to have two ASGs

for a couple of years.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank Buddha

that ain’t happenin’ no more.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 4:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What is it, like 1pm there?

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 4:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, thought AK was closer to HI

time zones…

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 4:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

two zones, that i can remember in AK

Alaska Time and one for out in the Aleutians. Used to be several more and where I am used to be Pacific.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 18, 2008 4:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Game thread!

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Jul 18, 2008 4:00 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that a wild moose?

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 4:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why yes....yes it is.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Jul 18, 2008 4:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How funny..I didn't even think about that association.

Let’s consider it a jinx on him!

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Jul 18, 2008 4:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Uh...

then why did you post it?

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's gamey.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Jul 18, 2008 4:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You don't have television,

but you have smellovision?

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, I'm not up on the new technology

I had to smellnet into their server.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Jul 18, 2008 4:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A moose bit my sister once

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

{sacks Joey C.}

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Barton = stiff neck

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 18, 2008 4:04 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Donnie Murphy and Emil Brown

in against a righty. Wheeeeee.

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 18, 2008 4:04 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Amazing this isn't on in Sac.

KMAX is apparently worried about overlap with the huge Brewers/Giants tilt they’re carrying at 7PM. You’d think the ad revenue they would generate by covering a Yankee game would be a no-brainer. Maybe the program director wants to be fired so he can get a nice severance package.

"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico

by jeepers on Jul 18, 2008 4:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

man oh man, that is blockbuster tilt!

i will be switching over on mlbtv for that !

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 18, 2008 4:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A little surprised Murphy is starting over Barton

And no good reason why Brown is playing over Murton. If Brown were 10 for 10 with 10 grand slams against Mussina in his career, it would still be idiotic to start Brown at this point.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:10 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This was said in another thread, but

Braden will take the vacant starter slot.

It makes sense to have Lenny D back with the big club, because with Harden and Blanton gone, it’s more likely we occasionally will need long relief innings.

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:10 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellis is awesome on the road

Has a team ever done a home/road platoon with a player before?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:10 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A's baseball! Yay!

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:12 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yay runs

"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com

by Syphon on Jul 18, 2008 4:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hate you Bob Geren

Why do you insist on bunching up lefties when the only real thing that makes a big (not that big) difference in lineup construction is stacking up lefties for later in the game?

I don’t understand why Sweeney and Cust are back to back when it’s unnecessary. Same goes for Gonzalez/Hannahan. So, so stupid.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Guys that you're pretty sure will get a hit of some kind,

back to back with guys that may or may not?

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why not just flip flop Suzuki and Sweeney.

And switch Crosby/Gonzalez.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Because...........

I dunno.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I should add that I know the Yankees have no lefty in the bullpen

But it’s still a silly thing to do when staggering would be just a little bit better if for no other reason than to constantly give pitchers a different look.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So Geren's an idiot because

he didn’t guard against something that doesn’t exist?

Do I have your central thesis correct?

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 18, 2008 4:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What is that in the score box for the A’s? Do I need to go get a vision test?

by justarebelheart on Jul 18, 2008 4:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nah

just be sure your heart meds are in order. Can’t have a blown save without runs first

by MobiusKlein on Jul 18, 2008 4:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rock Mussina early

Lets get a big run scoring blow out for the A’s tonight.

by Great October on Jul 18, 2008 4:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay, Mussina getting the 30 inch plate tonight!

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Nobody's happier than Bobby is about being back in the lineup..."

Oh, I bet I know someone who’s at least as happy as he is.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:20 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Man - Cust got an 0-2 mistake

he could have hit to the new stadium. And Crosby looked terrible, but otherwise…good start!

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 18, 2008 4:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What did you notice about Crosby in those 2 pitches?

Not being snarky, just curious.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He reached out defensively to tap it to second

and he only had one strike on him. Not a good AB.

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 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Weak grounder notwithstanding...

... it’s nice to see Crosby back.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BABY!

Siddown, Capt. Clutch!

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That looked slick

I liked the bounce in his step and that little flip out of the glove. Right in front of the Yankee fans, too.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh Swooney.... STOP TRYING TO HURT YOURSELF!

I need you to play on Sunday so I can see you in person!

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 4:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Little Sweeney, oh how we’ve missed you

by justarebelheart on Jul 18, 2008 4:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay Swooney!

Boo for scaring me.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You only needed to write the first 4 words

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I prefer ebola virus to either of them these days

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ew. Why?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, Barton has been consistently meh all year

Hannahan is equally meh, but has more ups and downs.

Still, both guys have been bad but Barton is significantly more likely to not be bad in the future.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey, whatever happened to Brad Halsey, anyway?

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He disappeared after HalseyGate

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Altogether? No one else picked him up?

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he is still in our org, but re-habbing something

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I bit the bullet and checked Wikipedia

It has him listed as a free agent. Weird.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awesome Defensibr play from Sweeney

Its gonna be great to watch Sweeney & Gonzalez play defense for years to come

by Great October on Jul 18, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hell yeah

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So tonight's gonna be a bad home plate umpire night

Terrific.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sexon scares me here

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and someone on AN was happy the Yankees got him

and that he is playing against the A’s.

He’s hitting .300 this year vs. the Athletics.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is Sexson the tallest hitter in the game?

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

F'

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wasted 1st inning run

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

?

You’d rather be down 1-0 instead?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 18, 2008 4:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't think of a hitter in history who was taller than 6'8"

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Very true

Can anyone think of a taller position player?

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay bad umpiring comes back to haunt the A's!

So Cust is rung up after an at bat where Mussina had a 30 inch plate, then Smith throws a fastball right down the middle and doesn’t get the strike call. This is not going to be a fun game.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:34 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Goddammit

How does he find a way to hit only against the A’s?

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:34 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That looked weird...

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ARod, ever the gentleman

on the baseball field, I mean.

"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And quite the ladies man, too!

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why would anyone as rich and famous

as Arod want to be married anyway? I just dont get it.

by asfaninpismobeach on Jul 18, 2008 4:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Suzuki with the block

A-Rod out at home… in more ways than one.

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Jul 18, 2008 4:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chuckle-worthy

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

awesome just want i was talking about

looking like ARod was gonna send suzuki flying 50 ft

by Great October on Jul 18, 2008 4:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

suzuki learned his lesson

tag them twice just in case the ump didn’t see the first one

by Glomar on Jul 18, 2008 4:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hard to say if Smith is pitching poorly,

Winters has a microscopic strike zone, or both.

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 18, 2008 4:38 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Seriously!

He called that “strike-out” pitch a ball during Gonzalez’s AB—and that was, like, 5 minutes ago.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha

no one swing. there is no strike zone.

by Glomar on Jul 18, 2008 4:40 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is anybody else having trouble with comcast flickering off and on?

"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King

by Buck Turgidson on Jul 18, 2008 4:41 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, Barton could've done that.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:42 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So could I.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hi kapers!

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, the A's are mostly out, too, so you fit right in.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Apparently, swinging Sunday

will fit in with the A’s plans.

JEEEEEEEEEEEEEEXUX.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WHYWHYWHY

Don’t they swing at close pitches, 0-2????

Jeesus!!

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Because Donny Murphy sucks!

Geren keep on playing him, he cant get any worse can he?

by asfaninpismobeach on Jul 18, 2008 4:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's so not a strike

The umpire is calling pitches where the catcher catches it. This guy is horrendous.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Reality is

it’s toooooo close NOT to swing!

An OUT is an OUT!!

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Pitchability"?

As in Mussina has always had “pitchability” from Controneo. What does that mean?

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Jul 18, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I guess striking out the side is pitchability. BAD

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Jul 18, 2008 4:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ken sounds pissed

By all the non-swinging on strike 3. And I don’t blame him. F’n pathetic to not even try to protect the plate.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 18, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The debate went on before

It’s stupid as shit to swing at pitches that are clearly not a strike, and this umpire has had an absolutely TERRIBLE first inning and a half.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:46 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

condition: "clearly not a strike"

I didn’t see ONE that was NOT a strike, on strike three.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I saw quite a few takes on borderline pitches, and even some clearly strikes.

Moose is foolin’ ‘em.

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BP's take on Donnie Murphy

“J.J. Furmaniak deserved the shot Murphy got at the bigs as much as Murphy did.”

Uh, yup.

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

gosh, they're attempting to tire Mussina

He’ll have thrown…..85 pitches, at this rate, after nine innings.

Good strategy

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:46 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JC!!!

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:46 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

... Yes?

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When was the last time Mussina struck out the side?

1998? The Cold War?

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

by Joey C. on Jul 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm sorry, but I want to punch people in the throat for wanting our guys to swing at balls

It’s just a damn idiotic thing to want your players to do.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

were they balls?

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They weren't obvious balls

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 4:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF? Who gives a flying F if they were "obvious"?

They’re out of the strike zone. You don’t swing at bullshit because you think the umpire might be having an offnight. What kind of retarded dumbass logic is that? I’m sorry, this is just the most asinine argument anybody has ever had on this site, and a lot of people are doing it. It makes absolutely no logical sense to swing at bad pitches/pitches you can’t hit/pitches that aren’t strikes. It just doesn’t.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

settle down...forgot to take your meds?

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It does matter whether the pitch is borderline or an obvious ball

An average major league hitter’s BA is about the same on 1-2 and 2-2 counts as on 0-2 counts, around .230 IIRC. If you can hit more than .150 on a borderline pitch you’re better off swinging at it than taking a 50% chance that you’ll be called out. This was already discussed in another thread—I think an open thread. There were links and everything.

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 5:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It does make sense to protect the plate with 2 strikes, esp. when you know the ump sucks ass.

Otherwise, mark a K in the scorebook if the hitter is not able to recognize that the ump is GOING TO CALL IT..

I know that’s not the best logic, but its also not the most asinine argument on this site.

witty remark

by dtownmbrown on Jul 19, 2008 9:28 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The pitch to Murphy was outisde

Tailed back into the catcher’s glove somewhere near the outside corner.

Either strike two or strike three to Cust had to be off the plate. They couldn’t have both been strikes.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 4:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CGV!!!

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I kid of course

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 4:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nico's Scouting Report:

Mike Winters sucks. The A’s offensive philosophy sucks. Call it a draw.

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 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WHATS THE BEST A'S GAME YOU'VE BEEN TOO?

I was there when Hatteberg hit a home run to win the game for WIN #20 in a row.

Colisuem record attendence at 56,603 and 2dollar dogs. Awesome

by Great October on Jul 18, 2008 4:47 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was there!

I had a sign that said “show them how to make history”

by butler19 on Jul 18, 2008 4:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What was Melky doing??

Doesn’t he like walking??

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:49 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, NICE camera work.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:50 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully Smith's done snacking

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you worried he won't have an appetite for dinner?

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good nutritional habits are extremely important

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 4:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just in case no one mentioned this yet.......

I HATE the Yankees.

Ok, we can resume our regularly scheduled game.

Proud mommy of "mini-kapers"

by kapers on Jul 18, 2008 4:52 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Looked like Hannahan

tagged with the one hand, with the ball in the other.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 4:53 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good thing there's no challenges in baseball

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 4:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just Checking In, But In His First 2nd Half AB Did Cust Take Called Strike 3?

because it’s nice to see some consistency in the heart of the lineup.

by solotar on Jul 18, 2008 4:53 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just in case no one mentioned this yet…....

I HATE the Yankees.

Ok, we can resume our regularly scheduled game.

Proud mommy of “mini-kapers”

by kapers on Jul 18, 2008 4:52 PM PDT reply reply

THAT WOULD MAKE A GREAT COMMERCIAL DURING THE GAME LOL

by Great October on Jul 18, 2008 4:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My A's Line up when Heathy

2B Mark Ellis
CF Carlos Gonzalez
RF Ryan Sweeney
DH Frank Thomas
LF Jack Cust
3B Eric Chavez
SS Bobby Crosby
C Kurt Suzuki
1B Jack Hannahan

by Great October on Jul 18, 2008 4:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Either Barton plays in the majors...

or the minors… He has to be in a lineup.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Jul 18, 2008 5:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Annoying cliche alert:

“He plays the game the right way.”

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 4:59 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Could you please use the "reply" button when replying to someone?

I mean… I hope you’re replying to someone and not just randomly wanting to mutilate someone who isn’t even in the lineup tonight.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hello?

we only dissect Angles and Yankies players, please?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 18, 2008 5:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Saturday

Sunday is gonna be Gallagher now :(

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 5:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was only half listening,

but I think Glen Kuiper just said “Gallagher tomorrow.” Like JUST now, at the same time your comment appeared.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

REALLY?!?!

That would be freakin fabulous!
I’m going to Sunday’s game and I’d MUCH rather see Duke.
Thanks for the info!

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 5:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(i was hoping they’d take this opportunity to push Duke back a bit, with him going through that touch of flu and all)

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 5:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ack!

Don’t get too excited… I wasn’t listening well, and you’ll just be extra pissed off at me if I heard wrong!

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sure, don't worry about it. I'll keep an eye out for more info.

I’m stuck watching on YES network… wish I could get CSN tonight!

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 5:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Radio too

Gallagher vs. Joba tomorrow
Duke vs. Pettitte Sunday

by pam5981 on Jul 18, 2008 5:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YESSSS!!!

Thanks to everyone who relayed this info to me!
You all brightened up my weekend by a million…

I got these tickets for my birthday (I live in New Hampshire) and was really depressed that I ended up with not Harden, not Duke, not Blanton, not Smith, but Gallagher…

YAY DUKE! Duke makes my birthday present special.

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 5:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cmon Smith get it together!

"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com

by Syphon on Jul 18, 2008 5:09 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes - Gallagher, Duke, Eveland, Braden

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 18, 2008 5:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You'll be moved to tears, and never forget it.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

:) I've only seen the A's in person twice

In 2007 – saw Blanton
In 2006 – saw …. Loaiza

This should be an upgrade.

by schmifty on Jul 18, 2008 5:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, yes :)

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Loaiza...

eventually, I got used to him pitching-kind of like LSD or .38 Special song-you couldn’t get too involved with every pitch or you’d have a bad trip.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blech

C’mon KK….Francona MVP of ASG….makes a compelling argument, but blech…

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:12 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey LB...

Didn’t you warn kapers about Florida?

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I warn EVERYONE

about Florida.

What’s kapers, precious?

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh shoot,

did you come to this Godless hellhole Florida?

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's that way throughout the state!

It may well be a state law that the wireless signal has to originate from the bathroom.

Pardon my bluntness, but why the hell would you come to Florida in the summertime? Hell not hot enough for you?

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, crap.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sadly that was seen coming

That whole at bat was mistake pitches

Come on guys, we need to score runs

by Trainman on Jul 18, 2008 5:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ugh

would the ump have given Smith a strike on non-mistake pitches?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 18, 2008 5:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't worry - I'm sure this is nothing

that can’t be solved by taking a bunch of called third strikes.

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 18, 2008 5:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Go Jack(s)!

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL Sad but true

There’s a base hit though. He never got the memo

by Trainman on Jul 18, 2008 5:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

some ANers think swingin' is dumb

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 5:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My girl and I prefer swingin' oops....wrong blog

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 5:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am more in favor of the Emil Brown school of swinging but

with a little more intelligence and a little more ability to make contact. In other words the aggression of Emil Brown and the contact and production of an Albert Pujols, but then they cost lots of money

by Trainman on Jul 18, 2008 5:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Interesting note by Rosenthal...

on Blanton trade

The Blanton trade had barely been announced when teams started calling the A’s on Adrian Cardenas, the second baseman they acquired from the Phillies. Cardenas, 20, is a Carlos Baerga-type offensive player whose long-term position is in question. The A’s could move him to third if they re-sign Mark Ellis or project Weeks as their long-term second baseman . . .

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Jul 18, 2008 5:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Neat!

Go away, Cardenas. Or move over, whatever.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How long does Chavez have left on his contract?

Move Cardenas to third, re-sign Ellis, and have Weeks keep developing…......

"Mount it? I already did. Oh! You meant on the wall?!!

by rickey939 on Jul 18, 2008 5:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He tries to get injured in

EVERY major league park. He’s just especially adept at doing it in Anaheim.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

True,

but he’s got a lot pf patience out there. He’s a gamer.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The good thing about rebuilding

and the A’s current offense. I dont get upset watching the games anymore. Alot of the crappy players wont be in the teams future, the young pitchers should improve or be gone and the young hitters will improve or be gone also.

by asfaninpismobeach on Jul 18, 2008 5:20 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And these could be

“the stars of the future”!

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Some of them better be! lol

When the season started not one A’s fan on AN would have said that that Barton and Buck would not help carry this team this year. Lets hope next year is a better year for them.

by asfaninpismobeach on Jul 18, 2008 5:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Eh

One of the reasons I like BB’s shotgun approach is because you don’t know who will pan out and who won’t. There’s evaluation and projecting and…luck. Some of the stuff we’ve traded for over the last year will become major league producers. We’re just in the Matt Stairs, John Jaha, Chief years right now…

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear ya man

projections aint shit! Some guys do it between the lines, some dont. Like Cunningham, the scouts dont gush over him, but he makes you play him day in and day out because he gets results.

by asfaninpismobeach on Jul 18, 2008 5:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He got under it -- wasn't hit that well

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 5:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jack H

seems like a great guy and Im glad he got sober and turned his life around(so I root for him) but he has not shown that he belongs in a MLB batter box. I mean even a backup 3rd baseman should be able to hit a little, its an offensive position for goodness sake.

by asfaninpismobeach on Jul 18, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

youre right and i know a lot of these players wont be around for long.

still, frustrating to see the team STRUGGEL to score more than a run or two.

but, youre right. helps to see the big picture.

by put em in a body bag johnny on Jul 18, 2008 5:25 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, more of "reply"-challenged.

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

by Poppy on Jul 18, 2008 5:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's hard to believe....

that some of these guy are even in the majors.

"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra

by brenarlo on Jul 18, 2008 5:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I count Ellis, Suzuki, Sweeney and Cust as major leaguers...

Smith too

When you have a chance to get a guy like Sean Gallagher, you take it!

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not sold completely on Smith yet

He’s a nibbler, and not in that good Leela way.

I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 18, 2008 5:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs