A's Lose 7-1

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 7:35 PM PDT Comment 112 comments

Why is Lenny DiNardo back on the team? For nights like tonight.

And the scary thing is, his presence on the 25-man roster may be an acknowledgement that the front office foresees more nights like tonight in the second half of the season.

Greg Smith lasted only 3.2 innings, walked five, and allowed six runs as the Yanks overwhelmed the A's in the first game of a three-game series at Yankee Stadium.

DiNardo came in and threw a scoreless bottom of the eighth in a game the A's had been out of for a while. And as the league gets a few more cracks at Smith, Eveland,Gallagher, Dallas Braden (starting in place of Blanton on Tuesday), and WhoeverReplacesDukeWhenHe'sTradedNextWeek, it's easy to foresee DiNardo and his long relief innings being needed more and more as that crew exceeds their previous career highs for innings pitched.

Smith entered tonight having allowed 10 homers all season - all to right-handed hitters. Robinson Cano became the first lefty to hit a bomb off him when Smith hung a slider to the Yanks' second baseman in the bottom of the third, making the game 4-1.

An inning later, Smith recorded the first two outs of the inning...then allowed five straight runners to reach and was chased. He could've been out of the inning with no damage if Emil Brown had come up with a tough catch in left field off the bat of Bobby Abreu with Jeter running from first. But the ball glanced off of Emil's glove and went to the wall for a "double". Brown then short-hopped his cutoff throw to Crosby, and Crosby one-hopped a strike to the plate that Suzuki dropped as Jeter came streaking toward him.

Almost comically, Crosby was awarded an error for the play, which I'm describing in such detail because the boxscore won't show that Crosby actually played it beautifully. If anything, you could almost ding Emil twice on the play - once for not coming up with a ball he got his glove on, and again for a bad throw to Crosby.

When Suzuki dropped the ball, it made me wonder if he was was at all affected by the memory of the first inning, when A-Rod drilled him on a play at the plate to end the inning. The last out of the first was on a Robinson Cano single to right field, as Ryan Sweeney uncorked a perfect strike to the plate, A-Rod decked Zooks, and Zooks held on.

As for the rest of the game, Blevins, Brown and Lenny D all threw scoreless innings, while Diamond Dallas Braden gave up a solo bomb to A-Rod to finish the scoring for the Yanks.

The A's recorded nine hits, but to me a key stat was the fact that they didn't walk once at the plate. This further shows the biggest problem with this A's offense: If a good major league pitcher hits their spots, and throws strikes, the A's offense can't do any damage to them. Of the nine hits, only one for extra bases - a double by Ellis to lead off the game, and he ended up being the A's only run.

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I love how we face

Mussina, Joba, Pettitte, probably Kazmir (pushed back thanks to the all-star game) and J. Shields, while the Angels face Buchholz tonight (and he’s off to a lousy start). I have a wery bad feeling about the next couple weeks.

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 7:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I thin kwe will be in open rebuilding mode

by the return from the road trip. On the bright side, they probably will jettison DFA.

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 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jettison DFA?

When do you think this will happen?

SusAN

by LibrariAN on Jul 18, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Murton is traded it may never happen

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sometime after

returning from the road 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 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the a's ended the first half

with a frustrating last minute loss to the Angels—then start the second half with a pretty uninspiring loss to the Yankees.

the rookie starters have had a good first half. But they’ll be more challenged in the second, with clubs having a second go at them…and the loss of two veteran starters from the rotation (with all of their problems) isn’t helpful at least for this season.

If “good major league pitchers hit their spots and throw strikes”, and the A’s can’t generate much if any offense against them, we’re likely to see more games like tonight’s.

It’s a good time to remind myself that I bought my season tickets knowing that the A’s were rebuilding and not likely to contend this year.

by OaklandSi on Jul 18, 2008 7:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I only wish

I could have bought season tix.

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jul 18, 2008 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had one of the A's marketing guys

try to sell them to me again this year. I told him I had temporarily relocated to Florida, and he kept trying to sell me. I finally had to say, listen, I’m 2,500 miles away. I won’t be coming back, not even for the 20-game package.

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 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"But we have such cute commercials!

Have you seen the one where DUCK-sher is pitching right in the middle of the neighborhood street?”

“I’m in Florida.”

“10 game package, then?”

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 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was it you calling?!

Pushy bastard.

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 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No excuses. You can get a weekend package!

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

by Flashfire on Jul 19, 2008 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Certainly doesn't look like Geren's emphasis on "2 strike hitting" did any good.

12 strikeouts? Gimme a break. Won’t matter if we keep the pitching staff as is, this team will fade completely if the batters refuse to show any improvement at all on their weaknesses…

by Taj Adib on Jul 18, 2008 7:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Or they could play better batters like Murton. Barton really has to improve.

I fear SS and 3B are gonna be bad for a while. A good long while.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly my thinking

That was a terrible performance at the plate, early on.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I must say

This A’s roster has an almost incredible ability to maintain its ridiculous strikeout levels even against pitchers like Jon Garland and Mike Mussina who haven’t struck anyone out all season.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And no matter who we bring in,

we never make Carlos Silva look like his numbers against everyone else.

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 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

Even though I know Silva really isn’t very good, I always have this premonition that the A’s will lose when they face him… because they usually do. It’s starting to get annoying, actually.

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 18, 2008 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it was just me...

but it looked to me that Smith was constantly falling behind in the count. You would think he would figure this out. Trying to nibble at the plate when calls aren’t going his way is going to end up with the Yankee’s waiting you out. And then making you pay.

I also thought there were two routine pop ups in left field that Brown held up on and let drop for base hits. I hate to join the DFA crowd, but he’s getting really irritating. I though we traded for Murton for a reason…not to let him watch a game from the best seat in the house.

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

by alox on Jul 18, 2008 7:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The Yankees

played Smith right-they made him pitch deep into counts-25 pitches the first inning. He’s young and impatient. He’ll learn or he won’t. It’s not surprising that he failed tonight.

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 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

gosh, I remember watching a young Zito pitching

for the first time in Yankees stadium back when I lived on POW island up here and actually had satellite tv, 2000?, what a performance. sigh.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 18, 2008 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

do tell.

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 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree - it's pretty upsetting to see Murton

on the bench in favor of Emil Brown against a RHP. Murton is a better hitter, better fielder, and has a better chance of being part of the team’s future. Smith was 2-0 a lot and while I think Mike Winters is a pretty terrible ball/strike umpire, that doesn’t excuse Smith pitching behind in the count so much or the A’s hitters taking so many called third strikes – many of which were clearly 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 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Generally agree but others in line-up make me angrier

Not sure that Murton is a big improvement on hiting over Brown but much better fielder.

I think that there are so many guys that aren’t hitting its hard to put it all on Brown.

I am just upset every time I see Hannahan and Murphy playing. HECK, put Murton at 1B and hannahan at 3B if Barton is out for the night. Also, would Emil do any worse at 1B than in LF. Also, why cut Bankston and keep some of the other guys.

Those two Hannahan and Murphy are the true dead weight. They aren’t hitting and they are in no way part of our future.

I wish that Beane could have at least got someone who can play 3B in his last 2 trades.

Barton may be part of the future even though he is having a bad year.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You kind of have to put players at positions they actually play

and Murton isn’t a first-baseman. He just isn’t. The A’s had no choice but to play Murphy and Hannahan tonight. They did have a choice about Murton and Brown.

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 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That being said

and we have had this argument before there surely has to be a guy out there on another team or in another team’s system who can play ahead of Hannahan or Murphy.

Also, I would think that its possible that one of the Outfielders could play 1B. Then again, its just 1 game. If Barton is hurt. They GM must bring someone up to play 1B. Hannahan and Murphy taking up 22% of the line-up is a killer (considering the rest of the line-up is not the 1990 A’s)

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing is, we don't have anyone "better" -

we just have people who are “different”. They all suck, is the problem, so you’re mad at seeing Murphy and Hannahan (are you anti-Irish?) and want to see them replaced by two other players who suck.

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 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm optimistic that Baisley might not suck

if he can return from the stress fracture.

And I don’t think Petit sucks.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he doesn't play 1B or 3B

When is Baisley due back and where (what level) will he play?

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 8:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm vaguely recalling six weeks and he was injured in mid-June

so I’m going to say early August. The usual caveats about inaccurate minor league info apply, of course.

He was at AAA before, and doing well there, so other than a few rehab games there’s no reason to think he won’t be returning to AAA or moving on to the majors.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, first off

I am Irish and I would love nothing more than for Hannahan and Murphy to do well. They seem like great guys and all.

My only problem with the A’s management this year has been the botch job at 3b/ SS.

They knew Chavez and Crosby were recovering from an injury. Their back-up choices were Hannahan and Murphy. A bad choice in my view. They should have brought in someone who could play the left side of the infield.

Obviously, some of the prospects at those positions haven’t worked out. But think about the A’s Free Agent pick ups (Foluke and Brown- neither at need positions).
Many people have been against Brown and i have defended him but now I have to ask Why in the world did the A’s bring him in?? In Spring Training they had a full contingent of Outfielders (R. Sweeney, Denorfia, Gonzalez, Buck, Cust* (they were planning for M. Sweeney at DH) also Todd Linden.

O.K. So they made an error in Spring training with their personnel moves at 3B/ SS. Everyone makes mistakes. Not much of a problem as Eric came back.

However, the GM should have made a trade once it was clear that Chavez was hurting again.

The team makes trades for 5 hitters none of the hitters are 3B/ SS. I understand that most of the guys are long-term in the future, which overall is fine. I can understand that the Phillies and Cardinals might not have anyone who plays 3B that Beane wants.

On the other hand, we weren’t forced to trade either pitcher. Maybe, the A’s could have waited and made a deal with a team for someone who has a nice 3B/ SS prospect.
(Which is basically what you are suggesting with the Eveland deal).

It could be that the GM is right now trying to get a 3b/ SS prospect. In which case, I am glad that the team addressed a major weakness.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Cardenas IS a third base prospect

but he’s clearly not big-league ready at this point.

Really, though—what can you do? You have 2 guys who are clearly your starters entering the season. How much insurance can you afford? If you get a good player to fill the hole, and then the starters return healthy, someone ends up riding the pine.

Particularly considering that this was viewed as a rebuilding year, I can’t see why a team would want to invest in backups better than the A’s bench players.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm excited about Cardenas

Sounds like both an accomplished hitter and a hard-worker who will find a way to match a position with adequate defensive skills.

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 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but I still think that they could have brought in someone

The outfield and bullpen were fine yet it was these areas that they picked up some Vet Free-agents.

Also, if it is a rebuilding year maybe one of the ‘back-ups’ could have been decent for the future as opposed to Foulke, Brown.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean, who?

Aaron Boone? Cesar Izturis? Mike Lamb? Those guys aren’t exactly lighting it up this year.

The free agents at those positions really stank last offseason.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Hmm...I'll start with the Cesar,

and then I’ll have the Lamb…”

“Very well, sir, and for dessert?”

“Just the Cust turd.”

“Please leave right now.”

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 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going to pull a Robert Buan on you

Don’t say “They could have brought in someone.”

Tell us who you’re thinking of. Saying “someone” is a cop-out because it lets you complain without offering an alternative.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 19, 2008 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's a very valid point

If we bring anyone in, it should be young guys who could use the experience to their advantage.

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 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why do people recommend putting players at positions they don't play...

...like it’s just a normal, everyday thing?

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

by Flashfire on Jul 19, 2008 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pffff.

Flashfire, for your next minor league game, I think you should sketch the players.

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

by Poppy on Jul 19, 2008 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, if you like crappy stick figures.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 19, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blevnis isn't that bad

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 19, 2008 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You! Go to your game!

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

by Flashfire on Jul 19, 2008 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smith has to nibble...

He throws 86-88 mph.

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

by notsellingjeans on Jul 18, 2008 7:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Look, at some point every pitcher has to throw a strike

So why not throw it early in the count? That way you’re ahead in the count and/or your pitch count is low. Guys who don’t throw 90+ don’t have to nibble – they have to say, “You want a pitch to hit? Fine – get it early.” Nibbling works a lot better when you’re 1-2 in the count than it does when you’re 3-1.

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 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everything from a defensive standpoint

works better in the 1-2 vs. 3-1.

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 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nibblers have to be patient

and very, very careful against teams like the Yankees.

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 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He needs to think.

Duke throws with less velocity and has had tremendous success. With his stuff he’s got to coax the hitters into swinging the bat. His deception is decent, but it won’t do him a bit a good if he won’t learn to out think the hitters.

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

by alox on Jul 18, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and chances are good that he will.

He’s young. He has a lot of the skills. But he’s gonna have games like this.

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 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One difference, I think,

is that Duke pitches to contact, whereas Smith tries to miss bats. Which translates to Duke fooling hitters in the strike zone and Smith missing not bats but rather the imaginary rectangular zone thing.

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 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The other difference is that Duke has plus-plus command

and Smith has average command.

That’s kind of a big difference.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

THAT

is more troubling.

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 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess

I mean, Smith is fine as a #4/#5 starter. But he’s totally miscast as a #2, which is basically what he is in the current A’s rotation. I think people have been misled by a generally pretty lucky first half into thinking that he’s something more than he is. He doesn’t have elite command and he really doesn’t have any true plus pitches (at least not yet).

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm really surprised about the command

I thought that was his whole schtick. I agree, he’s a #4 starter at this point and won’t be more unless his command improves. Right now, though, I’d say he’s in the #3 slot, with Duke at #1 and Gallagher at #2 (which may also be a stretch).

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 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd say they both are.

1 and 2.

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 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, he's no Joe Blanton?

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 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Joe Blanton is the superior pitcher, that's correct

although Blanton’s command has been terrible at times this year. But both of Blanton’s breaking pitches grade better than any of Smith’s.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree completely.

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 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which seems to me to be

a folly of youth, no?

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 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a horrible week!!!

One week ago we were celebrating the dramatic win over Seattle and the Gallagher victory over the Angels. I think Murton and Hannahan had some hits in that one. We were 4 GB.

SINCE!!!
2 defeats to the Angels, one a classic heartbreaker.

A blowout to the Yankees in which nearly all the weaknesses of the team were displayed
12 strike outs. Rookie Pitcher possibly being figured out by the opposition, poor defense. No extra-base hits after the Ellis.

Also,
Blanton was traded. Duke got hit hard in his ASG appearance. The Blanton trade wasn’t a killer except that the guy replacing him on the squad was DiNArdo and Braden

Its begininng to look an awful lot like 2nd half of 2007.
Hope I am wrong.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

At least then I'm a year younger

Woo hoo!

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 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel 2007 all over again

especially when we go more younger and untested

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 18, 2008 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of pitchers...

has our entire rotation from last year already been dealt away? It seems an odd way to build a team…..getting rid of the only successful contributors.

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

by alox on Jul 18, 2008 8:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yup. The whole darn thang

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 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dateline 2004: A's trade Hudson, Redman and Mulder

Dateline 2008: A’s trade Harden, Blanton and …

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slusser speculates that Gio might come up on the 28th

That’s 3 days before the trade deadline. If Braden’s in the rotation now, when he should be behind Gio, this sounds a lot like a starter could be traded this month. Duke probably shouldn’t buy a house in Oakland.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 8:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Here's my hope - maybe they can deal Eveland,

not Duke. I feel like Eveland’s stats are better than he is, and he’s young, lefty – and about 12th on our depth chart by 2010. Seriously, Duke, Gallagher, Smith, Gio, Simmons, Cahill, Anderson, maybe even H. Rodriguez, Outman, Mazzaro, Leon, DLS, and Inoa have us waaaaaaay covered sans Eveland.

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 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, but he's

gotta bring it the couple (?) starts he gets between now and then…will he get two starts?

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 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eveland? He goes Monday (7/21) and then

probably Sunday (7/27).

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 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he brought it both games,

I could see that. That might actually work real well…

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 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But would Eveland command anywhere near the return that Duke would?

Would you sign Duke beyond 2009 with a chronically bad back? Kotsay and Chavez aren’t enough for you?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course he wouldn't - different deal

But a package that included Eveland could still fill a need, such as a SS or 3B prospect.

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 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The more you talk about it,

the more I like it. Don’t know why I wasn’t thinking of turning over any of the new guys…

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 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly!!

I have always heard that Pitchers are one of the most valuable commodities, especially over corner infielders.

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely, I think Eveland has been pitching over his ability

I think it would be a horrible decision to trade Duke. You need to keep a few good veterans around to help the young guys.

Eveland or Smith will probably lose their spot next season or in 2010 whereas Duke has the skills to beat out most of our prospects for a spot in the rotation for years to come.

I would love it if Beane moved a young pitcher and maybe one of the guys he got in the recent trades to a team to pick up a good hitter who can hit his stride in 2009 (and take Hannahan out of the line-up in 2008)

by Yellowhorse on Jul 18, 2008 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly - turn around and trade Eveland

and a couple of the prospects on which we’ve overstocked for a plus hitter in 2010 and I can see the method to Billy’s madness. Trade Duke and I think it’s an over-gusto fire sale that will cause us not to be competitive in 2009, iffy in 2010 – and unnecessarily so because as is (with Duke) I think this team is set to be good now (2009) and great later. But you HAVE to have someone to anchor the rotation – it’s better for the young pitchers anyway.

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 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm less sure of Duke's ability ot be a #1

than you, but I agree in principle.

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 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's probably a #2 ultimately,

but I think he, Gallagher, and soon Cahill have a chance to combine to be a genuinely solid 1-3.

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 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Short-term Gallagher thought

I wasn’t as impressed as many people here with Gallagher’s performance a week ago. I thought his breaking stuff was very inconsistent, sometimes buried in the dirt (good), other times floating up there and begging to be whacked. The Angels missed those pitches. I’ll bet the Yankees won’t.

The one thing Gallagher does have going for him is he’s a big, strong fastball pitcher who can get himself out of trouble.

Long term, he did show potential to throw effective breaking pitches, so I’m not negative – especially given his age. But it’s going to take time.

by bear88 on Jul 18, 2008 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My prediction is that the A's,

who believe that the changeup is a more important pitch than the curve/slider, will work with Gallagher to improve his changeup (which looked average, fine, not spectactular) and have him throw it more, and in turn throw fewer breaking pitches – which will make the slider/curve more effective and allow him to get away with more mistakes.

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 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and in the mean time, I predict

you will fine fine dinning at its best in the Senator Hotel in downtown Sacramento. (drew pearson)

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 18, 2008 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is an excellent idea

by Trainman on Jul 18, 2008 8:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

anybody got "trade fatigue" like me?

I think I’m ‘Depodesta’ed out’!!

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

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2008 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sabe here

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 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sabes is here?

Maybe the old Giant needs an baseball edumcation…

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 18, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and I did spell it how I meant it

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 18, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Eveland should go

“Trim” down the payroll.

by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 18, 2008 8:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Smith

It may turn out that he doesn’t pitch well in the second half of the season, that the league has figured him out, and that his success until now was due to smoke and mirrors.

I’m willing to cut him a fair amount of slack. He’s basically a rookie, pitching in Yankee Stadium, against a lineup that is famously patient, and didn’t have his best stuff. It’s not exactly a surprise that he would struggle.

Smith may also have trouble because of the innings count. The only pitcher on the staff who wasn’t going to have that problem during the second half was Blanton, and we just traded him away.

I agree with Nico that Smith needs to throw strikes early. That’s such a baseball truism that it barely needs repeating, but it’s especially important in Smith’s case. At his best, Smith works the corners very effectively and keeps the hitters off balance. But he also throws strikes.

by bear88 on Jul 18, 2008 8:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My feeling about Smith is that

if he keeps pitching the way he did before the All-Star Break, he won’t be successful after the ASB. However, if he “pounds the strike zone early” more often, uses his breaking pitches more, and uses both sides of the plate more, he could be fine. It’s a game of adjustments and right now, the opposing hitters are the only ones adjusting.

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 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

someone write FITZ on the bill of his hat?

by OaklandSi on Jul 19, 2008 4:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm wondering whether his recent wildness has anything to do with the inning count.

He also didn’t pick anyone off tonight, which may also be a sign of fatigue.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Jul 18, 2008 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He may be fatigued but I think the hitters

have figured him out and he has not made the adjustments to them. Nico is right, he is falling behind and that 87 mph fastball says “Hit me”

by Trainman on Jul 18, 2008 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

First time through the league,

hitters kept swinging at his fastball only to find out it was his changeup. You can’t nip at the outside corner with two pitches and succeed in the big leagues, unless you happen to be Tom Glavine and can create the outside corner for the home plate umpire 1/16” at a time.

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 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glavine and Maddux paid off the umps

you would think. Their strike zones was 8 miles wide.

by Trainman on Jul 18, 2008 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he's mostly exhausted from

running over to first base after each pickoff. I’d give him 3-4 years to recover from that and go from there.

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 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Official scorer's nightmare in progress -

The first batter Sabathia faces (Fred Lewis) reaches on a debatable hit/error that is ruled a hit; now C.C. takes a one-hitter into the 8th inning…

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 9:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it should count as a no-hitter if it's against the Giants

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Jul 18, 2008 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it should count if Rowand HRs to open the 8th

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 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone catch in the new thread that said:

“WhoeverReplacesDukeWhenHe’sTradedNextWeek” statement! I really like the idea because maybe, just maybe we’ll address the big bat issue that still has yet to be found!

Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!

by MMunoz33 on Jul 18, 2008 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No - screw the big bat!

I want another pitching prospect, another outfield prospect, and another guy who looks like he can hit but it’s unclear where he can field well enough to 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 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

HAHA!!!!

Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!

by MMunoz33 on Jul 18, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about another leader in earning walks and getting K'ed?

Also, can he clank can-o-corn flyouts?

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 18, 2008 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I support the Diamond Dallas Braden name only if he high fives himself after every strike out

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 18, 2008 11:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

SELF HI-FIVE!!

genius

Will he sue Rocafella on the Diamond hand sign?

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 18, 2008 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused

It’s 7AM here on the other side of the pond and no one was traded overnight. Missing all the games due to the time difference is one thing, but all these trades while I sleep have felt like someone keeps breaking into my house overnight and stealing my house plants and replacing them with seeds and a jug of miracle grow.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Jul 18, 2008 11:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The 8-hour time difference is rough.

(Although it worked surprisingly well for me in the ‘06 playoffs, with all those day games.)

I watered our roses with Miracle Grow a few weeks ago and now they’re almost as tall as me… so that’s gotta be a good sign, right? With this method, the new players will at least grow to be 6’ tall. As for baseball skills, well, I haven’t tested the roses on that yet. We’ll see.

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 18, 2008 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

Why all the Lenny hate? Athletics Nation needs to lighten up and embrace the legendary Lenny!

by tradestreetnow on Jul 18, 2008 11:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I blame Myself!

Last night I declared that Greg Smith was my new favorite pitcher… Why? Because Blanton was gone, I needed a new favorite. So I completely blame myself for tonights disaster!

"He's day-to-day," Geren said. "But aren't we all?" - 5/29/08

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jul 19, 2008 12:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bad Girl!

"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 19, 2008 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Greg Smith can be your favorite pitcher.

I blame you because you hardly ever post anymore… :P~

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

by Poppy on Jul 19, 2008 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do we know that things are gonna get worse?

Is it because our rotation is mostly inexperienced pitchers?
Is it because our young talent has trouble staying on the field together for one freakin week?
Is it because our reliable and excellent 2nd basemen is being given the cold shoulder by management signing 3 younger second basemen in under two weeks?
Is it because no other team in baseball has these problems especially the one down south?
Is it because Cust can’t move the freakin runners over with nobody out!!?
I say all of the above.

How do you forget the terrible start to the second half?
WATCH THE DARK KNIGHT!!!! AWESOME, UNBELIEVABLE…PRICELESS!!

by Oaktownflav on Jul 19, 2008 2:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

To me, the offense tonight illustrates why Billy knows this isn't a playoff team.

The ‘08 Oakland A’s are going to finish the season with only 20-homer hitter, and he’s a somewhat flawed and frustrating hitter at that (Cust).

If Chavy and Frank had been healthy all year, and provided great contributions all year, then yeah, it could’ve been a different story. With three guys chipping in 20+ homers apiece, this might’ve been a playoff team sans trade.

But I think Beane can make the pitching sell-off trades in good conscience because he sees that not only is the big-league offense bad, but there was no reason to expect it to magically improve dramatically in the second half. Not with only one game-changing threat in the lineup (Cust).

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

by notsellingjeans on Jul 19, 2008 5:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Turn the TV off!

I am a A’s fan from the days in Phila. What I witnessed last night was one of the most pathetic performances put on by a baseball team. Any pitching coach by by the second inning could see Smith did not have it! Cut Emil Brown! Please! Send Barton down, bring Bankston back! Sit Jack Cust down, yes down! Sign Mark Ellis or bench him and replace him with one of the 100 second baseman’s we have now.

Finally Bob Geren, stop with the niceties, you can keep a job and still tell it the way it is!

by aerobicsman on Jul 19, 2008 5:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs