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Open Game Thread - Game 98: A's @ Yankees

Countdown_tiny by Taj Adib on Comment 201 comments

Oakland Athletics @ New York Yankees


In the span of exactly one week, the A's have gone from one out away of being 4 games out of the AL West and still very much relevant to the post-season picture, to doubling that deficit to 8 games and being swept up in a bad-luck death spiral that seems to have buried any hopes of contention going forward. Whether the recent trades are finally catching up to the team, the continued on-set of injuries is too-debilitating to weather or if the pitching staff is finally coming back down to Earth (I suspect a little of all three) the team seems to be playing behind the 8-ball.

For my money, I am shifting my focus from team-wide accomplishments to individual player performances and milestones. Will Jack Cust break the all-time single season strikeout mark? Will Ryan Sweeney finish the year batting over .300? Where will Huston Street get traded? Will the Duke  finish the season with a sub-2.00 ERA AND in an Oakland uniform? Partial answers to these and to many other questions will begin to be answered today, bright and early (for us West Coasters) at Yankee Stadium where the A's will conclude their final EVER trip into the hallowed grounds of "The House that Ruth Built".

The Duke, who's been in the Big Apple now for most of the past week, will look to improve upon his last appearance at the Stadium where he didn't look too sharp while facing the NL's All Star lineup. He's been battling a viral infection since last weekend and is finally getting through it, although as of last night he was still battling the remnnants of the sickness. It would sure be nice if he could even just match his one and only career start against the Yankees where he went 7 innings, only allowed 1 run on 5 hits and struck-out 4 in the process of a beating the Pinstripers. Old Soldier Andy Petitte takes the mound for Yanks opposite Duke sporting some nifty career numbers against the Green and Gold (9-5, 3.42 ERA). Hopefully the lefty-mashers (Murton, E-meal, Murphy) can provide some scoring punch for the A's offense so that this team can depart for Tampa with some semblance of pride...

(Programming Note: for those viewing the game that are not within KICU's broadcast umbrella, the game today is being broadcast nationally on TBS. Thank you Ted Turner!)

Lineup

Oakland Athletics @ New York Yankees

07/20/08 10:05 AM PDT

Oakland Athletics New York Yankees
Mark Ellis - 2B Derek Jeter - SS
Ryan Sweeney - RF Bobby Abreu - RF
Bobby Crosby - SS Alex Rodriguez - 3B
Emil Brown - DH Jason Giambi - DH
Matt Murton - LF Robinson Cano - 2B
Carlos Gonzalez - CF Wilson Betemit - 1B
Rob Bowen - C Melky Cabrera - CF
Donnie Murphy - 3B Jose Molina - C
Jack Hannahan - 1B Brett Gardner - LF


 

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Knowing that lots of ANers are in NY today

I hope they can get to see one winning game, at least.

by Englishmajor on Jul 20, 2008 10:02 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh hey, thanks!

i would never have tuned in on the real TV…click goes mlbtv!

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 20, 2008 10:04 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Obviously, the A's will win today...

the RBI Machine is batting cleanup! Why doesn’t Geren get smart and bat him cleanup all the time. No wonder we’re 8 games out with that kind of managing.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 10:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I woke up just in time

to hear TBS say, “What happens when Duchsherer and Pettite face off against a dynamic duo of lethal assault offenses.” Or something to that extent.

ahahahahahahahahahahaha

but I am happy that the game’s on national tv, i only get to watch the A’s about five times a year if i’m lucky

by NateHST on Jul 20, 2008 10:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well

Not last trip IF A’s & Yanks get to the post season and battle each other.

What, why is looking at me, wondering where I put my meds?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 10:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellis is 5 for his last 50!

Time to sign him to that extension is right now!

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 10:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I say let him walk...

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

by brenarlo on Jul 20, 2008 10:10 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

pretty bad lineup

Even for the A’s. Hey, Brooks Conrad hit his 21st home run yesterday at Sacto. 44 XBH overall. He’d hit .220 in the bigs (maybe), but Hannahan…

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 10:09 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellis sure isn't a good hitter...

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

by brenarlo on Jul 20, 2008 10:09 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Benae might be excited about the future as we all are

but allowing this garbage to grace a baseball field is embarrassing.

by Trainman on Jul 20, 2008 10:12 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hater Jeter....

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

by brenarlo on Jul 20, 2008 10:10 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pulled in the 12th yesterday

Suffering cramps throughout his body, as were the rest of us watching.

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jul 20, 2008 10:13 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

right, right

needs more pickle juice, baked potatoes.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 10:17 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This team makes me sick

I’m probably going to throw my TV out the window if we just sit there and watch strike 3 every single fucking time.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:10 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have to agree, offense is enough reason

to not watch the game.

After seeing Crosby stand CLOSER to the OUTSIDE of the batters box than the inside line, to swing at strike three, click went the television. It’s sickening to watch.

To then consider Geren said, “I have to speak to the hitters about their two-strike approach” I realized…”Hey, this is what SINGLE-A Managers talk to their players about, NOT AL managers to their ” top” professional hitters…”

Who cares about Duke pitching when the offense cannot even put the ball in play? I predict 10+ strikeouts today, and that is simply too “anti-fan” for me, overruling, cancelling any other reason (and there are many) for supporting this club.

back tomorrow…OVER AND OUT.

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

by One won lost won on Jul 20, 2008 10:31 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

nice half inning, Andy

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 10:11 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More Ks....

This lineup makes me sick… good lord… this is going to be a long second half…

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

by brenarlo on Jul 20, 2008 10:11 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Imagine how much worse it would have been

to watch Blanton pitch, too.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:12 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nope

would be just the same.

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 10:14 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well

since it looks like we are going with Braden, you might be right.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:15 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hello.... Hello.... Hello...

Quiet morning…

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

by brenarlo on Jul 20, 2008 10:19 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That pitch was a strike

at least it was for Andy in the first

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:19 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really?

it that how it always is, and can we prove it?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 10:21 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Did you see it?

The pitch Ellis watched go by was not nearly as close as the one that Giambi passed on.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

(kids watching cartoons,so no.)

On gameday, they looked similar wrt strike zone.
That’s why I ask, and ask if it can be proved.

With proof comes action.

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 10:24 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i love me some morning games! too bad i’m at work (radio only).

by rebus on Jul 20, 2008 10:20 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

re

Duke’s pissed. He was getting squeezed his last start too.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 10:21 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If he gets squeezed.....

this yankee lineup will eat him up…

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

by brenarlo on Jul 20, 2008 10:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh Yeah!

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweeney has a gun

A little up the line but that was a great throw.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whoooooo hoo!

At least we’ve been able to gun down A-Rod at the plate AFTER he’s reached base twice in the series! Swooney is a Stud!

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hell yeah!

That should fire the A’s up some.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 10:23 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah!

Now they’ll swing HARDER while missing the ball.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:25 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

amended

Now they’ll look HARDER while missing the ball.

by rebus on Jul 20, 2008 10:25 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would love for this lineup to swing harder

There are about 6 home runs on the season between the 9 of them.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 10:28 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That many?

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:28 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DFA... ugh

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:26 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A K would've actually been more productive

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kinda feel bad for Duke

He’s been ill for a week or so, so he must feel like shit and his energy level may not be the best

He’s upset with the trades so his frame of mind may not be the best

by Trainman on Jul 20, 2008 10:26 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

10 pitchers

4 outs. Billy might not be throwing in the towel, but I’m beginning to wonder about the team.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:26 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

10 pitches, rather

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:26 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also, Sweeney rules

Man I love that kid, he can really play.

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:27 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Counting today, there are 65 games left.

I A’s have to go 31 – 34 to get to 82 wins and a winning season. Can it be done?

A's, baby!

by Coach Cleats on Jul 20, 2008 10:32 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brutal August

If we get some healthy players (Thomas, Chavez, Devine) and get rid of some guys who prefer to take a sledgehammer to this team (DFA, Street), then yeah, I think it’s possible. Wouldn’t hurt to get a win today, though.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Duke looks like he is still laboring.

Definitely not completely over his infection. And I’ve heard that 90+ afternoon temperatures are great for bouncing back from viral maladies.

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 10:35 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's a gamer

Pity they couldn’t sign him to a 3 year deal. This would be a good moral booster to the team

by Trainman on Jul 20, 2008 10:36 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Silver lining for all the K's

Our GIDP rate is WAY down.
Remember when we used to GIDP 3-5 times a game? I’m glad those days are gone.

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 10:36 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hence why K's aren't so bad sometimes

They are frustrating however. Unlike some people here though, the K’s don’t really bother me as long as the hitter has some power. Unfortunately, that only applies to Cust.

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:37 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They shouldn't bother you (much) if the guy doesn't have speed

And most of the A’s don’t have that, either. It’s not like all these guys could be beating out infield hits or something.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:42 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ARGGGG

Swing at strikes, not balls!

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 10:39 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I will say

these TBS guys are doing a pretty good job making our players sound pretty good. It hasn’t been all Yankees, which is pretty surprising.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:41 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why is Miley playing over Bankston?

I missed yesterday’s game. Did Bankston get hurt?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:42 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks. Once again I have to suffer through the Yankees broadcast

Which kinda sounds like “Yankees Yankees Yankees Yankees Yankees” so I had no idea.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:43 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's do that K box for Duke

please.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Jul 20, 2008 10:43 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Outside!

Ridiculous strike zone, ump!

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Frank looks ready to pound on somebody

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:44 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he can pound the ball into someone

preferably someone in the left field stands.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 20, 2008 10:46 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellis has looked really, really lost lately

Yikes

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:45 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Interesting

David Cone was just wrong on multiple levels: Frank Thomas did homer off him, but generally was really, really bad against him.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:45 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awesome!

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:46 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Niiiiiiice at-bat Ellis.

Even though Ellis’s numbers are pretty bad and he’s in a major slump, I still like his approach and professionalism at the plate.

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 10:46 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like his approach, too

Which makes me think his struggles are a part of the normal agiing curve and a good sign that he should not be brought back.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 10:49 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF!

This strike zone blows

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:47 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sigh.

This is getting tough to watch day after day.

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:50 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

rearview camera

Ten years from now we’ll all be wondering how the eff we ever did without.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 10:50 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope Duke is prepared to pitch 15 innings of shutout ball

To show his commitment to the team.

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 10:52 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, Duchscherer.

You make an A’s game watchable.

by Philip Christy on Jul 20, 2008 10:54 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

amended

You make half an A’s game watchable.

by rebus on Jul 20, 2008 10:54 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gio isn't ready

He’s pitching well, but still walking a lot of batters (3 of his last 6 he’s walked 4 batters). He’ll be smashed if he comes up now. He might not be ready until mid 09.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 11:00 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Onr of my cats is the same color

Maybe this i sone of his 2,000,000 brothers

by Trainman on Jul 20, 2008 10:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1-0 Yankees

[X] Insurmountable Lead

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 20, 2008 10:57 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

come on guys

think positive.

the Yankees could commit a 4 bag error!

by rebus on Jul 20, 2008 10:58 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Jeter might have come off the bag a split-second early

But it’s weird that Geren went off on that when he’s often sleeping when more obvious injustices occur.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:00 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In my opinion,

Jeter pushed off of third base at the perfect time, eliminating almost all time between when Sweeney caught the ball and when he left the base – which is the ideal way to head for home on a sac fly.

Say what you want about Jeter, he’s a hell of a gamer.

by Philip Christy on Jul 20, 2008 11:03 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, they'd never ever call him out on that. Way too close.

But even if he was off a hair early, Geren argued that when he’s never out of the dugout. Just seems like a weird battle to pick.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's official.

We will never win again.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:01 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol

Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 20, 2008 11:01 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay for the #1 overall pick next year!

Wait, did you mean again ever or just this year?

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:01 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good for you, Bob.

Where was that fire when you had a better argument at the end of yesterday’s game?

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

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 11:01 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What argument was that?

Recaps don’t include thigns like umpires sucking, so I don’t know what happened.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Molina leaning into the pitch

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Really?

It would have been delaying the inevitable.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He didn't exactly lean into it

but he did not try at all to get out of the way.

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 11:10 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What did he say?

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would like to know just how deep

the pool was. I mean, how tall is Dale? Anything equal to or less than his height… stoopid.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm sure there was no

alcoholic consumption going on…

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's was an inflatable air mattress with a cup of water tossed on top.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:07 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's go rain!

We can’t lose if the game gets rained out!

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

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 11:03 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

only 58 pitches through 3 innings for Duke...

if he can throw 150 pitches today, he might get through 7.

Well, at least, the game won’t be put in Street’s hands today.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 11:04 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anybody catch it yesterday

On ESPN, they showed the Yankee falling down when he tried to steal second and was tagged out, they played some other famous embarassing moments, they showed Blanton stuck in the dugout bathroom and Macha had to kick the door in.

Miss you Cupcakes

by NateHST on Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Funny stuff.

I caught the odd Manny thing live the other night, too. Who knows what he was doing.

by jefeboy on Jul 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"odd Manny thing"

I’m sorry, that’s not even remotely specific. That’s like referring to the day when the snow was cold.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:07 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe Blanton's talent got stuck in the bathroom this year

And Macha wasn’t around to kick the door in.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yao

say hello to Uncle Charlie. I love Duke. He’s got balls.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 11:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oooooh, devastating hook there by Duke.

I think that’s what can make Duke a legit number 1 starter. He’s got the ability to throw two virtually-unhittable pitches for strikes in any count (curveball, cutter).

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 11:06 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not to be argumentative,

but I think the real question with Duke is if he can withstand 200 innings a year. He’s always had good stuff. But he’s not exactly durable. He’s no Rich Harden, but still….that would be my only question in regards to him being a true number one.

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 11:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No argument necessary. I agree with you.

The TBS announcers just said that Duke uses the fewest pitches per inning than any other AL starter. 200 quick innings is a lot easier on the arm than175 very laborious innings. So I think if Duke can continue to lead the league in that category, he could approach that 200 inning mark.

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 11:12 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oy.

Murton hasn’t looked any good at all since he got here.

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

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 11:13 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well

The Cubs fans nicknamed him WAG (weak ass grounder.) Maybe he can be K-WAG for us.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 11:17 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

will the A's K 12 times today?

Or is that setting the bar too low on the over/under?

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 11:14 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

over

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 11:14 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

27 outs

so I predict 27 / 2 = 13.5

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 11:15 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question.

Are avatars not working for everyone else, too?

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

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 11:16 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have mine shut off.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:16 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hmm.

I suppose everyone could have changed their avatar to a question mark in protest.

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

by jeepers on Jul 20, 2008 11:18 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The site is working really slowly for me altogether.

Some avatars are loading some others are not. And my page is not auto-loading for me. Not sure what’s going on.

by Taj Adib on Jul 20, 2008 11:18 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My auto-refresh wasn't working for me yesterday.

And I’m still having problems with the site meters and ads taking FOR. EV. ER. to load. Anything over, say, 300 comments in a thread and my computer goes haywire. And it’s a newer computer.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't overreact, he did not trade them away.

They’re just on the DL. Retroactively.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 20, 2008 11:24 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not working for me

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 11:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like our outfield of Murton, CarGo and Swooney....

their defense makes me smile a little bit.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 11:19 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Murton is a completely different defensive player than he was with the Cubs

That or we’re just used to Cust and Brown butchering everything in left field. Murton really wasn’t a very good defensive player before, but he’s impressed me so far.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yes, perhaps, it's just the comparison to Brown and Cust...

but, Murton seems to get good reads and jumps on everything hit his way. And, I haven’t seen any balls bounce out of his glove yet. So, he gets points for that.

Foolsh, the most insane regular poster on AN since oaktoon left - salb

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 20, 2008 11:24 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I find it more difficult

to stay “up” for these games. Need some mental viagra…like a winning streak of more than one game.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 20, 2008 11:19 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd take one win.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:21 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah,

Like today. Please.

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jul 20, 2008 11:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

Crosby can't be gone soon enough for me. I hope they’re batting him 5th to raise his trade value. --WaddellCanseco

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 20, 2008 11:23 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ABSOLUTELY ill-advised

On a couple levels. He slowed himself down and exposed his hand for Pettitte to step on. Carlos really ought to never, ever do that again. Ever. That was a dumbass thing to do right there.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:23 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hopefully Geren will be consistent and tell Gonzalez how dangerous that was...

...to the team, sliding head-first while someone else is running next to your hands.

If he’s going to chew out Barton for stupidity off the field, he should say something when a mistake like that is made on the field. Gonzalez is lucky he didn’t get stepped on.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 20, 2008 11:23 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Geren should be fired, then kicked in the nuts

I’m sorry, but his comments towards Barton were so effing bush league it makes me sick. It’s not like Barton was out doing coke with hookers. A fluke, silly, and potentially life-threatening thing happened to the guy and he rips him like he’s Pacman Jones. Geren is an ass.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 11:24 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd like to read the chewing Geren gave Dale.

Link? Or at least point me in the right direction.

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:25 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The link

is right here

Procrastinators unite....tomorrow

by muffinpryde on Jul 20, 2008 11:27 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it's in the "Barton to DL" post

Yeah:

Geren said his first reaction to Barton’s injury was relief that it wasn’t more severe, but Geren also didn’t hide his displeasure with Barton, calling the accident, "a careless mistake that hurt the team.’‘

Thanks, Bob. I’m sure Barton is aware he made a dumb mistake without you putting it like that. Lesson learned, I hope, and I’m certain he’s thankful it wasn’t worse. I wonder if Geren ever did something dumb in his youth.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 20, 2008 11:27 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah

Wonder if Barton happened to have a drink or nine before he decided to do that. The AP article conspicuously doesn’t mention alcohol. It’s a thinker.

by 31Boots on Jul 20, 2008 11:33 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How is it "conspicuous" if he wasn't drinking at all?

That’d be like saying “He was not strung out on heroin when he got in the accident.” You don’t mention it unless it’s either there or you might suspect it was there (like, say, if Josh Hamilton had something happen you might say “it wasn’t drug related”).

Doesn’t mean there wasn’t alcohol involved, but to say there should be something about it written is only true if it was involved.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 20, 2008 12:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GOD FUCKING DAMNIT

KTVU are Yankee fans!

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 20, 2008 11:24 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The A's are averaging just over 7.5 strikeouts a game

Three teams have more strikeouts: Florida, San Diego and Arizona.

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

by Flashfire on Jul 20, 2008 11:25 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NL

The pitcher K’s more than average.

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2008 11:26 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have been very sick. I think flu

These games have not helped however, when your whole body aches and you are running a high fever the team’s crappy play doesn’t seem so bad.

On the positive I think Sweeney and Thomas will be back soon (then again they were supposed to be back in early July)

by Yellowhorse on Jul 20, 2008 11:28 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AAHHHHHHH!!!

FUCK YOU, TBS!!

Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows

by Jennifer on Jul 20, 2008 11:31 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Decent inning.

More like that Duke!

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jul 20, 2008 11:32 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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