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Open Thread: Game 91 - A's vs. Mariners

As_kings_cal_tiny by louismg on

Seattle @ Oakland


Joe Blanton and Miguel Batista have, so far, had forgettable seasons for their respective teams. While we're all too familiar with Blanton's struggles, seeing him wallow to a 5-11 record and 4.76 ERA (with opposing batters hitting at a .280 clip), Batista has posted a 4-10 mark, a sky-high 6.27 ERA, and opposing batters are clocking in at .299. If he had enough innings to qualify, he'd have the worst ERA in the league for any starting pitcher.

But if the first two games of this series are any indication, it won't take 4.76 runs or 6.27 runs to win tonight's game. Yesterday, Duchscherer shut down the Mariners' bats, shutting them out and allowing only two hits. The previous day, Dana Eveland bounced back from an early 3-0 deficit to see the A's win 4-3. With such an anemic showing thus far, both team's offenses have to hope the heat wave will extend to their hitting, or help turn long flyball outs into home runs. The A's makeshift batting order doesn't look like a big enough threat to pull it off, but Batista did give up three bombs to the Mets in 2 2/3 innings (as well as 8 runs) on June 25th. I hope Oakland memorized that game tape.

Lineup

Seattle Mariners @ Oakland Athletics

07/09/08 7:05 PM PDT

Seattle Mariners Oakland Athletics
Ichiro Suzuki - RF Mark Ellis - 2B
Jose Lopez - 2B Carlos Gonzalez - CF
Raul Ibanez - LF Ryan Sweeney - RF
Jose Vidro - 1B Jack Cust - LF
Adrian Beltre - 3B Wes Bankston - DH
Jeremy Reed - CF Kurt Suzuki - C
Kenji Johjima - DH Jack Hannahan - 3B
Jeff Clement - C Donnie Murphy - SS
Yuniesky Betancourt - SS Daric Barton - 1B

 

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Wow...

The 7-8-9 hitters are absolutely horrendous.

Procrastinators unite....tomorrow

by muffinpryde on Jul 9, 2008 6:58 PM PDT   0 recs

Seattle's isn't anything to write home about either

At least we don’t have Jose Vidro batting cleanup.

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 9, 2008 7:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree!

Johjima, Clement and Betancourt couldn’t carry Barton’s jock.

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

by louismg on Jul 9, 2008 7:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not if he had to hit RHP every day

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 9, 2008 7:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, he hasn't fared well in that regard yet

But he still hasn’t ever been given a real chance. I think the Royals mishandled him so badly. I wonder what he could’ve been had he been in a real organization before last year. At least he’s still young enough to be decent.

http://bocropleasestopswingingatbadpitches.blogspot.com/

by thejd44 on Jul 9, 2008 8:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I will start the "meat-ball" watch

when I get back from what looks like a wet jog…maybe top of third or 4th.

alaska A

by ak_A on Jul 9, 2008 7:03 PM PDT   0 recs

Cubs have Harden and Gaudin on their rosters

we only seem to have Gallagher on our 25 man roster, and Murton on our 40 mn roster, but Patterson is not on the 40 even.

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 9, 2008 7:03 PM PDT   0 recs

JUST END THE GAME METS!

BEAT THE GNATS ALREADY!

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 9, 2008 7:04 PM PDT   0 recs

Just incase everyone/anyone didnt know

there was a trade or something yesterday. And some guys changed teams. Probably not all that important.

by A'sfaninNC on Jul 9, 2008 7:04 PM PDT   0 recs

The game is on CSN + 410 in the Bay Area

Gnats still on CSN.

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

by louismg on Jul 9, 2008 7:06 PM PDT   0 recs

I like CarGon and Swooney as 2-3

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

by iglew on Jul 9, 2008 7:08 PM PDT   0 recs

I can haz DP plz?

Kthxbai.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:10 PM PDT   0 recs

Pretty birds in the outfield!

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:11 PM PDT   0 recs

Did I read that stat on Blanton's SB numbers accurately?

He hasn’t allowed a SB in over 161 innings? That’s insane.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 9, 2008 7:14 PM PDT   0 recs

Yup - your eyesight is excellent

Probably cuz you’re still young. Not even 40 yet as I recall.

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 9, 2008 7:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, I should be able to see for another 36 hours or so

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 9, 2008 7:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Blanton tends to do well early

Last game he did well all the way through. I suggest you keep watching.

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

by louismg on Jul 9, 2008 7:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Keep watching?

That’s what Ken Griffey Jr. keeps telling me.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow, Batista's numbers this year are putrid

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 9, 2008 7:17 PM PDT   0 recs

He throws as many balls as Eveland

and his strikes are less effective.

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Whoa it's game time. Got busy reading the Pickens Plan online

and couldn’t drag myself away.

Let’s knock a dollar off a gallon of gas for every run the A’s score!

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:18 PM PDT   0 recs

Is he gonna hire Jack Cust to bat in front of his turbines?

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jul 9, 2008 7:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not sure. I am trying to stay removed from politics and wish I knew if this

guy had an angle other than $$$$. All I know is that when I travel down a MW’ern highway, you see several turbines along the way. Somebody is buyin’ em.

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think AN + lookout landing

can provide all the Hot Air Pickens needs.

(PS – ditch coal first!)

by MobiusKlein on Jul 9, 2008 7:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hilarious. The way I see it. If wind was a legitimate energy source today

than I would be at AN Day this Saturday. Flights were about $682 from my fair city. OUCH.

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Harness the power of wind!

Bring back the zeppelin!

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

or let's just get the Led out!

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's legit - there are many turbines in the Bay Area

But like everything else, there is no Silver Bullet

by MobiusKlein on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Batista looked legitimately unhittable that inning

Bizarre.

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 9, 2008 7:21 PM PDT   0 recs

How bizarre? How bizarre? Oooh baby.

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Blanton's dealing now.

How ‘bout Cust meets one o’ those 94 MPH quickballs?

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 9, 2008 7:25 PM PDT   0 recs

good call!

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

by iglew on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Okay.

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

by Jennifer on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Upper Cust

facepalm.jpg

by Zonis on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT   0 recs

JACK CUST!

That’s my boy.

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

by louismg on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT   0 recs

CUSTY!

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

by Jennifer on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT   0 recs

Jackumus Maxicust!

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:26 PM PDT   0 recs

did she just say harden shut down until after the ASB?

that was fast.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT   0 recs

Can Chicago void the trade?

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Have all the players cleared

their physicals? Or does the MLB not do that? The NBA/NFL definitely have all trades pending until physicals are done.

by C-Gon on Jul 9, 2008 7:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not necessarily a change of plans for them

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 9, 2008 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe they'll stretch out Gaudin.

It will be interesting to see how they utilize him.

Was Black Snake Moan a comedy or a drama?

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 9, 2008 7:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

yup....

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Are you kidding me?

I thought he’d make at least one start!

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

who what?

info please!

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on Jul 9, 2008 7:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

the sideline lady

said that Gallagher would pitch friday but that cubs fans would have to wait since they’re shutting harden down until after the asb

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 9, 2008 7:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

"maybe"

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 9, 2008 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

maybe harden or maybe gallagher?

it got a bit fuzzy when cust whacked that ball

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 9, 2008 7:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

maybe he's shut down

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Jul 9, 2008 7:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

gotcha

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 9, 2008 7:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Might actually be a wise move.

Let Harden rest his “dead arm” to prevent a worse injury, maybe?

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

from one of the articles I read, it said:

Lou Piniella has the luxury of giving someone an extra day of rest, since the Cubs have six starters

by SwisherThresher on Jul 9, 2008 7:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, that was really fast.

I wonder if they knew his condition going into the trade. This could get sticky.

"Good or bad, I don't know. This is awesome." ~Nick Swisher

by humdinger on Jul 9, 2008 7:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yup

Score one point for the A’s on that one. Man, I’m shaking my head already thinking about Harden with his arm in a sling…..oy’vey!

by mrod on Jul 9, 2008 7:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Smart

If we had kept him, I’d have advised the same. Get that dead arm behind him and start again fresh in the second half.

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

by iglew on Jul 9, 2008 7:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sad.

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

by Jennifer on Jul 9, 2008 7:43 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuust

has a very big bat

by C-Gon on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT   0 recs

Yay!

My daughter made me the best Father’s Day card: it said “A’s Homerun!”

Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. -Field of Dreams

by IowaA'sFan on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT   0 recs

SWEET!

pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.

by pam5981 on Jul 9, 2008 7:27 PM PDT   0 recs

Bankston < Cust

(barely)

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

by iglew on Jul 9, 2008 7:29 PM PDT   0 recs

Looking at Gallagher in the dugout...

did MLB institute some “matching facial hair” rule on trades like the NBA’s matching salary rule?