Open Game Thread: Game 108 - A's at Red Sox
The A's open a three-game series in Boston tonight with Justin Duchscherer facing Tim Wakefield.
The A's hope to begin August on a better note than they ended July, as the team has lost 10 of 12 games since the All-Star break to fall a game under .500. If the A's win today, they'll be 54-54 at the 2/3 mark of the season, with exactly 54 games to play.
Perhaps the passing of the non-waiver trading deadline with no additional moves for the A's will help the team to re-focus and play better then they did at the end of July.
The A's offense will receive a much-needed shot in the arm today with the return of Frank Thomas from the DL. Big Hurt had posted a .933 OPS in 106 plate appearances for the A's before injuring himself on May 27. Although Big Frank isn't at 100% yet, he's absolutely owned tonight's starter Tim Wakefield over the course of his career with 7 homers in 53 at-bats, good for a whopping .717 slugging percentage.
Frank's return also has the effect of bumping Jack Cust out to left field, which might not be as bad you think...
Stat(s) of the Day - notice how much better Cust has hit in LF than as a DH:
Cust has an .890 OPS in left field and a .691 OPS as a DH in '08. That's a difference of .200 OPS points. Now, obviously that sample is small, and the true gap in Cust's hitting when playing the field vs. DH'ing isn't nearly that far apart. But his OPS was 40 points greater when he was playing the field vs. DHing last year, too, and it's common for players to hit worse when they DH than when they get to play the field.
Frank Thomas, practically a career DH, is the rare exception. He's one of the few guys who can be projected to hit exactly the same as a DH at this point in his career because heck, that's all he's done for years.
So, perhaps having Cust in left field isn't such a bad thing, if it's the difference between having two .800 OPS hitters in the lineup (Cust and Thomas) versus none (Cust at DH). It's even more tolerable with the outstanding defense of Gonzalez in center and Sweeney in right. If we retain only one of our free agents, I'd hope that it's Thomas, for exactly that ripple effect he creates.
Here's tonight's lineup, L-R-L all the way through. It's amazing how much better Big Frank makes it look, just by pushing everyone else into a better spot. Barton was activated today, too:
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Comments
cargon
if he was hitting 3rd and cust 5th, they will have a chance
The Not-So-Casual Fan
by rktse on Aug 1, 2008 3:14 PM PDT 0 recs
woooooooooohooooooooooooo!!!!!!
finally, my team is in town.
here’s to Duke painting corners all night.
by oakinboston on Aug 1, 2008 3:15 PM PDT 0 recs
on resigning Thomas
if Thomas wants to and feels healthy enough to play another season, he is going to be on the A’s. He continually talks about how he never should have left the A’s, etc and it’s clear he enjoys the clubhouse atmosphere here more than anywhere else. I’m sure he would be willing to take another pay cut to be with the A’s at least one more season, it just makes sense on both sides.
Besides, the A’s already have the youngest team in baseball, if we didn’t have one of the older guys I think our average age wouldn’t be old enough to drink!!!
by stranahanahan on Aug 1, 2008 3:19 PM PDT 0 recs
I'm right with you
Another part of the appeal of Thomas to me is, you know what you’re getting. If the A’s brought in an outside guy to DH or play the field a bit – say, Juan Rivera of the Angels or Kevin Millar of the Orioles, both of whom are free agents probably in the A’s price range – it’s impossible to be 100% sure how they’d mesh with the guys or whether they’d like being here.
Frank is a first-ballot HOFer who has twice signed a contract to play for the league minimum for us. I love him. He’s probably my favorite A.
"The painting was a gift, Todd. I'm taking it with me." -Wedding Crashers
by notsellingjeans on
Aug 1, 2008 3:28 PM PDT
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Re-sign Frank for 2009 and tell him he is only to JOG and TROT
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
Aug 1, 2008 3:59 PM PDT
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i may be in the minority, but im glad to see barton back in the lineup.
im sure bankston and conrad are nice guys, but he is the one to prove he belongs.
by put em in a body bag johnny on Aug 1, 2008 3:24 PM PDT 0 recs
Unfortunately even though it is the Red Sox, us in Sacramento will be forced to hear that Barton
is back in the lineup, since it won’t be on TV to see.
by theblackpearl on
Aug 1, 2008 3:28 PM PDT
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SuSlu on today's moves...
- Recap:
- Andrew Brown to DL (biceps tendonitis)
- Daric Barton activated from DL
- Gregorio Petit recalled
- Joey Devine likely to be activated Saturday
- Tony DeFrancesco and Tye Waller exchange base coach responsibilities
by calgbear on Aug 1, 2008 3:27 PM PDT 0 recs
I didn't think Geren had it in him to move DeFranceso off of third base, or was it
Billy’s idea.
by theblackpearl on
Aug 1, 2008 3:29 PM PDT
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Billy's.
Has to be.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 3:39 PM PDT
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sounds like a good move
I’m wondering if I’ll be able to get this game on TV (I’m still an NRAF until mid-August)...if not, it’s mlb.com audio time
by OaklandSi on
Aug 1, 2008 3:36 PM PDT
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FINALLY!!!
I have nothing against Tony D, but he needs more time to learn the league before setting up camp over there.
In search of a new signature. Say something funny and you may see your comment here!
by DMOAS on
Aug 1, 2008 3:41 PM PDT
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WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 1, 2008 3:28 PM PDT 0 recs
hey, anyone hear that manny ramirez got traded yesterday to the dodgers?
by put em in a body bag johnny on Aug 1, 2008 3:39 PM PDT 0 recs
Is it me or does just having Big Frank
in that lineup instantly add about 1000% credibility?
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2008 3:40 PM PDT 0 recs
By my estimates
1022%
"May a nit suck Cajun geese?" wonders Red. No, we see gnu Jack Cust in a yam.
by andeux on
Aug 1, 2008 3:41 PM PDT
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+100%
maybe not 100% because the line-up has Crosby!
Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!
by MMunoz33 on
Aug 1, 2008 3:41 PM PDT
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Does anyone know how Dan Meyer is doing in AAA?
Whats his chances of being called up? Does he still have a chance with us at all???
Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!
by MMunoz33 on Aug 1, 2008 3:40 PM PDT 0 recs
He's done quite well over
the last six or seven starts. He will definitely be a call up these last couple months. We need to figure out what we’re doing with him.
Someone had specific stats for his last start in a recent post…
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 3:42 PM PDT
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Thanks!!!!
Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!
by MMunoz33 on
Aug 1, 2008 3:43 PM PDT
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from another post
Last five starts for Meyer 8.0 IP 2 H 0 ER 0 BB 8 K
4.2 IP 9 H 4 ER 0 BB 1 K
7.0 IP 5 H 0 ER 2 BB 8 K
8.0 IP 5 H 2 ER 3 BB 2 K
6.2 IP 6 H 2 ER 1 BB 7 KTotal
34.1 IP 27 H 8 ER 6 BB 26K 2.09 ERA 0.96 WHIPAnd for the totals a little mental math (so it could be wrong).
“Loyal? I’m the most loyal player money can buy.” – Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jul 31, 2008 5:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 3:55 PM PDT
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Are we there yet?
Dammit! 20 more minutes!
Stomper is a badass!
by lynnzgal on Aug 1, 2008 3:42 PM PDT 0 recs
Comparing Manny to Jack
Well, they both play left field poorly . . .
it is not possible to strategize while the ball is coming towards you
by eastcoasta'sfan on Aug 1, 2008 3:51 PM PDT 0 recs
This is my only comment tonight.
AHHHH! I left the stove on!!!
********OaKlAnDaThLeTiCs********
by LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn on Aug 1, 2008 3:56 PM PDT 0 recs
Calling Frank "practically a career DH" is a pretty silly thing
Since for his entire White Sox career, he had played more games at first than at DH. According to baseballreference.com, he has 1284 games at DH and 971 at first base, and since leaving the White Sox he’s played 324 games, all at DH.
Furthermore, Frank has been significantly more productive at first base in his career (this, however, could be more relective of the fact that his prime years were spent as a first baseman): .337/.453/.625 at first, .277/.396/.512 at DH. That’s from retrosheet, so it doesn’t include 2008.
I’m not saying Frank should play first or shouldn’t be out there DHing or anything. Just had to correct a couple faulty assumptions about him.
by thejd44 on Aug 1, 2008 3:57 PM PDT 0 recs
Frank has played less than
a hundred games at first in the last ten years.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:03 PM PDT
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He's still played almost 1000 at first in his career
Which makes him not a guy who has only been a DH. He’s still played something like 40% of his career games at first.
by thejd44 on
Aug 1, 2008 9:22 PM PDT
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I'm actually excited for a game against the Red Sox.
It’s amazing what seeing Frank Thomas in the lineup can do.
by whiteshoes40 on Aug 1, 2008 3:59 PM PDT 0 recs
Hey look everybody - it's an almost real lineup!
Grr…Put a healthy Chavez in there at 3B and it IS a real lineup.
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
Aug 1, 2008 4:02 PM PDT
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HAHAHA a healthy Chavez not this year in all likelyhood.
maybe this time next year the deadline move will be activating the A’s new 1B for the rest of the season.
by A'sfaninNC on
Aug 1, 2008 4:07 PM PDT
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Woo hoo - we didn't strike out looking even once!!!
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 Aug 1, 2008 4:09 PM PDT 0 recs
(gotta find your victories where you can)
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:11 PM PDT
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Pretty exciting game thread we got here...
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2008 4:15 PM PDT 0 recs
Oh, I guess it is 4pm there, huh?
Not a good baseball time.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2008 4:17 PM PDT 0 recs
My Guess About Cust is that he faced more righties:
When playing LF.
Pride And Poise!!!
by saint on Aug 1, 2008 4:18 PM PDT 0 recs
Let's Go Frank!!!!
Man he looked rusrty there!!!
Pride And Poise!!!
by saint on Aug 1, 2008 4:18 PM PDT 0 recs
HURT!
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2008 4:19 PM PDT 0 recs
Boston radio announcer
“He’s just freakishly large…”
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2008 4:20 PM PDT 0 recs
Glad they weren't talking about Randy johnson
Freakishly large big unit
by asfaninpismobeach on
Aug 1, 2008 4:22 PM PDT
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um, no?
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:26 PM PDT
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Yuo could tell he truly
meant it, too. He compared him to NFL ref Ed Hochuli—”His shirt’s too tight…”
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:22 PM PDT
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Wow an 8 PITCH AB!!!
That was a mini rally right THERE!!!
Pride And Poise!!!
by saint on Aug 1, 2008 4:21 PM PDT 0 recs
Victory!
count it.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:21 PM PDT
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9 according to gameday
1 fewer than the whole 1st inning !
by green star oakland on
Aug 1, 2008 4:21 PM PDT
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Damn 9 Pitches Is Like Two Runs!!!
Somehow, although the score is 0-0, that walk feels like it put us in the lead.
Pride And Poise!!!
by saint on
Aug 1, 2008 4:23 PM PDT
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We should be allowed to play baseball
with a handicap.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:25 PM PDT
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Wow!!!
Car Gone paid attention to Frank!!!
Pride And Poise!!!
by saint on Aug 1, 2008 4:22 PM PDT 0 recs
presence already paying off.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:23 PM PDT
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Doesn't Wakefield throw something besides a knuckelball?
I thought he threw a curveball or “fastball” every once and a while.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
by micdog2001 on Aug 1, 2008 4:23 PM PDT 0 recs
I think he's got
a “Loiaza-like fastball”—like low 80s…
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:24 PM PDT
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Actually mid-70s - usually around 75 MPH
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
Aug 1, 2008 4:26 PM PDT
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Oh,
so maybe it is Loiaza
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:31 PM PDT
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It is really dancing tonight:
I expect to see a lot of it.
Pride And Poise!!!
by saint on
Aug 1, 2008 4:24 PM PDT
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just tuned in....only the 2nd
has it been a pop-up fest for us so far?
alaska A
by ak_A on Aug 1, 2008 4:24 PM PDT 0 recs
Just like the tart
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
Aug 1, 2008 4:26 PM PDT
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mmmm.
pop tarts…
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:28 PM PDT
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You can buy a Shaw's loaf of
white bread for only .77 cents! Can you fricking believe that? Let’s move to Boston.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2008 4:25 PM PDT 0 recs
when you're in Boston,
no one checks their freaking GI, you bastahd. Shut up and drink your whiskey.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:28 PM PDT
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Not sure why that stayed in the park
Other than Hannahan being kinda weak.
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 Aug 1, 2008 4:26 PM PDT 0 recs
they wont be standing when he continues to hit .220 w RISP.
by put em in a body bag johnny on Aug 1, 2008 4:28 PM PDT 0 recs
prolly not.
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:29 PM PDT
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i'd be delighted with three runs over the course of three games.
alaska A
by ak_A on
Aug 1, 2008 4:29 PM PDT
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Well, shit,
.220 would raise our average by about 100 points, right? I thought we were talking about Boston…
Well, it's not really news when a monkey poos. Blogfather Blez to @('.')@
by Leopold Bloom on
Aug 1, 2008 4:30 PM PDT
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