Open Thread: Game 117 - A's vs. Tigers
by Taj Adib on Aug 10, 2008 10:00 AM PDT
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PrintOakland Athletics at Detroit Tigers, Aug 10, 2008 10:05 AM PDT
New goal for the year: respectability. As in, getting back to .500 or close to it by September 28th. To ensure a break-even season, this rag-tag rabble of rookies and old-hands will have to reel-off a record of 31-23 (.574 winning %) over the final month-and-a-half of the season. That's a fairly tall order, but not entirely impossible. The march back to mediocrity starts with winning a series, and since the A's offense couldn't be trusted to score more than a run or two against the Shelton, CT National Little League team, the burden of winning this particular series at-hand will fall squarely on Greg Smith and the A's bullpen.
Last weekend, Saturday was lefty-loonyness day, and this week it's Sunday Southpaw Serenade as Smith will face fellow lefty Nate Robertson. The A's will hope that Robertson continues his un-winning ways, as he's 0-1 with a 10.41 ERA over his past month of action. On the year, Robertson has been hit hard by hitters from both sides of the plate (174 hits in 132 IP), but is a decent pitcher while throwing in front of his home crowd at Coamerica (4.45 ERA). He pitched 6 innings, gave up 5 runs, struck-out 5 and walked 3 in his only outing this season against the A's back on June 4th at the Coliseum.
Smith will look to continue his recent streak of strong outings, as he's gone at least 6 innings in his past three starts while keeping his walks down, limiting the hits-against and keeping the opposition off-balance (all the while padding his league-lead in pick-offs if/when he decides to give up a hit or two along the way).
The Tigers are understandably mortified at the thought of having to face Ziggy twice in one series, so let's all just hope and pray that Smith can go 7 strong and hand off a lead to Brad for another 2-inning save to get this series win in the books.
(The widget doesn't show it, but Swooney is actually leading off for the A's today, Ellis is batting 2nd, and likewise all the way down the lineup.)
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In 'n out
cleaning my disgusting domicile as I listen. Big Hurt rocks.
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Understandable.
THe Olympics are enormously more entertaining than A’s baseball, at least at this juncture.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Sticking hot sharp metal things in my eyes is more entertaining than the Olympics
And, for that matter, A’s baseball.
I just don’t get the interest in watching a bunch of no-name athletes play fake sports like badminton.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I hate this tape delay for the olympics.
If you’re on the west coast it’s hard to enjoy the olympics with all the results posted online at yahoo.
by Coffee13eans on Aug 10, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm limiting my websurfing
sfgate.com is at least posting headlines without results, so I can still read that….but i’ll be staying away from yahoo, cnn, and most other websites until the end of the olympics….
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Aug 10, 2008 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Glass half-full. Good.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions
nuts?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I actually set my alarm to wake up for this one.
It’s kinda odd for me to be up this early. I’m still deciding if it was worth it.
Photography page | Flickr
He looked out to me
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:20 AM PDT reply actions
Yay Greg!
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:21 AM PDT reply actions
Nice change!
The lefty changeup to a powerful right-handed hitter, when swung on and missed, is one of the great spectacles in all of baseball.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Ew!
That IS a mullet Ordonez is sporting, and a curly one at that.
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
So it's agreed. Henceforth his name is Curly Mullet.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions
I couldn't tell,
it may have just been helmet head.
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
Wow.
The A’s are terrible.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 10:25 AM PDT reply actions
They're facing some good pitching today. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions
After tipping my cap so much I had to go buy a new one
because the bill fell off due to be pulled so much
But how terrible?
can we measure it to the 4th decimal place?
Is it Detroit when they lost 110+ bames bad?
by MobiusKlein on Aug 10, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions
A's once more making a terrible pitcher look like Cy Young...
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
You don't sound like you're tipping your cap.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions
Let's win this one!
This has got to be the weakest lineup the A’s have sent out there since Dave Revering was batting cleanup in 1978. I sure hope we score some runs today. It’s good to see the players aren’t giving up. I really thought they were after watching Santiago Casilla stand between the mound and homeplate, when he threw his wild pitch Wednesday night. Sheesh…he didn’t even try to cover the plate as Suzuki raced to the backstop. He looked more “into” the game last night though.
C'mon Greg!
That’s enough walks thank you!
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
This broadcast is really messed up right now.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Which commercial?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions
The Comcast 'this call should go a lot less awkward' one
And some car dealership ad.
Photography page | Flickr
They interrupted an at bat for their own commercial? Boy are they dumb.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
What the hell just happened?
Comcast broke into the game while Greg was still pitching.
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
4 Walks
Yuk!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
Greg's trying to lead the league in both walks and pick-offs in the same season.
I guess that’s just his way of “one-upping” Ziggy…
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Or Cust
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
The Tigers are a patient team, with a pair of good batting eyes. Sometimes you just have to tip your cap.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Haha!
is that the response O’ the day for today?
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
Only until we do something good. Then we can tip caps to our own players.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Do they pass the "hitting eyes" between each guy in the line up
or do they draw straws to see who get to use them in an one game
Even Comcast is tired of seeing the A's
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
The worse we finish the better the better our draft pick
While Strasburg is out of reach, we can still finish quite high.
This is not suggesting to root for the A’s to lose actually, but don’t mind it so much if they do.
Can't get enough of the Oakland A's? Visit Oaktown Awesomer's
and by we I of course mean Athletics Nation's posters
and not the team PT.
Can't get enough of the Oakland A's? Visit Oaktown Awesomer's
by iamawesomer on Aug 10, 2008 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if they will draft
a 3rd baseman or SS. Something we need like, yesterday. Better late than not at all
I am rooting for TB to beat those Evil Empires out.
We are going backwards faster than a speeding bullet so losing to them is not a problem.
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
It would be nice to draft this guy:
Grant Green, USC.
Tearing up the Cape Cod League and is being compared to Evan Longoria. We couldn’t use someone like that or anything.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Yay Greg!
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:38 AM PDT reply actions
20 strikes, 25 balls for Greg.
And yet, “0” runs allowed. Gotta love the tight-rope walkin’ performance…
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
I will finally join this comcast business
when I move…..already signed up but I will probably eschew mlb package unless i get a deal for the last month.
alaska A
I'm thinking of switching to
Alameda Power & Telecom. I despise Comcast.
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
When you have no hope against Nate Robertson...
it’s time to consider other professions.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 10:43 AM PDT reply actions
Just saw the A's vs. ChiSox upcoming series commercial, with the headline "Swish is Back"
Awwwwwwww!
Very cute that the A's marketing department has to appeal to the other team's players in order to generate interest.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
That's hardly something new to marketing, least of all the A's
Just look at the Warriors when they do game packages: The Shaq Pack, The Kobe Plan, the LeBron whatever.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
No love for Dye and Dotel?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Who do you think A's fans like the most on that team that used to play here?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Don't know but I imagine the White Sox fans like Dye the best and Dotel second.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, the A's aren't advertising to White Sox fans, are they?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Do you think the White Sox media
is advertising the return of Swooney and Gio?
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
Did they do as much with the White Sox as Swisher did here?
There’s your answer.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
The real answer is that the White Sox are advertising their own team
not the opposition. They don’t really care what Gio and Sweeney are doing.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions
No, the real answer is that teams in all sports do this all the time
“Come see (insert player here) when the (insert home team here) take on the (insert visiting team here)!”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Except the good ones.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions
They might be advertising the return of Thomas, still
Everything is sunshine when you are Ray Fosse, bitches.
Greg Smith is reminding me of Russ Ortiz, and that's not a good thing
Everything is sunshine when you are Ray Fosse, bitches.
Sorry...
is there a game? Only USA vs. China on now (even though i know the results) :X
"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."
I know how you feel
This is a boring, boring game.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Yay Greg!
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 10:54 AM PDT reply actions
talk about being wildly effective.....
i won’t jinx it though and …...........
"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."
What's the deal with the widget?
Widget ♥ Swooney.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
Yay!
Sad, though, that the most exciting thing for the A’s offense is a Tigers error.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 10:59 AM PDT reply actions
Gesundheit.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions
It's a game of inges
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Walk, infield hit, infield hit.
That’s as good as an A’s rally gets.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:01 AM PDT reply actions
(Waiting for the obligatory "tip your cap" comment from WaddellCanseco).
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
That inning was a combination of good luck for the A's and good luck for the Tigers on the last out.
I didn’t see anything that made me want to touch my cap.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm gonna shorten it
SYHTTYCTTOP (“Sometimes You Have To Tip Your Cap To The Opposing Pitcher”)
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions
That looks like "Shitty somethingsomething"
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
It's almost "Shitty cop-out"
but not quite.
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions
Either way, it involves the A's offense so it fits.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Shytty Cat Top
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't understand.
What happens when the ball lands inside the white lines, and nobody catches it?
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
People run and don't have to return to the dugout.
Sometimes they even get to make three left turns before doing so.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Sounds interesting.
I think I’ve seen other teams do that.
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
I don't like this move - Renteria isn't good enough
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
Nor Colombian enough
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
Mmmmmm!
Waffles and bacon almost eases the pain.
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
Honey or maple?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Bacon and chocolate?
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
What about...
Chicken and Waffles! Roscoes! Mmmmmmmmmmmmm yum yum!
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Taking bets now..
on date when Barton crosses the Mendoza line…...
"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."
The first time, or for good?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions
ack didn't hit reply...
back to USA basketball…
"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."
Sept 6, 2008 and Sept 6, 2022
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions
SYHTTYCTTOP
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:16 AM PDT reply actions
Please don't make me tip my hat to Nate Robertson
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
We can't make you do it. You'll inevitably do it from the heart. SYHTTYCTOP.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions
Just have to tip your cap to Granderson there
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Ya I like tipping my cap to him, but not against us.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions
He he
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions
Wow. Street's going to be our long reliever today
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
why wait until the 9th or 10th to lose decisively?
Everything is sunshine when you are Ray Fosse, bitches.
Tension?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
Huzzah!
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions
Why is he pitching to Cabrera? He should be picking off Magglio.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:25 AM PDT reply actions
Street was mighty?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions
You'd save him for a save situation?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions
Man, with Smith it just seems like one bad pitch every time
I mean other than the Granderson HR he was just ducky.
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
Ducky sounds like something Hawk would say.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm surprised Geren didn't have a white towel in his hand when he pulled Smith
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I'd like to wrap a white towel around Geren's neck
I don’t get why you pull Smith without giving him a chance to get out of the inning. Wild today or not, that’s just a shitty move as a manger. Show some confidence in your young players, you turd.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe he told Smith to challenge hitters and not nibble and then he didn't do that.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
When guys who throw 89 mph throw fastballs down the middle
They’re hit 475 feet. It’s really effing stupid to want a guy like him to do some bullshit macho “Challenging” of hitters.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Well challenging doesn't mean down the middle. It means in the strike zone.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions
thejb44, you strike me as one of those fans who
will always find fault with anything your team’s manager does. Which is pretty easy to do.
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
Don't all fans hate their home team manager?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:33 AM PDT up reply actions
Nope. Pretty much just his inability to use the bullpen
And I find some of his lineups weird, though that doesn’t bother me much since I know how little that matters.
Most of the time I just don’t understand what is going through Geren’s head with regards to the pitching staff. It’s like he’s looking at a book of what to do and doing the exact opposite.
I wish the Bay Area media wasn’t so soft and would ask him about it…ever.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Personally, I think his bullpen management
has been above average. But I’m putting it in the context of what he’s had to work with.
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
I understand what you mean
But it’s not like I’m complaining that he’s using Casilla and not Devine or something. And I haven’t complained about him sticking with Street (though there were individual games where I thought he horribly misused Street).
He just doesn’t seem to understand starting pitchers and when they should come out. He also has used Embree in key situations far too often. And he doesn’t take advantage of L/R splits, like, ever.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
See, here's the thing.
Just because you don’t think he should’ve taken Smith out there doesn’t mean you’re right.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
First of all
I’m always right (except for saying Barton would be ROY and Duke wouldn’t make it as a starter).
Secondly, the logic for taking him out is faulty. Again, unless Smith is hurt or pulled himself out. But if Geren made the decision, it’s faulty logic. It’s managing like you can’t lose one game and that’s a bad, bad sign.
I wasn’t mad he took Smith out because I thought it wouldn’t work. I just think it’s a terrible message to send to your rookie pitcher.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
I would say he gave Smith ample opportunity
to pitch – at some point you make a move for the betterment of the team and to avoid hanging a struggling pitcher out to dry,
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
Okay, you're always right. Silly me.
Just because the season is over doesn’t mean you stop managing to try to win. If Geren thinks taking Smith out was the best move there, especially after all the walks and poor control, I have no issue with that.
That’s why he’s the manager and we’re not.
Well, that and being a really good friend of Beane, I GUESS.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Who said anything about throwing down the middle?
That would be you.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I can't lose
I like it when the A’s win, and I’m rooting for losses to get a better draft pick.
Let’s face it, not many of us care about this collection of players. We regularly lay out “projected” rosters and trades that have half of them gone. I don’t care if many of the everyday players do well because I don’t care about them and I don’t think they’ll be back.
I don’t want to see Cargon or a few other guys do badly. But I could care less if Embree or Dinardo coughs it up. I don’t care if Ellis or Thomas get a hit. They aren’t on the team next year anyway.
So, like I said, I still root for them, but there are plenty of players whose failure doesn’t matter to me, and since losing helps the future, those failures definitely aren’t the end of the world.
I don't root for them to lose
But I’ve stopped caring about wins. I watch like I watch spring training games now. It’s all about seeing development and watching certain guys figure it out. The end result doesn’t matter to me so much.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
That's exactly what I meant
You just said it better.
Second
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't mind Frank on next year's team.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:30 AM PDT up reply actions
Really?
Aren’t you tired of the same old thing? Waiting for him to find his stroke? The balls popped into the outfield? There are just so many guys I’m tired of seeing. I’m at the point that I think we should just put anyone at third base to find out if they’re any good. We did that last year. It hasn’t worked. Let’s do it again.
Ok, so wait, people already hate the best hitter on the team (Cust)
And now people are turning on the second best hitter (Thomas, though I think through a full season Thomas would be 1 and Cust 2)? And people here want more offense?
This is insanely contradictory. It makes my head hurt.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
That's cool, but Cust's still not the best hitter on the team.
Best at getting on base, but definitely not the best hitter.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Didn't I go off on you for your bullshit semantics argument last time?
When people say “best hitter” they’re saying best offensive player. You know that. And if you don’t, you probably shouldn’t watch baseball anymore.
I now understand why PaulThomas gets so pissed off around here.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, and I've gone off on some of you who focus too much on walks as being more important than they often are.
This isn’t going to change.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Cust also leads the team in home runs
Prove to me that anybody here “focus[es] too much on walks as being more important than they often are.” I think you just made this up, because getting on base, regardless of how it’s done, is the most important thing.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't mean as a starter. I mean as a platoon DH with Cust.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Seems like a horrible waste of both guys, especially Thomas.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe I phrased that badly. I mean plan a platoon at DH, but play both as long as
Frank is healthy. Like in 2006 I wouldn’t have counted on Frank for anything. But I’d have played him as long as he was unexpectedly healthy.
A starting lineup plan with the A’s means very little. Kielty got more AB vs righties than lefties for example. Emil’s at 330 AB this year as a planned 4th OF. It’s not a bad thing to have more than nine good players.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Oh, ok. Well, that's fine
If the A’s offense is good enough that those two guys are platooning at DH, that means the A’s are going to be a bad ass team.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
Yay Huston!
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:31 AM PDT reply actions
Absolutely not
You let your rookie pitcher try to get out of it. It’s not a matter of who he brought it: You have to show some confidence in your guys.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:32 AM PDT up reply actions
You do not have to stick with a pitcher
who has walked 7 (1 IBB) in 4.2 IP. Show confidence in him? How about show, “throw strikes and I’ll stick with you”?
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
BTW Smith had thrown 95 pitches when pulled. He may have just been exhausted.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions
If he's exhausted after 95 pitches they should never let him start another game
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions
95 pitches in 4+ innings is usually more exhausting than over 9 innings.
More pitches from the stretch. More high stress pitches. Less rest between pitches.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Plus he's already at a career high in IP
You’re just flat out wrong on this one, thejd44.
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
Wrong to let him face one more hitter?
I’m not saying he should’ve pitched more than 5 innings. Unless Smith said he couldn’t pitch anymore (in which case he’s absolutely never starting another game this season), you have to see if he can get out of it. There’s no good reason not to do that.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
There are many good reasons:
1. The message, “Sorry kid, too many balls, too many walks, try again next time if you want to pitch for us.”
2. The message, “We have confidence in Street to get out of this inning.”
3. The message, “We’re going to keep your arm healthy for 2009, and know that 95 pitches in 4.2 IP is enough at this time of year.”
4. The message, “You probably don’t need to walk to the dugout following a 3-run HR and I’m not liking the way this inning is trending.”
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
All of those say one thing:
“I really don’t think you’re that good, so you might as well go sit down.”
Geren manages scared.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Or "I really don't think you're pitching that good today, so you might
as well go sit down.”
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
It's still a sign that Geren is afraid to fail in a meaningless game
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
What is all this BS about being afraid?
Where the heck are you pulling this from?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I mean, Smith pitched like crap today. What game are YOU watching?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Come on! He's failed in lots of meaningless games.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Exactly.
It would be different if this team were actually in playoff contention, but the A’s aren’t, and thus the young guy needs to work his way out of jams.
I see the future. I see cake.
I was being somewhat sarcastic, but....
I’m pretty sure that the manager’s job is to try to put his team in the position to win as many games as possible. Putting Street in there was that type of move, in my opinion, and it worked.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
I disagree one billion percent
Bob Geren’s job, right now, is not to manage every game like the 9th inning of game 7 of the World Series. That is going to do significantly more damage than it will do good. It’s that Dusty Baker type of managing that ruins teams.
No good manager is afraid to lose a game, especially not one who is managing an out-of-contention team. Especially not one who will not get fired no matter what the team does for the rest of the season.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Smith was done. At that point you have to get out of the inning.
Not that Street’s the guy I’d give that task to, but hey.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
I wouldn't give any task to Street at this point.
Except maybe bullpen quartermaster.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
The scary part is that he's not even close to the worst guy in the bullpen
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Foulke's waiting in the wings.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions
He's too busy getting scored upon in Sacramento
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
So he's enjoying his wings?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Not a Hooters fan I guess.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, DiNardo isn't good but I think he's more valuable
Because he can throw you 3 or 4 innings in a blowout. Sure, he might give up 2-3 runs in doing that, but those runs don’t really hurt.
Embree comes in for 1 inning and turns a game into a blowout.
by thejd44 on Aug 10, 2008 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions
Smith was done
He was getting hit hard
Just too bad his replacement is as good as Alan Embree
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
Anybody else counting the days
left before they don’t have to watch Mark Ellis (not) hit again. The lazy fly balls. The called third strikes taken (and then the bat laid down and gloves removed professionally). I can’t watch anymore of this.
No. Ellis is not the worst player on the team. That honor goes to Crosby. Then Hannahan.
Then Brown. Then Barton (but I think he’ll be fine long term). Even crappy Ellis is an excellent fielder.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
Just talking about watching him him, Waddell
I know he’s not the worst player on the team.
I don't really notice his crappy hitting. It just blends in for me.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions
I don't think Ellis is coming back
$5 million per is too much just for defense and they way this team pinches pennies, I don”t see it.
I like Ellis in spite of the lack of offense but I don;t see it. Just my opinion.
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
Kuiper: "And the good pitching continues"
[shitty cop-out]
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Aug 10, 2008 11:36 AM PDT reply actions
Ha!
Did he say it with a straight face?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
This is going on the list for most embarrassing
performances by the offense this season. What a bunch of fucking losers.
This game will also go in the file of why Geren needs to be fired. Not because of nonsense about “bullpen management.” But because he’s overseeing a group of players who have absolutely quit. So many of these guys are checked out mentally and phoning it in. Part of his job is to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Even Jimmy Valvano would've had trouble with this team.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
And you're in the clubhouse every day to see this?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Of course not
I only see what you do. And what I see suggests the players are phoning it in. Of course I could be wrong. I don’t see how we could not be down on Geren given what we’re seeing.
Of course, this is a classic case of "What have you done for me lately?"
Before the All-Star Break, Geren would’ve been a top candidate for manager of the year.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
So does the group of players he has to work with.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
And there are those who would say Beane quit on them
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Street should not be a closer
He should be a righty specialist, the way Bradford used to be. And since he has the “mentality,” well fine, now and then he can close if the situation warrants it.
He's not really getting the righties out right now.
Maybe pitching isn’t his thing.
I see the future. I see cake.
Here we go
1-0 rainout loss. Total waste of fucking time for all involved.
Except the Tigers.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe some of the guys that everyone wants gone will get out on the tarp
and a do some sliding and get hurt so they are out the rest of the season
Now that's just silly. We want someone else to pay their salaries.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
someone else paying them vs having to watch some of them play the rest of the year
thats tough call. But i would have to say just stop martching some of these bums out there every night
8 walks
Does this mean I have to take a 2-liter of Pepsi to my local Safeway store?
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
Or pay everyone's salary
at your local RT
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards.
I thought maybe the A's realized they hadn't used the DL in a couple of days
and decided to take care of that
At least this isn't the 9th inning
with a 1-0 lead. That’s a plus.
Good Lord.
Vince: Polanco “makes his own luck” against the A’s.
I guess he’s the A’s version of Harvey Dent, although he’s just as damaging to the A’s as the joker was to Gotham City.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
I thought Dent was Two Face. Was he not?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Who was Joker? Jack something?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Jack Napier is who you are thinking of but there are some that say he is not the Joker but
there is not a lot of info on if that is infact the Jokers real name
I worked all morning so i could get home in the hopes of seeing any sliver of hope that
the A’s may be going to try to fight the rest of the season and try to get back to the .500 mark.
But this is what i get for hurring home and tuning in.
Street needs to go back, watch his old video
and fix whatever is wrong with him.
It feels to me like his arm has dropped a lot since he first came up.
facepalm.jpg
I really wish he had thrown his glove aganst the wall.
I would have liked to see some frustration and fire.
37 and counting...
Huston, we have a problem.!! Too bad the A's couldn't
get any value for Street in a waiver deal. We’ll we can all see why he is totally worthless.!!
Mike O'Dowd
There's still the offseason. All hope is not lost.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions
It's comical that we thought
some team should have made Street their closer for the stretch. That team’s season would have been over fast.
We should have given him to the Angels?
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
He's still better than Izzy.
statistically, although its getting close now.
I see the future. I see cake.
Huston is surprisingly bad
Whether it’s physical or psychological, he just doesn’t have it this year, and that’s a big disappointment. I’m not the type to root for bad news, but this is bordering on amusing.
More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/
I was impressed that he called Buan though.
Heck I’ve never called Buan.
[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo
by WaddellCanseco on Aug 10, 2008 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions
He will be on the team next year because no team in their right mind
would take Street unless you paid them millions
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
New Effing Thread Time.
I am kinda pissed right now at how this team is...
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
We'll that shows how bad a game is when you get excited over a breast cancer
commercial. This team has no chance to finish at .500. They have given up.!!
Mike O'Dowd