Athletics Nation: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Sports blogs for fans, by fans.
New Blog: Backing the Pack for NC State Fans!

Open (Pre-Game) Thread: Game 128 - A's vs. Mariners

527918550406_0_bg_tiny by notsellingjeans on Comment 285 comments

The A's will throw some left-handed starter tonight at 7:05 p.m. against the Mariners. 

We don't even have to check who it will be to confirm that; all five members of the rotation are now lefties, after Duchscherer and Gallagher both hit the disabled list yesterday.

Kidding aside, Gio Gonzalez squares off tonight against fellow lefty Ryan Feierabend, who makes his second start of the season for the M's tonight on his 23rd birthday.

After posting an 8.03 ERA and 1.95 WHIP in 13 outings for Seattle last year, Feierabend has had another bitter cup of coffee for the Mariners again in '08.  The Twins rocked him for 10 hits and six earned runs in only three innings of work on the 17th.  However, a look at his AAA stats shows he's had a good year for Tacoma. 

I've never seen Feierabend pitch, but those minor-league numbers (and major league disasters) suggest he's the classic good-control lefty who lacks velocity and a major-league quality out pitch at this point in his career.  That's a recipe for succeeding in AAA and getting rocked in the bigs, which is what Feierabend has done so far, and hopefully will do again tonight.  

The A's look to win back-to-back games tonight - a two-game winning streak! - for the first time since July 10-11.

As a former pitcher I' m very, very interested to watch the next 10 days of A's baseball.  Ten games in 10 days, and then, mercifully, the A's finally have an off-day on Sept. 1 and can call up pitching reinforcements if need be when the 40-man roster expands.  (That 13th or 14th pitcher could provide a real breather for the 'pen, when you consider the lack of off-days and how fringy some of the starters are).

But those 10 days in between will be a fascinating test.  In theory, we'll see Gio-Meyer-Eveland-Braden-Smith, in that order, two times in a row.  The staff has already been stretched, and these five guys - as unheralded as they are as a group at this point - simply need to pitch past the fifth inning.  They need to avoid ugly outings that overwork the pen, make the baseball unwatchable, and force the A's to make some awkward roster decisions they don't want to make, like purchasing Chris Gissell or Brad Knox's contract, simply because the team needs a body to throw innings. 

A's a group of five, The Lefties have an important 10 days before the team can add reinforcements.  The Lefties need to stay healthy, and they need to keep the team in the game by avoiding ugly innings.  And they gotta do it for 10 straight days.

The lineups:

Oakland
Ellis, 2B .234
Crosby, SS .244
Brown, E, RF .255
Thomas, DH .231
Suzuki, C .289
Cust, LF .233
Gonzalez, C, CF .253
Barton, 1B .203
Pennington, 3B .125

Seattle
Suzuki, RF .315
Betancourt, SS .266
Beltre, 3B .248
Ibanez, LF .303
Lopez, 2B .294
Balentien, CF .216
Clement, C .220
LaHair, DH .279
Cairo, 1B .237

 

 

0 recs | Comment 285 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Well...

at least Greg Smith started out our ten game run with our young lefties in good fashion, going six strong shutout innings. I am excited about this time of year even though we are not winning, simply because it will give us a chance to see what these guys got, especially Meyer. It seems like it’s pretty much sink or swim for Meyer and if he’s got anything left that proves he belongs here. As far as the bullpen is concerned we could have some problems because we are facing the Twins and Angels, but we should be good for the next two days against the Mariners. I looking for Saarloos to step in if any of our starters have any problems getting out of the first couple innings, like he did the other day with Duke. This guy is going to be a valuable piece for this long ten game stretch.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 1:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lineups

Oakland

Ellis, 2B .234
Crosby, SS .244
Brown, E, RF .255
Thomas, DH .231
Suzuki, C .289
Cust, LF .233
Gonzalez, C, CF .253
Barton, 1B .203
Pennington, 3B .125

Seattle

Suzuki, RF .315
Betancourt, SS .266
Beltre, 3B .248
Ibanez, LF .303
Lopez, 2B .294
Balentien, CF .216
Clement, C .220
LaHair, DH .279
Cairo, 1B .237

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Aug 22, 2008 6:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Too bad they can't bring Lenny up too

as a second long relief guy. They will probably need it. Maybe Smith set the bar and the other young lefties will try and match his outing. You can always hope!

by A'sfansince1970 on Aug 22, 2008 1:53 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lenny...

I’m guessing they probably will bring him up when the rosters expand because we still might need someone to eat up some innings. I guess for now they prefer saarloos over dinardo, which frankly I’m okay with. I think saarloos can do a decent job filing in for our young starters if they get hit hard in the first couple innings. He’s proven he can do it at this level before, so why not do it again.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 3:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Grissell

Those are the type of guys I see whenever I venture up to watch the ’Cats play. So it seems we will not see a 1 – 2 Hawaiian Punch with Komine to Suzuki?

Enjoy the game

by DCinWC on Aug 22, 2008 2:01 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Feierabend

Sounds like he should be paired with Feier(Joe)morgen.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 2:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK, now that I'm seeing it on TV

I hear that they pronounce it “fear-a-bend”. I always assumed it was pronounced like German “fire-ah-b’nd”

As for Hawk, you’re saying he doesn’t see how “Morgen” and “Abend” are related? OK, I’ll buy that.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha!

The Seattle TV broadcast just did a little bit explaining that “fear-a-bend” is wrong and “fire-ah-b’nd” is right. It means “happy hour”.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So hypothetically if the pitching staff is taxed...

what positional player would be the “go to guy” to trot out there and pitch?

by buddahead9 on Aug 22, 2008 2:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would say the BP guy

But that is who goes out to the mound every game anyway

Every day is just a little worse than the previous, that means every day is the worst day of my life.

by shooting4life on Aug 22, 2008 2:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well if thats the case

just give them a different handed glove and let them throw with the other arm.

by buddahead9 on Aug 22, 2008 3:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Taxing...

My money is on Pennington..the dudes got a hell of an arm.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 2:31 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Off topic, but...

I saw a thing by Buster Olney on ESPN that the A’s had a chance at Jason Bay if they gave up Vince Mazarro. Is this true? That would have been amazing!

by A'sfansince1970 on Aug 22, 2008 4:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"A package starting with Mazzaro"

We don’t know what the other pieces would have been. I would have all for getting Bay now IF the A’s could sign him to an extension – given that this wasn’t guaranteed, probably smart not to pull the trigger. And I say that as someone who thinks Bay is about as close to ideal for the A’s needs as you could hope for.

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 22, 2008 6:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The A's haven't had a 2-game winning streak since the day I turned 40

I’d be happy to correct both situations. But I’d settle for the one that doesn’t seem to contradict the unidirectionality of time.

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 4:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

40? Callow youth

They haven’t had a 2-game winning streak since the day I turned 51.

Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.

by Englishmajor on Aug 22, 2008 5:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So that's the solution

They’re not getting that 2-game streak until I turn 51. It’s gonna be a loooooooong decade…

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 6:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Three game-thread related items:

1) We’ll continue to use this thread once the game starts. I put it up unusually early today just so we’d have something new on the front page to discuss.

2) If you happen to see the lineups posted before anyone else does, please post them. Thank you!

3) Our overflow game thread is set to launch at 8:30 p.m.

"Innings eater? Depends on whether you want delicious innings or burnt, moldy innings. Kirk Saarloos is the Hot Pockets of inning eaters." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by notsellingjeans on Aug 22, 2008 5:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Barton - if he goes zero for his next 6 ABs he'll be....

hitting below .200. I know it’s an arbitrary number, but at the point do the A’s consider benching him for the rest of the season or sending him to Sacramento to finish the season…maybe let him help the Rivercats in the PCL playoffs. At what point do the A’s not allow him to embarass himself at the MLB level anymore?

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Aug 22, 2008 6:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lineups

Oakland
Ellis, 2B .234
Crosby, SS .244
Brown, E, RF .255
Thomas, DH .231
Suzuki, C .289
Cust, LF .233
Gonzalez, C, CF .253
Barton, 1B .203
Pennington, 3B .125

Seattle
Suzuki, RF .315
Betancourt, SS .266
Beltre, 3B .248
Ibanez, LF .303
Lopez, 2B .294
Balentien, CF .216
Clement, C .220
LaHair, DH .279
Cairo, 1B .237

 
  

 

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Aug 22, 2008 6:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks - I just pasted the lineups into the post for NSJ

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 22, 2008 6:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

cool...I'm a day late and a dollar short once again

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Aug 22, 2008 6:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

THANK GOD!

I’ve missed you, AN. Yeah, it’s only been a few hours since I last checked you at work, but I’m home now and didn’t have internet. I finally started to feel better and I wanted some AN. And you really miss something when you don’t have it. I thought for sure I was going to have to sit alone, in the dark, in my underwear while eating cold pizza and crying over the Ry Bear-less A’s. It’s here! It’s here! Of course, now that I say this, I’ll probably fall asleep before 9 CT.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 6:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've missed Ry Bear ever since he passed away

So untimely. Then again, whenever is it exactly “timely”?

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 22, 2008 6:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

don't tease us
I was going to have to sit alone, in the dark, in my underwear

"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane

by athleticsBB4life on Aug 22, 2008 6:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Go Pachyderms.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Aug 22, 2008 7:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ah, a game thread

It’s been a while. And I get to watch the A’s in HD for, like, the 3rd time this year.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 7:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HD on 36?

I didn’t know Channel 36 ever broadcast in HD. Am I missing something?

by skigurl on Aug 22, 2008 8:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I live in Oregon

I get FSN Northwest HD for all the Mariners games.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 9:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Usually Crosby and Bad Throws to First Are Bad...

But we’ll take that one.

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

by louismg on Aug 22, 2008 7:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

*Emil Brown joke*

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Aug 22, 2008 7:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was foul?

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Way to go, Emil

Learn, dammit

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 7:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Aww

It’s okay. You’re still the best.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Aug 22, 2008 7:16 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have all the game threads been this slow lately?

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 7:20 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think so.

We’ve lost the will to go on.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well Last night...

was really active for the last two innings, I’m guessing thats just because we were winning, but who knows.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

One of my favorite parts of watching a ball game at the park

is the OFer warming up by throwing to the ball boy/girl. It’s cute.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:20 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For those with online viewing access, USA/Japan for the bronze should be starting in 10 minutes.

I believe Anderson gets the start and Cahill will probably be available as well since he only went 3 innings the other day.

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

by Flashfire on Aug 22, 2008 7:22 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

America!

Fuck, yeah!

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now thats the real dilemna...

do we watch the A’s and Gio or Anderson and USA, personally I’m going with Anderson just because I hear so much about him, but don’t ever get to see him.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice looking pitch there

Sure as hell made Betancourt look silly.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Aug 22, 2008 7:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I really hope the guy sitting behind the

on-deck circle moves. I don’t know if I can look at that all night.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:26 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

details please

Proud mommy of "mini-kapers"

by kapers on Aug 22, 2008 7:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's sitting on the steps///

wearing khaki pants that are too tight in the nether regions.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice half-inning

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 7:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gio Gonzalez looks like

the guy who plays Will’s Italian cop boyfriend on Will & Grace.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Costco dinner for 4

only cost me 12$. imagine that haha

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:29 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Foot long hotdog and a soda for $1.50 used to be the best part of my Saturdays

That’s really sad, I just realized.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 7:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, i completely understand

now that i’m out of school and i have joined the working force, i’d consider myself lucky to even get myself to costco on a saturday after work.

I just had a long, difficult, and sad day at work, and i needed to bolus myself away from the ER

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Given the slow posting action,

I’ve changed the overflow thread update time to 8:45.

Nico, and athleticsfan, thanks for the lineup help.

"Innings eater? Depends on whether you want delicious innings or burnt, moldy innings. Kirk Saarloos is the Hot Pockets of inning eaters." - Gallagher's Watermelons

by notsellingjeans on Aug 22, 2008 7:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF?

Where’s Mark Ellis?

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 7:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

looks like Ellis out

Patterson in

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anderson...

just gave up a solo shot

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:37 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not yet. just that he's not there

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellis?

anyone need a 2nd base person?

by Future Ed on Aug 22, 2008 7:38 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What happened to Mark Ellis?

by justarebelheart on Aug 22, 2008 7:38 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

his

head is a little sore from sanding off the horn this afternoon

by Future Ed on Aug 22, 2008 7:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dude! bAnNeD!

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He quit.

He’s tired of losing.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OMG

Ellis is the VP pick?

Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.

by Englishmajor on Aug 22, 2008 7:39 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 7:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'd totally vote for a ticket with Ellis on it

First executive order: High socks for everyone.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Aug 22, 2008 7:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hope Ellis isn't hurt

but Patterson should be somewhere in the lineup every day – along with Pennington. There’s nothing more I need to know about Hannahan or Brown. I do need to know whether these guys can play.

by boilerdan on Aug 22, 2008 7:39 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

bring on petit!

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just an update...

Anderson gave up a solo home run in the first inning versus Japan, he had two strikeouts though.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:41 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow

Gio looks incredible tonight.

completely different—he’s constantly hitting 91, he can turn it up to 93, he’s pounding the inside corner to righties, and he’s keeping his curveball down.

I’m excited.

"Life is a horizontal fall" -Jean Cocteau

by King Richard on Aug 22, 2008 7:41 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Remember the Alamo!

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was thinking something similar

when I watched the local pre-game bit glowing about how great Rowland-Smith was yesterday.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm not saying Gio doesn't have good stuff...

but when he has been hit hard by others we know that the mariners are really that bad.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes, and the team Rowland-Smith pitched against

is also really that bad.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:46 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fierabend is serious about his high socks

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 7:43 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why is Cliff so special?

Two ear flaps?

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:44 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The baseball equivalent of

“LA LA LA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 7:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hear he's one of them "switch hitters"

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 7:46 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me-ow!

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Radio side baselessly speculating

about leftover soreness from Metrodome turf.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 7:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's such a pansy.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watch out its the RBI machine!

by justarebelheart on Aug 22, 2008 7:48 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The sad thing is

when I see Emil up, it’s not like there’s anyone else in the lineup I wish was up instead.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 7:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There's something very comforting

about Friday night games. Please win guys!

by lynnzgal on Aug 22, 2008 7:49 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yikes!

Thats some wild pitching!

by lynnzgal on Aug 22, 2008 7:52 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brett Anderson...

just shut down Japan in the second inning 1 2 3, with a strikeout and two groundouts.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:53 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Boo.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And that, ladles and jellyspoons,

is why you give the green light 3-0.

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 22, 2008 7:55 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Granted, the M's lineup isn't good,

but Gio is pitching legitimately well so far. If he can establish the curve and freeze hitters with the fastball, he’s good to go.

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 22, 2008 7:56 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's got the stuff...

he’s just got to develop and he will be good at this level.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 7:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What the hell is wrong now? Ellis now Cust…

by justarebelheart on Aug 22, 2008 7:56 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh Jesus.

Has anyone heard from Poppy?

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Like Mark Ellis,

I’m done for the night, ladies and gents. Too tired.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

more lineup changes?

cust gone?

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Aug 22, 2008 7:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cust out??

Radio side jokingly speculating about food poisoning…

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 7:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF is happening to our players?

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

more like medical STAPH...

….giggle

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cotroneo reads AN!!

Just claimed Ellis was Obama’s VP choice.

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 7:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ha ha!

Vince, can I have $5?

Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.

by Englishmajor on Aug 22, 2008 7:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bless you.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 7:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gotta tell you

I’m liking Patterson at 2B

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 7:58 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anyone got a link to teh USA Game?

I wanna see Anderson.

"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com

by Syphon on Aug 22, 2008 8:00 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/index.html?forcereload=true

you have to download this program real quick first though

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 8:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's the bottom of the second right now,

Anderson gave up a solo home run in the first but has 3 K’s other than that it’s 1-1 right now

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 8:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha Seattle fans

have an Ichi-meter

Sounds like something I’d use to rate rashes

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 8:01 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question for Japanese-speakers

Wouldn’t an “ichi-meter” just go up to 1?

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 8:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know the language

but you get a big ol’ thumbs up from this kid!

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 8:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just said:

“blurred vision” for Cust, “sore shoulder” for Ellis.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ellie strained his shoulder putting on some sunscreen

and Cust accidentally bumped into a big blob of SPF 45 with his eye.

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 8:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

coach for Japan named "OHNO"

he could be a coach on OUR team

Proud mommy of "mini-kapers"

by kapers on Aug 22, 2008 8:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

GO RAJAI!!!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the players have a pool on how many people will go on the DL this year.

Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.

by Englishmajor on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

QOTM

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

by Nick on Aug 22, 2008 8:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

What were the odds on Rajai?

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

IDK

but I’m gonna start keeping records.

by lynnzgal on Aug 22, 2008 8:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dale loved the idea.

He dove in head-first.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow! Rajai!

Who’d have thought?

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bomb shelter

That’s, like, the 5th horseman right there.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

haha wth?

Kuiper: “Doink”

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bomb Shelter returns!

"I'm telling you, I can't wait to put on that white uniform," Gonzalez said. "That will be the prettiest uniform I'll ever see."

by pam5981 on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I forgot about that. Funny!

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That is a damn good nickname.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holy shit.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe holy shit

is what got her out

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 8:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I got my second wind when Cust went out.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Excellent name for an umpire, though

Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.

by Englishmajor on Aug 22, 2008 8:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We're revealing our age....

The 20-somethings have no idea what we’re talking about.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fortunate for them....

that they will never meet the evil Mr. Hand.

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

by alox on Aug 22, 2008 8:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All of a sudden

Fosse and Kuiper think Raj has a barber shop

white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx

by BigTuna on Aug 22, 2008 8:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rajai

“radio” Davis!

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Aug 22, 2008 8:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Those are the best!

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

by alox on Aug 22, 2008 8:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blame Alan Embree.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Look up...

Alan Embree announcing A’s lineup please before going further….

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Aug 22, 2008 8:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Okay, either that throw was too high...

or BoCro effed up.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ah shit

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Aug 22, 2008 8:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OMFG

"I'm telling you, I can't wait to put on that white uniform," Gonzalez said. "That will be the prettiest uniform I'll ever see."

by pam5981 on Aug 22, 2008 8:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh!

Fer gossakes Dale!

by lynnzgal on Aug 22, 2008 8:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brett Anderson...

just gave up a three run home run, USA down 4-1

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 8:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sigh.

Barton’s D is usually the one part of his game that’s not pathetic. Plus: nice throw.

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 22, 2008 8:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, I get it

We’re a traveling Vaudeville troupe now.

Very meta, Billy Beane.

Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.

by Joey C. on Aug 22, 2008 8:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Balentien

Seems like his first and last name should start with a V…..weird!

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Aug 22, 2008 8:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe his dad was Latvian?

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 22, 2008 8:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or maybe Latbian

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 8:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Or maybe Wlatbian

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 22, 2008 8:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's Dutch.

From Curaçao.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK!

We officially SUCK!

by lynnzgal on Aug 22, 2008 8:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HOLY HELL!((&#(&(!#(#@&(&

by justarebelheart on Aug 22, 2008 8:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Big square arch in Paris?

"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL

by oblique on Aug 22, 2008 8:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The thing the Mariners keep hitting the ball to?

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 22, 2008 8:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We are being schooled by the Mariners.

There’s just something sad about that.

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

by alox on Aug 22, 2008 8:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oy.

The Mariners clearly have an unstoppable offense.

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 22, 2008 8:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My pep talk to G10:

“Listen, these turd hammers are out here tossing the ball around like a bunch of monkeys fucking footballs, but you need to help us out here.”

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

by Jennifer on Aug 22, 2008 8:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This is the A’s, remember.

by justarebelheart on Aug 22, 2008 8:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BWAAAAAA....

You’ve been watching the A’s …..right?

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

by alox on Aug 22, 2008 8:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

NOTHING IS INSURMOUNTAB!

This lead, however, may be insurmountable.

A free society is one where it is safe to be unpopular.

by IowaA'sFan on Aug 22, 2008 8:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fosse thinks that squeeze would've gone foul

But Pennington made the smart play. That ball was too far fair to take a chance.

by guapobob on Aug 22, 2008 8:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I keep on waiting for..

Gonzales to throw a patented loopy “Gio-ball”..something that will dazzle us all and mortify the batter, yet….. :(

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Aug 22, 2008 8:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Will the A’s ever win 2 games in row again?

by justarebelheart on Aug 22, 2008 8:29 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How many licks does it take to go..

to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop?

The world may never know…

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Aug 22, 2008 8:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crosby doulbles

And despite the opponents being the A’s, Mariner’s fans have got to be thinking “oh shit, here we go again.”

by guapobob on Aug 22, 2008 8:30 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was me

I’ll try to keep it down a bit.

by guapobob on Aug 22, 2008 8:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Are you serious?

How high do you have your volume turned up?

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 8:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Chinese catch on fast.

Who says the US doesn’t export culture?

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

by alox on Aug 22, 2008 8:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

1 run in 5 innings against arguably

the worst pitcher in the AL. What’s his career record as a starter? 1-8, 7.52 ERA or something? Gak almighty.

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 22, 2008 8:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WTF

Did anyone just see that Japanese guy in the stands.

by mattman on Aug 22, 2008 8:35 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Suzuki took himself out of the game too?

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

by alox on Aug 22, 2008 8:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Laporta single

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on Aug 22, 2008 8:41 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice take-out by Beltre there.

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

by iglew on Aug 22, 2008 8:42 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah

i kinda like that stuff

by Future Ed on Aug 22, 2008 8:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kawakami's in to pitch for Japan

And I’m not talking about Tim.

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

by Flashfire on Aug 22, 2008 8:42 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I thought that as well. Haha

Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.

by miggyk2 on Aug 22, 2008 8:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Somehow..

me thinks Timmy has been reading AN lately….see his last Talking Points about Harden trade?

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

by ST on Aug 22, 2008 8:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, I make it a habit of trying not to read his columns.

Too much “I” and “me” in them. When they’re more about him than anything else that’s a bit much for me.

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

by Flashfire on Aug 22, 2008 8:45 PM PDT