Binary Offense Scores...1!

by Nico on Aug 26, 2008 9:43 PM PDT Comment 58 comments

Sometimes it's zero, sometimes it's one. Tonight, thanks to Cust's 9th inning "shutout buster" off of John Lackey it was one. The A's problem right now is that they have no sense of comedy. It's not funny to bat Bobby Crosby second and Emil Brown cleanup, it's tragic.

What would be funny would be sending one of them up holding the bat from the wrong end, because really why not? Or better yet, letting Crosby try to hit with a red and white cane, because even a blind man can react to the last pitch and decide whether or not to swing based on whether the previous pitch was a strike. Send Hannahan up there with a rubber chicken, let Patterson hit in a tight satin dress.

Ah, but I undress...Greg Smith does not have much margin for error and in the bottom of the third he left everything up, culminating with my dinner when the Angels put up a four-spot and gave Lackey more than enough to cruise to victory. The outcome was not surprising as in the franchise's history the A's have never won the second game of a series, including their time in Kansas City and Philadelphia. That might be a slight exaggeration, but I can't look it up as after drinking just enough to numb the pain of each loss since July 12th I currently have vision somewhere between that of Jack Cust after sleeping on his eye and that of Dan Johnson after being viciously attacked by SPF-30.

You know, we could really use some offense.

0 recs | Comment 58 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

offense?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 9:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Its okay Nico

who could blame you?

by lynnzgal on Aug 26, 2008 9:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Robert Buan wants to know if any A's fans are rooting for the Angels

since they are out of it?

That is grounds for dismissal.

Hannahan might get a hit with a rubber chicken or he might hit better if he inserts it where the sun don’t shine.

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Aug 26, 2008 9:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Uh? Seattle.

by lynnzgal on Aug 26, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll root for the Angels if the Giants make the WS this year....

but, other than that… yeah, grounds for dismissal.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

heretic!

by MobiusKlein on Aug 26, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

c'mon...

that’s as good as saying “I’ll never root for them.” I know, we’ve seen it happen recently, but that was a once in a millennium occurence, so I will never have to do so again in my lifetime.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How can he be so fucking ignorant?

by mikev on Aug 26, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Years of practice?

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 26, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it prolly shouldn't take a poll...

for Buan to know that 90% of A’s fans are now rooting for the Rays in the AL and are probably all over the board in the NL. I’m still rooting for the A’s to win the West. We’re not mathematically eliminated yet, are we?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not yet

i’m pullin for the twins, white sox and rays…anything to keep the red sox and yanks out of the playoffs…that would be AMAZING!

Finished with my woman 'cause she couldn't help me with my mind...

by diaryofmac10 on Aug 27, 2008 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping my pre-season Indians pick can come true

By having them win about 10 more in a row to get back into things.

by thejd44 on Aug 27, 2008 1:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He loves John Lackey

said he has gotten to know him off the field the last two years. Said he’s a really great guy.

I wonder what your wife says about that, Robert?

What a tool Buan is!!!!!!!!!!

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Aug 26, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At some point

Buan shifted from “defending the A’s management and manager no matter what” to “agreeing with every caller to some extent, no matter how ridiculous the point.” I bet he was fishing for some angry “I hate the Angels” calls to break the monotony of “A’s suck” calls.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Aug 26, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps he should have asked

how many had switched off his show, because the A’s had been so dismal since the ASG??

Of course, those that had switched off his show..well…okay, how many are now interested in the Sacto Rivercats post-season??

"You can take all the sincerity in Hollywood, place it in the navel of a firefly and still have room enough for three caraway seeds and a producer's heart."
Fred Allen

by One won lost won on Aug 26, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rivercats

I’m following them into the postseason. And the Ports.

by LibrariAN on Aug 26, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

reason #2,456,233,892,129.64 why I love the A's

They are not the freaking angels.

"First Zito and now DJ? The Giants are like A's landfil." - a paraphrase of Since72.
Also, Todd Linden has a .231 lifetime average and a 66 career OPS+, chill Linden fans.

by Athletics fan and runner on Aug 27, 2008 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tonight’s game wasn’t as fun as last night’s game :’(

by drmmerchk on Aug 26, 2008 9:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

that's because Dallas Braden is a stud...

and, Greg Smith is a nibbler.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our offense wasn’t very fun to watch either, though.

by drmmerchk on Aug 26, 2008 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

our offense was fun last night?

2-1 win on a wild pitch? LOL

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol well no it wasn’t fun last night either, but tonights combo of not good pitching + no hitting just made it hurt more that we don’t hit at all.

by drmmerchk on Aug 26, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Frankly,

This team is young and inexperienced as hell. I’m not sure how many different ways I can say this. I see sparks now and again of the future, but the now is difficult to watch. I’ll keep watching, because one thing is for sure, I love my A’s, I always have and I always will. They will be back, I’m sure of that too.

by lynnzgal on Aug 26, 2008 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Now

..someone should ask Billy Beane if he’s running an “instructional league team”..

"You can take all the sincerity in Hollywood, place it in the navel of a firefly and still have room enough for three caraway seeds and a producer's heart."
Fred Allen

by One won lost won on Aug 26, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The new fair/foul HR procedure

It’s nearly here. I’m afraid it’s the thin end of the wedge.

by LibrariAN on Aug 26, 2008 10:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What a brilliant system, though -

The umps simply call New York to talk to someone who is watching a monitor, because they couldn’t possibly just HAVE SOMEONE WATCHING IN THE STADIUM. ???

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 26, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It slowed down hockey

and it will be a drag on baseball. But the retired umps will enjoy the comfy office in NY.

by LibrariAN on Aug 26, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not just use a faster approach

and ask Angel Hernandez whether it sounded fair or foul?

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 26, 2008 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But then only Latin players will have calls properly made

by thejd44 on Aug 27, 2008 1:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just insane...

Have someone in the press box like college football does. Radio down and make a decision. Why is this so hard and has to be called to NY? And have the umps gather and call together? My god, it is going to be a cluster.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Aug 26, 2008 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think that's how it works...

maybe I’m wrong, but the umps in the local stadium will have a monitor. They’ll also have a hotline to MLB headquarters in NY. They’ll watch the monitor, they’ll have some input from the “expert technician” in NY, and the local crew chief will make the call. Seems like a decent system to me.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and, no arguing the review or your out...

I think it’ll acturally speed things up a bit.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol... I've obviously had more to drink than Nico...

“you’re” and “actually.” Or maybe he’s just a better drinking typist. I certainly don’t rule that out.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Aug 26, 2008 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is 2008

A call to NY will take approximately .00008 seconds longer than a call to the press box.

And the replay views in NY will be as good or better.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 27, 2008 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks - I've been wondering what year it was

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 27, 2008 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not just fair/foul

It’s also for fan interference and home run or not (but still a fair ball in play).

I can’t wait. It’s about time they started to get calls right.

by thejd44 on Aug 27, 2008 1:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the wedge?

Be careful, this is a family site!

"First Zito and now DJ? The Giants are like A's landfil." - a paraphrase of Since72.
Also, Todd Linden has a .231 lifetime average and a 66 career OPS+, chill Linden fans.

by Athletics fan and runner on Aug 27, 2008 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh - go figure...Henry Rodriguez for Midland tonight:

2.2 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K (33 pitches, 25 strikes). Go Henry.

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 26, 2008 10:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yay Henry!!!

[Crosby] "Guy that has driven in some big runs for the A's over the years" - Vince Cotroneo

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 27, 2008 4:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico's Humor

Thanks Nico. Your sense of humor has COMPLETELY nullified how miserable I was feeling over yet another pathetic A’s loss. I have been enjoying your sense of humor and your ability to play with words (and with people’s overly-zealous love for the team) for a long time. Keep me (and them) laughing at our misery and help us remain in touch with our lives.

syh

by quietfan on Aug 26, 2008 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

:-)

Thanks. I laugh to keep from crying. I drink to keep from laughing. I cry to keep from drinking. It’s a weird cycle that only makes sense when I’m sober, so I’ve never really understood it.

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 26, 2008 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Classic

I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production

by Trainman on Aug 26, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

QOTM

by thejd44 on Aug 27, 2008 1:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico, you've done a great job this evening

Thanks. Time for me to say Goodnight to everyone.

by LibrariAN on Aug 26, 2008 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+100 to Lynzgal

This is a very young team and we will be very good in 1 or 2 years. Let’s all be patient.

by A'sfansince1970 on Aug 26, 2008 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I AM patient

I am mental patient for hospital specialize in fans of teams no win series ever.

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 26, 2008 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goooooooooood!

We try you again in the morning!! 8^))

"You can take all the sincerity in Hollywood, place it in the navel of a firefly and still have room enough for three caraway seeds and a producer's heart."
Fred Allen

by One won lost won on Aug 26, 2008 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris Carter hit HR #37 and drove in run #100 today.

PLEASE HURRY.

by mikev on Aug 26, 2008 11:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bret Hunter pitched for the ARZ Rookie ball team.

1IP 1H 0BBs 0Rs 2Ks

"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 26, 2008 11:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just got back from the game

went yesterday too. Kind of sad that might be my last live game of the season as I am not sure if I can make tomorrow.
Unless I can squeeze in a last roadie to Oakland, see you in Phoenix A’s.

by easyraider on Aug 26, 2008 11:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm disturbed that you want to see Eric Patterson in drag

by thejd44 on Aug 27, 2008 1:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It must be

his blurred vision.

(Formerly Nobody Girl)
"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Aug 27, 2008 2:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

binary

does thar mean the a’s scored 10 yesterday?

by Future Ed on Aug 27, 2008 2:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was nice

back when Carlos Gonzalez could at least hit.

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 27, 2008 5:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What's tragic

is we could have gotten Johnny Cueto or Joey Votto for Joe fucking Blanton. But Beane wanted Cueto AND Votto AND Homer Bailey.

Wouldn’t have been bad with Votto in the lineup.

by NateHST on Aug 27, 2008 6:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I look at it this way

At this point I have lowered my expectations to the point that every win feels like Christmas to an 8 year old. Every loss feels like life’s cruel fangs going back in for more blood, you know, every day stuff.

"First Zito and now DJ? The Giants are like A's landfil." - a paraphrase of Since72.
Also, Todd Linden has a .231 lifetime average and a 66 career OPS+, chill Linden fans.

by Athletics fan and runner on Aug 27, 2008 7:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

belated compliments

Nico – just read the wrap up from last night – so funny! Thanks. I had threatened to stop following the team and even the blog, but you’ve made me reneg on my threat. It is indeed comforting to know that others see the complete dismality (to coin a word) of the team same as I do.

by sacto on Aug 27, 2008 5:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks, sacto, and glad you're sticking with AN!

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 27, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs