Open Game Thread: Game 135 - A's vs. Twins

by notsellingjeans on Aug 29, 2008 6:27 PM PDT

Boasting their first two-game win streak since July 10-11, the A's send Dan Meyer to the mound tonight against Kevin Slowey of the Twins at the Coliseum.

Slowey dominated the A's on Aug. 19, striking out 12 and walking one en route to a 13-2 Minnesota win. It wasn't a fluke; Slowey boasts one of the game's best K to walk ratios at 96-17. That's a whopping 5.65 strikeouts for every walk.

At age 24, Slowey has really come into his own in his second big-league season, posting a 3.74 ERA and 1.07 WHIP after his pedestrian rookie year. Whether the credit belongs on his shoulders or the Twins' defense, undeniably the key difference has been his hit prevention. In '07 Slowey allowed 82 hits in 66.2 innings; in '08 he's allowed only 120 in his 127.2 innings of work. He's also lowered his HR rate significantly.

While Slowey has enjoyed a dominant sophomore campaign, his counterpart hasn't been nearly as successful. Spanning two appearances, Dan Meyer has allowed nine runs in his last eight innings of work, and now sports a 5.95 ERA in his 19.2 innings of big-league work this year. Meyer will be out of options in '09 and is no doubt in a bid to earn a roster spot for next season with his performance in final month.

Meyer is arguably under more pressure to perform than any other pitcher on the team at this point. The combination of his contract status and continued disappointing performance mean that this start or one in September could be his last with the team, or even his last in the league. He has to produce, and I'd love to see a quality outing tonight. It's easy to root for a guy who has overcome major injury obstacles, fighting to save his once-promising career.

Another easy-to-root-for Athletic? How about Rajai Davis? I'm irrationally excited to see a guy with a hellish .666 OPS get a chance to play almost every day, now that Carlos Gonzalez has been optioned down to AAA. The team has clearly decided that Davis is going to get an opportunity to audition for the starting CF job.

Their games couldn't be more different, but I've long had a soft spot for Davis in the same way I do for Cust - as players with often-underappreciated skills who were given up on by several organizations, and could become (and have, in Cust's case) serviceable big-league regulars.

The more Davis plays, the harder it is for his defense to hide under the radar. He had another brilliant catch last night, and the stats back up what our eyes are seeing. Davis' defensive numbers this season, even in limited time, have been incredible. He's played 340 innings in CF, roughly 1/3 the amount of a full-time starting center fielder. And yet in that time, he's made plays on 32 balls out of his zone (OOZ). That means that he's gotten to a ball out of his zone at a terrific rate of once per every 10.6 innings played (1:10.6). That figure is tremendous - signficantly better than Andruw Jones' rate of 1:12.5, Carlos Gomez' 1:12.1, Carlos Beltran's 1:12.73, or Adam Jones and Aaron Rowands' rates of 1:17.9. Those are some serious defensive heavyweights there, and Davis' Hardball Times defensive numbers in '08 trump them all. If he had played enough innings, Rajai would also comfortably be the Revised Zone Rating leader amongst CFers if he qualified with his RZR of .962. That figure would also be the best qualifying RZR in the entire major leagues, although it's not appropriate to compare those figures across positions, because they each yield different average scores and top CFs tend to grade out highest.

I sure enjoy watching him play. I hope he can hit well enough to finally stick and enjoy a career path like Dave Roberts, who didn't become a big-league starter until age 29 and yet still made a pile of money in his career. In Davis' case, like Roberts, it seems like it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Tonight's lineups, including Davis batting leadoff for Oakland:

D. Span rf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.308
N. Punto ss	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.293
J. Mauer c	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.317
J. Morneau 1b	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.308
J. Kubel dh	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.273
D. Young lf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.282
B. Harris 3b	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.260
A. Casilla 2b	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.296
C. Gomez cf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.253
Totals	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Oakland
	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	K	LOB	Season Avg
R. Davis cf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.276
B. Crosby ss	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.249
R. Sweeney rf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.291
F. Thomas dh	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.236
J. Cust lf	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.226
K. Suzuki c	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.284
D. Barton 1b	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.217
J. Hannahan 3b	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.222
E. Patterson 2b

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Comments

Overflow thread is set to post 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 29, 2008 6:36 PM PDT 0 recs

I'll be around for at least that time-want me to watch it?

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Aug 29, 2008 6:38 PM PDT up 0 recs

Moderators Unclear On The Concept:

If he could answer, couldn’t he also just put up the thread? :-)

Personally, I don’t like auto-threads, so I say delete it and let’s go with “bbg mojo”!!! (With Meyer pitching, we may need 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 29, 2008 6:50 PM PDT up 0 recs

No, I'm here :)

I set the auto-threads up as a back-up in case Mrs. Jeans summons me when the thread starts to swell.

If you guys notice it get out of control, feel free to delete the auto and add a new mojo thread at any time.

"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 29, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up 0 recs

And on a Friday night...

There’s always a chance the first thread won’t be that full. We’ve got BBG, Nico and myself here. I say the auto-thread goes away.

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

by louismg on Aug 29, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up 0 recs

Last night didn't even require an overflow...

But it IS Ziggy Day! ;-)

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Aug 29, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up 0 recs

I was a little depressed...

no internet last night. I went to bed early. Lucky for you guys I’m here tonight! WOO!

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

by Jennifer on Aug 29, 2008 6:40 PM PDT up 0 recs

Sorry I couldn't help!

I was at the game in the BBQ terrace with wifethereof, sonthereof and daughterthereof. The last two’s combined weights were 16 pounds at their first game!

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

by louismg on Aug 29, 2008 7:19 PM PDT up 0 recs

Wow, INCREDIBLE opening...

…be back for game thread-look forward to seeing everyone!

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Aug 29, 2008 6:36 PM PDT 0 recs

Play Davis

I am glad to see him finaly getting some ab. I been hoping to see him start against lefties becuase he has avery good avg against them.

by Arcman on Aug 29, 2008 6:47 PM PDT 0 recs

His defense is awfully good - if he can just be disciplined enough

as a hitter to keep the balls on the ground, even as a .250/.300 hitter he could be an asset.

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 29, 2008 6:52 PM PDT up 0 recs

I wish I was disciplined enough

to keep my balls" “off” the ground………..

;?/

by mrod on Aug 29, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up 0 recs

Nice opening, NSJ.

I like Rajai too, but the question is, what becomes of him in the off-season? He’s out of options, and while his defense is great, Cargon’s defense in center is good too and Buck might be in the mix as well as Sweeney, Cunningham, Murton, Denorfia and don’t forget about Cust. The team can’t carry and play much more than 5 outfielders at a time…and if Chavez comes back and can only DH or play 1st, that nixes the plan of having Cust DH all the time, so another player would be needed to be the full-time 3rd baseman. I don’t like Rajai’s chances of surviving the rosterbation this winter…

I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!

by Taj Adib on Aug 29, 2008 6:51 PM PDT 0 recs

Didn't he play second base one day? ...

Not realistic, but he is a skoch ahead of Patterson on the current Nico “can help the team win” depth chart.

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 29, 2008 6:54 PM PDT up 0 recs

Well, you know what they say?

Competition is both healthy and good for everybody and I have no problem having an overflow of outfielders that can actually play well. To the victors go the spoils in my opinion.

Go A’s and go Meyer!

by mrod on Aug 29, 2008 6:55 PM PDT 0 recs

Sad thing is...

it’s quite possible that none of those guys could crack the starting outfield of half the league. Maybe Cust.

"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt

by Philip Christy on Aug 29, 2008 6:58 PM PDT up 0 recs

Agree about Rajai...

…I’ve also really enjoyed watching him play this year.

"If I've got baggage, he's got a whole set of Louis Vuitton." ~ Milton Bradley on Barry Bonds

by UncleLeo on Aug 29, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up 0 recs

That's how I feel too mrod

If Davis’ presence means that CarGon doesn’t get handed the CF job by default in spring training ’09, I think that can only be a good thing.

CarGon will have to kick down the door to earn the CF job next year, which is probably good for his long-term career.

"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 29, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up 0 recs

Exactly what I was trying to say

and for everyone one of our outfielders.

by mrod on Aug 29, 2008 7:04 PM PDT up 0 recs

Half of who?

CarGon, Cunningham, Sweeney, Buck, Raj, etc…?

by mrod on Aug 29, 2008 6:59 PM PDT 0 recs

am i the only one to find funny

the descriptions of Rajai’s “hellish .666 OPS”? Major kudos though if it was intended.

ken korach's voice is like peanut butter on velvet, not joe buck's.

by mrbendy on Aug 29, 2008 7:01 PM PDT 0 recs

yes, it was :)

"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 29, 2008 7:01 PM PDT up 0 recs

good show then sir.

ken korach's voice is like peanut butter on velvet, not joe buck's.

by mrbendy on Aug 29, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up 0 recs

Devilish even

by lynnzgal on Aug 29, 2008 7:03 PM PDT up 0 recs

"The devil made me do it!"

by mrod on Aug 29, 2008 7:01 PM PDT 0 recs

Go to CSN HD channel

The game is on there.

by mrod on Aug 29, 2008 7:03 PM PDT 0 recs

I don't get that

by lynnzgal on Aug 29, 2008 7:10 PM PDT up 0 recs

Farking Giants!

Finish yer game already!

by lynnzgal on Aug 29, 2008 7:03 PM PDT 0 recs

Stupid Giants game!

by justarebelheart on Aug 29, 2008 7:04 PM PDT 0 recs

I actually like Rajai Davis

I’m not sure I’m ok with him as an everday player, but he provides enough things (speed, amazing defense) that he’s useful as a 5th outfielder and a platoon guy. The Twins have given 500+ PAs to Carlos Gomez this year, and Rajai Davis is a better player (older, yes, I know). I think the guy deserves a shot to stick on the roster next year.

If Davis were walking with the A’s as much as he has walked previously, he’d actually be an above-average center fielder.

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:06 PM PDT 0 recs

I was surprised the Giants let him go, and even more surprised he made it all the way through the NL in waivers

I feel Rajai could be a starting NL center fielder. His walk rate would higher because the pitching’s worse there.

"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 29, 2008 7:12 PM PDT up 0 recs

You can't keep Rajai Davis when you have Dave Roberts.

Seriously though, Davis is one of the few center fielders who actually would be good enough defensively to force Aaron Rowand to right field. Winn could play left. It’s not much of an offensive outfield (though it would be an upgrade), but defensively it would be one of the best in baseball and they would be better off.

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:16 PM PDT up 0 recs

I just noticed we've leapt from "game 133" to "game 135" in the game thread titles tonight

But I think we were off the last few days and that tonight’s is correct. Maybe I’m just making the problem worse, it certainly wouldn’t be a first.

"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 29, 2008 7:08 PM PDT 0 recs

At this point, maybe we should just title it game 162 and hope we don't have to watch anymore games this season

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:09 PM PDT up 0 recs

Found it

We played a pair of “game 132s”, and game 134 never happened.

"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 29, 2008 7:09 PM PDT up 0 recs

So who's to blame?

Me or BBG? I will take any bullets sent her way. BBG is untouchable.

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

by louismg on Aug 29, 2008 7:20 PM PDT up 0 recs

Does anybody strike out faster than Crosby?

He just has so many at bats where it looks completely unnecessary for him to even go up to the plate. Cust might strike out a lot more, but he sees twice as many pitches at least.

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:17 PM PDT 0 recs

GO SWOONEY GO

by schmifty on Aug 29, 2008 7:17 PM PDT 0 recs

Swoon.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 29, 2008 7:18 PM PDT 0 recs

I'm a straight guy and all, but I totally agree

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:18 PM PDT up 0 recs

I think he could stand to put on a few pounds.
I wouldn’t mind a bigger Swooney.

by schmifty on Aug 29, 2008 7:21 PM PDT up 0 recs

That's what she said!

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up 0 recs

That's probably the first time I've LOLed at a TWSS

very nice

by schmifty on Aug 29, 2008 7:26 PM PDT up 0 recs

I don't like you Frank.

I see the future. I see cake.

by Blicks on Aug 29, 2008 7:20 PM PDT 0 recs

Meh, he was doing fine until he tore his quad

I still think he should be brought back at a discounted price next season.

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:22 PM PDT up 0 recs

Can the stupid giants lose already!

by justarebelheart on Aug 29, 2008 7:22 PM PDT 0 recs

Yes please!

by lynnzgal on Aug 29, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up 0 recs

let's go A's?

So, bring on Bonds! Or, not... then, bring back Langerhans!! -One won lost one

by baseballgirl on Aug 29, 2008 7:22 PM PDT 0 recs

The guy who got the ball in the first row...

barely put his nachos down long enough to pick up the ball.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 29, 2008 7:24 PM PDT 0 recs

He’s got priorities.

by justarebelheart on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up 0 recs

Something about that sentence makes me want to go to a game sooo bad :(

by schmifty on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT up 0 recs

I actually thought Cust

was going to make a web gem play on that ball….being his bobble head night and all.

"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 29, 2008 7:24 PM PDT 0 recs

I was going to do a whole post on Meyer as a situational lefty

Because his splits indicate he could be good at that. Then back to back doubles to lefties. Oops. That’s what I get for holding out hope that Meyer could be a really useful pitcher.

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT 0 recs

I'm ready for this Dan Meyer experiment to end

by Erin6 on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT 0 recs

Meyer serving up BP again

This experiment should end in 2008 for the good of the team

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

by Trainman on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT 0 recs

That doesn't help, Meyer

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

by Flashfire on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT 0 recs

Oh boy.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT 0 recs

I hate Pitchers' Throwing Errors

Can’t they throw anywhere besides home?

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

by louismg on Aug 29, 2008 7:25 PM PDT 0 recs

I've pitched (not at any high level or anything)

And for some reason, even though I rarely walked anybody, I could never, ever throw to first. I made good throws when I played the infield, but something about making those throws as a pitcher was really difficult.

by thejd44 on Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up 0 recs

Oh Danny boy,

the strikes, the strikes are callling….

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

by Jennifer on Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM PDT 0 recs

From the sounds of it maybe it’s good these giants are taking so long to lose so I don’t have to see the disastrous Meyer

by justarebelheart on Aug 29, 2008 7:27 PM PDT 0 recs

NO OUTS!?

Come on!

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

by Jennifer on Aug 29, 2008 7:28 PM PDT 0 recs

Can we PLEASE find a base

to which Dan Meyer can throw a strike?

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 29, 2008 7:28 PM PDT 0 recs