Open Thread: Game 137 - A's Vs. Twins
For some reason, the auto game thread won't load, so I am trying it this way...
I won't say this on behalf of the entire AN community, but I will say it for me: if the A's win today, they will have done a lot in the past few series to help me forget about their mostly horrible month of August. In taking 2 out of 3 in Anaheim against one of the top clubs in the game, and now showing a lot of fight in not 1, but 2 walkoff victories in 3 games against a very good team that is fighting for a playoff spot, this young team is finally showing glimpses of what it is capable of. They still aren't scoring many runs, but the young pitchers are coming around and the position players are playing solid-enough defense and are focused enough so that they can keep the game close and take advantage of the other team's mistakes. That's a big improvement from just two weeks ago, and it's finally showing in the win-loss record.
Today's game also marks the final game in August and the final game before rosters expand and September call-ups take-effect. A win today combined with a gradual reinforcement of the roster from prospects over the next week could finally conspire to give the A's something that has been anathema in the team's clubhouse since early July: momentum. With some mo' and some confidence and a full, healthy pitching staff, this team might just pull-off a .500-season when all is said and done. So, disagree with me if you will and excuse the hyperbole, but I feel like today's game is the biggest of the year so far for the A's.
The team will send the mostly capable left-arm of Greg "The Nibbler" Smith to the mound against the Twins for the contest this afternoon. Smith got battered by the Angels last time out last week, but still lasted a full 6 innings in the process. Since the All Star break, Greg has not been all that effective: 1-6, 5.08 ERA and 25 walks against only 21 strike outs. So, I'm guessing the best-case scenario today is that Smith is wild, yet effective for 6+ innings, Devine can come in and shut the door in the 7th and Ziggy can provide one of his patented 2-inning saves.
In order to do that, the A's will need to scratch out at least a few runs against Smith's fellow Louisiana-native Scott Baker. Scott, like the rest of the Twins' young rotation, is an aggressive strike-thrower that probably won't do the A's batters any favors (3.55 to 1 K/BB ratio). Best case scenario: Cust stays hot, belts another homer and newly-arrived Aaron Cunningham makes his major league debut one to remember with a multi-hit game that sparks several rallies that give the A's a one-run lead going into the later innings...
(I've been called in to work to help monitor the growing monster that is Hurricane Gustav, but I'll have internet access and will be monitoring the Game Threads and listening to the game on radio, so I should be able to stay on top of things, but if I need to abruptly halt my blog activity, I would appreciate it if someone could open a new thread if necessary...)
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Grrr Hate Black Jerseys
"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 31, 2008 1:07 PM PDT 0 recs
I gotta disagree with that opening statement
As I said in my game wrap last Saturday, the A’s haven’t been outplaying anyone or improving their performance or turning things around: they’ve been enjoying their usual good pitching, outstanding defense, and nonexistent offense, and getting a few lucky breaks.
Yeah, as last Saturday and last night, a win is awesome, and to win in exciting fashion is fun, but …
There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@
by monkeyball on Aug 31, 2008 1:09 PM PDT 0 recs
When you play fundamentally good baseball (especially defensively)..
for a long enough period of time, you are bound to start winning games. Which was my point. I won’t forget entirely about how bad this team played overall for much of the past month and a half, but although they can’t hit, they have at least showed that they can pitch well enough and play good enough defense to give themselves a chance to win in most every game of the past 2 series, which is an improvement and a start…
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on
Aug 31, 2008 1:14 PM PDT
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true
There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@
by monkeyball on
Aug 31, 2008 1:15 PM PDT
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Someone please help me.
What is the name of the song Ryan Sweeney uses at his AB music?
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 31, 2008 1:10 PM PDT 0 recs
You people suck.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:25 PM PDT
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It's just music.
It sounds rap-ish…. Hell, I can’t explain it.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:27 PM PDT
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You are gooooood. I couldn't figure it out. I figured it couldn't be anything too far off mainstream, though.
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:29 PM PDT
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It's been stuck in my head for days...
just the part that plays during his AB, though. I wanted to stick a hot poker in my ear.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:31 PM PDT
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Am I the only one sitting here listening to it over and over?
Can’t… stop…
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:41 PM PDT
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I just downloaded it on iTunes.
I usually listen to alternative music, but I like it.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:43 PM PDT
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I wouldn't have known the song unless
I was forced to listen to it in my friend’s car. I’m not good with rap songs.
by Kimberly on
Aug 31, 2008 1:34 PM PDT
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[hugs]
Except you, my dear. Gold star for Kimberly. Thank you.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:29 PM PDT
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Wiki used to have a nice long list, and I found it reposted somewhere else...
but of course, Ry Ry’s not on it. They do have that Huston Street used to use “Hate Me Now”, though. How appropriate.
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:28 PM PDT
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He still does
It was played last night. It’s still kind of appropriate. ;)
"Baseball, it is said, is only a game. True. And the Grand Canyon is only a hole in Arizona. Not all games and holes are created equal." --George F. Will
by anomaly_kat on
Aug 31, 2008 1:49 PM PDT
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Wow, I just assumed it was "used to", because for him to use it now would be just ironic.
Oh, Huston.
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:50 PM PDT
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It was a little strange to hear it
because they didn’t use the accompanying superhotfastball graphic on the scoreboard. However, Duke (the LF drummer not the pitcher) revived his Huston theme music, which is a free adaptation of “Rock and Roll Pt. 2” for percussion and mass humming chorus.
Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.
by Englishmajor on
Aug 31, 2008 2:17 PM PDT
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speaking of drummers
it was great to hear the LF drummers loud and clear last night
by OaklandSi on
Aug 31, 2008 2:23 PM PDT
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our thoughts and prayers are with everyone
in the hurricane’s potential path. My entire family is in the Caribbean, and every year we try to stay prepared and a watchful eye on the weather forecasts.
Even if the A’s can’t get to .500 they can at least aim at overtaking the Rangers for second place.
Regardless, I’ll be cheering them from the stands for most of the remaining home games.
Let’s Go Oakland!
by OaklandSi on Aug 31, 2008 1:13 PM PDT 0 recs
Cunningham has looong hair.
Speaking of hair, I hope Travis comes back soon. I miss him.
by whiteshoes40 on Aug 31, 2008 1:14 PM PDT 0 recs
Man, will this team EVER figure out how to get
Morneau out when a runner is on base ahead of him? Gol-lee!
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on Aug 31, 2008 1:17 PM PDT 0 recs
Comcrap finally gets their HD telecast on the air
Do they have as much difficulty with Giants HD telecasts as they have with the A’s telecasts? Somehow I doubt it.
I need as much clarity as I can get today. (Soaker probably celebrated last night’s glorious Golden Bears victory a little too much.)
by Soaker on Aug 31, 2008 1:22 PM PDT 0 recs
i was wondering if it was just me.
I only get the games in HD, no regular CSN-BA
by chri5 on
Aug 31, 2008 1:23 PM PDT
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Ughhhh...
Same old same old Smith…poor, poor location.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on Aug 31, 2008 1:34 PM PDT 0 recs
Keep on using "we" please.
What’s the use being a fan of a team if you can’t consider your cheering and the team’s performance two sides of the same coin?
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on
Aug 31, 2008 1:39 PM PDT
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My mother would disown me if I got married at a baseball stadium.
But that would be awesome.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 31, 2008 1:40 PM PDT 0 recs
I know!
Were they in the all you can eat section too?
by lynnzgal on
Aug 31, 2008 1:41 PM PDT
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The colors could be red and white....
and the cake could have a stitching pattern on it.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:45 PM PDT
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Would hot dogs be too whiskey tango
for the reception? May have to step up and serve polish sausages.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:50 PM PDT
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LOL!
The guy catching it was hilarious. How many times did she toss it? And where is Mr. Baseball Wedding Guy?
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:52 PM PDT
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She looks adorable; I'm impressed at how she pulled this off, style-wise.
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:52 PM PDT
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I wonder if the priest wore an ump's uniform?
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:54 PM PDT
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Every guy in my neck of the woods loves the Red Sox.
I need to move. I am not dating these freaks.
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:55 PM PDT
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no
he wore a referee jersey and an a’s hat. i was in attendance at the wedding, it was beautiful.
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on
Aug 31, 2008 8:07 PM PDT
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Awww.
Now I just need to find a guy who’s an A’s fan. All the guys I have dated either hated baseball or loved the Giants.
by Kimberly on
Aug 31, 2008 1:53 PM PDT
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Aaand my reply above was supposed to go here. Duh.
by schmifty on
Aug 31, 2008 1:57 PM PDT
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At least Smith's cut down on the walks and is striking out batters.
find something positive?
I see the future. I see cake.
by Blicks on Aug 31, 2008 1:42 PM PDT 0 recs
Come on, Aaron!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 31, 2008 1:47 PM PDT 0 recs
Come on, Aaron!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 31, 2008 1:47 PM PDT 0 recs
I must have really meant that.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 1:47 PM PDT
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If you say it one more time
it will match the number of pitches he saw in his first big league AB.
by Soaker on
Aug 31, 2008 1:50 PM PDT
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He'll fit right in here!
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 31, 2008 1:48 PM PDT 0 recs
I was waiting for someone to say it..
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on
Aug 31, 2008 1:51 PM PDT
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It's mandatory
At least he swung!
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on
Aug 31, 2008 1:51 PM PDT
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Looks like the bride's got about as much on her throws as Patterson
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 31, 2008 1:50 PM PDT 0 recs
This game has too much cuteness.
Someone is going to need to lose a limb to counterbalance this sugary mess.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 31, 2008 1:57 PM PDT 0 recs
Preferably someone from the Twins.
I nominate Mourneau or Mauer
by lynnzgal on
Aug 31, 2008 1:59 PM PDT
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Back to back hits?
Both Sweeney and Rajai obviously didn’t spend too much time in the A’s minor league system….
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on Aug 31, 2008 2:01 PM PDT 0 recs
Swooney, Swooney, Swooney
he just keeps… being good. It’ so weird.
by schmifty on Aug 31, 2008 2:01 PM PDT 0 recs
And no ankles.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on
Aug 31, 2008 2:04 PM PDT
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OF next time, please.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
by Jennifer on Aug 31, 2008 2:02 PM PDT 0 recs
Effin' Crosby!
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on Aug 31, 2008 2:02 PM PDT 0 recs
Pedro Cerrano?
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on
Aug 31, 2008 2:06 PM PDT
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I am not watching tv....
Was that as good of a play as Vince said it was?
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
by Taj Adib on Aug 31, 2008 2:12 PM PDT 0 recs
I missed that,
but they’re saying Zooks hit just now was fair.
by lynnzgal on Aug 31, 2008 2:16 PM PDT 0 recs


