A's Hit Way to Seventh Straight Loss

by Blez on Aug 4, 2008 6:10 PM PDT Comment 151 comments

Only it wasn't hitting with the bat, it was hitting batters with the bases loaded, which scored two runs for the Blue Jays. A third came across on a wild pitch by Sean Gallagher who was wild for his three innings. And it wasn't against a great offensive club. The Jays didn't have Vernon Wells.

Regardless, Gallagher is still learning how to pitch and be consistent and I'm not going to throw in the towel on him because he has some very, very good stuff. He kept getting himself in trouble by not throwing early strikes which is why he wound up with 94 pitches in only three innings.

The positive on the pitching side was that Dan Meyer looked very good in his four innings of work. Meyer only allowed four hits and no walks in that time while striking out three. What was the most impressive to me is that his slider must be extremely deceptive because the Jays hitters kept swinging and missing at pitches that weren't strikes. Meyer isn't throwing 94-95 like he once was when he was one of the top rated pitching prospects in all of baseball, but I'm anxious to see if he can prove to be a good major league pitcher. It was interesting that they decided to use him tonight instead of someone DiNardo. It makes me wonder what is going to happen on Thursday. Will we be seeing Gio Gonzalez? It's currently listed as TBD. And if Gio does come up to pitch, could we possibly be seeing Meyer taking Gallagher's next turn in the rotation? I'm not sure but that's kind of what I'd like to see right now.

There really aren't any positives right now about the A's offense. I mean both on and off the field as Eric Chavez is having surgery on his shoulder again. At the same time, it's just best that he do it now. Get it done and have plenty of time to see if you can get right in time for 2009. Crosby did spoil Roy Halladay's day of making A's hitters look like little leaguers with a homer, but that was really all the A's could muster all night. It's not really a shocker and I think it's something we'll have to get used to for what remains of 2008.

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At this second half rate we should win 7.66 games

The way the team is playing, 5 more wins may be a tall order. (LOL)

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

by Trainman on Aug 4, 2008 6:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

DiNardo threw 89 pitches 2 days ago

No way he could have pitched tonight.

I would think Meyer throwing 66 pitches tonight probably disqualifies him from the Thursday start, so I’m making plans to be planted by my television to watch Gio’s debut.

I’m hoping for a nice little competition next spring among about 8-10 pitchers for rotation spots. Guys that get outs and throw strikes get to be in the rotation. The losers get to work on their command in a very interesting AAA rotation (unless Eveland and Meyer are among the losers, in which case their being out of options will mean the bullpen or being elsewhere).

by Faust on Aug 4, 2008 6:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The A's starting rotation for next year is a big question mark,

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Competition could be a good thing.

It would give these guys some serious motivation to perform in a time when everyone else is seemingly just going through the motions. At this point it might come down to who can go an outing without throwing more than three balls to the backstop.

I wasn’t sure it was possible, but If Gallagher goes down to AAA to make room for Gio I think I would feel evern worse about the Harden trade. I know it hasn’t been long, but having three guys who aren’t up to performing well enough to stay on the big league club for more than a few games at a time is pretty dang discouraging.

What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.

by KMoAsFan on Aug 4, 2008 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you think the problem is motivation?

they’re nonchalanting it because they’re so sure of their future with the A’s, in MLB? there might be a better explanation…
1. they’re bad
2. they’re nervous
3. they’re inexperienced
4. they’re trying too hard
5. all of the above

by skutch on Aug 4, 2008 6:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank Ba'al Crosby's still on the team ...

... to counsel those suffering from #4 that whatever they’re doing, they’re not doing it hard enough.

This is the highest-known density of gorillas that's ever been found. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 5, 2008 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd also like to know what getting Chavez back "healthy" would even mean at this point

I don’t know that really healthy is even possible anymore. I’m concerned that “healthy” in this context just means Humpty-Dumpty with a major tape job.

by Faust on Aug 4, 2008 6:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

can't really blame the rotation for this slide

after all, only one member is a veteran (Duke, in his first full year as an MLB starter).

by OaklandSi on Aug 4, 2008 6:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gallagher was totally wild

but I’m not too worried about him. I think he will be just fine. Afterall, he is adjusting to the AL and he has tons of talent, so I say just chill on SG.

Meyer I thought was very impressive tonight. It was a marked improvemnt fron his stint up with the big club last year. Good command, good pace, and I was most impressed with his composure even when he got a ball hit very hard off the wall for a double.

Boy, I tell ya…..the offense is absolutely dreadful and at some point the bleeding has to stop.
“Medic!!!!”

by mrod on Aug 4, 2008 6:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not so convinced about Meyer's command

I thought it was his stuff that was working better than his command. He didn’t seem to hit Suzuki’s glove that often – the target would be low and away, the pitch would be a foot higher and more over the plate, but it would still fool the batter into a swing and a miss. I think regaining the command is still a work in progress, but the results tonight were encouraging any way you look at it.

by Faust on Aug 4, 2008 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once he settled down, he kept his slider down

and jammed hitters pretty effectively with his fastball. His first inning I felt he was aiming the ball and overthrowing a bit. It must have been hard for him to throw two days in a row in relief, after making 22 starts at AAA, so I think his command/stuff were both impressive considering.

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 4, 2008 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, the A's really suck right now

it’s kind of depressing. The only part of the team doing any good right now is the bullpen. While important, it’s also the most boring part of the team to have on a roll. Usually a good night by the bullpen means a so-so or bad night by the starters.

The A’s desperately need a hitter to get hot. Crosby or Barton showed a couple glimpses, hitting HR’s off good pitchers. Thomas or Cust going on a homer binge would be nice.

Wow, this post is really stating the obvious. I guess I’m just venting.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Aug 4, 2008 6:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Boy, I'm sorry I missed this one.

Ick.

By process of elimination (the only process I endorse), I guess that makes you a piece of lamb. @('.')@

by Leopold Bloom on Aug 4, 2008 6:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If this is rebuilding

I’d say Oakland is doing it wrong. Would it be too much to ask to have Beane answer some questions about this ridiculous tank job?

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Aug 4, 2008 6:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I should add

that yes, the talent in the minors looks to be great, but it doesn’t mean you have to throw a season away to get there.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Aug 4, 2008 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

I’d feel much worse if we were losing w/ Blanton, Harden, and Gaudin. With the way the team is playing right now, we’d still be losing w/ those guys. Heck, even Harden is 1-1 right now. And Blanton is an absolute train wreck.

What would the A’s record be w/o the trades of Harden/Gaudin and Blanton??? .500??? No Thank You!!! Give me a 2009 Top-15 Draft Pick and sign Pat Burrell w/o giving up your 1st Round Draft Pick.

by Colorado Fan on Aug 4, 2008 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is kind of intriguing to think that if Beane just

made one trade for a decent bat at a corner position and signed Burrell, we could have Burrell, Cust, and another good bat along with Gonzalez and Suzuki – and maybe not have too sucky an offense in 2009 after all.

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 4, 2008 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No thanks on Burrell

He’s just another guy having a good contract year and is gonna suck it up with his new contract. And he’s doing it in the NL, which shouldn’t go overlooked, as well

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin

by Helloooo 1st on Aug 5, 2008 2:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends if 'chemistry' has any reality

Do players play with less intensity when it seems that management has given up?

by MobiusKlein on Aug 4, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd probably be momentarily discouraged, for a game or two.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then another trade / injury / etc

and spirals out, down the drain.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 4, 2008 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

It’s not like the team was scoring runs before the trades went down. I mean, you gotta score more than 2 runs/game, don’t you? Add up the 0, 1, & 2 Run games. It’s at about 40 now (I think).

Tough to have “Chemistry” when Chavez, Big Hurt, Mike Sweeney, and others go down for the season, or 45+ days, or 60+ days. Too many injuries to vets. Too many rookies taking the ball every 5th day. Barton struggling. Ellis streaky. Crosby sucking. LF/CF/LF combining for less than 1 MLB Season.

by Colorado Fan on Aug 4, 2008 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is why we need Manny!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 5, 2008 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And now for the obligatory

Dunn Dun-Dun-Dun Dunnnnnnnn

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 5, 2008 12:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well sure

losing with those guys would be more frustrating, but for people to not think there is a correlation with the team just flat giving up and the Harden/Gaudin/Blanton trades, that’s absurd. It’s human nature. The team was 3.5 out of the Wild Card, hanging around in the West (even after Harden and Gaudin goes), and then Blanton goes. At that point, Duke says what the team surely is thinking, and it appears that after 95 games, the FO decides to pack it in. Yes, the offense wasn’t world beaters or anything, but they clearly were never this bad. I would just like it if Beane had to answer some questions about this complete tank job we’re witnessing. I’m not really mad at the players because, like I said, it’s human nature to feel like they had been betrayed. Players don’t think about what the team is going to be like in 2010, they think about now, and when they feel they are being screwed, the intensity and caring ends.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Aug 5, 2008 5:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

What do any of those trades have to do w/ the offense. And yeah, I guess I can see some sort of correlation. But I can also see the correlation of sucky offense + young team + injuries = sub .500 baseball. Maybe not this bad, but Sub .500 nonetheless.

by Colorado Fan on Aug 5, 2008 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

This sentence really bothers me:

“Players don’t think about what the team is going to be like in 2010, they think about now, and when they feel they are being screwed, the intensity and caring ends.”

Do you honestly think that is the case? The caring ends? For whom?

by Colorado Fan on Aug 5, 2008 8:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A couple thoughts...

It’s still not set in stone that Gio would have to be the Thursday starter, because DiNardo will be available by then and Braden could also go if need be with Saarloos available to go Friday. But I’m betting it’s Gio time – which at least would be exciting.

It’s easy to forget that when something goes just a little wrong for a pitcher, be it mechanics, composure, confidence, etc. how bad the results can be. Gallagher isn’t suddenly horrible because he was horrifically bad tonight; it’s just that major league hitters will prey on weaknesses bigtime.

The A’s have won twice in the last 24 days – that is ridiculous. :-(

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 4, 2008 7:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That could also explain

Everyone’s foul mood around here. Mine included.

by Blez on Aug 4, 2008 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What you say is reasonable on some level, I guess

But I just don’t give a rat’s ass – I don’t ever want to see DiNardo pitch outside of mop-up duty again. If DiNardo starts a game, I ain’t watching. Which might not be so bad – I could use a free evening to catch up on all the stuff I’m falling behind on while watching and reading about the damn A’s.

But if Gonzalez starts, I’m there, baby.

by Faust on Aug 4, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel about DiNardo the same as you -

and the same way I feel about every Hannahan and E. Brown AB. Show me the future and I’m interested. Show me filler and I’m not.

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 4, 2008 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Which reminds me...

Was Sweeney hurt? Starting Emil ahead of Sweeney against Halliday is just malpractice if Sweeney is healthy.

by Faust on Aug 4, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His pinky finger was hurting

Which sounds like a joke, but it’s actually true! Next injury: hangnail.

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 4, 2008 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I’ll go so far as to say they (the A’s, Geren, Beane) owe it to us to throw Gio on Thursday.

If you’re sentencing us to to .350 or .400 ball for the remainder of the year, that’s bad enough, but at least some of us can rationalize that we’re rebuilding and getting a great draft pick or whatever.

But don’t flip us all off by starting Saarloos or DiNardo. That would be like…like closing the third deck of the Coliseum. Wait…

"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 4, 2008 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

His reason for being horrible today

sounds WAY too Zito-esque. That put me in a foul mood.

“I think I was trying to nibble way too much,” Gallagher said of the bases-loaded situations. “I think I was trying to make two perfect pitches and I ended up missing by a lot most of the time.”

by A'sian on Aug 5, 2008 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When a pitcher says "I was trying to nibble"

A key component of the message he’s trying to convey is, “The situation is under my control. I made a mistake in my approach, but I can correct that.” He doesn’t want to say “Try as I might, I simply couldn’t throw the damn ball within a foot or so of the catcher’s target” because, well, what’s the answer then? How can he assure us, his manager, and himself that things will be any different next time out?

It’s not that his command can’t be improved, but it’s not likely to be a very quick or easy process.

by Faust on Aug 5, 2008 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every team slumps

You can’t determine anything based on a really bad stretch by a team that, it seems now, was playing over its head earlier in the season. However…I keep thinking that we could now have a rotation of Duke, Harden, Gaudin, Blanton or Braden, and Smith, and we’d be fine.

by richwol1 on Aug 4, 2008 7:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's worth noting, though, that even bad teams,

like the Nationals and Pirates, rarely go 2-16. This isn’t a slump – at this point, it’s an all-out free-fall, one that has gone – so far – 10% of a season. Yikes.

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 4, 2008 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nats just came off a 4-18 stretch

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 4, 2008 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dream of a 4-18 stretch

My point is, it’s not common. The Mariners might also have endured something similar this year – but again, probably not even quite as horrific as 2-16. That’s really bad.

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 4, 2008 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll take it as counterbalancing

the 20 game win streak. If the baseball gods want to exact their revenge this season they’re welcome to it.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 4, 2008 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was a magical run in 2002, have to admit.

Nothing magical about this free fall though.

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jimbo says:

Well, sure, Vietnam was fun, but not like going to the circus fun, or fly fishin’ in Montana fun. No, Vietnam was more like shoving shards of broken glass up your ass, and then sittin’ in a tub with tobasco sauce fun.

By process of elimination (the only process I endorse), I guess that makes you a piece of lamb. @('.')@

by Leopold Bloom on Aug 4, 2008 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm not sure about that...

with that rotation we may be a .500 team but really theres no chance of us winning by scoring 1 or 2 runs. blanton and gaudin werent shutting anyone out and def not braden. i do agree that the way we’re playing right now doesnt reflect what we’re capable of, but that peak had already been reached in the 1st half. now we’re seeing the valley

by chipper1001 on Aug 4, 2008 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It may have been difficult to acquire one...

but it seems like had they acquired a bat or two this team wasn’t far from competing. The pitching had been great, and was leading the league in ERA. At the very least they never looked like a team bad enough to go 2-16 or whatever the heck they are. If the Angels are really as good as they have been playing it may not have mattered, but with a strong rotation you never know.

What about Barry?
"Barry who?" Forst said, and I felt like I was in the middle of a knock-knock joke.

by KMoAsFan on Aug 4, 2008 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think once they lost Chavez, they were two bats from contending

and Thomas wasn’t coming back soon enough. Adding a bat would have been, IMO, a bad middle-ground – stepping backwards from rebuilding while still not really contending. I had no problem with moving Harden and Blanton, frankly, due to Harden’s health and Blanton’s replaceability. I just wish that in the last three trades combined (including Swisher) we had gotten more to show for power bats, and the left side of the infield, in 2009.

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 4, 2008 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Counting on Chavez to begin with was a mistake

It has been a series of bad decisions that has given us an offense that can’t out score the Earthquakes. Guys like Josh Hamilton and Carlos Quentin were out there and available for next to nothing. The guy responsible for this train wreck didn’t grab those players…they went to teams most people here like to laugh at. Why was getting some real insurance for Chavez and assuming he would do nothing but DH so difficult?? There were options available prior to the 2007 season, prior to the 2008 season and about the time Beane pulled the plug 3 weeks ago.

Failing to plan for the worst with regards to Chavez and then dumping Milton Bradley last year when the A’s were only 3 games back in the wild card put all the dominoes in motion for rebuilding just a half a season after the A’s played in the ALCS. Unless it was actually hiring Bob Geren instead of Ron Washington as manager that was the first domino to fall.

by cvdoug on Aug 4, 2008 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carlos Quentin

Is it possible that Beane thought that Chris Carter (Stockton) > Carlos Quentin? Beane might have told Byrnes (D-Backs GM) that Chris Carter needed to be included in the Haren trade. No?

by Colorado Fan on Aug 4, 2008 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If so, I think Billy may be right

Carter looks like he has potential to be exactly the kind of hitter the A’s so desperately need: A true power masher. And he maintains a high OBP, making him more of a Jim Thome type than a Dave Kingman type. Quentin is having a great year, but it’s not at ALL clear that Carter won’t be the more valuable player.

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 4, 2008 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see him as Cust's replacement, both as a hitter and in AN controversy.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

< starts writing "Carter sucks" fanpost >

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

by oblique on Aug 4, 2008 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he's 34% above replacement level properly adjusted for height and weight

according to Chuck Norris…

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man, he pitched great in 1980.

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 4, 2008 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately Bruce Lee overworked his arm.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's probably why they called him "Spaceman"

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 4, 2008 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I thought that was Aaron Neville

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ryan Howard is the comparison that keeps coming to mind...

Carter will probably whiff at Howard-like rates but he should walk enough and hit enough jacks to make it worthwhile.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But he has to control the "Strickouts"

And hit .300 or he sucks.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 5, 2008 12:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's pretty obvious who has been more valuable this year

The point is that players who could have helped the A’s this year were out there.

by cvdoug on Aug 5, 2008 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK, so the A's could have Quentin and lose the division by 10 games instead

Boy, you’re really making the case for acquiring talent for this year only.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doubt it

Arizona had an outfielder logjam last season that they were intent on clearing through trades. Quentin wasn’t going to beat out Golden Boy Eric Byrnes and his $30 million contract, or Chris Young, or Justin Upton—he had no apparent future with the franchise. (Neither did Carlos Gonzalez, for that matter.)

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amusing that the Carloses are so far better than Eric or Chris.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 5, 2008 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't really doubt it

Sounds like Beane, Byrnes, and Kenny Williams have each other on Quick Dial, and the Quentin/Carter trade came 11 days prior to the Haren deal going down. And Beane/Byrnes had been talking about a Haren deal in July 2007.

by Colorado Fan on Aug 5, 2008 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair he did bring in Hannahan as Chavez insurance.

I’m not sure what more one can do without getting a real veteran 3B like Rolen or Glaus. There’s no defending Goleski over Hamilton and Beane’s been laughed at quite a bit for that. In hindsight it’s easy to say the Diamondbacks wouldn’t have traded Quentin to the A’s since they clearly didn’t value Carter all that much. Of course we didn’t know how much they didn’t value him until they threw him into the Haren deal.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, "hard to say the Diamondbacks wouldn't have traded Quentin to the A's"

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Given Billy's focus on 2010 over 2008,

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if given the choice of Quentin or Carter he would still opt for Carter.

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 4, 2008 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe, but Quentin's not going to be 40 in 2010.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, but Carter will be 23

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 4, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Darn kids!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still waiting for an explanation

as to how trading a player (Bradley) whose contract was up after last season affected this season in any way whatsoever.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty sure

re-signing him would have been allowed and might even have been possible.

by cvdoug on Aug 5, 2008 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The A's were perfectly capable of re-signing him after last season

as was every other team in baseball. Seeing as how he was, you know, a free agent.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Hello.......hello.......hello????????

Echo…..echo…...echo…...”...............

by mrod on Aug 4, 2008 7:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

thud!

by mrod on Aug 4, 2008 7:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

im confused

isnt the point to see what meyer can do in a rotation spot? it makes me think that we’re looking at him for a bullpen spot in which case: A. our bullpen doesnt need much help and B. sticking him in a mop up role doesnt really reflect his true abilities. maybe someone in the rotation will struggle and he’ll get his shot but why not just try him now while he’s confident from AAA

by chipper1001 on Aug 4, 2008 7:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

With Eveland and Braden's starts, they needed an arm, period

They had no other options yesterday, and again today with Gallagher’s meltdown. Meyer probably would have started Thursday had he not been needed yesterday and today – but our bullpen has had to throw 17.2 innings in the last three days.

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 4, 2008 7:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those Rangers really can hit, though their pitching is the worst in the league

they are like the exact opposite of the A’s in terms of hitting and pitching, and as it stands now, they’ve won more games than we.

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 7:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yea Joba left the game with soem kind of injury

by buckfan6 on Aug 4, 2008 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was probably when his ass flew over his head

trying to avoid the laser Pudge threw.

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

by Jennifer on Aug 4, 2008 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Rangers will be only 5 games back in the WC, if the scores hold.

Rangers contending? who knew?

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Worse pythag though

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 4, 2008 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The artist formerly known as clockwerks?

I assume his contract has run its course. To whomever his unappreciated volunteer AN minder now is: there’s an ad or something hosted by edge.quantserv.com which is freezing up longer threads, when viewed in Firefox from Mac OS X.

Also, can any of the IT geeks hit? Because we’re kinda desperate.

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 4, 2008 7:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

File

a bug report. He’s still working, but isn’t lurking around as much as he once was. The bug report goes to bugreport@sbnation.com. They have a list of stuff they’re working on and this should be added to it.

by Blez on Aug 4, 2008 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Indians seem to have the Rays number, swept them earlier and now beating them at their home park

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 7:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Haren is having a tough day

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Another gutsy outing from Dan Haren

gave up 3 runs in the 1st, settled down and pitched through 6, in line for a win

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I made the mistake of reading QOTM before this, and I kept looking for jokes

in each post. I didn’t find them but I was smiling anyway for no reason.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

we should follow that routine before day-game threads

This is the highest-known density of gorillas that's ever been found. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 5, 2008 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's consider the rest of the season...

...an early start on an extended Spring Training, 2009.

by gregorymark on Aug 4, 2008 8:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The A's were in first place in Spring Training. 2008

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sheesh, I check into my hotel in Denver

and fire up ESPN and I am greeted with the highlights of our fiasco.

Got a whirlwind few days here to check things out before moving later on in the month. Suffering from lower 48 shock at moment…a win would have helped.

alaska A

by ak_A on Aug 4, 2008 8:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You make it sound like you've landed from another planet.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has!

Welcome to the unreal world my friend, best get lots of Rolos.

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Aug 4, 2008 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not for too long I hope

because the username CO A would sound like a campground.

Good luck!

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 4, 2008 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But a comfortingly non-racist campground

Much unlike Koa Kampgrounds

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 4, 2008 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marlon Byrd hits a walk off Grand Slam against the Yankees

9-5 final.

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

by Trainman on Aug 4, 2008 8:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yes, those Rangers can outhit any team

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've given up on caring where/how the A's finish

I was rooting for Texas all the way – Go Rays, Go Twins/White Sox! Let Boston and New York join Oakland on the couch in October.

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 4, 2008 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is there any plausible way Boston, Tampa Bay and Anaheim don't make the playoffs?

The Twins deserve to lose to the White Sox for trading Santana for flotsam, and not our flotsam.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Considering there's no plausible way the Angels don't make it, no.

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 4, 2008 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you agree the Yanks are out?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No - I won't count them out until they're eliminated

They have the potential to 8 in a row any time – they already did once. Any word on Joba? If he’s out for an extended period that would really make it harder for them, no question.

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 4, 2008 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Even with Joba they have Ponson and Rasner in the rotation.

They’d need Joba not to be hurt, and for Hughes and Kennedy to come back in Sept, and still they wouldn’t be clearly better than the Red Sox or Rays.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I keep telling myself all that, because I loathe the Yanks

But I won’t count them out until they’re out. They’re only about 2 out in the WC.

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 4, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

People were counting the Yankees out last year.

We know how that turned out.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 4, 2008 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And I'm gonna keep doing it till it comes true

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hughes is looking dominant in rehab right now

So that shot in the arm isn’t going to have to wait for September. I think Kennedy’s doing well, too. I don’t trust the Yankees – every time it looks like they’ll miss the playoffs, they go on a big second-half run.

At least they’ve been bowing out of the postseason decently early, but I want them on the sidelines earlier than that.

by Faust on Aug 5, 2008 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Twins got Liriano back, but their pitching staff are not as good as they used to be

bullpen just gave up 10 runs to Seattle in one inning,

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still care - I'd like them to finish lower and get a better draft pick

At this point, just get the young guys some experience and start preparing them for 2009.

by Blez on Aug 4, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How many articles of clothing do we need to rip off of Fisher's cardboard cutout?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The better question is, do we WANT to?

by Blez on Aug 4, 2008 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We must all sacrifice in this time of need. No matter how painful or hideous the job,

it must be done.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure you're joking

I want the A’s to win every game I watch/listen to, which is pretty much all of ‘em. The failure rate of baseball draft picks is a great thing, because otherwise every star would sign with Scott Boras and play for NYY, but also, because no team ever tanks games to improve draft status, unlike every other sport. Thank goodness.

Run the table, bitches!

They want to steal the land papers which is why they have tried to break in. But they had to give up after being bitten by Chhotu.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 4, 2008 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That game yesterday, cost the yankees tonight bullpen tired from the shoot out yesterday with angels

by buckfan6 on Aug 4, 2008 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its so hot in texas right now 105 today

by buckfan6 on Aug 4, 2008 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

All you had to watch was Byrd and his reaction when he hit it

Forget the flight of the ball. Got up in the stream to right center and was long gone.

Umpires called two balks in one inning that gave the Yankees their 4th run. Bullshit calls as even Yankee announcers couldn’t believe it. Wash got thrown out when he went ballistic.

I am rooting for TB or any team that can beat Angels/Red Sox/Yankees.

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

by Trainman on Aug 4, 2008 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the Yanks are at the beginning of a nasty 16-games-out-of-19 stretch of road games

This will be crucial to their chances on not playing in October.

Can you imagine all the drivel about one last WS in the hallowed House That Ruth Built? I’m sure Fox would exercise its usual restraint, of course… but my stomach is turning just imagining it.

by Faust on Aug 5, 2008 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I remember celebrating back in 2006 when the Yankees swept the Rangers

but that was when the Rangers were a threat to the A’s division title hopes. Now I wonder when the A’s will make the playoff again.

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 8:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm thinking 2009. Sign Frank and Manny. Resign Ellis and extend Duke.

Don’t let T-Long chase flies in playoff games, or let Dr Gil start them. The pennant, she is ours!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Manny wanted FA over two $20million options,

you have to figure he’s gunning for more than that in a FA contract – and he’s 36. I don’t see him in green and gold.

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 4, 2008 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps, but I'm going to continue campaigning for it till the bitter end.

Manny for 5/$100! He’s a righty.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please, God, no

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs in their second rain delay at Wrigley

First they had a tornado warning, then they resumed the game, and then they had to stop again - lightning appeared to hit the scoreboard. Bleed Cubbie Blue has 700-ish comments in their “post-rain-delay thread” - they seem to like Gaudin.

by Englishmajor on Aug 4, 2008 9:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gaudin already has three wins for them in relief, I think

Given that the Cubs have edged out to a 5 game lead, and Harden has a 1.11 ERA, you could almost call it now and say the trade was worth it for the Cubs. I still think Harden will go down sooner rather than later and it will be a perfectly good trade for Oakland in the long run, but the Cubs got what they wanted even if Harden is hurt come October. They had to get there.

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 4, 2008 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm hoping Harden pitches the Cubs to a World Series title and it's a perfectly good trade

for the A’s starting next year.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

I want the Cubbies to win it all this year. 100 years is long enough for any fans to wait. And I don’t see them becoming entitled royal dickheads like Red Sox fans.

by Blez on Aug 4, 2008 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never underestimate the enemy.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally see them becoming entitled royal dickheads

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Aug 5, 2008 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please

They’re already entitled royal dickheads.

I lived in Lincoln Park for two years. The fact that the Cubs never win is the only thing keeping anyone remotely centered.

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 5, 2008 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

They already are. Their bandwagoning is as bad as Boston’s here in Kansas. I really hope they don’t win.

Might as well Jump! - Van Halen

by sprtsnwyn on Aug 5, 2008 5:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

K-Rod Blows Save

God unavailable for comment.

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 4, 2008 9:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He already used up His quota of thunderbolts in baseball stadia for today

by Englishmajor on Aug 4, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL Angels implode

K-Rod comes in with 1 out needed a 4 run lead and Texiera commits an error to load the bases then a 2 run single and a 2 run double

LOL

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

by Trainman on Aug 4, 2008 9:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There seems to be a virus going around in Angels clubhouse that cause errors

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Inner E-er?

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 4, 2008 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

See. Pythagoras was right all along.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Aug 4, 2008 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is a night for walked in runs.

by javaball on Aug 4, 2008 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The Angels win with a bases loaded walk

No matter

The blown save is what I wanted to see.

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

by Trainman on Aug 4, 2008 10:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Me too.

Wins and losses for the Halos don’t matter much now…but KROD blowing a save opp? PRICELESS.

by IM4Oakgal on Aug 4, 2008 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Harden can become an FA after this year

the Cubs acquired him just after he hit 5 years of service. And since he signed his contract under the old CBA, he has the right to demand a trade or be granted FA, right?

"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 4, 2008 11:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs