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Tonight, K-Rod Is Spelled With an 'E'

As_kings_cal_tiny by louismg on Comment 317 comments

I don't know what I like better - seeing the A's win four straight, or making the Angels look like complete idiots in the process, but tonight, I'm glad I don't have to make that choice, because we got both. K-Rod, the new all-time single season saves leader, again left us with a memorable sulk-off, aiding the process with his inability to throw anywhere that wasn't named home plate.

After a scary top of the ninth inning, which saw the A's precarious 1-0 lead dashed when Brad Ziegler served up a two-run shot to Mark Texiera, I was not looking forward to another one of K-Rod's anger-inducing goggle-eyed celebrations on our home field. But that never was a risk, as Barton's lead-off single in the bottom of the frame was extended to a double when Gary Matthews tossed the throw in the infield, back to nobody. With Barton on second, K-Rod walked Hannahan, putting the tying and leading runs on base for Cliff Pennington.

Pennington's would-be bunt was awesome as he smacked the ball off the plate, sending it sky-high. K-Rod sent his throw to first well past the base, into the Angels bullpen while the A's came racing around to score and win the game. It was ugly, but as mentioned in the thread, many things about the Angels are ugly, and we'll take wins however we can get them.

The issue of pitchers being unable to field and throw to first or second continues to boggle my mind. They should be among the best, most accurate throwers in the world, but by and large, they make the most bone-headed throws to the bases of any position players. If it were the A's making this mistake, I'd be begging for more defensive practice, but if this is the Angels' style, more power to 'em. Tonight, I am a K-Rod fan. We love you, K-Rod. Thank you.

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Woo-hoo!

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 17, 2008 9:50 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bobby Crosby was robbed...

I say ROBBED!!! on the BBTN web gems. Wasn’t even close.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 9:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prob did not have time to get it up

GREAT play

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

by baseballgirl on Sep 17, 2008 9:59 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, that's probably true...

after all, what other reason would BBTN have to ignore the A’s?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Prob did not have time to get it up

GREAT play

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

by baseballgirl on Sep 17, 2008 10:00 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's usually my excuse

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Right move by ESPN

That play was a graphic demonstration of just how badly Crosby’s range has decayed this season. 90% of MLB shortstops field that ball standing up.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you're kidding...

or didn’t see it.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was a graphic demonstration?

The ladies must have been pleased.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, Crosby's range is WAAAY down this year

to the point where I’m not sure he’s a plus defensive shortstop. But that was one heck of a play.

Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.

by salb918 on Sep 18, 2008 4:38 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

on what basis do you say his range is down?

Is there a moving average of multiple-year data, or is it just this year’s range numbers that are down? I was under the impression that it took multiple years of defensive data to draw a reasonable conclusion about a player’s overall D — wouldn’t that obtain for the various D components as well?

I’m not disputing that his range may be down, just that I’m agnostic on whether D stats can provide that degree of precision.

But, if you and PT et al. agree otherwise, I’ll take y’all’s collective word on it.

And, yeah, that was a heck of a play. Off the bat (from the vantage point of The Dogfather’s excellent seats in 119) it sure looked like it was going through.

cocky whacko @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 18, 2008 9:46 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think PT's excuse is going to be something along the lines of...

…“They were in double play position so any good shortstop gets to that standing up.”

At which point I’d just agree to disagree, but whatever. It was right up the middle and no play is that routine there.

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

by Flashfire on Sep 18, 2008 10:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Here's ZR and RZR

ZR:
2005: .867
2006: .855
2007: .870
2008: .831

RZR:
2005: .875; .035 (OOZ per inning, higher number good)
2006: .808; .029
2007: .834; .05
2008: .822; .033

Some of the better metrics released in June or so hated him to the tune of being one of the few worst SSs in the league, but his ZR and RZR have improved since then. I would say it is likely that his range has diminished to some extent, but I think it is overblown. I would guess that his D is a tic below average.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Sep 18, 2008 10:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A general note about judging D by eye:

My observation has been that it’s extremely difficult to judge a player’s range watching on tv, whereas one can get a very good sense watching at the park, whereas the opposite is true with hitting and pitching.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Sep 18, 2008 10:23 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would conditionally agree with all of that

There are certain elements of pitching and hitting that are better observed in person (from good seats), but, yeah, tv gives a much more complete and precise view.

cocky whacko @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 18, 2008 11:11 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Question for people who know about this stuff

Is it methodologically “bad” to add OOZ to BIZ to create a “total plays made/balls in zone” ratio? It seems like it makes more sense on its face than splitting the two and then leaving it to the reader to somehow mentally combine them.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think the reason they separate is that

ooz plays are thought to me more along the lines of “taking charge on a popup” than “great range” for the most part.

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Sep 18, 2008 8:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can't speak to salb

It’s purely observational for me. Balls that are taking multiple seconds to get through the infield are going by him not that far from his starting point.

It’s not that his range is horrible by shortstop standards— it’s probably about average— but in prior years it was good enough to mask (to some extent) his abysmal throwing mechanics and inaccuracy, and now it isn’t. He’s still screwing up just as many marginal plays on bad throws, but he’s making fewer easy plays.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you'll get no argument from me that his fundamentals and mechanics are poor

He’s really a waste of an excellent pedigree and physiognomy. He’s like what would happen if the hypothetical five-year-old learned baseball by watching Vlad.

cocky whacko @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 18, 2008 2:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

maybe the loss of Wash stunted his development defensively...

Though no hitting coach in the world will help develop him to his full (probably over-hyped) potential, I do feel that losing Wash has probably hurt not only Crosby’s development as a defender, but the entire infield.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 9:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

that sounds plausible to me

It's just something we do. It's not something we like. @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 19, 2008 11:05 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I actually don't think his range has decayed that much

I never thought he was a great, or even very good defensive player. I think in the past he’s been decent, and now he’s probably somewhere a bit below average.

I agree that the play probably shouldn’t have looked quite so difficult, but I don’t think it was an easy play either.

by thejd44 on Sep 18, 2008 11:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beating Lackey and K-Rod on back to back games?

Yum.

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 Sep 17, 2008 9:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hope this is just a preview of the ass-kickin'...

the A’s are gonna hand these ass-hats in "09.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 9:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it certainly has a ring to it...

in an alliterations sort of way.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 9:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

"Many things about the Angels are ugly"

should be QOTM if it were in a comment.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 9:51 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

TY. I do what I can.

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

by louismg on Sep 17, 2008 10:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I will say it again:

Angels D: WORST. EVAR.

Go A’s!

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

by IowaA'sFan on Sep 17, 2008 9:52 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If I were Mike Scioscia, I would NOT be pleased

with the level of energy and commitment everyone but Teixeira showed.

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 Sep 17, 2008 9:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you were Mike Scioscia

I’d take away your sheep

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 17, 2008 9:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If I were a sheep I'd still say no to Scioscia

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 Sep 17, 2008 9:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

As the bottom of the 9th was unfolding...

…he looked like his head was about to explode.

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

by UncleLeo on Sep 18, 2008 6:59 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Garret Anderson is a thoroughgoing embarrassment in the field

He makes the phrase “Adam Dunn, defensive replacement” plausible.

cocky whacko @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 17, 2008 11:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

almost

Jack is faster than Garret, has better instincts, and tries harder. As is/has/does Dunn.

cocky whacko @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 18, 2008 9:47 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Garret Anderson has never been even a very good player

He puts up numbers that are great for a middle infielder, but just sorta ok for a corner OF. And he’s never been anything special defensively. The only thing going for him is he’s always been consistently a hair above average (and he’s been mostly healthy), so he’s got all these pretty counting stats and not-terrible rate stats. The guy is going to get some HOF votes when he was probably never a top 15 corner OF.

by thejd44 on Sep 18, 2008 11:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Listening to Ken's call again

Chills-ville

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 17, 2008 9:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

He's just so professional - few broadcasters

can deliver the level of excitement and maintain a professional sound the way he does.

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 Sep 17, 2008 9:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Truly

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 17, 2008 9:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this was like the sulk off

only it lasted longer, and K-Rod looked stupider

by OaklandSi on Sep 17, 2008 9:55 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And just as fun

Total schadenfreude

"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 Sep 17, 2008 10:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

More like that please.

Awesome finish.

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

by louismg on Sep 17, 2008 10:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I like Cliffy,

it’s a shame he isn’t better…

The A's colors are green and gold.

by mikeA on Sep 17, 2008 10:02 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

From what I've seen, he's sufficiently good at 2B defensively

If he could learn to slap his way to a .260 batting average and take a few walks, I could forgive his Kendallesque power.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just think his D has been a lot better at 2B

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he reminds me of Mark Ellis...

at least, in the post-game interview. Maybe he can step up.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:03 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

isn't better?

I thought for a second you wrote butter. Better than mayo.

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:04 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: pitchers having trouble with this throw...

…it could be said it’s not the kind of throw they’re used to making. I mean, pitchers are used to specific timing and positioning in their motion to the plate and this kind of throw is rushed and there’s little time to pick out the target first.

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

by Flashfire on Sep 17, 2008 10:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

With that particular play, the only good throw

was not to make one. And for a strikeout pitcher like K-Rod, bases loaded nobody out is still a jam you can escape with 0 or 1 run.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

against the August A's, maybe...

against most MLB teams anytime, probably not.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't know why he fielded the play

Pitchers always avoid pop-ups, and that’s pretty much what it was. Let the 1B or 3B get it.

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

by louismg on Sep 17, 2008 10:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

exactly Nico

K-Hole should have never made that throw. He had “0” chance of throwing Penny out at 1st base.

Still, I love watching that piece of shit blow up!

by mrod on Sep 18, 2008 9:38 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Remember Nathan and the Twins?

A’s down 2-1, no outs, bottom of the ninth, men on first and second, closer tries to make close play, throws ball down the line, two A’s score and win 3-2. Twice… in less than three weeks!

by muscatel on Sep 17, 2008 10:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And Shields on Scutaro's bunt last year

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, was Bill King still alive?

Whaddya know.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Goggles

When did KR quit wearing them? Yup, I know, probably Hudler talked about that too.

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

When he realized Seth Green

wore goggles in Can’t Hardly Wait and totally looked like a douche.

by thesteve9x on Sep 17, 2008 10:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

he looks in the mirror everyday, after all...

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Perhaps the last time he pointed up to God

God gave him the cold shoulder?

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's so rude to point

Plus you have three fingers pointing back at yourself

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I really hope Outman has another good start tomorrow

Smith may finally have found the outside corner (by moving over on the rubber) and I’m still optimistic about him, Gallagher has #2 potential IMO, and Outman has the “power arm” that could complement Duchscherer, Gallagher, and Smith nicely.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:10 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gallagher is destined for the #1 role on next year's A's...

you’re penciling in Duke?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last I checked he's on the roster

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've always been one of the biggest Duke fans here...

just don’t see it next year. Even if he’s on the roster, he’s the #2 behind Gallagher, who has much better stuff.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gallagher has much better stuff, but Duke is a better pitcher

at this point in their careers. When he has been healthy, Duke has been a top-notch pitcher every season he has pitched for the A’s. He’s very, very good. Gallagher’s best years won’t come for 2-3 more seasons.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm just not convinced Duke will be here...

nor that he’ll stay healthy. If he is and he does… he’ll start the year as the #1. He won’t finish it there.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would be Cahill

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cahill, Anderson or Gallagher...

if their up, that means our pitching will be good (I think). Billy will probably have to trade one of them to get a decent bat, but our pitching will still be the best in the West, so…

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dunn is a decent bat.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Git'er Dunn

I just had to post it

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay Larry!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If they're up, it means the pitching is shit

There’s no way the A’s should be turning to them (Cahill and Anderson, I mean) at any point next season. There are 9 pitchers ahead of them on the depth chart right now.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

+1

September callups at best, but I just don’t see it.

by mikev on Sep 17, 2008 10:41 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't see that, either.

Both need a full season of AAA in Sacramento. I wouldn’t dare rush them, we have no need anyway.

by danmerqury on Sep 17, 2008 10:42 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no, it would mean Cahill and Anderson...

are really fucking good and ready for the majors. To jump over 9 pitchers slotted ahead of them (can you name the 9?). That’s the only way they’d be up.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep

Duke
Gallagher
Smith
Braden
Outman
Eveland
Gio
Mazzaro
Simmons

The A’s aren’t going to pull a guy from the rotation midseason unless he’s injured or sucking. The team just doesn’t operate that way.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was...

you didn’t quite agree… but, close enough. My bet… Beane trades 2 or 3 of those guys for a bat before next season even starts. The rest just aren’t as good as Cahill or Anderson.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Of those listed, I have no trouble seeing Smith, Braden, Outman,

Simmons and Mazzaro being worse than Cahill and/or Anderson next year. I also have no trouble seeing Duke not finish the year in the rotation due to trade or injury. Eveland could be trade bait as well, which leaves Gio.

You can never have too much pitching!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I really have a hard time seeing those guys being worse than Cahill/Anderson next year

Anderson pretty clearly wasn’t ready for AAA; his numbers from the playoffs look superficially good but are very un-Anderson-like. Cahill hasn’t cracked AAA yet; he was having enough challenges in AA.

There’s also the matter of trying to build their arms up. Neither of them is really supposed to pitch more than 150 innings next year.

I’m not saying they are bad pitchers, I’m saying that they are guys who cannot legally drink yet and it would be perniciously stupid to force them to the big leagues early on a hunch. I actually wouldn’t even consider calling them up even if the pitching IS shit.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 11:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're not ahead of any of the guys above them

right now. Foolshgame22’s comment related to the end of 2009.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 11:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

which means?

bring up your good pitchers like Lincecum when they’re young? Or let them wallow a bit in the minors where they’ll do you no good?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:04 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bad, bad argument

Tim Lincecum’s first major league pitch was thrown at the age of 22 years, 10 months. Equivalent dates for the A’s pair would be somewhere between September 2010 and April 2011.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

dude, why do you bother?

it’s f*cking foolshgame…

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Sep 18, 2008 12:38 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was more talking about Conor Gillaspie.

Anyway, we’re not planning on contending in 2009. Why rush them and possibly sacrifice some great years of pitching down the road? If we were contenders on paper for ‘09, I could maybe see trying them out, but otherwise, we’ve got to wait. We’ve got more than enough depth up here to tide us over.

by danmerqury on Sep 18, 2008 12:31 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Billy Beane is planning on contending in 2009...

he doesn’t want to see 9,000 fans per game out at that great stadium, with the great public transportation, called the Coli. Trust me on this, Beane wants to win the West in 2009.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, of course he wants to win the west in 2009.

And I want to win the lottery, but neither are going to happen. The addition of Cahill and/or Anderson is not going to make us contenders. The Angels are, sadly, too good right now. Our team is too young, too inexperienced, and just not good enough. We need to let our glut of young outfielders grow and mature, and we need our infield prospects to blossom. Beane isn’t quite done rebuilding, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see another trade this offseason, giving us some real high-level infield prospects. Rest assured, Cahill and Anderson will be the cornerstones of a great rotation down the road. Let’s not rush them in an ill-guided attempt at putting a slightly less-mediocre team on the field in 2009.

Of course, there’s also the argument that Cahill and Anderson won’t be better pitchers in the majors in 2009 than our current rotation, which is definitely plausible.

by danmerqury on Sep 18, 2008 1:13 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree

Though I wouldn’t be opposed to a September callup to get their feet wet if the A’s are out of it and they haven’t already pitched a ton of innings. In that scenario, it’s a relatively pressure-free situation and not really “rushing” them.

In a perfect world, there’s no need for that. The A’s have a ton of pitching, and while Cahill/Anderson will likely be better than most of the guys you listed, they aren’t now and hopefully those guys are good enough that they won’t be next year.

by thejd44 on Sep 18, 2008 12:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

September callups are a different kettle of fish

While they would still have roster and service time implications (and I think that the A’s should not under almost any circumstances use them in such a way that they will become free agents before the end of the 2016 season), I can see the argument for getting them some low-pressure innings at the big-league level.

Giving them 2 weeks in September, then calling them up for good at the end of April the next year is something I can theoretically get on board with. Though we’ll have to see who would potentially get “bumped” off the roster to make it happen.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For once PT

we can agree, sir. My sentiments exactly. Let the gems continue to grow and mature without rushing them. Look at what happened to both Gonzos the A’s called up this year?

by mrod on Sep 18, 2008 9:51 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if you're good enough to pitch in the Olympics...

you’re good enough to start for the A’s. That’d be my rule.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:55 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brett Hunter!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bad, bad argument

Tim Lincecum’s first major league pitch was thrown at the age of 22 years, 10 months. Equivalent dates for the A’s pair would be somewhere between September 2010 and April 2011.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

okay...

I’m not adamant about it. They’re young. But, if they’re better than the rest, they should be in the rotation. I don’t care how young they are.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:10 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You really can't see ANYTHING about the issue

other than the nearsighted, narrow-minded calculation of “who’s best right now”? (Stipulating for argument’s sake that they are actually better, which I doubt they will be.)

I’m not sure whether to react with despair or bafflement.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:14 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

so, you're saying...

I don’t have your power of foresight? And, you can use lawyer talk with me… “assuming, arguendo…” I get it. One of Cahill or Anderson will be in the A’s rotation next year. Maybe both if one isn’t traded for a bat.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If it's not my vocabulary, it's clearly your reading comp skills

You force me to hit you over the head with this, so:

There are many reasons for not automatically playing “the best player”. These include, but are not limited to (there’s some lawyer-speak for you):

1. Service time concerns,
2. Desire to preserve trade value of the guy he would be replacing,
3. Fear of injury or overuse of a young player,
4. Concern for the effect on the older player’s confidence,
5. Roster space issues.

ALL of these are reasons why the A’s should not promote Cahill or Anderson to the majors next season.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:51 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

very convincing...

NOT! I’m sorry counselor, you’ll have to file a supplemental brief, because none of that convinces me that Beane won’t throw his best players out there next year. If Cahill and Anderson are better than the rest, they’ll be in the majors.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:56 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm really not interested in what WILL happen

Trying to read tea leaves for transactional moves is both boring and stupid. I’m saying what SHOULD happen.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:13 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Other than #3, none of those are good

reasons. Actually #5 might be a good reason but I don’t understand what it means.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 18, 2008 1:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

#3 ia a shitty reason...

because it applies to almost everyone of our pitchers except Duke (who won’t be here anyway).

  1. Roster Space Issues is a joke on this team. There are no roster space issues. Unless Beane trades for three MLB bats (not likely), we don’t have roster issues.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:15 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Greg Smith has a career high of 178 IP

Dana Eveland has a (new) career high of 177 IP.

Sean Gallagher has a career high of 164 IP.

Vince Mazzaro has a career high of approximately 180 IP.

Trevor Cahill has a career high of approximately 130 IP.

Brett Anderson has a career high of approximately 130 IP.

Both of them need an additional build-up year before they will be ready to handle a six-month starter’s workload.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:25 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lol...

that’s what i LOVE about you PT. You tell me what they’ve done and, therefore, what they’re limited to doing. Hindsight is always good, unless you want to win a championship. Then, you gotta go for it. Now, I know, that’s not the lawyerly thing to do (and, believe me, I know), but in baseball, you sometimes gotta do it like the Rays and the Marlins.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:30 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Winning a championship requires taking gambles that are known to be stupid?

This is news to me. Seems like the Red Sox were able to squeeze through last year without imposing stupid innings loads on their young players.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:38 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

huh?

non sequitur. Please accept my challenge to no-limit hold ’em. LOL For charity.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:49 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I feel like I'm speaking some kind of pidgin dialect

“Roster space issues.” As in, players take up a space. On the roster. Which means someone else can’t be in that space. Yes?

Putting players on the 40-man roster too early can result in pointlessly losing decent players to Rule 5, as well as using up options, although I think the latter isn’t too much of a concern for those two.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:18 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

no, you're not speaking pidgin to me...

I get what you’re saying. There just aren’t many on the 40-man roster I’d elect to keep over Cahill and Anderson. I hear what you’re saying… I just don’t agree.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

we have few decent players...

on our 40-man roster… do you want me to pick the two I’d delete? Gladly, I’ll do that.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:22 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's not "keep A over B"

It’s “keep A AND B, or just B”.

A+B>B unless A is completely worthless— and the A’s easily have 40 non-completely worthless players with enough pro time to be Rule 5 eligible.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:29 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll delete two completely worthless ones...

if that will satisfy you.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:36 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Two?

Dude, right now there are about 55 prospects in the org who are either on the 40-man or on track to be Rule 5 eligible by the end of next year. That means cutting 15 of them, not 2…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:41 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'll cut two from the existing 40...

I’ll make the decision on the other 53 when you let me know who they are.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:47 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

After looking it up, you're right about

the coming roster crunch. Here are some of the guys that may be on the bubble after 2009 — Hannahan, Baisley, Recker, Mitchell, Davis, Murton, Herrera, Meyer, Hernandez, Kilby, Bailey, Petit, Sellers, Mitchinson, Webb, and Garcia.

I see no one on that list that would prevent me from putting the five best starters out there however. Did I miss someone important?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 18, 2008 5:38 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Italiano and Lansford, at least

Possibly De Los Santos, I forget exactly how old he was when he signed his first pro contract.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 8:58 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes but these guys are likely

no brainers to be added. I was focusing on the guys who might be affected by early promotions.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 18, 2008 7:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, you exclude the non-marginal prospects

and are then surprised that your list is a bunch of marginal prospects?

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 9:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If that's what you mean, then #5 isn't

a good reason either. Nobody should suppress one of the top 5 starting pitchers for the sake of the 40th (actually about 43rd with 60-day DL) man on the roster.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 18, 2008 1:27 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's a great way to give away organizational depth for no benefit

The Giants, Royals, etc. have been very successfully shooting themselves in the foot with that strategy for some years now.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:31 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well you don't have to give it away --

you can trade it. Sometimes it works brilliantly — Vizcaino for Duchscherer — sometimes works decently — Harville for Saarloos — sometimes you do end up giving it away — DJ.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 18, 2008 1:40 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fuck this keep the marginal prospects philosophy...

I’m tired of it. I’d say the vast majority of A’s fans are tired of it. We want some fuckin’ hitters on this team and damn the future. I’d trade every River Cat for a couple of decent bats. Every one. And, I don’t mean superstar bats, because I doubt anyone would trade two superstar bats for the River Cats. And, that kinda shows you what “organizational depth” means to winning. Nothing.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:41 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So, the A's should promote Cahill and Anderson pointlessly

because the team needs hitters?!

Objection, relevance.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 1:48 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, I say promote them...

if they’re the best pitchers. Or trade their asses for bats. I’ll settle for either option.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 1:52 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This entire thing shows me that you don't really understand how the process works

All of PT’s reasons are valid, as is the “If the team isn’t going anywhere, it doesn’t actually matter who is the best” argument.

Roster space issues are always a concern. I can’t even fathom how you don’t understand that.

by thejd44 on Sep 18, 2008 12:05 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

These reasons, other than #3 strike

me as not seeing the forest for the trees. They’re all way way behind trying to win and trying to develop players. They’re minutiae.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 18, 2008 7:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

AN 3.0 strikes again

I don’t know how that comment ended up in two places.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 12:12 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

have you been drinking tonight?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:31 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was a great ending...

unlike Blez, I didn’t turn it off and throw my remote. I felt a strange confidence. No proof, of course, but, I felt Ziggy would blow his first save, too.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 18, 2008 12:39 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tex's HR was almost predictable

He had absolutely murdered that double into the gap earlier. He was just on.

cocky whacko @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 18, 2008 9:49 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dunno if I'd call it predictable considering who was pitching...

…but he did go down and get a good pitch for it. It wasn’t a cheap one.

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

by Flashfire on Sep 18, 2008 10:11 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

besides, wouldn't they only have to jump...

over 6 of those guys to be in the rotation? Maybe only 5 because I’m assuming Duke won’t be here. That kinda improves their chances.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 11:43 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Must. Follow. Plan.

No room for… deviation.

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

by UncleLeo on Sep 18, 2008 7:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Joe Blanton kind of shot that whole correlation thing

Well, so did Carlos Reyes and before him Chris Codiroli.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But not Gil Heredia. He still rocks!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Chris Codiroli

Aahhhh………….the fond memories of A’s sucktitude never cease to amaze me……

by mrod on Sep 18, 2008 10:07 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The only way tonight would've been better

is if Cliff hit the plate, drove in the runs, ran to the mound to point up to the sky like in th parody of a jackass.

I really hope the Angels loss inspires them to lose here on out.

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

if Cliff had touched home plate...

wouldn’t that have been an inside-the-park HR? Just wondering?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

No, single and a three-base error maybe, but not HR

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i was thinking of that freakish bunt hitting the plate and bouncing up so high

But an inside the park HR would’ve been cool also!

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It wasn't a bunt

It was a Baltimore Chop. Pull the bat back, then swing straight down on the top of the ball and try to hit it off the plate.

I haven’t seen someone actually attempt that at the MLB level in years. Worked great, though. Pennington had a clean hit before the errant throw.

K-Rod should have pocketed the ball. Which makes it all the more satisfying that he idiotically didn’t. :-)

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've never seen one of those

PT, you’re like AN’s baseball wikipedia.

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watching the replay

the ball struck home plate more to the rear than the front of home plate. Amazing the way it went straight down. Nearly too far back. Did Pennington say he was attempting to bounce it off of home plate?? I’d say that deliberately hitting a ball off of home plate off a high-velocity pitcher is far more difficult to achieve than any bunt. I think he simply got lucky.

That’s one back for many “foul by inches” rockets down the line.

Runs Please. A lot of them. The rest of the season. Thank you.

by One won lost won on Sep 17, 2008 11:12 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah, he got lucky...

it was, nevertheless, exquisite.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 11:14 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think he meant he chopped down to hit a ground ball, not necessarily a Baltimore Chop.

He said he swung because of the wheel play.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 11:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

in the postgame interview he said

he was just trying to hit it on the ground. He called the bounce off homeplate “fortunate”.

by OaklandSi on Sep 18, 2008 8:34 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You can only advance as many bases as the winning run did

Two, in this case.

Also, best case scenario it’s a single and a three-base error (or multiple errors).

Does make me wonder if anyone’s ever hit a walk-off inside the parker before, and if so, when it last happened.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That would be wild

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A walk-off inside the park grand slam would be nice

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now that I'm almost sure has never happened

Home team has to be down by exactly 3, bases loaded, inside the park HR? Not bloody likely.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Only has to happen once

You don’t really expect to see a midget come up to bat either. But enough about Freddie Patek.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This must be the game

July 25, 1956

There’s no play-by-play so I can’t confirm that it was inside-the-park. I looked for Pirates home games where Clemente had at least 4 RBI and the Pirates won by one run, then checked to see if Clemente hit a grand slam in the bottom of the 9th. This is the only game that qualifies.

by Soaker on Sep 17, 2008 10:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was the only one alive...

I don’t remember, though.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looks like it really did happen
The Pirates were at home, playing the Chicago Cubs. Chicago led, 8-5, but Pittsburgh loaded the bases with no out. With Clemente due up, the Cubs brought in a new pitcher, Jim Brosnan. On Brosnan’s first pitch, Clemente hit a long drive to left-center field. Hank Foiles, Bill Virdon, and Dick Cole raced around the bases toward home plate with the runs that would tie the game. Clemente also tore around the diamond. Manager Bobby Bragan was coaching at third base and held up his arms, giving Clemente the signal to stop at third. With no one out and good hitters coming up, Bragan figured they’d still get Clemente home with the winning run and didn’t want to take the chance on him being thrown out at the plate. However, Clemente ignored his manager, kept running, and was safe at home. The inside-the-park grand-slam home run won the game for the Pirates.

(Source)

by Soaker on Sep 17, 2008 10:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I would have liked to have seen that...

I was only 7 months old, so I wouldn’t have remembered it, but still…

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I remember it well ;)

I was at a bar named “The Ofice” (sic) which was one of my favorite hangouts, as I could tell my first wife, “Hey, I gotta work late at "The Ofice”. They had the Pirates game on the radio, on account of the number of customers who wanted to listen in. No one could believe what happened.

I told the barkeeper, “Barkeep, any other doughboys from Great War in here, let ‘em know I’m buying. That home-run is one for the books, and it calls for celebrating!”

But, there were no other old vets in there. I had already calculated that my generous offer would end with no subscriptions, so I consumed three more rounds between laughs with the younger customers, and still got change back from the dollar.

Runs Please. A lot of them. The rest of the season. Thank you.

by One won lost won on Sep 22, 2008 12:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

by the way...

great research.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, I'm surprised

The cumulative probabilities of that situation are such that even with 100,000 or so MLB games played, I would not have expected it to ever arise.

Then again, you could say the same about the DiMaggio streak.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 11:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'll say it again

F-Rod is my favorite player for the A’s to beat! =D

""These guys are a different breed of ballclub." - Twins manager Ron Gardenhire on the A's

by gotgreen on Sep 17, 2008 10:14 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too, and #2 is Lackey

So…a pretty good series so far!

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Smith gets a no-decision, Ziggy gets the win

Yeah, that seems fair.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Smith is the unlukiest pitcher on this team...

I hope he gets 5 runs per game in run support next year. What’s it been this year? 1.3 runs per game?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

2.7? Among the five lowest all time for A's pitchers

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

2nd worst in Oakland history, behind Matt Keough

(They showed a graphic during the game.)

Keough weirdly had the 5th worst run support the season later. His teammates really didn’t like him very much. Of course, it didn’t help that they were also terrible at baseball.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It was sad to see Ziggy give up the bomb but

1) it had to happen sometime

2) It allowed God to treat us to a nice memory for 2008 and deliver a reminder to K-Fraud that even God himself doesn’t like that tool celebrating.

I am sure God allowed himself to give K-Rod the middle finger when that happened.

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

by Trainman on Sep 17, 2008 10:19 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So you're saying I'm God?

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You would be OK in that role

You hate Lackey and K-Rod so that is one of the prerequisites

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

by Trainman on Sep 17, 2008 10:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and, Nico is a Raider fan

another prerequisite.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hardly.

I HATE football.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:27 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

oh, my mistake...

you’re disqualified.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's fine.

I don’t care for the “long beard” look anyway.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I bet you can grow a great beard...

but, it is the non-Raider fan that disqualifies you. I, on the other hand, have been a Raider fan since 1960. It’s my inability to grow a beard that disqualifies me. I kinda look like a Chernobyl victim when I try to grow a beard.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This evening ONLY!

tidy up before you lock the door….
…also, no tsunamis after dark, no one can get it on video.

Runs Please. A lot of them. The rest of the season. Thank you.

by One won lost won on Sep 17, 2008 11:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't usually give any credence to God helping decide the outcome of a game or even caring about sports...

…but tonight’s ending, thus taking Ziggy off the hook for the loss, doesn’t hurt that idea.

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

by Flashfire on Sep 17, 2008 10:21 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have this image of God at a party, going,

“I’m serious, I do not know him.”

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last night an orgy

Tonight theology.
I love this place.

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why must it be one or the other?

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I've been at many an orgy where I screamed

“Oh GOD!!!! JESUS!!! OH GOD!!!!”

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Orgy is a plural and not a mono thing

You’re just doing the self lovin’ wrong

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you can probably get mono at an orgy

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But going solo would be weird

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God is a hippie?

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If so, he must have been asleep last week

when the Berkeley oak grove came down…

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God loves his Cal football

So he isn’t a hippie

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 10:45 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God loves Cal football?

Please explain last Saturday.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 17, 2008 10:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

De Lawd slept-in.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 18, 2008 10:01 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

God was weeping then

Were you there, did you see it? So sad and depressing.

by LibrariAN on Sep 18, 2008 3:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not if you're a Cal football fan

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 18, 2008 4:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not until he changes his delivery again

The next one he gives up will probably be lefty.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes.

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Imagine if that was the last game of the season and Frankie needed one save for the

record and that happened.

Now that I would pay 1,000 bucks to see in person.

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

by Trainman on Sep 17, 2008 10:22 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Make it tied in the AL West standings and I'll pony up $2,000

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 Sep 17, 2008 10:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So here's what happened to me

I turned off the game after Ziggy gave up the bomb to Teixeira and threw the remote down.

I stomped downstairs to start unloading the dishwasher. I paused for a second and thought, you know what, a hard core fan doesn’t give up and I’m not a sulking baby like K-Rod. So I turned the game back on to see Barton’s base hit and the idiotic play that let him advance to second.

The rest was just awesome. I had to stifle my screams of joy because my daughter had just been put to bed.

by Blez on Sep 17, 2008 10:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Good man

Most importantly, how’s the remote?

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

by Flashfire on Sep 17, 2008 10:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Just came open and the batteries hit the wall

I was frankly surprised that I cared that much about a game that was essentially meaningless for this team. Apparently I care a lot whenever the team plays the Angels regardless of record.

by Blez on Sep 17, 2008 10:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blez

Are yall getting anymore in bily we trust shirts in L or Xl?

by buckfan6 on Sep 17, 2008 11:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

$1K

I paid that much to see the Rolling Stones.
I screamed tonight like I scream for them.

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:24 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Off to bed

10:30 already. Time flies when you having fun.

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

're

Screaming affects one’s grammar.

by LibrariAN on Sep 17, 2008 10:33 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

baltimore chop

Pennington said in the postgame interview that he deliberately chopped it because the Angels had the wheel play on. The odds of executing a chop that perfectly can’t be high, but he did it. If it hadn’t hit the plate, it still probably would have gotten the runner to third, depending on how the A’s have their grass cut.

by vk on Sep 17, 2008 10:34 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

leave it to the minor league September call-up...

I doubt he had the green light from Geren.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 10:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DFA!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 17, 2008 10:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   1 recs

Buan has Lackey on the radio

That is really reaching the bottom of the barrell.

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

by Trainman on Sep 17, 2008 10:43 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha! Fangraph!

Pennington with a +.494 WPA, and K-Rod with a -.791. Jesus.

by danmerqury on Sep 17, 2008 11:13 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My joy displayed in mathematics

glainvin

The Raider Nation is the only Nation.

by oaklandSMASH on Sep 17, 2008 11:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish the Dow had looked like that today...

I wouldn’t be a totally broke soon-to-be father of two, in that case. Depression. And, that does have a double meaning.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 17, 2008 11:18 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs