Open Thread: Game 138 - A's at Kansas City
by Nico on Sep 2, 2008 4:52 PM PDT
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PrintEmil Brown, incensed that the A's refuse to value more highly a hitter who can't OPS .700, get on base 30% of the time, run the bases competently or, you know, catch the ball in the outfield, returns to the place where he was duly appreciated...well actually, non-tendered after leading the Royals in RBI two years in a row. YOU'RE sorry the A's signed you? Puh-leese.
All I ask from the A's tonight is that they do not mess up and score six early runs, because with Gio Gonzalez on the mound that could be disastrous. Gio tries to rebound from a disappointing start in Anaheim when he was staked to a 6-0 lead and could not retire a man - or a woman or even a ferret - in the fourth inning. Gonzalez is opposed by über-talented right-hander Zack Greinke.
The latest additions to Oakland's expanded roster are lefty Josh Outman, obtained in the Joe Blanton trade, and "Good Sweeney," i.e., Mike Sweeney, who replaces Frank Thomas as the A's "old, formerly great hitter who can draw walks but can't actually walk."
Tonight's starting lineups, not featuring the tragically underappreciated Emil Brown:
Davis - CF
R. Sweeney - RF
Crosby - SS
Cust - DH
Suzuki - C
Barton - 1B
Hannahan - 3B
Cunningham - LF
Patterson - 2B
DeJesus - CF
Aviles - SS
Guillen - RF
Butler - DH
Shealy - 1B
Olivo - C
Teahen - 3B
Callaspo - 2B
German - LF
UPDATE: Rain Delay before first pitch. The game is scheduled to begin around 5:40pm PDT. This is the longest the A's have not trailed in a game since the 2006 season.
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Only 16 of 25 September games on Bay Area TV
Seems like the A’s, “CSN-Giants” and KICU have decided to euthanize the interest that remains in the 2008 club.
Haven't heard much about Outman
Anybody know what his scouting report is like? Thrower like Eveland? Nibbler like Smith? Just bad like Meyer?
Very hard thrower - 94MPH-98MPH
who historically has had control problems. So maybe the best comp is Henry Rodriguez.
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
I've never seen him throw, but here's from the Chron:
Outman’s fastball registered as high as 97MPH, and he was consistently working in the mid-90s, according to Sacramento manager Todd Steverson.
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
yeah, I saw that
all the other reports I’ve seen have been lower, and in any case that blurb doesn’t say “94-98” to me.
The A's colors are green and gold.
Fine, 94-97
I think "consistently in the mid 90s and registering as high as 97" translates to "94-97".
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
He could do that as a reliever maybe
but I’d fall out of my chair if that was his range as a starter. I would expect 90-94. “94-97” for a starter would be top 5 or 10 in the majors. He would have way more hype if he threw that hard.
The A's colors are green and gold.
He WAS doing it as a reliever
since the quote was from Sacramento’s manager and he has pitched in relief for the Rivercats.
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
Didn't know this before, but
Through Google, I keep finding things about how he had a completely unorthodox delivery in high school that worked great, but he learned “conventional” mechanics in college.
The delivery, awkward in its appearance, begins with the pitcher raising his arm vertically with the ball, then bending it behind his head — seemingly touching his opposite shoulder. The pitcher then pivots his front foot, beginning his follow-through with a “walking step” forward. There is no leg kick as with conventional mechanics.
I used to do things like that in high school actually
All of my stuff sucked, so I’d change my windup and arm angle every pitch to confuse the hitters
One time I was so desperate to confuse hitters that I threw my shoe
Unfortunately, it was laced.
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
Does anyone know what roster moves were made to clear space for Outie and Sweeney?
"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
Frank Thomas to Disabled/Dead List - maybe he's big enough to count for two moves.
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
He would need to go to the 60-day though, which would mean done for the year
We need to clear two 40-man roster slots to add Outman and Sweeney…Frank to the 60-Day DL would be one…
"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 Sep 2, 2008 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Frank is done - I expect he'll be 60-Day DL
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
So, um, it's been a weird couple of months for my family
First, my car accident and now, last night, my wife fell down the stairs in our house and broke her ankle. She can’t put any weight on it. This happened the day AFTER she ran the Disneyland half marathon.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 2, 2008 5:16 PM PDT reply actions
happened to my friend
last year after the Disney Half Marathon, she said he knee felt like it gave up on her and she fell onto a chair and somehow fractured something.
white esurance sign behind home plate..oh so that’s why durham is an absolutely terrible defensive second baseman.. - xbhaskarx
Yeah
She was fine though. Wasn’t very sore, she just happened to be traversing our stairs in the dark and just completely missed a step. One of the worst sounds I ever heard was the crash and then her screaming.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 2, 2008 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
So you've never listened to Cotroneo, then.
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
sounds like a real Mickey Mouse injury to me
There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@
Ack. Here's to a speedy and safe recovery.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
You have my
sympathy empathy – my mom broke her ankle in December (triple fracture plus dislocation) and is equipped with Airport Security alarming hardware (bolts, screws). She really needs the “Clear Card” but she’s waiting for an A’s player to walk and Emil Brown just keeps on hacking away.
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
How did she do it?
We have an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon tomorrow, so I’m hoping it isn’t very bad. Judging from her screams (she has a pretty high pain tolerance and said the pain was worse than childbirth) and the size of the swelling though, I’m not hopeful.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 2, 2008 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions
She should have just asked for an epidural before taking the stairs.
Ray: "How fun is it to be up here playing in the Big Leagues?"
Gio: "It's *SUPER* fun!!!"
Well, my mom was sent by ambulance to the hospital
where she stayed overnight and had “emergency surgery” the following day. But the dislocation left her foot temporarily deformed so there were no options. It has been a slow path to recovery because while the ankle is now healed and strong, compensating has caused much pain on the opposite side. I hope Mrs. Blez’ injury is not as severe and it sounds like it isn’t, in that there was presumably no dislocation.
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
My mom has more hardware than she has bones, I think.
I think our moms should go through security checkpoints together and get everyone distracted while we steal some stuff.
Ray: "How fun is it to be up here playing in the Big Leagues?"
Gio: "It's *SUPER* fun!!!"
What is one going to steal at the airport, though?
Certainly not the food.
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
Not trying to one-up all of your moms' stories
but my mom created a scene at a TSA screening — six years after she died, when I finally got around to taking her ashes back to Minnesota. It seems the chemical signature of cremated human remains and Semtex are pretty much the same.
Polynesian Sauce may not be available in all locations.
My mom can beat up your mom's ashes
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
Didn't you get the memo?
The only people allowed on AN are terrorists, and you.
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
dammit, Nico, you tease!
I thought your first paragraph was leading up to an announcement that DFA had become truly eponymous.
There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@
Lenny D DFA'd, Outman is on the 25-man roster
It’s updated on the team 40-man roster, but there’s no news release yet.
"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
KC telecast..
just put up CarGon’s photo next to Gio’s stats as tonight’s stating pitcher. I did a double take and said, “Cool, maybe Carlos can pitch” .
Game about to start for those listening…
39 remarkable innings.
Anyone have a tally on how many starting pitchers we've used this season?
Proud mommy of "mini-kapers"
Eleven
Smith 27
Eveland 24
Duchscherer 22
Blanton 20
Harden 13
Braden 8
Gallagher 7
Gaudin 6
Gonzalez 6
Meyer 3
DiNardo 2
But you're going to find out anyway: 22
Those who have appeared only in relief:
Embree 60
Street 54
Casilla 45
Ziegler 35
A. Brown 31
Devine 30
Foulke 27
Blevins 25
Saarloos 5
Calero 5
Hernandez 3
Rule 5 guy who was more Mike Neu and Jay Marshall and Ryan Goleski
than he was Josh Hamilton or Joaquim Soria.
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
In Greg Smith's ML debut in Toronto (4/9)
Fernando Hernandez also made his ML debut, pitching the bottom of the 8th and picking up the victory when the A’s scored 4 in the 9th to win the game, 6-3.
He then had two disastrous outings later on that road trip, in Cleveland, and was quickly returned to the White Sox.
A walk, an error and a homerun
your 2008 Oakland A’s.
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 5:55 PM PDT reply actions
someone ask the Commish to light up the Out-Signal!
There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@
Gio was brought up a year too early
Not very impressive so far.
Control is a major problem. Has a nice curve and a very, very hittable meatball
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
Not bad
the warning track is like a friggen lake. The ball was hit pretty hard and Cunninham was right against the wall in a ton of water.
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Can someone describe how Cunningham made an error?
Was it fielding or throwing? Tough play or easy flub?
"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
Soaked warning track
Cunningham first at the field, on the move through the water and the ball just hit his glove and bounced out.
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Thank you
Sounds like it would’ve been tough for just about anybody.
"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 Sep 2, 2008 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions
And he never will
Why he is even playing is beyond me.
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
So, according to the team page,
Mike Sweeney isn’t active for this game, even if he is in the dugout.
I’ll bet they’re waiting a day or two to decide if Frank’s done for the season for sure, and then Sweeney and Frank will swap 60-day DL slots to open up a spot on the 40-man for Mike Sweeney.
"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
also note
Dan Meyer is back on the team, and is listed as the starter for Thursday’s game (oh boy!)
Overqualified to be an A's fan.
Duke is still listed for Saturday's second game
buy I’m skeptical, given yesterday’s news.
Overqualified to be an A's fan.
What happened yesterday?
"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 Sep 2, 2008 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Justin Duchscherer is still considered a possibility for one of Saturday’s games at Baltimore, but the right-hander had a bit of discomfort in his right hip during his most recent side session, so he’s not a sure thing.
Duchscherer will get an injection of Synvisc, a synthetic joint-cushioning product, for the hip and he hopes that he will be pain-free his next throwing session; if so, he’d be OK to go at Camden Yards in one game of the doubleheader.
Overqualified to be an A's fan.
Jack H
hates booze and fastballs. He wasnt even close.
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 6:11 PM PDT reply actions
Nice Ab goiing there
he is trying to go to Left field, good try
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
He is still knocking down
over $30,000 a month. Nothing to sneeze at.
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I think Emil looks in his bank account and laughs
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Hannahan makes Emil look like Babe Ruth at the plate
when you compare the two.
AT least Emil can hit LHP.
Hannahan couldn’t hit his way out of a paper bag.
And yes, he probably laughs when he looks in his bank account.
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
If Emil could draw a walk the way Hannahan can
That would actually be a halfway decent player.
by thejd44 on Sep 2, 2008 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Well Hanny could draw 100 walks and he's still bad
I see what you are saying about Emil but Hannahan is flat out bad and should not bve getting playing time.
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
The sad part:
If he did that every game, he’d be the best player of all time and people would still think he sucked because he struck out 324 times a season.
by thejd44 on Sep 2, 2008 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
qotm
There were a lot of stupid, long confusing words that I’m sure normal people don’t use. @('.')@
and as mlbtv fires up for the first time here,
i am greeted with “strike out number 168 for Cust”
alaska A (now in Colorado)
nice to be back
on the floor, no furniture, one lawn chair, air mattress etc. etc.
alaska A (now in Colorado)
How's Denver?
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
"who can draw walks but actually can't walk"
hahaha thank you for that, i very much enjoyed it…still laughing…
It's funny cuz it's true.
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
That ball was over Shealy's head
How the hell did he hit that out?
by thejd44 on Sep 2, 2008 6:41 PM PDT reply actions
That's not a nice thing to say about someone's head
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
Ray Fosse called that a BP fastball
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
No more TV
Well looks like they want everyone to watch football.
All Games and Comments are Subject to Blackout
yeah
bout the only thing to look forward to this game
maybe Barton heats up …. after labor day
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
DIid anyone read oakland A's beat writer Mycheal Urban's mailbag:
Where he said that Oakland should trade for Garret Atkins?
I think it would be a good cheap move! Any takers for a debate?
Women and children can be carless, but not men!
how about the list of teams with A's ex players
and he said his favorite blog corrects him all the time. I think that’s a challenge from him
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
290/340/460 with 18 jacks.
hell of a lot better than hannahan.
granted i wouldn’t give up any of our prospects for anybody at this point
He's a bad defender, and he plays in the #1 hitter's park
better than Hannahan, though….
The A's colors are green and gold.
I wonder if they can convince him that
April, May, June, July and August are all September next year
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
You sound just like my gynecologist
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
I'm definitely not a woman
I don’t think.
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
the third base coach stopped him because he slowed up at second. he would have been out
by a mile if the third base coach sent him at that point.
You can't wave someone who isn't there yet
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
OK, the Giants just scored three to tie the game 5-5
It can be done. By bad Bay Area teams.
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
The game I'm watching
is the Braves-Marlins game. Somehow they managed to quit scoring as soon as I tuned this game in, despite the fact that the current pitching matchup is Julian Tavarez vs. Arthur Rhodes.
So much for dinner
Enjoy it the second time.
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
I love mountin' time
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
i am thinking it's a plus as I will be
more apt to get in other activities before night games and have less conflict.
alaska A (now in Colorado)
You obviously haven't met 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
80 proof, as a matter of fact
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
What happened to Grover's elite 8 sluggers the A's should persue?
I need to rosterbate!
Eveland rocks! Eveland rocks! Somewhere Drew Carey just smiled.
Pretty much - Blanton
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
Outman says, "You're OUT
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
So far
fastball looks good: 94, 94, 95, 95. Offspeed stuff is not so good.
The A's colors are green and gold.
I imagine the combo of control and offspeed pitch (lack thereof)
explains why he wasn’t a more heralded prospect. I think he does throw legitimately hard – hence the Embree comps.
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
Probably about right
I’d be a bit disappointed if we wound up in the bullpen. He won’t be a plus plus reliever, as BBs hurt just as much for starters, and he seems to have some upside as a starter.
The A's colors are green and gold.
Also, if the fastball is his strength, that increases his value as a starter relative to him being a lefty specialist
The A's colors are green and gold.
It sounds like the A's want to consider him for the rotation
Only thing is, there’s a pretty big (and good) logjam for spots – especially for lefties! – but if he can learn to throw enough strikes, he can rear back and throw heat out of the pen, whereas starting he’d also need to sharpen up 1-2 other pitches.
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
Gameday had him 95, 95, 96, 96, 97 for fastballs
i always pictured him as a big tall lanky guy with crappy stuff like DiNardo
Your fantasies need work
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
I thought Adrian looked like Sylvester Stallone
And I kind of saw Carter as a mid-70s peanut farmer.
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
lets see him beat Ziggy's record
that would be impressive
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
Yeah, Ken Korach was quoting him at 96 on the radar gun
Man, that sounds pretty good to me. Another power arm out of the pen to replace Embree next year!
He's been doing pretty well as a starter in Midland hasn't he?
Why not let him continue doing that next year?
That statement is never true
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
That statement is always true
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
Is "anything with zip" slang for "a baseball"?
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
Cunningham's career BABIP is 1.000
Therefore, he’s awesome.
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
Reminds me of
Barton and Hannahan this season. Swinging through a ton of fastballs
by asfaninpismobeach on Sep 2, 2008 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Now that takes me back to that summer on the farm...
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
We had like 15 sheep for every human where I come from
Kiwiland
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
Not so many sheep around here
LOL
I hate unproductive outs and the A's are producing them at record production
Not when they're drunk and have their hooves tied together,
with their horns wedged over the headboard to the bed.
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
why start meyer on thursday
we’ve seen pretty much what he has to offer which isnt much
give outman a shot…he’s been stretched out in AA/AAA enough
GAME RECAP IS UP
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
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