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Open Game Thread: Game 156 - Oakland A's at Texas Rangers

Oakland_tiny by Blez on

Oakland Athletics @ Texas Rangers


The battle for second place in the AL West rages on.  If you had told me before the season started that the A's starting pitcher who would make the most starts would be Greg Smith, I would tell you that the A's would be in line for last place in the AL West.  It's not that Greg Smith isn't a good pitcher, it's just that I would honestly have believed that the team was destined for mediocrity at best.

Smith starts tonight in Arlington against Kevin Millwood.  Can you believe that there are only five games left after tonight?  Any way, here is what the starters' stats look like this year:

W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Greg Smith 7-15 30 30 2 0 0 0 178.1 158 84 81 20 83 107 4.09 1.35


W-L G GS CG SHO SV BS IP H R ER HR BB K ERA WHIP
2008 - Kevin Millwood 9-9 27 27 3 0 0 0 155.2 203 96 89 17 47 113 5.15 1.61

Smith's issues this year have obviously been the free pass.  Millwood's issues this year have related to the fact that he's been very, very hittable.

The A's have been really damn good lately.  They've won three in a row and seven out of the last 10.  Course they're doing it when it doesn't matter at all any more and I'd almost prefer that they get a better draft position.  I think Smoak was taken one pick ahead of them last year.  Imagine if the Rangers wind up right there again this year and steal someone the A's could've used.  Any way, I'm not going to complain about the team playing good baseball, I guess I just wish that it happened a lot sooner than this.

Here are the lineups for tonight:

Lineup

Oakland Athletics @ Texas Rangers

09/22/08 5:05 PM PDT

Oakland Athletics Texas Rangers
Travis Buck - RF German Duran - 2B
Aaron Cunningham - LF Michael Young - SS
Ryan Sweeney - CF Josh Hamilton - CF
Jack Cust - DH Milton Bradley - DH
Kurt Suzuki - C Marlon Byrd - LF
Bobby Crosby - SS Hank Blalock - 1B
Cliff Pennington - 2B Nelson Cruz - RF
Daric Barton - 1B Chris Davis - 3B
Jeff Baisley - 3B Taylor Teagarden - C


This September has been fun seeing Buck come back up and not look completely lost at the plate.  Hopefully it was just an aberration with him.  It's also been fun to watch Cunningham up with the big club.  2008 is almost in the books already.  Wow, seems like it was just yesterday I was talking about a Tigers/D'Backs World Series and the Mariners finishing above the A's in the AL West.  D'oh!

LET'S GO A'S!!!!!!!

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I picked the A's to win the AL West.

Of course I do that almost every year. Probably not next year though.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 4:51 PM PDT   0 recs

I like that Baisley, Pennington, Cunningham and Buck are getting at bats.

Good experience for them and gives the front office an extended window to evaluate them.

by OldhamA on Sep 22, 2008 5:01 PM PDT   0 recs

Awesome, but I want to know

why Petit isn’t getting a few ABs as well?

Now with 100% more Canuck.

by Blicks on Sep 22, 2008 5:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i really like seeing that too. It’s the only exciting thing at the end of this season anyhow. It is great to see them getting some at bats under their belts. Love it. Oh, that and greeeeg smith pitching tonight

by ilovegregsmith on Sep 22, 2008 6:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Blez, you picked us third

Seems you thought we were already headed for mediocrity. ;)

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:02 PM PDT   0 recs

I felt like jumping on a plane to Texas this morning

and landing in Seattle at the end of the week.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:02 PM PDT   0 recs

I know...

sigh

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

What are you doing tomorrow? I'll meet you at baggage claim at Love Field.

I guess I could sell my car… and a kidney… maybe my bobble village. It would be worth it.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm in

Who needs customers when you have the A’s?

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Small correction

Who needs a life when you have the A’s?

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Thank you for correcting my

short-sightedness.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Lasik!

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Road trip!

Seattle this weekend. There will be a few Green and Gold fans there.
btw – did you vote for Bill King today?

"And sometimes, when it seems like all hope is gone, Life tosses you a special gift of a baseball game" . 7/10/08 BaseBallGirl headline

by LongTimeFan on Sep 22, 2008 5:06 PM PDT   0 recs

Woo! See you then. Can't wait!

If I don't comment on your comment how will you know you are completely wrong? -Rocktopus

by pam5981 on Sep 22, 2008 5:45 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I almost hopped in the car and headed to BART for the game today.

Then I remembered that BART doesn’t go all the way to Texas. Dang.

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 22, 2008 5:07 PM PDT   0 recs

See above.

I’ll meet you at baggage claim.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

The Redneck Tenors?!

Look at that hair! Ewww.

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 22, 2008 5:08 PM PDT   0 recs

Those are wigs.

They are actually pretty good. They were on “America’s Got Talent”

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:09 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh good, I thought they were wigs.

I haven’t really watched “America’s Got Talent.” David Hasselhoff bothers me.

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 22, 2008 5:10 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_cib7Tk4IQ

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:11 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That was funny.

A bit of a disconnect—classical music and redneck outfits. But they were pretty good.

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 22, 2008 5:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm really glad we aren't the rangers

I can’t imagine how horrible it would be to be stuck with Michael Young’s contract.

by MrIncognito on Sep 22, 2008 5:10 PM PDT   0 recs

That was quick…

by justarebelheart on Sep 22, 2008 5:12 PM PDT   0 recs

All together now

TWDS…

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It could be TWRS

by justarebelheart on Sep 22, 2008 5:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think it's time

I leave that comment to you girls. I never know when to go D or R.

So, has anyone seen Nico?

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

When in doubt...

go Ryan.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:17 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Rich Harden continues to torture me

I bought tickets to see him at Shea tomorrow, and of course he gets pushed back at the last minute.

by schmifty on Sep 22, 2008 5:13 PM PDT   0 recs

Naturally

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Why did I even fall for it?!

I waited til 48 hours before game time before believing that he would really stick, thinking that was cutting it close enough. NOPE.

by schmifty on Sep 22, 2008 5:15 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

There are few things you can count on

Not being able to count on Rich is one of them.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That giant limeade picture on the Rangers bullpen

is making me thirsty.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:16 PM PDT   0 recs

maybe he wants a better draft pick too

by MrIncognito on Sep 22, 2008 5:19 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't read the DLD...

Or listen to my iPod.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I can't get much sadder.

I’ll go read the DLD and wallow.

by schmifty on Sep 22, 2008 5:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Haha.

It wasn’t supposed to be that depressing. Oh well.

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 22, 2008 5:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think it's because I haven't taken my meds in a few days.

But I always get sad this time of year. Sigh.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I've been thinking lately.

What am I gonna do with those extra three hours in my day? Schoolwork? No. Hmmmm….

by Kimberly on Sep 22, 2008 5:33 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm going to finally start using my Netflix subscription.

I keep sending stuff back unwatched cuz I just don’t have the time, between watching a Mets game at 7 and an A’s game at 10 every night.

by schmifty on Sep 22, 2008 5:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I don’t like this inning so far, can we skip it?

by justarebelheart on Sep 22, 2008 5:20 PM PDT   0 recs

At least no black jerseys today.

One very, very small victory.

by schmifty on Sep 22, 2008 5:21 PM PDT   0 recs

The road grays should be mandatory. Of course the home whites should too.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 5:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

These are my favorites.

I want one.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:22 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh, it feels good to be home.

I thought my head was going to implode from all the information people were throwing at me today. I just wanna sit, be lazy, and eat cake dang it.

by Kimberly on Sep 22, 2008 5:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Where were you? Supercollider?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 5:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I wish, that sounds kinda cool.

But first, a chem lecture. Then, I had to learn how to work the computer thing at work. Then, it was dental assistant training.

by Kimberly on Sep 22, 2008 5:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Did someone say cake?

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not enough tarped off

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 22, 2008 5:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

AN day had nice cupcakes . .

but not that nice.

I demand a recount.

by MobiusKlein on Sep 22, 2008 5:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I want chocolate cake.

With chocolate icing and a glass of milk.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Shoot

I only have chocolate milk. Will that do?

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I want chocolate cake with Rainbow chip frosting…mmmm

by justarebelheart on Sep 22, 2008 5:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My niece can

She made that for her son. She does others. Very talented is she.

And today is her b’day. Happy birthday, Christina.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My mom used to decorate and sell cakes.

I think that’s why part of the reason I’m so fat.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:39 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

My mom makes pies

that would make everyone here cry.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Sep 22, 2008 5:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Onion pie?

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:42 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Travis! Don't die!

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:23 PM PDT   0 recs

Oh Buck. There’s a wall there…

by justarebelheart on Sep 22, 2008 5:23 PM PDT   0 recs

Travis! Why?

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 5:23 PM PDT   0 recs

Nice try, but...really wasn't that hard a catch

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 22, 2008 5:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

21 rookies this year!

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:26 PM PDT   0 recs

I can has orgy?

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

A horse.

Dale the head, RyRy the ass?

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 5:44 PM PDT to parent up