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A's Take Over Second Place In AL West; Beat Rangers 4-3 in 11 Innings

If the A's miss out on someone great in this next draft to the Texas Rangers, I might just find Travis Buck and give him a wedgie.  I'm just kidding.  It was nice to see the A's keep up their recent hot streak by beating the Rangers in 11 innings.  At the same time, it was disappointing to see Brad Ziegler blow his second save.

I was watching this game tonight just thinking about how fantastic the A's bullpen is going to be next year.  I mean, Smith was out after five innings tonight, throwing 97 pitches over those frames, yet the A's bullpen just threw up goose egg after goose egg.  Blevins, Devine and Street did the job and while Ziggy blew the save with the bomb to Blalock, Embree and Casilla then followed up with two more scoreless innings.  It's not easy to do that in Arlington.  And just think, there is a good chance that someone like Braden will wind up in the pen as well.  If the A's could ever get a lead with the abysmal offense, they should win quite a few games.  The problem will be getting a lead.

Yet again, Travis Buck and Cliff Pennington came through.  First Pennington with a very nice opposite field double and then Buck with a splendid AB that plated Pennington.  I've got to admit that it's awesome seeing Travis Buck back.  He was a complete mystery to me as to why he struggled this year and I think the A's could become a lot better offensively in 2009 if Buck can regain his 2007 form.

I've got to admit that I didn't see what happened to Ryan Sweeney as I was caring for my daughter since my wife can't with her broken ankle.  Anyone want to fill me in on it?

So the A's are back in second place with five games left to play (the Baltimore rainout has been cancelled so the A's are playing 161 games this year).  I would say that if the team can finish in second place despite all the injuries, trades and issues this year, that would be quite an accomplishment, wouldn't you?

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A's

Highlight for Me: The A’s broke the franchise record for most Strikeouts in a season. Jack Cust being the guy to send us over the top. Well done!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 22, 2008 9:35 PM PDT   0 recs

I'd give Ziggy a flier on this particular setback

in that he was pitching four days in a row and probably shouldn’t have been in. But he has lost the feel for his changeup and it’s taking its toll big time on his ability to manage lefties. Hopefully he’ll get it back.

I still haven’t been wholly impressed with Buck – his game winning hit was a seeing eye bouncer – but Sweeney continues to grow on me.

Hardest hit ball of the game? Maybe Laird’s laser beam with the winning run at third. God likes the A’s!!!

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 9:37 PM PDT   0 recs

I would say that getting lucky wins when they only (negatively) affect your draft position,

and getting horribly unlucky losses in, eg, the postseason, is rather a sign that God really, really dislikes the A’s.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 22, 2008 10:12 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I don't hate it, I just find it ironic

that the season where most things seem to “break the right way” happens to be the one year in the last 10 where the team wasn’t competitive from the outset.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 22, 2008 11:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

what exactly broke the right way?

let alone, “most things?”

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:04 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm still waiting for someone to make an empirical case

that over time—say, the last 20 years—there is a meaningful difference between the outcomes of draft picks when selecting fifth versus selecting ninth. And further, that said difference (if it exists at all) is significant enough to be worth turning on one’s own team when rooting for wins and losses.

I submit, without evidence or inquiry of any kind, that between the uniquely high miss rate of baseball draft picks (as compared with NFL or NBA ones) and the selection bonus/agent hold-out dynamic, that any difference between the 5th pick and the 9th one is negligible and certainly not worth me rooting for my team to lose.

Arte didn't get much Home Run Derby. He was dug in too deep or moving too fast. His idea of great R&R was cold rice and a little rat meat.

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Sep 23, 2008 8:56 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

And besides all that.....

It’s just wrong.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Sep 23, 2008 10:20 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

amen on Buck/Laird

Yeah, to Blez’ point, it was a decent AB by Buck, but that was terrible contact on a terrible swing — exactly the sort of big, looping, not-seeing-the-ball-or-recognizing-the-pitch rollover grounder he was generating by the metric ton in April.

I think Geren’s call to Embree was correct — but it was still Embree, and the A’s simply got lucky (or unlucky, if you’re PT) that it was an “atom” ball.

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

by monkeyball on Sep 23, 2008 10:06 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Broken ankle! Yikes

Treat her well, and don’t short her painkillers.

by MobiusKlein on Sep 22, 2008 9:37 PM PDT   0 recs

I'm starting to like Pennington more and more

And I’m a firm believer that Zeigler should not be closing, because he is most effective in pressure situations with RUNNERS ON because of his great sinking movement. Need a DP, no problem, call Ziggy.

But the best pure closer on the team right now is probably Joey Devine. It’s real real hard to hit him, and when there’s nobody on, it would be really hard to mount any kind of rally against him.

by NateHST on Sep 22, 2008 9:38 PM PDT   0 recs

No question - I thought the right time to go to Ziggy

was after Devine got the baserunner on and Ziggy could have finished the 8th in a “no doubles” situation. Then your closer (Devine’s twin) works the 9th.

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 9:40 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Just...

Put Devine in CF for 1/3 of an inning, since no one ever hits the ball in the air off of Ziggy. Then, re-enter Devine in the 9th. :)

by Colorado Fan on Sep 23, 2008 7:38 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm still fuming over the Raider loss...

but, the A’s continued good September play does assuage the pain somewhat.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 9:40 PM PDT   0 recs

Someone needs to make a gif

of Nelson from The Simpsons going “HAH-HAH!”

In the meantime, feel free to imagine one.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 22, 2008 10:18 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Bad timing for sure,

But if Al fires Lane Kiffin, I WILL have a problem.

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 10:20 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You're Fired!

"I feel like I hit better when I'm playing the field...just feel more like a baseball player." —Jack Cust (or Derek Jeter for that matter)

by PortlandPachyderm on Sep 22, 2008 10:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Die already!

Sorry! He’s done a lot of things, and its enough.

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 10:58 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think he already has.

About five or six years ago. He stays animated for spite sake.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Sep 22, 2008 11:00 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Its not that I dont appreciate what hes done,

Its just that he no longer has what it takes.

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 11:09 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

he does sorta look like Darth Vader unmasked in that picture...

but, I do like the fact that he’s politically incorrect enough to be drinking a rum & coke at a press conference.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:13 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

His day has come and gone,

that’s for certain. Something sad about a guy who doesn’t know when it’s time to step aside. All he’s doing now is tainting his legacy.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Sep 22, 2008 11:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Fortunately for me,

football is an affliction I have managed to avoid. I maintain a distant interest at best.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Sep 22, 2008 11:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Keep Kiffin

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

We don't feel that way,

We feel like we have the best coach and team we’ve had since gruden.

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 11:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

which way don't "we" feel?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:41 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

does the image imply something...

you don’t feel?

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:45 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Okay,

don’t be hard on “us”. I love my Raiders, and I know this team does not want to lose . Losing your coach after the third game is a death sentence.

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 11:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

girl...

I’m on your side. I think the image says that!!!

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:52 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Good thing!

otherwise, I’d have to kick your ass!

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 11:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Galt would protect me...

he loves me very much. He tells me so every third sentence.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I am, then, indeed blessed...

by St. Ayn. ;-)

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:00 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I hope you are Foolish Game,

Galt wll be fine, the best! You know what the girl’s name should be, she’ll be strong too. There is no question. Best of luck to you.

by lynnzgal on Sep 23, 2008 12:11 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

the girl's name was already picked...

alas, it’s a little brother. ;-)

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:13 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Dagny, of course

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:15 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh no!

Dagny should not be a boys name.

by lynnzgal on Sep 23, 2008 12:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

lol... no, that would have been...

the girl’s name.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:18 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

as you can tell from...

my 2nd name the baby post, we have not yet agreed on the 2nd son’s name.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:19 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Roark Rearden Gordon...

I kind like it. R. R. Gordon VII… I’ll add the “VII” just to confuse people.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:21 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

were it not for Fantasy Island...

Roark would be my 2nd son’s name.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:17 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I guess that explains why his middle name is KHAN!

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

by monkeyball on Sep 23, 2008 10:08 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

You love Ayn Rand?

Well, she doesn’t love you back.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 23, 2008 12:21 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

just like you, Paul...

I don’t need to be loved back.

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:24 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

thanks...

I just sent her an e-mail suggesting the compromise ultimatum name. I should have put it in the poll. ;-)

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 23, 2008 12:35 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That means we love our team

more than anything, we believe!

by lynnzgal on Sep 22, 2008 11:52 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

look again

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

by FoolshGame22 on Sep 22, 2008 11:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Kiffen is class...

Al is an ass. Considering Kiffen gets no respect from anyone there, the fact that the Raiders aren’t losing 77-0 every game is amazing. Wait, 77-3, since SeaBass could hit one from 70 yards out, at least once, if necessary.

Years ago, when I first saw “Recall Davis” signs, I said “Yeah, great idea, the Raiders will continue to FAIL as long as he is at the helm”. Oh, you mean Gov Davis?

Never mind.

by NotJohnnyDamon on Sep 23, 2008 10:03 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

But it made andeux happy.

My dad called me when Buffalo kicked the game-winner – I haven’t heard him so excited in years! A good pop, to say the least, but he raised me a Bills fan in the nineties. Too much heartbreak.

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 23, 2008 7:08 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Kurt. Suzuki.

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2008 9:44 PM PDT   0 recs

Ziggy

So, how many games in a row will a manager put a kid in there despite knowing that the kid has given everything he has? Players must feel like meat at times. It “looks” great if a guy is used up and yet sent in and it works out. But when it doesn’t work out, the player and his confidence take the hit. Tonight, give the blown save to Geren. I’m glad the team pulled off a win in spite of the manager.

by captain bubblehead on Sep 22, 2008 9:44 PM PDT   0 recs

It's not like no one has ever pitched 4 days in a row,

let alone a submariner – and to a large extent, it’s Ziggy’s job to say whether or not he’s available. Would you have been happier if Embree or Casilla had pitched the 7th or 8th and given up two runs? Probably not. Personally, I would have liked to see Street pitch 2 innings, but whate’er.

I’m more mad about Barton bunting. But even that doesn’t make Geren a bad manager, just a manager who made a bad call IMO.

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 9:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's 4 in a row...

and 5 out of the last 6…and does being a submariner really alleviate stress on the arm? Zig has said in earlier interviews that his arm angle is basically the same relevant to his body…the difference in his delivery is mainly his bending at the waist. That would seem to indicate that stress on the arm isn’t much different than his upright delivery. It would be different if he was throwing underhanded. I agree that it’s his job to say whether or not he’s available, but I also think it’s tough for a young player to tell a manager that he needs a night off, for a lot of reasons.

by captain bubblehead on Sep 22, 2008 10:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Submarine =

More Natural. It’s why Softball Pitchers can pitch, and pitch, and pitch…

by Colorado Fan on Sep 23, 2008 7:42 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

...and about Geren :)

I didn’t say he was a bad manager…but I think he made a bad call. A blown save doesn’t make a pitcher a bad pitcher. A strike out doesn’t make a hitter a bad hitter. An error doesn’t make a fielder a bad fielder. But the isolated incident IS subject to judgment…that’s part of what makes baseball as interesting as it is.

by captain bubblehead on Sep 22, 2008 10:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I watched the game on my DVR

and I also felt that Street and Devine could have closed the deal. There was really no reason to bring Ziggy into this game. Especially with Street pitching so well as of late and Devine continuing to be freak nasty woth his stuff.

I’m liking Pennington more and more and it was good to see Buck get the winning hit even thought it was fugly…..

go A’s! and Go Kiffin!

by mrod on Sep 23, 2008 3:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm happy Santiago got a save. His confidence must have been in the crapper.

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 9:46 PM PDT   0 recs

Yeah, I missed that - did he die again?

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 9:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I suspect Emil Brown

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 9:49 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

But he came back. And there was much rejoicing.

by Jennifer on Sep 23, 2008 6:56 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Bummer there's no make-up game

I want the A’s to run the rest of the season and finish at 500.

"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk

by iglew on Sep 22, 2008 10:05 PM PDT   0 recs

Also watching games is fun

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

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 22, 2008 11:05 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Jennifer would love to see Swooney and Staplehead in a makeup game

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

by monkeyball on Sep 23, 2008 10:10 AM PDT to parent up