AN Visits with MLB.com's Mychael Urban Part I
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 26, 2009 10:00 AM PST
504 comments
Mychael Urban is the beat reporter for oaklandathletics.com. He's been a good friend of AN for quite a while despite some of the beatings he takes from members here. I like to check in with the A's beat reporters from time to time and I figured that with all the changes around the team this offseason, this would be a great time to do it.
Without further ado, here is the first part of my interview with Urban. As you'll quickly establish he has some fun with some of the "rumors" around the site about him lately. Enjoy.
Blez: I've noticed that you seem to be writing every day and breaking a lot of news this winter. Are you working more, or if that just an function of how busy the A's have been?
Mychael Urban: What was the question again? Sorry, I was pouring myself another cocktail. Apparently some of your members have it "on good authority" that I'm an aimless drunk, so I might as well play the part.
So let me crack another bottle of Jack before I take on this lengthy list of questions. There we go. The burn in my chest ... yummy! Makes the longer work weeks of this winter a little easier.
Yes, I am working a lot more this winter, and that's by design. The business has gotten a lot more competitive, what with layoffs and cutbacks, and since newspaper beat writers get a lot of time off in the offseason, I've come to realize that it gives me an opportunity to establish the A's site as the only media destination for fans who want something about their team every day.
Whether it's getting an update on Bobby Crosby's mental state, the physical state of Mark Ellis' shoulder, or the overall state of the team's plan for 2009, I've been trying to give fans a reason to visit the site on a daily basis, whether there's hard news or not. And because I've been in contact with players, team personnel, scouts and agents more than ever, a lot of news kind of falls into my lap.
I'm glad you've noticed, though. That means the plan is working. It's actually been a lot of fun, and checking in with so many people in the offseason only strengthens the relationships that are so important in this and every business, so I suspect it'll pay off once the season rolls around.
Blez: What do you think really happened with Furcal? Did the A's mess up the negotiations or did he never really want to be in Oakland?
Urban: I'm not sure what happened with Furcal. I was hung over for most of that whole deal. But based on how everything ultimately played out, not just with the A's but with the Braves and Dodgers, I can't imagine anyone coming to a conclusion other than that Furcal never wanted to come here. It's not like the A's didn't offer him good glue, so if he wanted to wear white cleats ...
What Furcal's agent is accused of doing to the Braves is awfully shady, but what I suspect the agent did with the A's -- used them to stimulate the market for his client -- is pretty routine in general. The agent went the extra mile, though, in having Furcal come to the Bay Area and get a tour from Billy Beane. Funny how stuff like that gets "leaked," right?
It's all part of the game. Unfortunately for the A's, I think they got played.
Blez: Did the A's screw up by not signing Randy Johnson to try and add some depth to a young and largely untested rotation?
Urban: Well, the first thing that needs to be pointed out is that my glass is almost empty. Anyone seen the blue-cheese-stuffed olives? I like to soak 'em in moonshine.
The second thing that needs to be pointed out is that Oakland was not high on Johnson's list of teams he wanted to sign with. His preference was to stay in the National League, preferably in the NL West, all along. So let's sub the words "a proven veteran starter" for "Randy Johnson" in your question.
My answer to that question, as recently as late December, would have been, "Absolutely." In fact, I was subtly banging that drum quite a bit in my work. But right after the New Year, I decided to get a really good read on the industry's opinion of Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson and Vin Mazzaro. I taked to scouts, players, coaches and executives who have seen more than a little of each, and what they had to say -- combined with what I've seen of and heard about Sean Gallagher -- changed my mind.
Cahill, Anderson and Mazzaro are the real deal. They might be ready as soon as this year, and a ton of people expect them to be every bit as good as Hudson, Mulder and Zito were when they first hit the scene. Gallagher is very young and likely to be a stud, too. So why lock a veteran into a rotation spot for the next year or two at a minimum of $5 million a year when you have some kids who might be ready to handle that same spot real soon?
Remember, despite the additions of Holliday and Giambi, the A's are still very much rebuilding, and they're doing it around young pitching.
Blez: Can the A's seriously considering going with Bobby Crosby in 2009 after what you wrote in your blog about Beane being out of patience with him? I mean, can they really go back from that being publicly reported?
Urban: Sure, they can. Billy and Bobby just need to belly up to the bar with me for some boilermakers. I'll play counselor between slugs and we'll get it all worked out.
While we do that, I'm pretty sure the blog you're referencing won't come up. What I wrote didn't say anything that the A's themselves haven't practically screamed this winter, did it? They tried to replace Crosby, then tried to give him away! Actions speak louder than words, right? I was just calling it how I saw it, and a blind man could see what I saw.
As for Crosby being back, the A's don't have really have a choice. He's still better than anyone else they have at shortstop right now, so they're going to just have to hope Crosby proves they were wrong to try to get rid of him. As your members well know, I think he will.
Blez: Is Lew Wolff putting pressure on Beane to make some of these moves to be more aggressive than he was planning to be because many fans think that the Holliday move just doesn't jive with what Beane has been very steadily building? Why cut down the payroll so much if you're just going to sign some guys that have probably seen better days like Giambi?
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
Oh, right. The interview. Whatever.
Beane is far too persuasive to let an owner who adores him pressure him into changing his plans for the team, and make no mistake. Wolff loves him some Billy. The Holliday and Giambi moves certainly seemed incongruous at first glance, but Beane does have a very clear vision, which I think I mentioned earlier is reliant on young pitching.
The smart way to develop young pitchers at the big league level is to back them with an offense that gives them something of a security net. The last thing a rookie or second-year pitcher needs is to feel like he has to be perfect to have a chance to win. The offensive improvement that Holliday and Giambi represent also represents that security net, just as Giambi and Matt Stairs represented it when the Big Three was in its early stages.
Blez: Acquiring Holliday shows some level of commitment towards going for it in 2009, even if he turns out ultimately traded. The Giambi signing furthers this belief. Do you think that this team has any shot of competing with the Angels in 2009 or do they still need to do something about the shortstop situation?
Urban: What they need to do it put a tap in the press box. That way I won't have to sneak those little airplane bottles of Seagram's past that nosy-rose Korach every night!
On the field, I don't think the shortstop situation will have anything to do with whether the A's give the Angels a run. Great pitching wins titles. The Angels, in my opinion, have great pitching -- in the rotation and in the bullpen -- and it's mostly proven. The A's have some potential greatness, but they'll need all of it to come together in a hurry to stay in the race.
Blez: Do you think Holliday's hitting is going to suffer quite a bit going from Coors Field to the cavernous Coliseum? How much does he and an aged Giambi really improve the A's horrible offense from a year ago?
Urban: Speaking of Coors, ever notice how bartenders stop making eye contact with you after your 14th Silver Bullet? Is that, like, law? Or do you think he took it the wrong way when I said, "I like 'em stiff!"
Holliday's numbers will be fine. Sure, they'll dip a little at home, but his road numbers might actually improve. There are some pretty good pitchers' parks in the NL West. As for Giambi, I think his numbers -- batting average, anyway - will improve. He changed his swing a little in an effor to jerk balls out at Yankee Stadium, and he plans to get back to more of the all-fields approach that made him so dangerous the first time he was here.
And I think they will improve the offense a ton. Holliday and Giambi are legit 3-4 hitters. The guys the A's used in those spots last year mostly were not. So adding them moves everyone into spots for which they're better suited. That alone will help. And if Chavez is healthy and Cust does what Cust does, only in the No. 6 spot instead of 3-4, the offense is going to be the most improved in the game.
Part two of my interview with Urban will be running next Monday, same time, same place. Thanks, Mychael.
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wow, think he was a bit touchy about criticism on AN?
Anyway, thanks for the interview, and I look forward to Part 2.
by OaklandSi on Jan 26, 2009 10:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Note to Urban:
I’ve never called you a drunk, I get why you might be offended. Point taken. Move on.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Jan 26, 2009 8:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, great
Now, in his next interview, Mychael will start out every answer by talking about the fishnet stockings, lacy underwear, and frosted lip gloss he’s wearing.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope this is a Curb Your Enthusiasm rendition
One of the funniest episodes ever!
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 5:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
While I don’t always agree with what Mychael Urban has to say, I do enjoy reading his articles and think that he is a valuable writer to the A’s. However, this whole “i’m a drunk” thing was a little over the top, in my point of view. I kind of just lost respect for Urban after reading this. Just a hint, Mychael, but if your trying to keep your job by writing more, you should probably also attempt to not offense the vast majority of your readers (we are A’s fans, ya know).
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 10:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
*offend
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 10:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Urban is having some fun. Laugh (or don’t laugh). It’s a friggin’ blog.
by Colorado Fan on Jan 26, 2009 11:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he should've taken the high road a bit more...
Not the drunk one. I respect him even though I have written criticisms of his work. (Never any drunk knocks on him personally)
Anyways, Good for him to have a laugh, I just think he should have ended the joke after 1 or 2 zingers.
The Stockton Ports pitching staff is better than the Orioles.
by gdub171 on Jan 26, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think there's a difference, though
between making a joke, and running something into the ground, then digging it up, setting it on fire, and reburying it.
A joke or two at the beginning = funny. The running theme throughout the interview appears very pissy.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
by Kyli on Jan 26, 2009 3:29 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Yup
I’m amazed at how unprofessional this was. Absolutely amazed.
by SeanR on Jan 26, 2009 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Unprofessional
For a blog interview? Some people take themselves way too seriously.
by methodrampage on Jan 27, 2009 9:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or take Blogs too seriously…
Maybe that’s it? People actually think that Blogs are end-all-be-all. I guess if I was born in the 90’s, i’d think the same?
by Colorado Fan on Jan 27, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Christ, what an...
…oh, the hell with it.
Thanks for taking the time, Blez. Can’t say there’s anything interesting or insightful said here, though.
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 Jan 26, 2009 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I thought the bit about Mazzaro, Cahill and Anderson being ready soon to the point where a veteran
would only block them was new. I’m skeptical, but still…
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 26, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
a one year deal wouldn't block anyone
and if it did, that would be a good problem to have.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Right. I'm skeptical about this.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Jan 26, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Beane
I thought Billy Beane basically said that the other day. Something about whether its April, May or June he expects these 3 to be pitching for the A’s sooner rather than later. Before reading that I thought that these guys might just be up late in the year .
by Larry E on Jan 26, 2009 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So what you're saying is
That despite taking his time, Blez, conducted a crappy interview?
by methodrampage on Jan 27, 2009 9:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't think that
To me the questions are all good and what you’d expect in an interview with a beat writer, but the answers are a whole other story.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 27, 2009 12:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good interview
Lends some credence to the idea that Cahill or Anderson will be part of the starting rotation in 2009, as Foolsh contends.
by Keze on Jan 26, 2009 10:24 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Foolsh=MU?
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jan 26, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In the previous front page post...
Foolshgame 22 said
As for the rotation…
I know you hate it, but one of Cahill or Anderson will be a starter on this team in 2009. One of them (maybe both) out of spring training.
by Keze on Jan 26, 2009 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
aaah, please don't quote him, i can see that!
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
xbx is one of the most entertaining and brilliant posters on this blog. [He can’t see this, right?] ;-)
Clowns to the left of me... Jokers to the right...
by FoolshGame22 on Jan 26, 2009 10:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Killfile works with new AN?
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Jan 26, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
apparently it does now.
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 Jan 27, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Decent stuff, but he dragged the joke out way too long
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 10:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
it kinda made me uncomfortable.
hiccup.
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Jan 26, 2009 10:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
that’s all i could think about the entire time i was reading this…
by stranahanahan on Jan 26, 2009 12:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he should have just lead with the stiff joke, and called it a day there
lightness of touch, Michael!
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 1:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe he really was drunk?
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
and maybe he was talking
with the ‘sauce’, not a ‘source’?
that joke relies a brown liquor sometimes being referred to as ‘the sauce’. do you do that in america?
and not as in ‘the source of all that is good and holy’
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 2:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Loved the article...
I thought it was frekin’ hilarious. I love that he played the alcoholic part, he was just having some fun. I’ve always enjoyed reading his stuff, and this inteview was fantastic. Salb918 said he didn’t really report anything insightful or interesting, I disagree, but it seems that’s what AN is about most of the time, people disagreeing with anything that is said or written that didn’t come from that persons mouth or keyboard.
by bdemartin on Jan 26, 2009 10:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I disagree with this.
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 Jan 26, 2009 10:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked the interview
I laughed at all the “alcoholic” narrative. I’m sure it looks like “too much” in print compared to hearing it in person.
Overall, I rate it above average for off-season entertainment.
Good work once again, Mr. Blez,
Officially awaiting the 2009 season.
by One won lost won on Jan 26, 2009 9:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad
This was never in person. Twas an email interview.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 27, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I kind of gathered that after I posted
I guess I am too accustomed to Blez and the transcribed interview. I assumed it was over the phone.
Wrongo on that idea, I see.
Perhaps Mychael felt each answer needed a little filler intro. Maybe all the wise-guy SI writers make him feel he has to add more flourish. Anyway, the excess on the drinking “joke” is too minor for me to “tut tut” about.
Officially awaiting the 2009 season.
by One won lost won on Jan 27, 2009 6:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
LOL.
I’ve come to realize that it gives me an opportunity to establish the A’s site as the only media destination for fans who want something about their team every day.
No, that’s why we come here.
Good stuff, Blez…thanks! But a little hard to read the way you’ve formatted it.
by pam5981 on Jan 26, 2009 10:35 AM PST reply actions 3 recs
my thought exactly
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't seem to fix the formatting
He bolded it and italicized it in his email and I can’t fix it now.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 26, 2009 12:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just copy and paste it into a text editor.
Clear out the formatting and paste it back into the AN software, then reformat as desired.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 26, 2009 7:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Can be served with crow or humble pie
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or loaves and fishes.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 7:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Try this next time...
“Paste” + “Unformatted”
It’s a beautiful thing.
by rageon on Jan 27, 2009 7:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Of all the criticism levied at Mr. Urban, legitimate or otherwise,
I can’t recall anything being said about Urban drinking. Searches for “Mychael Urban drunk,” “Mychael Urban alcohol,” “Urban drunk,” “Urban drinking,” “Urban cocktail” brought up one reference.
Also, a search for “Jessica Alba drunk” unfortunately didn’t bring anything up.
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 Jan 26, 2009 10:35 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Although that reference was pretty recent, so I'm guessing he riffed off of that.
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 Jan 26, 2009 10:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
But "on good authority" is one comment by one user
I guess in journalese that becomes “some of your members”.
And it was also in the context of people joking about the article suggesting that the A’s might add Randy Johnson a week after the Giants signed him. If it were my job, I’d worry less about meme-flogging and more about fact-checking.
by green star oakland on Jan 26, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd agree, but it turns out I spend all my time at work flogging memes on AN.
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 Jan 26, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Uh-huh. "Memes." Suuuuuure ...
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 10:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, I remember that one
Yeah. Just not good fact-checking for that piece at all.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 10:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did you try "Michael Urban shitfaced?"
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
stop that
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jan 26, 2009 11:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i forgive you
"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball
by flipgatey3 on Jan 26, 2009 1:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow!
How could I have missed my finest hour?
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So how good is your authority ?!
by green star oakland on Jan 26, 2009 10:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Rock solid, mate!
I don’t kiss and tell but I’m also not a liar. Personally, I like Urban and if he was offended by that, well then that’s too bad. When you’re in the public eye you leave yourself open to scrutiny. Do I care if he or anyone else likes to partake in his/her libation of choice? Of course not, and I’ll be the first one to admit how much I love to do “12 oz. curls.”
There you have it!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's another
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 10:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice....
Oh man, this is gonna be one of those days……..
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the comparison in what was quoted there...
…is probably worth a harsh response.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Don't tell me he's also Russian...
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Jan 26, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That I do not know.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, then it would be "Mikhail"
"Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption and he passeth from the stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud." Willie Stark
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 26, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah well
there was good reason to suggest he was drunk in regards to what I had cited.
The man made a clear point of saying that he didn’t think there was a chance in hell the A’s would sign Giambi, then suddenly he knew it all along?!?
BULLSHIT
Good reporters don’t change their minds and pretend they know it all along. They stick to their guns or they get it right the first time.
Good riddance
by stranahanahan on Jan 26, 2009 12:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I knew you were going to say that.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or they own up to it and say "Hey, I missed on that one."
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that's all the same subthread
i can see why urban would want to focus on the alcohol-related comments, they’re far less embarrassing than the comments on his shoddy journalism.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
or perhaps not so shoddy after all
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
a good theory
but his bizarre overreaction makes me less likely to believe it wasn’t his fault.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
meh
I myself don’t really think it’s an overreaction so much as a failed attempt at humor.
But I wouldn’t argue that terribly strenuously.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you may be right
but could anyone really think this was funny?
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 Jan 26, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ah, the formalist's riposte to the intentionalist fallacy
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought he had a couple winners
But the bit dragged on too long.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 26, 2009 5:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe he didn't care
if it was funny or not and it was just his way of saying “go suck an egg”.
if he was doing an interview with espn or si or something i’m sure he would have stayed on-topic and been completely “professional”. he was doing an interview for a blog where anybody can post any sort of nonsense and not really be held accountable. you could just make up a new screenname and move on. so since nobody on here really has to answer to anybody regarding what they post, he shouldn’t really have to worry about answering to anybody on here about what he says in an interview for AN. this is the age of the internet…
if someone had confronted him in person about writing a column while drunk, he could have responded and the whole thing would have probably been settled. but it was done on an (effectively) anonymous fan site, so he’s going to respond a little differently. or if the AN comments had stayed on the topic of his journalism and not delved into his personal habits, there would have been no drunk joke storyline for him to beat to death.
by jlanning17 on Jan 28, 2009 8:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How about "Jessica Alba marries Aaron Thompson"
It’s a long shot but…
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
by adragon on Jan 26, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If "Jessica Alba drunk" doen't bring anything up
Perhaps you need to see an eye Dr. Or a sex therapist, or something…
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Jan 26, 2009 1:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow?
Maybe he was having fun with us, maybe not. But, IMO this whole interview was extremely unprofessional on his part. If you can’t handle criticism then you shouldn’t be doing what he does. I’m with sal on this one, I cannot recall ever reading anything about anyone accusing Urban of being a drunk, and I read pretty much every post that goes up here.
Instead of beating that joke to a bloody pulp he could’ve tried to give a good interview to help improve his standing with a lot of folks here on AN. Although I did like his “I like ’em stiff” joke.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 26, 2009 10:42 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
+1
The drunk schtick got old.
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Jan 26, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Part II
The interview isn’t over yet, so we’ll see if it ‘got’ old. It might actually be “getting older”.
by Colorado Fan on Jan 26, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Jan 26, 2009 11:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't get it
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 1:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if he carries the same joke through to part two
then it becomes a meta joke, i think, and he’s making a joke about himself repeating the same joke, at which point it becomes funny.
technically speaking, i mean.
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 1:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
but he probably answered the questions all at once, and blez broke it up into two parts.
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 Jan 26, 2009 1:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be sort of impressive to come up with like 20 variations on the theme in one conversation...
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Jan 26, 2009 1:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok-musical!
He’s got the whole world, in his nose…
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Jan 26, 2009 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
why doesn't he ever get any older?
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Jan 26, 2009 2:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he has an animatronic double
FACT
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the new guy cuts his own hair
FACT
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Jan 26, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i once cut my own hair
when i had some to cut.
you quickly realise the anthropological reasoning behind the mullet – it’s important to be able to see, so you cut it out of your eyes, but it’s effing difficult, even with a mirror, to cut the back without cutting your neck up (and hence risking infection and dieing, should you still live in the bronzeage). hence, the haircut of the gods
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 2:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He can handle criticism well enough. He is a good writer and I have seen alot here where for some reason everyone jumps on the bandwagon to talk bad about someone.
His interview was for AN not for a newspaper, and it was a friendly interview with Blez so yes, it can be a little unprofessional. It was also funny and he did actually answer the questions that most here, so far, seem to not be paying attention to.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Jan 26, 2009 2:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Apparently some of your members have it "on good authority" that I'm an aimless drunk"
That was me in case anyone was wondering. I couldn’t find that comment in my history but did find this one:
Hey, at least
he doesn’t have a bulging “dick” in his neck!
(Privately snickers to self……)
April 15, 2007.
I thought this comments were pretty funny myself. Hey Mike, chill out man, it’s all in good fun. Let’s have that beer some time mate! I never met a bar I never liked! :)
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well, that drunk BS was boring after, uh, 2 replies.
But at least he still gets to host his Giants radio show on Saturday, right?
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The drunk joke was funny the first 2-3 times, but quickly wore itself out
But I’m glad you did the interview Blez, it’s nice to have something like this to read during the offseason.
by JLeverenz on Jan 26, 2009 11:05 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Also, there's this:
Holliday and Giambi are legit 3-4 hitters.
And if Chavez is healthy and Cust does what Cust does, only in the No. 6 spot instead of 3-4, the offense is going to be the most improved in the game.
I want to shout off a rooftop CUST HAS BEEN BETTER THAN GIAMBI FOR THE LAST 2 SEASONS
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 11:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
And
Cust should be hitting #2, not #6
"However, at Elias, I think they keep track of the amount of sunflower seeds spit in a dugout each night." - Brad Ziegler, 8/7/08
by doctorK on Jan 26, 2009 11:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
cust is pulling at least 2 trailers…don’t wanna clog the bases for the heart of the lineup…sweeney would be better suited for the 2 hole
by oakwin on Jan 26, 2009 11:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
not again....
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Jan 26, 2009 12:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i can't see this.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Cust hitting 6th gave me a nice chuckle.
The 2009 A's draft pick... getting higher every game.
by rebus on Jan 26, 2009 5:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i’m sure you have looked at their 2008 numbers…..very similiar…you have to exclude 07 b/c giambi was hurt for a majority of the season. Giambi has been a stud for years compared to Cust..so how is Cust better? Just curious. Urban is right Giambi will hit in the 4 spot…not cust..
by oakwin on Jan 26, 2009 11:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He may be right
that Giambi will hit there, but it’s also true that Cust is better than Giambi now. Previous years do not matter when making a lineup for the upcoming season.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 26, 2009 12:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How do you know Cust is better than Giambi
If you’re completely ignoring previous years?
by methodrampage on Jan 27, 2009 9:28 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Should've clarified
By previous years I really meant like 5-6 years ago when Giambi was an absolute beast. Those stats have no bearing now but definitely last year does.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 27, 2009 12:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
In this lineup I'd rather have Giambi in an RBI position
Cust is better at getting on base with all the walks, setting up Holliday and Giambi.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 27, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
agreed there Flash!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 27, 2009 2:34 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I never had any problem with Urban
And 1-2 jokes about alcohol would have been funny, but he comes across beyond badly in this interview. I cant believe he would allow himself to come off like this in print. I stopped reading the answers and just scrolled to see if he was really going to dwell on the alcohol in every answer. Poor, poor form. Really disappointing.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Jan 26, 2009 11:08 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
And if I am his boss at MLB.com
I am even more disappointed.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Jan 26, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I bet the boss is laughing his ass off. “The Blog World” v. “Real Media” flame war is at an all-time high these days. Similar to the Notorious v. Tupac years.
by Colorado Fan on Jan 26, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
uh oh. I hope AN doesn't get "capped"
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Blog Siiiiiddeee!!
::Throws up sign::::
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah YEAH!
:: gets “Blog life” tattoo across stomach::
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Jan 26, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Only instead of "Olde English" font, it would be in "Terminal"
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
font humor.
heh.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Jan 26, 2009 2:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.instantrimshot.com/
“Bobo on the drums, ladies and gentlemen…”
Officially awaiting the 2009 season.
by One won lost won on Jan 26, 2009 9:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I believe the term you're looking for in this context is "fontin'"
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 3:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I love you.
"Smells like summer camp!"
by Jennifer on Jan 26, 2009 3:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That escalated really quickly.
I love you too.
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 3:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So.. um.. now what?
Did we just become BFFs?
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 3:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know Crayola's got a little crazy with the names lately...
…but I don’t think they make this one yet.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You want some of my birthday cake?
Maybe a copy of a Bon Iver cd? Kings of Leon?
That is me trying to convince you.
"Smells like summer camp!"
by Jennifer on Jan 26, 2009 4:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ionno the new Kings of Leon suxs
I would never give my bff anything after ah shake heart break, that would be mean
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Jan 26, 2009 8:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah-ha... sha-hake.
"Smells like summer camp!"
by Jennifer on Jan 26, 2009 9:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn, I was going to swoon for the font humor, too.
But Jennifer beat me to it.
by pam5981 on Jan 26, 2009 3:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or, you know, don't.
{softly weeps in the corner}
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 4:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
As your new BFF...
I’m going to step in and kick her ass for you.
"Smells like summer camp!"
by Jennifer on Jan 26, 2009 4:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jennifer and Pam cat fight! Wooo!
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 26, 2009 7:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is true.
I’m all jacked up on Mountain Dew.
"Smells like summer camp!"
by Jennifer on Jan 26, 2009 9:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No worries
Numerous posts will surface in the coming years, causing many people to question the validity of our collective death.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 26, 2009 12:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Mariotti is gonna be the first casualty
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree, and I have proof.
I give you..
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 12:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 1:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If he continues to improve, and tones down the snarky lashings-out in the guise of humor,
Blez might could consider him for a gig here.
Then again, was there anything in the interview that wasn’t confirmatory, at best?
/hopes part two is already in the can, fearing a tsunami of snark, otherwise.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Jan 26, 2009 11:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
snarkami?
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Jan 26, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah — sorry I wrote most of that — answering snark with snark doesn’t really advance the dialog.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Jan 26, 2009 11:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully he'll wise up and realize Jack sucks and Maker's Mark is where it's at.
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 11:13 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
McGuire?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or are we talking about Jose...
…Curve-o?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The new stadium should be named
Highland Park.
by green star oakland on Jan 26, 2009 11:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Correction
Jack Cust sucks, and Bookers is where its at
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
jack sucks?
i hope you mean hanannanahahan
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
by 9Custs on Jan 26, 2009 11:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Geesh! Back off the guy already.
It seems like Urban can’t win with you guys and if there is anything more cringe worthy than that drunk joke is how much the AN community goes at him no matter what he says. If the guy tries to clarify something he said in an honest way you attack him. If he answers in a joking way you attack him. If I was Urban I would stop giving interviews to AN, period!
Yeah the joke went on a little long but if someone even hinted that I had a drinking problem, heck yeah I’m gonna come back and drill you till I’ve had enough. Thats a direct attack on the man’s reputation and shame on anyone who either directly said it or implied it.
I dont always agree with everything he writes and this interview might not have been the best way to go about it, but all members who have been around for a while know how Urban gets burned at the stake every single time he grants AN an interview.
Be thankful someone so close to the organization actually takes time out of his schedule to come on and talk about the team. Now can we stop talking about Urban and start talking about the A’s?
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:17 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
He made it about him...
This is zero doubt this interview was about him and not the A’s. I had zero issue with him before this and now have a totally different opinion. It was THAT bad.
Make 1-2 comments or 1-2 jokes….Starting every answer with a comment was unreal and ruined the interview and made it about him, not the A’s.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Jan 26, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I was interested in reading it and stopped after a few questions. Kind of a thin-skinned approach, IMHO.
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Jan 26, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
By the third or fourth time I was going “Jeez, can we get to the point already?”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 2:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Im not going to disagree with that
because you are completely right about that.
But this is the first time he’s made it about him, AN on the other hand has always made it about him. I don’t know the extent of the “drinking problem” comments made on AN about him but come on, the guy takes time to come on here and answer questions for us. He is a human being, don’t you think he was hurt by this? That he re-acted this way is unfortunate…but this goes back further than this interview
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I've got news for him if he's that affected by readers being critical of him
“Join the club.”
Everyone, everywhere in any form of media gets criticized unfairly at some point, in some way. In many cases, it’s pure jealousy because they’re doing something others wish they were doing but aren’t for one reason or another.
I’m still at the amateur stage of my photography work but I’ve already lost track of how many times I’ve heard people say “Oh, and your photos suck!” or “Stick to taking pretty pictures and talk less.”
I just laugh it off. Why should I care when someone takes that approach with me? It’s only meant to piss me off and draw a reaction, and I’m not even “somebody” yet. I may never be. I know what I’m good at, what I need to work on, and what would look better with better equipment.
In some cases, criticism is deserved based on factual errors or flip-flops in position. In others it may be because someone goes too far in being a homer, for example. But by and large, I don’t think you can find me any reporter, columnist, announcer, etc. who has never been called out by some section of the fanbase that listens to or reads him. That’s just the nature of the job.
I’m sure Urban was having fun with his responses. If you read closely enough I think it’s evident. The problem is it went on too long, to the point that most people are going to say “Damn, dude’s got a big chip on his shoulder.” Maybe he does and maybe that’s not fair to have happen.
Still, you’ve got to do a better job of keeping it from showing.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have a problem if you disagree with someone
and tell him that. But like I’ve said before, some of the post have been downright nasty, even when they didn’t have to be. Its not Urban I worry about, its this community I worry about because I have always taken pride in that we are smarter than that. Sure he is a “public figure” and should be used to this but us bashing him every time he comes on in my opinion makes us no better than those pigeon holed fools from HH
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm certainly not defending the people who bash without cause
I’d like to see less of that. If they have a beef with him they should be explaining why. I assume some do, some don’t.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think he cares that he took it too far and looks bad
because as Amnesiac said, he can’t win on this site no matter what he says/does, so why bother?
by jlanning17 on Jan 28, 2009 8:25 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I do think that he probably took the joke a little too far
including it as part of every single answer (I couldn’t believe it when I read the interview the first time), but I think he just wanted to make a point. When someone says they have it on good authority that someone is a drunk, most of the time people will often believe them. You do need to have a thick skin in the public eye but when you have a chance to refute it, you should.
I just don’t think you can paint all of AN with the broad brush strokes and assume everyone thinks that about you. I’ll say something to my wife if someone says something patently false about me and I find myself saying, “Everyone is saying this.” To which she’ll reply, “What do you mean, ‘everyone’?” Then I’ll stop and think about it and say, “Yeah I guess it’s just the one person.” I imagine there was a little of that here too. And some people on AN have rode Urban mercilessly, and IMO, more than he’s deserved.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 26, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
I agree with absolutely everything you said. Yes, the joke was taken beyond the point of funny. But there’s no point in getting our collective shorts in a bunch over it. Perhaps we shouldn’t be all that surprised that a guy who gets bashed so often might take the opportunity to give a little back. And it was only a little.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
by Joey C. on Jan 26, 2009 1:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Personally ...
I was disappointed to learn that he doesn’t drink as much as sources have reported …
"It's for your own good. Big strong Devo knows whats best for Poppy" -- Mossback
by devo on Jan 26, 2009 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's just 'cause you want him to share
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 26, 2009 5:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"When someone says they have it on good authority that someone is a drunk, most of the time people will often believe them. "
This is in response to Blez:
I was only reaffirming what had been transcribed to me by a very trusted source, and nothing else. I, personally, have nothing against Mr. Urban. In fact, I love reading Urban’s articles on the MLB website, and love even more when he is a guest on KNBR as a radio host. Every time he is a host on KNBR I do my best to get on the air to talk to him and get some “A’s love” going. I really find him entertaining and quite humble, plus he is one of the few hosts on KNBR that is willing to delve deep into “A’s talk”.
I never said Urban was a flat out “drunk”. Rather, I was implying that he has been known to dabble in the “cocktail hour” a bit and was more making a point of what comments were being shared on AN at the time.
Sorry if Mike Urban or anyone else were/was offended at the time by said comments.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 8:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That took a lot.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 8:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
All that and he didn't even spell Myke right.
:X
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 8:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Quiet you.
Lets let sleeping dogs lie now, shall we?
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 8:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who woke me up?!
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 8:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure Mychael will appreciate reading this
I’ll make sure I call his attention to it.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 27, 2009 8:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's get something clear
First of all, you said it yourself: the joke went on a little long.
Second, as far as we’ve been able to tell only one guy suggested Urban’s a drunk. That magically morphed into “some of your members have it "on good authority” that I’m an aimless drunk" and a full 16 lines wasted in carrying the joke out to its fullest.
I appreciate Urban trying to bring the readers something new more often than other places during the off-season, but if he’s going to react like this to one guy here saying something then he needs to rethink things a bit.
I got a kick out of him wearing that shirt a few years ago in reference to the stuff about Huston Street’s ass but this drunk thing just comes off as a joke gone too far.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I am with you.
I too thought it carried on too long and it did make me cringe, thats not what I am trying to say here though. What I am saying is this, the guy gets drilled everytime he comes on here. He was called a drunk by one person but thats just the tip of the ice berg, a lot of members of this community have been just down right nasty to him when ever he interviews with Blez. It sucks, and its kind of like seeing mommy and daddy fight and then daddy tells mom she’s fat. It doesnt excuse it but the way its been going for several interviews how did we not see this coming?
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
There’s also the fact that, as (allegedly still) a member of the AN community, he could have either responded directly to mrod’s insinuations (which were, I thought, rude and insulting to begin with), flagged them as CGV-worthy, or written to a mod (the latter of which he may have done, but not to me). Or just ignored them entirely.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 11:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That, too. Yes.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There’s also the fact that, as (allegedly still) a member of the AN community, he could have either responded directly to mrod’s insinuations (which were, I thought, rude and insulting to begin with), flagged them as CGV-worthy, or written to a mod (the l
Why?
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
To me this is ridiculous!
How is this rude? How is what I commented on a CGV, MonkeyBall?
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Point is, if Urban didn't like it he could have reported it, etc.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 9:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Go right on ahead!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You really don’t see how claiming anonymously that “you have it on good authority” that a fellow member of AN and a public figure to boot drinks too much is potentially offensive to that person?
{shakes head, mutters}
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Shaking your head and muttering?
{Spreads rumors about schizophrenic monkey}
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 Jan 27, 2009 1:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the voices coming through my fillings count as a good authority
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
For the record this has gone a bit far for my taste.
For one, I already apologized if he or anyone else was offended by anything I said. MU, I’ll say it again, “Sorry dude! Didn’t mean to step on your toes or make you look bad. Maybe we can have that drink some time afterall?”.
Second, the fact that Mr. Urban is a member of AN has nothing to do with me or him being a writer that covers the A’s. In fact, I have rarely seen him post here, so I’m surprised that he even mentioned any comments that I or anyone else made.
Lastly, I believe that there is alot more bashing between posters here towards one another and feel like that causes more of a rift between AN and it’s members. I have seen this happen many times and I have felt at times that you have picked on me on several occasions, making me feel as if I have to defend my opinion, whatever it may be.
I don’t know you and you don’t know me but let’s keep this peaceful and polite cuz there’s no use for wasted words.
If you would like to share your thoughts with me beyond this please jut send me an e-mail. Gracias’ -M-Rod
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 27, 2009 2:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you apologized in this post
which was only in response to MU taking offense. kind of different than if you would have realized it was a bad move and apologized on your own, don’t you agree?
and why even throw in the remark about having it on good sources that he likes the cocktail hours or however you put it? how did that advance the conversation? it just opened up an opportunity for others to pile on MU and start ripping him based on 1 person’s anonymous sources. it was kind of a low blow.
you said it in a “public” forum and you should expect a response from the man you said it about in a similar forum. you could have e-mailed him and told him what your source said and i’m sure he would have responded to you in private. however, you threw him under the bus in front of other people for a laugh. expect a response.
by jlanning17 on Jan 28, 2009 8:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
ugh.......
“No mas’, no mas’”.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 28, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You counted the line?
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
by adragon on Jan 26, 2009 1:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean lines
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
by adragon on Jan 26, 2009 1:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely agree
His reply got old really fast. I still cannot recall who suggested he was a drunk but whatever.
I appreciate anyone who dedicates themselves to their job, especially if it covering our beloved team but I haven’t felt like I have gained much after reading his articles and comments like I do here at AN.
So “Cheers” AN for the great job you do covering A’s related topics like no other.
by HRH on Jan 26, 2009 2:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Urban does far more damage to his own reputation than we could do.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
by Kyli on Jan 26, 2009 3:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I honestly hope Urban was drunk
Otherwise, this was inexplicably childish, stupid, and more than a little sad.
by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2009 11:27 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
jesus that guy is annoying
those little quips were not funny at all, tell that fool to stop acting like a child and get back to the monday mailbags
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
by 9Custs on Jan 26, 2009 11:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Was that "Nosy Rose or Rosy Nose"..
…I guess he’s now just another drunk Giants fan, who happens to cover the A’s for a living. His Schtick went on for a little too long. Actually, I’ve always appreciated his time on AN expecially when he posted but like others in the media, some of the AN posters got “rough” with him which wasn’t in the best interests of either.
Seriously, I appreciated the interview and look forward to part deux.
"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King
by Gerard on Jan 26, 2009 11:34 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Here's the thing....
Urban does get overly criticized on this website. Often something he writes for mlb.com gets quoted here and then harshly criticized. So if Urban does not have any insight or anything good to report than why would Blez interview him? If Urban really does not have anything to report outside of what “we” already know, than why is Blez’s interview even getting published?
The point I’m making is, Urban has more in’s and contacts within the Oakland organization than we do, and that’s why he gets interviewed. He made some jokes, and maybe he took it too far, but it was a joke…take it at face value…a joke!!! People are reacting like Urban spit on your mothers grave or something. He was having some fun with all of the AN folks…..it’s a joke, relax!! You don’t have to laugh at it, but it is a joke.
Weather you like Urban, or what Urban writes on his website or this one, what he writes should not be taken out of context to the point that people are taking offense to it, which is what seems to happen. I’m not saying I’m agree with what he did, it probably was unprofessional, I’m just saying there has been an over reaction here.
by bdemartin on Jan 26, 2009 11:42 AM PST reply actions 7 recs
Uh, what?
People are reacting like Urban spit on your mothers grave or something
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 11:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah monkey...I've been meaning to talk to you about that
you see…some of us came out of someone else
by Amnesiac on Jan 26, 2009 11:45 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My reaction to Mychael Urban
and the hypothetical mother-grave-spitter would be quite different.
It ain’t the same ballpark. It ain’t in the same league. it ain’t even the same effing sport.
I see a deranged rabbit, on fire, cowering away from a vagina. I await the results of the Rorschaschererer. -Nico
by Leopold Bloom on Jan 26, 2009 11:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mother-grave-spitting IS a sport
and is gaining popularity in olympic circles
by somebodyelse on Jan 27, 2009 8:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's funny
that a lot of people feel that Urban went too far with the drunk bit.
Yeah, because AN never goes overboard with a joke.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 12:30 PM PST up reply actions 7 recs
Fire HP NOW!!!!!!
and keep 67MARQUEZ
"AN, Reducing Work Productivity since 2003", connie mack 11/06/08
by adragon on Jan 26, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
well we are not "pros" and don't get paid for our words
as a professional writer he should have the demeanor and sense of mind to know when enough’s enough. We don’t have consequences or responsibilities that come with what we write. Of course, if it’s CGV worthy or incredibly offensive that’s one thing, but we are here for fun and to express our own personal opinions, whatever they may be.
So to say that it’s funny that we thought he went too far isn’t very relevant. Of course we all take jokes too far, but this is a outlet to some and a nice community to others, where they can fully express themselves….
by stranahanahan on Jan 26, 2009 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What do you mean?
I get pa…
Oh.
Hey, I agree, it did get old after awhile. I just thought it was funny that some of our community (being careful here not to include "everyone") expressed it so vehemently. I honestly wasn’t considering whether it was relevant, because most of what I say here isn’t relevant.
I hear ya; Urban’s a pro and perhaps should have behaved as such. Then again, even those at AN who have consequences and/or responsibilities can overdo it sometimes. Not that I am complaining, it adds to their appeal.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 27, 2009 6:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He's not a comedian
Just because he’s a writer it doesn’t mean he has a funny bone in his body. It was a joke, an unfunny joke but a joke none the less.
by methodrampage on Jan 27, 2009 9:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I found Urbans insight useful
Never again will I say “I like ’em stiff” to a bartender!
"You Went Full Retard, Man - Never Go Full Retard." --Kirk Lazarus
by Ovale Fan on Jan 26, 2009 11:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Especially if you're at a gay bar
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What does the bar being happy have to do with anything?
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
problem is
if i’ve been a bar that long, wanting something to be stiff often has no relation to the reality of achieving that stiffness.
i’m talking about the strength of drinks, of course.
nothing else.
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 1:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Give Urban some more cheese please...
the whining overwhelmed the interview itself, and made a mockery of what AN and professional journalism/reporting stands for.
I always thought of Urban as insightful (and still do), but after hearing him on his quasi-gigs on KNBR and now this interview, I really question his professional demeanor on the job. He seems intent on stirring the pot to incite more conversation (hanging around with Damon Bruce too much maybe?), and has a more of a me-first attitude in his reports than say a SuSlu. That’s bad mojo imho, as we care about the reports and not his interpretations thereof more.
Urban – You have a knowledge of wealth on the A’s no doubt, due to your job and the responsibilities that come with it. However, you seem to be selling yourself more than the info nowadays to promote more “exclusivity” or something for your shows, books, etc. Just get back to the basics and leave your ego (however bruised it is) out of it and all will be fine.
"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."
"Any fan that wants us to do that is going to be disappointed because that just isn’t us." - Wolff
"Joe Morgan's going to think Beane wrote the movie too..." -whitshoes40
by ST on Jan 26, 2009 12:11 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
All he needs to do is repeat the following:
“Don’t be Tim Kawakami.”“Don’t be Tim Kawakami.”
“Don’t be Tim Kawakami.”
“Don’t be Tim Kawakami.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 12:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, also, if Urban doesn't show up to AN Day 6 and do a shot with me, he's a hack.
GAUNTLET THROWN.
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 12:20 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Relax, guys
He’s just playing around with you. If he really felt such contempt for AN he wouldn’t have granted the interview. Think about it: the guy is taking time out of his day to talk to Blez and AN rather than MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS. Do you think he would do that just to make fun of us?
Well, maybe.. but still.
"To this day and dating back 25 years, before every game he plays, Henderson stands completely naked in front of a full length locker room mirror and says, "Ricky’s the best," for several minutes."
by VORP is too nerdy on Jan 26, 2009 12:21 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Um, he spends his Saturdays on the radio talking about the Giants.
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 12:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
right, and they haven't been major league baseball players pretty much since he took that job.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He also talks to fans.
Point being: Doing an interview with Blez and AN is hardly “beneath him” as it was implied.
by mikev on Jan 26, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i know that's what you meant, i just wanted to take a cheap shot at the giants
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 Jan 26, 2009 1:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Felt this was appropriate again
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 26, 2009 12:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
a little lesson in comedy
if you tell an unfunny joke, just keep repeating it and repeating it. eventually it will be funny, and the more you repeat it, the funnier it gets.
however, i do actually like mychael urban. i think that at AN, we are used to reading higher quality and more in depth information, which urban doesn’t provide. but the information he provides is directed at the casual fan, meaning urban has to give basic information.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Jan 26, 2009 12:28 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
urban
i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again: urban was right and AN (including me) was wrong on the milton bradley article.
unless anyone wants to take the position that journalists can’t rely on confidential sources.
that said, he’s not very good at his job, and has nothing particularly interesting or useful to say here or in the vast majority of his columns.
and apparently he’s petty, and not very funny. dude, this is the internet, rumors get spread about everyone, maybe you need to develop a thicker skin or stick to KNBR where you can have more control.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:33 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
+1 on the Milton Bradley part.
I was similarly guilty, and he nailed that one right on the head. Well, except for Beane’s part in the whole mess, but he still saw the end drawing near.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 26, 2009 8:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
civility
This is the internet, where the personal becomes universal at the touch of the post button.
Over the years AN posters have struggled with how to have a debate without personalizing it. The fact that this struggle has itself often been the subject of extended posts is one of the main reasons, besides the A’s, that I love this site.
As for me, I like the jokes. But everything gets old when it’s over-extended. And how many quarrels on AN go on for way too long? Reading two guys bicker (with a chorus intervening every once and a while) is just as tiresome as Urban’s conceit here.
I live in Kentucky, so let me close with an incident that occurred here last year. There are no more rabid fans in the world than those that follow Kentucky basketball and their maturity level when it comes to basketball is rarely very high. We get a new coach after effectively forcing the old coach out (I still miss Tubby), who begins his first season disastrously, with his team losing at home to lower mid-majors clubs. Within weeks of the season opening one couldn’t go anywhere in Lexington without hearing about how Billy G. was a drunk. People were routinely swearing that they had a friend or knew of someone who had actually seen Billy carried out of a local bar. New sitings were continually surfacing. In short, Billy was a fall-down drunk. It got so bad that eventually the local newspaper had to publish a front-page story investigating these allegations. There turned out to be no evidence to support any of these rumors.
Once in conference play, the team began winning, and if it had not been for an injury to their star player, Patrick Patterson, UK would have made some serious noise in the NCAAs. With the winning, the rumors came to a dead stop. No more stories. None. Same this year.
It was pretty ugly. And it was especially ugly in that the people who spread these rumors were often nice, really decent people. So what I’m saying is that of course everyone needs a thick skin in public life, but also that every poster has a personal responsibility, and not just a responsibility to the site, to value civility. In a world where everything private can instantly be public, civility is our last defense.
chronic
by Since1972 on Jan 27, 2009 3:21 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
wow
That was pretty… I can’t even think of the right word. Aside from the stupidity of repeating that joke before every answer, I didn’t even find the FIRST one funny. He really looks dumb in my eyes right now.
I wish I could find the link to the Urban’s mailbag in which he declared in an absurdly hyperbolic way that there was no chance the A’s would sign Giambi.
Go join www.mycityscrewups.com and help make a difference in your community!
by ohad on Jan 26, 2009 12:36 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Don't worry
The Giambi part was covered already.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
drunk, high, on crack, whatever anyone said, people have said alot....
but I for one thought his answers here are good, and I love that he played along with all of the people here who tear him to pieces week after week. He’s got a good sense of humor, even if it was overplayed some….
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jan 26, 2009 12:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think we could have done without
The “Buzz Up!” at the end, Blez. Overkill, man. ;)
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 12:41 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think I'll have a beer.
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Jan 26, 2009 12:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Always a good choice.
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 Jan 26, 2009 12:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
< / Loaiza >
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The beer was a good choice
The driving was not.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
by Joey C. on Jan 26, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I will admit, I have been one of Urban's harshest critics, and.....
what was I saying, oh to hell with it, I am going to the bar. Like mom used to say, if you don’t have something nice to say…….
by theblackpearl on Jan 26, 2009 1:14 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
til you black out
"All your baserunner are belong to Greg Smith" ~ walk off bunt
by Philip Christy on Jan 26, 2009 4:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
... come sit next to me?
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Jan 26, 2009 7:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The reason I first came to AN was the interviews
AN’s interviews are what really separate it from the rest of the blogosphere. Other sites do stats better (sorry PT, devo, and sal), other sites do jokes better (sorry Nico, monkeyball, and Mychael), other sites do rumors/rosterbation better (sorry Zonis and grover), but I could live the way I do without Beyond the Boxscore, Fangraphs, FJM (I already do sadly), and MLBTR. I can’t live the same way without AN. It’s AN’s unique combination of those values that makes it such a special place.
AN has inside connections, stat experts, history buffs, and guys who scoop news first. That Blez can talk to one of the two to three most important A’s beat writers is special. Let’s not ruin that by throwing criticism around. Take shots at the guys writing or his logic if you must, but don’t take shots at the guy itself. Even if you think the guy is a drunk keep it to yourself, so that the rest of AN can enjoy his interviews. I’m not particularly fond of Poetic/Musical Interludes (with one noted exception) but I don’t flame them every time they’re published. If I had, I’d probably be banned by now.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jan 26, 2009 1:46 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
hey, flame away
’sall good.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
AN’s interviews are what really separate it from the rest of the blogosphere. Other sites do stats better (sorry PT, devo, and sal), other sites do jokes better (sorry Nico, monkeyball, and Mychael), other sites do rumors/rosterbation better (sorry Zonis and grover), but I could live the way I do without Beyond the Boxscore, Fangraphs, FJM (I already do sadly), and MLBTR. I can’t live the same way without AN. It’s AN’s unique combination of those values that makes it such a special place.
If we were interested in all baseball stats and not primarily A’s stats, then sure, so while I agree with your sentiment about the quality combination of things, AN is actually, in my mind, the best at all of those areas: interviews, stats, jokes, rosterbation, and rumors (maybe 1 hour behind) when one considers its all about the Oakland A’s.
Point being, I’d come here if AN only offered one of those areas.
I miss Chad God
by ChadGod on Jan 26, 2009 2:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I also enjoy the interviews
I found AN looking for BBean information and read almost every piece of content hyper linked to this page. It seriously took about a year even with my 8th grade reading level! Anyways I do appreciate Blez and Urban for taking the time for the interview whether people like the content or not. I also appreciate the AN community and their opinions. The unique ability to remain logical and objective keeps this site relevant to me. Most fan sites seem to be made up of “blind faith” followers that hardly care if their posts even scrape reality. If I wanted a cheer leading site I’d go to the “official” team sites for the A’s/Raiders where they are more interested in image.
"You Went Full Retard, Man - Never Go Full Retard." --Kirk Lazarus
by Ovale Fan on Jan 26, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh
I feel like Blez, no offense, should have made an executive decision to edit out some of the superfluous alcohol references. I dunno, maybe he actually discussed it and Urban opted to leave them in, in which case, caveat author I suppose.
I don’t really understand why Urban has been the subject of such virulent hatred here, but I feel like I missed some of the early skirmishes in this particular jihad.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 26, 2009 2:27 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I thought the same thing about editing
at first but Mychael obviously wanted this part included. Otherwise he wouldn’t have started every sentence the same way- beating a dead horse.
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 5:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
in complete seriousness
maybe he has some personal history that we may have infringed upon with thoughtless jokes. what may seem trivial to you or me may, in fact, be way to close to home for Urban. I’m kinda just shooting off my mouth here, but it’s my best guess as to why he comes across so sensitive (via repetitive jokes) in this interview.
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you for the interview, Blez and Mychael
Although I, too, was not amused by the ongoing booze jokes, I was even more amazed that the reaction was so negative, particularly since beating jokes to death is a popular pastime among AN users.
Nevertheless, there was some interesting information in this interview and I appreciate Mychael’s taking the time to share his ideas with us.
by Reg on Jan 26, 2009 2:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I agree. I have seen some stupid remarks here that go on and on... Hey I have also done some of them.
It was a good article, especially if you just let the drinking part pass by.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
by Eastbayjim on Jan 26, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
The drinking part was at least 1/2 of the entire interview. Compared to past interviews with Urban his answers were short and didn’t go into much depth. Maybe the second part will be better, but to me the first part seemed like all he cared about doing was making his point and then felt obligated to throw in some actual analysis as well.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 26, 2009 4:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Without commenting on the whole alcohol thing
This sort of borderline lack of professionalism and insulting his readership isn’t improving anyone’s opinion of him.
I happen to think he’s a poor journalist and writes some of the least insightful A’s coverage around despite his contacts, but it’s beyond comprehension what he was trying to accomplish with this train wreck of an interview.
by MrIncognito on Jan 26, 2009 3:28 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Good things to come to AN from this interview:
1. New phrase: “Epic Urban”
2. Game thread response to bonehead, seemingly alcohol-fueled A’s mistakes: “Who the f*ck let Urban play left field!?”
3. New AN nickname for Urban: Mychael Scott
by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2009 3:45 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
GREAT call with the michael scott reference
urban making the joke over and over was just like michael scott making a stupid joke over and over as well
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Jan 26, 2009 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
it was office space-y, wasn't it?
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol, i meant The Office-y
although if someone wants to smash the crap out of an office machine with a baseball bat and play awesome music, i’m down with that too.
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn it feels good to be a gangsta!
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 7:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
thats literally what she said
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
{writes code to divert fractional cents from everyone's AN subscription fee to offshore account in the Bahamas}
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
too late, Beane there, Dunn that
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I want my red stapler
"RIP: UserID: 553"
by Masaryk on Jan 27, 2009 1:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if it really Mychael's "cry for help".
alaska A residing in colorado.
by ak_A on Jan 26, 2009 3:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
What step on the ladder is he at?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 26, 2009 4:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
still gainfully employed....so many rungs to go.
alaska A residing in colorado.
by ak_A on Jan 26, 2009 4:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Urban is generally a
very good beat writer. However, I dont think he should take up comedy soon, he just killed that joke. he sounded a little bitter to me
"Sometimes Joe (morgan) doesn't like facts to get in the way of his opinions."- billy beane
"That was a great pick...if this was 2002" Me, to guy who selected Barry Zito in a fantasy draft
www.27ClubPeak.blogspot.com
by harendaman365 on Jan 26, 2009 4:32 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Anyone else think he kinda looks like Randy Johnson?
Maybe I should drink some more…..
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jan 26, 2009 8:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It;s the Gurn
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t have any problems with Mychael Urban. I enjoy his mlb.com articles/mailbags. I don’t think the jokes were “unprofessional” or anything – AN is not some stuffy workplace where constant seriousness is required. Being irreverent is fine.
However, the ad infinitum alcoholic jokes caused me to become totally disinterested in his serious responses to the questions. After the fourth question, I just stopped reading. Which is a shame, because I find AN interviews to be very informative/insightful.
Blez, a suggestion: For part II of the interview, please edit out any more of these alcoholic references. As the discussion in this story have demonstrated, they would become the discussion, rather than any actual points he makes about the A’s.
by calgbear on Jan 26, 2009 4:43 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Seconded
May be a good time for a little editorial control.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 4:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with all three of your points.
Well said.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 5:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
NO
leave them in! the man must have his voice!
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 7:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And he has,
nuff said.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 9:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
I thought the whole thing came off as awkward and distracting. I really didn’t get through most of it. I found myself skimming to the wherever he stopped making the joke, and when I got to the bottom, realized he did it throughout its entirely.
by rageon on Jan 27, 2009 7:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have it on good authority that mrod actually gave the interview as Urban's doppelganger
au contra ire
by JediLeroy on Jan 26, 2009 5:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Love it!!!!!!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I Feel Bad for the Guy...
this interview feels like a desperate attempt at trying to hard to be funny and be accepted within the AN community. Urban is familiar with the comedic banter that goes on here and probably wanted to be loved and included in this Oakland A’s band of brothers/sisters fraternity. The problem is, the joke went too far and wasn’t funny and had an underlying tone of bitterness/insecurity. He simply tried too hard.
I think AN is a desirable place for beat writers (especially Oakland A’s reporters) to be accepted. Even a guy like Paul Depodesta has this site linked on his new blog.
by RonHassy'sMullet on Jan 26, 2009 5:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
When you have to try to be funny you're already in trouble
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 5:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
that’s going a bit far, he wants to be accepted by us cool AN kids? a’s fraternity? this guy has access to the real a’s.
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 Jan 27, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mr. Urban
Thanks for your time but the comedy needs some work.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 26, 2009 5:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I missed the funny part??
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 5:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Part II doesn't include alcohol references that most of us
don’t even understand then I will bitch about Part 1. However, if these comments go away with Part II then I’ll let Urban off the hook on this one.
Face it- this guy is an important piece to AN because he does add insight that most fans are trying to find. I don’t think this particular interview was off the charts in regards to new information but down the road I want him to post regularly. This hatchet between AN and Urban needs to be buried and I hope that happens soon. It would benefit everyone!!
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 5:54 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
He won't be here all week will he?
by RonHassy'sMullet on Jan 26, 2009 6:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
BTW, it's Ron Hassey, mullet or no mullet
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 Jan 26, 2009 6:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Nico likes sheep... who knew?
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 6:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Am I under arrest?
Spelling Police? I was gonna make a new name but too lazy..I like the ring of RonHassey’sMulletFur
by RonHassy'sMullet on Jan 26, 2009 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just be glad you didn't make a name like MarkMcGuire'sBottleOfAndro
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 6:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Late to the party (is all the booze gone?) with my two cents
First of all, I have always liked and respected Mychael for, among other things, consistently making himself available to AN for interviews, and in the past I have often been embarrassed for AN at the nastiness of some of the comments.
That being said, my main reaction to this interview is to offer the following estimates:
- % of AN readers who knew, before this interview, that anyone ever suggested that Mychael Urban drinks: 12%.
- % of AN readers who now know that anyone ever suggested that Mychael Urban drinks: 92%.
Anyway, people don’t have to grant interviews to AN, so thank you Mychael for sharing your insights and ideas.
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 Jan 26, 2009 6:02 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I was one who didn't know and was surprised by his comments.
Was I living under a Papago rock?
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was another, frankly.
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 Jan 26, 2009 6:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's unfortunate.
And it feels uncharacteristic that any percentage of readers would cause him to react that way. Maybe he was just having a bad day.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 6:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
How'd you get into the party with two cents?
Oh.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 6:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The cover charge is only two cents,
but there’s a 90-drink minimum. God, I love that club.
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 Jan 26, 2009 6:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure of your age but my brother was around when clubs
had NICKEL PITCHER NIGHT. I can’t even imagine how anyone got home alive.
Looking forward to Spring Training and the hope of another World Series title.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 6:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
9/18/00
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 6:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, I wasn't born yet in 2000
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 Jan 26, 2009 6:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
6/4/74
10-cent beer night in Cleveland.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the history lesson.
That’s a million times worse than Artest and Jackson in the stands in Detroit.
I liked this quote:
The Rangers took the lead in the top of the second inning on a home run by designated hitter Tom Grieve. Just a few pitches later, a heavyset woman sitting near first base jumped the wall, ran to the Indians’ on-deck circle, and bared her enormous, unhindered breasts to appreciative applause from the beer-goggled teenagers
au contra ire
by JediLeroy on Jan 26, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That last part
used to happen at almost every Raider game.
My aunt could be pretty embarrassing at times.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 27, 2009 4:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just how many home runs did your aunt give up to Tom Grieve?
(And would that make Ben your cousin?)
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 9:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
we resigned Los Kirk?
for that price, you could field a whole pitching staff for less than a buck! shoot, we could even use the money saved to buy A Rod!
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is unfortunate
He refers to a list of questions and Blez refers to his formatting, so apparently Urban wrote everything out and had an opportunity to review it before he hit the Send button. I’ve written stuff like this and I’ve learned to sit on it and re-read before actually sending. When I’ve gone ahead and sent e-mails that had the wrong tone I quickly regretted it (occasionally apologizing inside my manager’s office). Hell, I always read the preview before posting here, just because it gives me one more chance to ask, “Do I really want to post that?” And on more than a few occasions the answer is No and I cancel out.
That’s what Urban should have done here, and I think if he had, he would have either rewritten his responses, or tossed it all out and told Blez he’d changed his mind about doing the interview.
The way it stands, my suggestion to Blez is to kill the second part of the interview. I don’t see how going through this again next week would be productive to anyone.
by Soaker on Jan 26, 2009 6:24 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I re-read my comments several times as well before posting,
because I don’t want to risk offending someone with my humor.
What?
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 Jan 26, 2009 6:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was gonna say "Screw you, Nico!"
But I decided to self-censor.
au contra ire
by JediLeroy on Jan 26, 2009 9:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A writer who drinks?
I think this is a ploy for A’s fans to always buy Urban a drink. It’s a long-term strategy. Aren’t all the best writers drunks?
by greenpaddedgloves on Jan 26, 2009 6:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I've been sober for years!
Never mind.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 6:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
he said "best"
Ooooooooooo!
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I read "beast"
damn it.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 7:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Creative writing
doubles as pre-AA for my college. You know, when you drink like a fisk but don’t think it’s a problem ;) Seriously easily 80% of the writing majors love their liquor.
by Jernskogen on Jan 26, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Lute?
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 9:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Justice Harlan Stone?
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 27, 2009 6:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just going to my college doubled as pre-AA.
The acceptance letter came wrapped around a bottle of JD.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
by Kyli on Jan 27, 2009 3:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Wolff loves him some Billy."
For some reason, that sentence stood out more to me more than anything. I don’t know why.
His running joke aside, his outlook toward the young starters did make me feel even hopeful for some kind of interesting season beyond just scoring a few more runs.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jan 26, 2009 6:48 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I liked that part
a lot
Urban: Hold on. That cougar in the corner is TOTALLY checking me out. Should I send her a mimosa? Do I slip the wedding ring off and hope she doesn't see the tan line, or is she old enough to not care?
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jan 26, 2009 6:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It stood out to Nico as well.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 26, 2009 9:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, tough room.
But then, it has been a tough room around here for Mychael Urban for ages, hasn’t it?
I really don’t understand why so many regulars on here feel the need to belittle most everything the man writes with such gratuitous vitriol and gleeful condescension… but I think this behavior does more to demean yourselves than it serves to impress anybody else or inspires Mr. Urban to improve his writing or make his coverage of the A’s more incisive or insightful.
I’m confident that Urban is plenty professional enough to handle the slings and arrows of outrageous bloggers and whatever slights the fan base at large might direct his way; in fact, his granting this interview and obviously spending some quality time on crafting his responses indicate that he doesn’t begrudge AN the general flak that is cast his way around here.
I don’t see why it’s so universally accepted around here that it’s okay to behave so poorly when a guest takes the time to answer questions and “drops by” for an interview, though.
I just don’t get it.
Oh, I get the part about not liking his writing- that’s fair enough, but does that really deserve wholesale and widespread vilification?
And I get the part about not liking this particular interview, and not finding it very funny- but does that mean a mob mentality should ensue where he’s accused of being “defensive” and “unprofessional” and more, while being pilloried for even attempting to have some fun with the whole thing in the first place?
To me, it just seems like the latest in a series of bizarre overreactions and unwarranted bashing… which is why I felt compelled to comment on it.
As for the interview itself, I actually thought it was pretty funny and also enjoyed what information and insight was to be gleaned from it. I hope Part 2 is a little heavier on the sort of “behind the scenes” stuff that a beat writer observes which most fans of the team would find interesting. I enjoyed the humorous imagined setting for the interview in Part 1, but I kind of hope Part 2 is more of a straightforward Q & A session.
Actually, having read through this thread and the comments of most, I simply hope there’s a Part 2… and that, if there is a Part 2, it will be received with a little less venom.
Anyway, my thanks to Blez for conducting and posting the interview, and to Mr. Urban for taking the time and also having a little fun with the whole thing.
by still bills kingdom on Jan 26, 2009 6:55 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
I hear you, but when I read the interview
I braced for the comments and actually found them to be more measured than I expected. I agree with you about the vitriol in threads past, but today I think the comments are more like, “Um, ok…” than like any sort of bashing.
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 Jan 26, 2009 7:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you know what really bugs me?
When someone feels that their own opinion (which is shared by and already expressed in the same thread by others) is a special little snowflake, yet the opposing opinion when voiced, no matter how varied the expression thereof, represents “mob mentality,” “being pilloried,” and “bizarre overreactions and unwarranted bashing.”
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:05 PM PST up reply actions 2 recs
You're overreacting, mb
And I’m just bizarre.
But yeah, I hear ya.
BTW, is “mb” ok? I can’t remember.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 7:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Milton Bradley?
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 Jan 26, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the game of life?
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 7:48 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was attempting to provide an object lesson in what a real "bizarre overreaction" looks like
The “pillorying” of MU here has been anything but.
MB A-OK
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Go on Mychael!
I like big Mike (Mych? Myke?), and I approve of this interview.
No, his jokes weren’t all that funny, but I think that’s beside the point. Rightly or wrongly, it was clear he’s feeling a bit picked-on by the AN community. His jokes were his way of standing up for himself, that’s all. I don’t think it warrants the complaints of unprofessionalism, and certainly not Blez’s future censorship of un-funny jokes.
In any case, I thought Mych provided some interesting insights, particularly around Holliday and Giambi protecting the young pitchers with their bats, and I appreciate his taking the time.
Thanks Myke!
by nickolai on Jan 26, 2009 7:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not suggesting censorship, I'm suggesting editing
Obviously if he’s determined to leave them in, then on his own head be it.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 26, 2009 7:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mychael...
Thanks for doing the interview. It was interesting to read your take on things. I hope in part two you won’t resort to rolling around in the mud with us , though. Leave the hangover jokes to Nico. You’ve made your point now.
by IM4Oakgal on Jan 26, 2009 7:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
He gets all the good jokes
And I don’t get any of them.
Get it? I don’t get any of them?
I probably should mention I’m dieting right now.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 26, 2009 7:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that you are having waaaaaaay too much fun...
in this thread.
by IM4Oakgal on Jan 26, 2009 7:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good beat writer
Urban does a good job covering the A’s, but this interview was excessive for me. I never knew there was a backlash against him. But after reading this, i can see why. I don’t have anything personal against him, but this was too much for my taste.
Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons, that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking. -Dave Barry
by davebenfremont on Jan 26, 2009 7:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Apropos of this thread, in December The USA Today published an article,
that was subsequently picked up locally by the Tribune and Chronicle, with a supposed listing of which schools had poor air quality and which suggested that my school was in the 1%ile nationwide.
Problem is, the data was terribly flawed – it just looked at sweeping generalizations like “how geographically close are you to a smokestack” and concluded how your air quality probably was, completely ignoring wind patterns and taking no actual air quality samples at sites where it drew conclusions. It was also a 4-year old study, so it didn’t account for things like…the factory nearest our school had massively improved its emissions since the study was done, making that (already bad) data irrelevant.
In fact the air quality at our school is probably just ducky, but boy were we pissed off at this sensationalist and utterly irresponsible fear-mongering “reporting” – we wanted to tell everyone how our school was fine and how unprofessional these “journalists” were, so that every parent who was thinking of sending their child to our school would know the truth!
What did we actually do publicly? We did the smart thing: We did nothing (except reassure our own families), let the holidays come and go, and now nobody remembers that some article was published a month ago. Sometimes it’s best not to make news out of no news, rather than protesting so loudly that people start to wonder why you need to shout so loud.
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 Jan 26, 2009 7:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Urban probably should have ignored all of our rude ways instead of trying to ...
lampoon ANers but he didn’t resist and big dealio. We all had something to talk about so what’s the real harm?
by IM4Oakgal on Jan 26, 2009 7:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I told you guys you shouldn't have located your school downwind of me
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have it on good authority
That I’m a drunk.
Urban, I just think he’s trying too hard.
RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.
by walk off bunt on Jan 26, 2009 7:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Double standard
A while back, when oblique posted his awesome “Trade Him at the Deadline” song, one guy joined the discussion to comment that he didn’t like it. Along with two or three others, I said that, even though I disagreed with his opinion, it was perfectly reasonable for him to join the discussion just to say he didn’t like it.
But the AN consensus disagreed. “No, no, no,” they all told me. If you don’t like these “poetic interlude” posts, you should just skip the post and not say anything. It’s wrong to come in here just to say, “I don’t like that”. It’s rude and it’s mean.
OK. So now today we have this Mychael Urban interview, and a hundred people jump on the thread to tell us how unfunny they think it is. Can anyone explain to me why the same logic doesn’t apply here?
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 26, 2009 7:33 PM PST reply actions 4 recs
Hmmm let's see ...
Urban= a professional writer…Oblique an amateur doing it just for fun…
by IM4Oakgal on Jan 26, 2009 7:36 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW, I disagreed with said consensus
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 26, 2009 7:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I remember.
I count you with the “two or three”.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 26, 2009 7:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You know what's really sad?
As far as I can tell, there hasn’t been a single bona-fide baseball discussion in this entire thread. It seems to me that he made some arguments about the A’s that could be discussed here, as a conversation starter if nothing else. And instead, well… we’ve got this.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 26, 2009 7:59 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
well, it's this stage of the offseason, innit
it’s like at a traffic accident or some famous person’s in hospital or something, all the press start interviewing each other, in the absence of any real news.
still, passes the time, doesn’t it?
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 8:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Will this turn into one of those "where were YOU when Mychael Urban made a bunch of booze jokes in poor taste at AN?" moments?
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 26, 2009 9:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Possibly.
Unless I get another CGV from ??????
Let me make one thing entirely clear:
I am not here to make enemies……….I am here to pass the time while entertaining myself with other A’s fans during the slow times. If someone has an issue with any of my comments, then please let me know, personally. I love this blog and don’t plan on going anywhere, anytime soon. A’s baseball is the shit, people!
Oye! Can we get on with the good stuff, now?
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:19 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
You mean the Champagne of Beers?
Coming right up…
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Jan 26, 2009 10:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Miller High Life" brah!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
come, come
they’re not really in poor taste, they’re just not very funny.
and remember, it’s a game of two halves – he might have some real zingers in part two!
or, you could be right. this might be exactly like when that frost guy interviewed the guy who looks like melting cheese.
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 26, 2009 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I consider jokes that aren't funny in poor taste
Full disclosure: I also often consider myself in poor taste.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 27, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough
i consider jokes that are offensive in poor taste.
which obviously doesn’t stop them being funny, too.
swings and roundabouts, really, isn’t it.
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 27, 2009 3:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Some people criticized his idea that Cust should and will bat 6th
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on Jan 26, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, PT, I'll start one -
If the scouts, players, coaches, and executives Urban checked with are correct, and some of Big MAC (Mazzaro, Anderson, Cahill) are ready to pitch, this season, like Hudson and Zito did their rookie seasons, how do you feel about one of them joining the big league rotation in April or June?
I’m asking because I know you’re solidly against it – but what if they’re “that good and that ready”? Huddy and Zito were easily “#2 starter” good their rookie 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 Jan 26, 2009 8:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
please don't call them Big MAC
i’m going to get so confused, and start spelling McGuire.
McGwire
McGwire
McGwire
whew…that sad, we should just call them MAC…and cheese
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 26, 2009 8:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Ziggy.
"I'm on hold for now"- Bobby Crosby
by DyeLongJustice on Jan 27, 2009 6:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Gallagher?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 27, 2009 12:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I have it on Gouda thority....
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 27, 2009 6:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 6:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Grate comment
Cheddar late than never!
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 Jan 27, 2009 6:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Monkeyball, I was waiting for you to post:
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 27, 2009 8:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cheese hot!
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 27, 2009 8:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hudson and Zito both had midseason call-ups
The only member of the Big 3 to actually make his big league debut in April was Mulder, and he was far from being a #2 SP his rookie year.
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 26, 2009 8:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know - that's why I said "April or June"
and didn’t mention Mulder. :-)
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 Jan 26, 2009 8:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The season starts in April
How can you possibly call an April call-up midseason?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 27, 2009 5:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm basically of the opinion that having a pitcher pitch in MLB at age 21 is pretty much never justifiable
It hurts the team and it hurts the player. None of the Big Three, at the time of their debuts, were as young as Cahill and Anderson will be— in April 2010.
I mean, I suppose one of them could strike out 50% of the hitters he faces for the first two months or something, but there’s no reason whatsoever to believe that will actually happen. Neither of them should be up before (at earliest) the point where the roster expands and the team can massage their workload. The A’s are not short of viable rotation candidates.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 26, 2009 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
additionally i would much rather control Cahill and/or Anderson through their 22-27 seasons than their 20-26. Keep the service time clock from starting for as long as possible.
Some of the most violent things I’ve ever seen were at Raiders games. And I’ve been to jail. - leopold bloom
by designatedforassignment on Jan 26, 2009 9:36 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
All depends on whether or not they can perform now
If they can, I’d rather sign them to a long-term contract as a 26-year-old than as a 28-year-old.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 26, 2009 10:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i'd rather have them as 22-27
because that way we get them during the years were supposed to contend. if we use them this year and we don’t contend, its a huge waste of service time. and if things go really well with cahill/anderson, they’ll be hard to resign.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Jan 26, 2009 10:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The A's aren't going to sign them to a long-term contract anyway
and if they were going to, it would likely be a bad idea. Long-term contracts for pitchers are a fool’s game.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 27, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't mean CC Sabathia length
I mean keeping someone for a change, instead of being resigned to never keeping a player we develop. The A’s should have to have a roster comprised entirely of players in their first six years, or defects that come cheap, especially by the time those guys are eligible for free agency.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 27, 2009 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if they're free agents
the a’s don’t get to decide whether they sign sabathia-length contracts or not.
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 Jan 27, 2009 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say "long-term contracts for other teams' pitchers are a fool's game"
I don’t agree with a policy of giving long-term contracts to pitchers on your own team, either. I don’t want the A’s to start “keeping players they develop” if those players are pitchers.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 27, 2009 5:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
And I really do think A’s management knows this. There is no real history of them rushing pitchers to the bigs in recent years (that i can recall).
by stranahanahan on Jan 26, 2009 10:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
MAC
why does james simmons never get mentioned, yet mazzaro does?
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 Jan 27, 2009 1:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing due to higher upside
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 Jan 27, 2009 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
SNTS
[Shiny New Toy Syndrome]
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 27, 2009 5:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i feel like everything that urban said
has already been discussed at great lenght in one place or another
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Jan 26, 2009 8:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The comments about Mazzaro, Cahill, and Anderson are interesting to me
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 Jan 26, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
to me it's more meh
because it’s been discussed here before
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Jan 26, 2009 8:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This thread is krazee.
Urban’s always good for provoking an AN uprising. Feels like ’05 around here.
by whiteshoes40 on Jan 26, 2009 8:47 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well I never
Never thought Urban was a drunk or anything similar. In fact I’d never heard anything about it since I don’t pore through all the AN comments. Now I’ve not only heard about it but now I really have to wonder given that interview. After all, there’s no reaction if you don’t hit a nerve.
He can drink all he wants or doesn’t want for all I care so long as he does his job well. Sadly I think he enjoys stirring the pot / creating controversy for whatever reason and that, to me, says the wrong things.
by Jernskogen on Jan 26, 2009 8:58 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Damn
Mychael Urban is neither funny nor insightful.
by Dukererer on Jan 26, 2009 9:00 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Hey Urban
Nice job. That shit was funny. I hope you keep it up in part two. It’s refreshing to see a beat writer step out and give a humorous informal interview. All the sniveling in this thread is giving me flashbacks to the preachy straight-edge dorks at Gilman Street that I’d have to smack around from time to time for trying to inject their misery on the rest of us who were drinking, laughing and dancing. People take themselves way too serious around here.
by jdub69 on Jan 26, 2009 9:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
lol, i have been a straight edge dork at gilman street, ~10 years go. not preachy, though.
but what a bizarre and nonsensical comparison.
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 Jan 27, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was amused while writing it.
All the whining (no pun intended) over satirical responses by Urban is absurd. I was having some fun with it. Glad you weren’t preachy back then – we wouldn’t of had any problems.
by jdub69 on Jan 27, 2009 8:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
we would of if you didn’t know how to spell “have”…
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 Jan 27, 2009 10:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you drinking, laughing, and dancing
right now?
by somebodyelse on Jan 27, 2009 8:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He definitely overreacted, but
it really is amazingly impolite to suggest someone’s a drunk in a widely read public forum, and pretty cowardly when you don’t even know them and wouldn’t dare say it to their face. I’d be really pissed if I were him, too. The reaction to someone who took the time to share their insights with this community is awfully impolite, too. If I were Urban, I’d be done with this place.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 26, 2009 9:07 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
"it really is amazingly impolite to suggest someone’s a drunk in a widely read public forum, and pretty cowardly when you don’t even know them and wouldn’t dare say it to their face. "
Who said that? Who would do such a thing? The horror!!!!!!!!!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
mrod, it really is amazingly impolite to suggest someone’s a drunk in a widely read public forum, and pretty cowardly when you don’t even know them and wouldn’t dare say it to their face.
I’d add that it’s especially rude and unfair to do so based on secondhand information.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 26, 2009 9:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I'll say this and one time only:
It’s not second hand info jeepers……comprende’?
And with that, I’ll politely step away from this thread,
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That's not what you said before
You basically said it was “really good second-hand info,” but fair enough. It’s not a point that needs to be pressed.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Jan 26, 2009 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Never said it was second hand, jeepers.
“Good authority”, I believe is what I said.
And this time I really am stepping away from this thread. Cheers!
M-Rod
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you familiar with what the term "second-hand" means?
If you did not see him drinking heavily yourself, but relied upon someone else’s assertion that they did, that’s second-hand information.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 27, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Since mrod has recused himself
I read his comments to indicate that he is absolutely aware of what second-hand means, and his “good authority” wasn’t.
by green star oakland on Jan 27, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
the only thing I'm left with is that mrod himself saw some guy who kinda looked like Urban in a bar
Either that, or God told mrod that Urban’s a heavy drinker.
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 11:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was guessing that mrod works or worked behind a bar somewhere hereabouts.
by green star oakland on Jan 27, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing he's actually God
But if he’s behind a bar somewhere, then he’s more important than I thought.
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 Jan 27, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
While at the bar I have heard the phrase, "Oh God" many times.
Whether or not it was intended for me is something you’ll have go and get on “good authority!”. ;q
It’s funny because I never expected this to turn into some mini-soap opera but alas………drink up!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 27, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you aren't really helping your case mrod
you say good authority, but you say it wasn’t second hand, but you don’t clarify…
nobody is asking you to give the name of who told you MU drank too much, just shed a little light on how it came about.
by jlanning17 on Jan 28, 2009 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's pointless now.
I don’t have to say a damned thing about this anymore.
I know what I know, and from now on I’ll just keep it to myself.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 28, 2009 7:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Or have we considered... that mrod IS Mychael Urban?
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
by Kyli on Jan 27, 2009 5:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My take on the issue
I don’t think Urban was bitter. I think he was just trying a little too hard to be self-deprecating and have a little fun. Maybe it didn’t come across that way, but I sincerely think he was just trying to be “one of the guys”. And honestly, as someone whose past attempts to fit in have failed miserably, I feel bad about the reaction. The guy can’t get away with anything.
I don’t see why some people hold him to a standard that they’re not willing to follow. Professional or not, psuedo-celeb or average Joe, Mychael’s still a human being. He deserves as much respect as any other poster here.
au contra ire
by JediLeroy on Jan 26, 2009 9:27 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
Isn't that something?
Let’s all just take a step back.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
by lynnzgal on Jan 26, 2009 9:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course he does JL.
I’m a huge MU fan and love the guy to death. Seems like some of my comments about his antics git blown out of proportion. Sorry that it ever reached that point but I can’t change things that already happened, mate.
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 9:43 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Final thoughts on this Very Important Matter
I’ve made 2 comments above, both in the “this interview was weird and strange and not funny and any attempts to charm or entertain on Mr. Urban’s part horribly backfired” vein.
I like Mychael Urban. I enjoy reading nearly everything he writes (maybe even especially the “Dan Johnson got lasik surgery and might hit .340 this year” and “Bobby Crosby swings like McGuire now and is gonna be awesome” stuff, especially in January). I enjoy listening to him on the radio. Aces was a pretty good read. He seems like a cool guy.
This was Mychael’s Tom Cruise on Oprah’s Couch moment. It wasn’t a psycho Tom Cruise on the Today Show moment. Not nearly that bad. Just awkward and unflattering. If this was April 1, it would already be forgotten. Since we’ve still got 3+ weeks until pitchers and catchers report, it’s a big deal.
Still, I hope Mychael Scott Urban returns to AN soon, grants more interviews, interacts with us from time to time, and continues breaking news and providing hope (justifiable and otherwise) to A’s fans.
by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2009 10:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
McGwire
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jan 26, 2009 10:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Mark McGuire:
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Jan 26, 2009 10:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Does this mean some kreepy kult Super Adventure Club is going to force Urban and, say, Jennifer into an arranged marriage?
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Let's just leave my new BFF out of this, K?
She doesn’t want anything to do with Urban.
by mikev on Jan 27, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I enjoyed the interview
My problem with Urban is that I’ve heard him on KNBR yucking it up with Damon Bruce and Eric Byrnes and it’s just so much blithering. And so there is an association that I make. I mean Ralph Barbieri (sic, whatever) going on and on about how starting pitchers aren’t worth as much as every day players and Bob Fitzgerald talking about how the Giants should sign Joe Crede and they’ll make the playoffs and nobody challenges these bozos. Then I see Urban talking about how Cust should bat 6th and I don’t know how to take him seriously.
I know I listen to KNBR too much, but I like sports and I work alone so what are my options? I should get XM I suppose.
I should say that I was pretty offended by the Milton Bradley piece. Turns out Urban was right about that. I respect his place in all this. He should have enough respect for this site to not go all frat boy on us.
Mike, take your lumps like everybody else on here and participate.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Jan 26, 2009 10:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I love your sigline Buck!
Out-a-here!
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 26, 2009 10:18 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone gone back and read the article again?
Wow.LOLZ
by RonHassy'sMullet on Jan 26, 2009 11:22 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
This whole discussion is pointless and boring now.
Let’s all agree to just leave it here, and nobody bring it up again in part two. Maybe we can forget it ever happened.
"Dispatch knuckleheadedness with Bond-like aplomb." –74mk
by iglew on Jan 27, 2009 12:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Stop me if you've heard this one
Bobby Crosby walks into a bar with Urban under his arm.
Bartender says, “Hey! You can’t bring that no-good loser in here!”
Crosby objects. “This is not a no-good loser! It’s Mychael Urban!”
Bartender says, “I was talking to Urban.”
For the good of AN, I will not be here all week.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 27, 2009 5:00 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
So we have it on good authority that Bobby Crosby isn't a good baseball player?
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jan 27, 2009 6:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We've made it to the East Bay Express blog!
by Englishmajor on Jan 27, 2009 6:39 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
"...three DHs competing to play first base..."
I knew Cust could pay first base! Time to rosterbate with this new delectable tidbit.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Jan 27, 2009 6:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You left out the best part
His tagline: “Tempest in a Tosspot.”
"Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption and he passeth from the stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud." Willie Stark
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 27, 2009 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Reality or reality-based television?
I enjoy reading Urban’s articles. He is, IMO, a fundamentally sound yet entertaining writer. The first two paragraphs of his articles weave an encompassing coffee table, upon which he displays the A’s news. OK, so who are our beat writers now that CCTimes, SJMerc, and Oakland Trib are all one conglomerate? It’s SuSlu, Stigligth, and Urban. Susan is ok, stigligth is mediocre, and Urban is our best beat writer! Much respect Urban, you will take shit because you have the job everyone? on AN wishes they had. Cheers.
by greenpaddedgloves on Jan 27, 2009 8:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
-1
SuSlu:Urban::grover:oaktoon
by green star oakland on Jan 27, 2009 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If by "OK" you mean Susan Slusser is Totally Hella Awesome.
I do miss Josh Suchon, though.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
by Kyli on Jan 27, 2009 5:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There are a lot of green comments on this page.
They match the color palette nicely.
We should put in smart comments more often.
Save Rajai Davis
by oakinboston on Jan 27, 2009 9:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I dunno
Seems like if someone says something to the effect of “Everyone’s overreacting, leave him alone, it was just a joke, etc…” they get their comment rec’d. There’s a lot less of those posts than the ones that say Urban’s a fool blah blah blah so the ones in the minority get rec’d. Everyone’s entitled to their opinion and nobody’s 100% correct, and I happen to think that Urban should be banished from the kingdom of AN after this episode.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 27, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Really? wow....
"God made Majnun love Layla so much that just her dog would cause confusion in him."
The Many Wines-Rumi
by mrod on Jan 27, 2009 2:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just my opinion
I like most of his stuff on the A’s website but I felt this interview was so blatantly bad and, again to me, showed such a disdain for actually wanting to answer the questions that what’s the point of asking him for another interview? No apology needed or anything, it seems he doesn’t care much for us so really what’s the point in bringing him back again?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jan 27, 2009 3:40 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's more about controversy.
When everyone’s relatively on the same page, there’s not as much drive to rec and try and get attention to one side. When there’s a divisive split… different story.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."
by Kyli on Jan 27, 2009 5:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree!!!!!!
{waits for comment to turn green}
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 Jan 27, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Baseball
Sometimes jumping a league level is not rushing. Why not start James Simmons out at High-A ball, not AA? Out of the three MAC, I feel like Cahill has the best chance to succeed early for the A’s in ‘09. His consistent, dominant sinker allows him to pitch to contact or set up hitters for later in the count. I feel like he can get into a groove easily, with this repertoire, relax and attack the bottom of the strike zone, like he always has. Sinkerballers like Webb and Lowe don’t look unhittable, aren’t intimidating, but methodically get outs on an economical pitch count.
by greenpaddedgloves on Jan 27, 2009 9:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I guarantee you that if Cahill is overpromoted, he will suffer command problems
We already started seeing it in AA last year, when he walked nearly a batter every other inning. He’s liable to look like 2007 Chad Gaudin, and probably more like the second-half version.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
by PaulThomas on Jan 27, 2009 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
you mean he'll grow a terrible ginger soulpatch?
that ain’t pretty
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 27, 2009 3:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Like this guy?
"Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption and he passeth from the stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud." Willie Stark
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 27, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i can't see that properly
but isn’t a soulpatch the bit beneath the bottom lip, as opposed to under the chin?
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 27, 2009 4:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
But in the spirit of the particular thread, when you introduced the “bad looking ginger facial hair” tangent it felt like the next logical move.
"Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption and he passeth from the stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud." Willie Stark
by FreeSeatUpgrade on Jan 27, 2009 5:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
am I glad you don't have photos of me
A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@
by monkeyball on Jan 27, 2009 5:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
oh, gotcha
when i get my hair cut, the hairdresser always laughs at the copper bits in my beard. not sure why.
a soulpatch is always funny, mind.
when did we stop using adverbs proper?
by alea iacta est on Jan 27, 2009 8:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Simmons was drafted out of college from a SoCal (read: Baseball Factory) school - UC Riverside
He was 20 when he started his pro career, and still only pitched a handful of games in AA. Last year, his age 21 season, was his first full season as a pro.
Cahill and Anderson were both drafted out of high school and started their professional careers as teenagers.
That would explain why Simmons started in AA and why Cahill/Anderson have worked their way up from Rookie Ball.
by mikev on Jan 27, 2009 11:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What the Hell is a serious baseball comment doing on this thread?
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on Jan 27, 2009 5:24 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
09 rotation
It’s such a fuzzy decision to let young talent play in the bigs…Do you all think pitchers or a hitters are rushed equally? In terms of The MAC, maybe it will come down to make-up. None of the three has excelled at AAA, so it’s kind of a toss-up. It makes some sense to let one of them start in the Majors and carry Braden as long-relief/spot starter.
by greenpaddedgloves on Jan 27, 2009 2:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Seems like a cool guy
…especially for an mlb.com reporter.
by wickethewok on Jan 27, 2009 8:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
this thread is jogging my memory...
Urban covered high school sports with the Pacifica Tribune while I lived there, and there was some kind of controversy over an article he had written where it appeared he was boasting about driving after drinking his home brew or some such thing. I remember a couple of my neighbors took exception to it and when they complained to the Tribune Urban called them up and said they had misread it., which they may have.
Strange, though, that the alcohol things seem to keep popping up here and there.
by coffee roaster on Jan 27, 2009 8:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
shit just got real
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 Jan 27, 2009 10:40 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
this was quite a few years ago...
So it’s unfair to judge him for it now, I guess. I remember when I read the story that it was unclear to me if he’d been drinking and driving because it could have been interpreted in several ways. It showed a lack of editing at the Pacifica Tribune more than anything – something that seems to be a theme in his career. His book needed serious editing.
by coffee roaster on Jan 28, 2009 7:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
What I don't get is...
…Why anyone really gives a rat’s ass whether Mr. Urban drinks never, a little, or a lot. Seriously.
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 Jan 28, 2009 8:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He brought it up...repeatedly
I wouldn’t have given it a second thought except for the extended commentary about the topic in the interview.
by coffee roaster on Jan 28, 2009 8:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I understand - I just don't see why we care
whether or not there’s any basis to it.
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 Jan 28, 2009 9:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Pacifica drinking
I remember the Pacifica thing too. Something about going to see his girlfriend and drinking and then driving home or something like that. I can’t remember the details, but I do remember thinking to myself, “Did he just write that he was drinking & driving???!!!”
I don’t find his drinking comments very amusing, but I’ve had friends who were killed by drunk drivers, so I don’t find much amusing about alcohol.
by Mrs Crump on Jan 28, 2009 7:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You probably don't care for my humor, then. :-(
You haven’t known anyone who was mauled by a sheep, though, right?
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 Jan 28, 2009 8:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
People being mauled by sheep...
People being mauled by sheep (but not hurt) = funny. People mauling sheep ≠ funny. Alcohol can sometimes be funny, but alcohol combined with cars is almost never funny. (not only have I had friends killed by drunk drivers, I also had a friend who was the drunk driver who killed two people, ended up in prison, and then committed suicide when she got out…destroyed by what she’d done, I think) So far, my posts have been a laugh riot, huh? ;)
by Mrs Crump on Jan 28, 2009 9:11 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but reality bites -
Sorry to hear about all your brushes with tragedy.
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 Jan 29, 2009 7:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I once
got mauled by a drunk sheep in a car that Urban was driving.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 29, 2009 9:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That information is second-hand
From the sheep.
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 Jan 29, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I could find the article
I don’t remember the girlfriend thing – I remember him doing homebrew with some guy and then cruising around in his car. There might have been a girlfriend in there, but I probably stopped reading at that point.
by coffee roaster on Jan 28, 2009 8:30 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My Grandmother was the kindest woman I have ever known.
Her 3 sisters lived well into their 80’s but not Grandma. She was killed by a drunken 19 year old driver when she was still in her 50s. My youngest daughter had a couple of DUI’s in college and lost her license for a year. I didn’t find either event very funny.
by IM4Oakgal on Jan 28, 2009 11:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
strange that
Urban takes so much stock in what is written in the comment section of a fan blog (and I say that because judging by his ludicrous attempts at humor throughout the interview, he took GREAT exception to what someone said here). One would think a professional member of the media might have thicker skin than that.
Besides, when did it become a crime to be a sloppy drunk?
You go Urban! You just need a little self confidence boost, that’s all!
by oakballnack on Jan 28, 2009 6:28 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Urban
It was a bit cringe worthy because far from taking a joke too far, it seemed more like he had an axe to grind. I had never heard any insinuations from this site or any other about him being a souse until he brought it up repeatedly here. Also what is with all these fancy drinks – what is wrong with a good old beer?!
by DeJay on Jan 28, 2009 7:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I think we should get this thread up to 500 comments.
Only 9 more…
by whiteshoes40 on Jan 28, 2009 9:10 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Did I win?
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jan 29, 2009 9:15 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Just to add another....
I’m always a late reader, forgive me. It’s a Southern thing. I just assumed that Uban was drunk when he was doing the interview. Why else would he waste everyone’s time with such rambling?
The greenmachine
by greenmachine on Jan 29, 2009 9:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the Southern comfort.
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 Jan 29, 2009 6:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone remember the film "Stand By Me"?
Remember the story one of the kids tells about one Davie “Lardass” Hogan who constantly gets shit on by the locals and decides to get revenge on everyone by entering the pie eating contest and vomiting everywhere therefore causing the entire crowd to vomit all over eachother?
by Streams Of Whiskey on Jan 29, 2009 9:37 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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