Open Thread: Spring Training Game 21 - A's at Rangers
The A's only face the Rangers once in the Cactus League and - Surprise - it's today. The A's still have plenty of questions to sort out, from whether Gio Gonzalez will start or relieve and on what stretch of I-80 he'll be found, whether or where Edgar Gonzalez fits into Oakland's plans, and who will serve as backup infielder along with Nomar. And then of course there are the fates of Anderson, Cahill, and Mazzaro.
Edgar Gonzalez is the scheduled starting pitcher today against Texas, and we're getting just late enough into Spring Training that this outing could have real bearing on Edgar's chances of making the rotation and/or the team.
Oakland enters play today riding a four-game winning streak and a recent surge of offense, put together without help from Matt Holliday ("non baseball related illness") or Eric Chavez ("crazy glue still drying"). While the A's officially had a day off Wednesday, Dana Eveland did pitch in a minor league game yesterday and did not fare especially well, touched for 7 hits and 6 runs in 5 innings.
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Obviously Crosby will be the other backup IF until midseason
and if no takers by then, he will be released
The Not-So-Casual Fan
According to Shea:
Today’s lineup: RF Buck, DH Ellis, CF Sweeney, LF Holliday, C Suzuki, 1B Barton, 3B Crosby, 2B Petit, SS Pennington. Edgar Gonzalez is the starting pitcher.
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Mar 19, 2009 12:41 PM PDT reply actions
I was about to say "How can you bat Sweeney third, even in Spring Training"
But he probably should be the #3 hitter in that lineup.
by thejd44 on Mar 19, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Barton at first
This is going to be on hell of a game.
by ElQuesoCapitan on Mar 19, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Texas' Lineup
Vizquel, 2B
Young, DH
Murphy, RF
Blalock, 3B
Byrd, CF
Catalanotto, LF
Davis, C, 1B
Saltalamacchia, C
Andrus, El, SS
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Mar 19, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
'Stros are looking for an infielder...
Miggy to 3rd and Crosby can play SS.
I think Pennington would be a good compliment to Nomar
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Mar 19, 2009 12:42 PM PDT reply actions
"non baseball related illness"
the weak rumor was “non baseball related illness” a.k.a. severe hangover
I can attest to the fact that Geronimo's Revenge is abroad in the Phoenix environs.
I may as well have just poured water directly into the commode for one verry long evening.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Susan Slusser?
Quick, off-topic question: Where is John Shea doing the A’s beat writing for the Chron, and where is Susan Slusser? I know the most likely explanation is she’s just taking time off/working on something else, since she has been in Arizona covering spring training day and night since the start, but with what the Chron has been going through, I fear the worst.
she mentioned in a thread the other day....
that she was taking a few days off this week
"just a beating heart ... plasma that we'll put into our uniform." - Billy Beane
by athleticsBB4life on Mar 19, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions
i'm a little concerned
that my computer won’t be able to handle the double-duty of streaming ncaa tourney and a’s webcast.
Anyone have a Gameday link?
I need something to get frustrated about…
sanity is insanities underpants...
Have I mentioned I hate Gameday?
I hate Gameday.
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
I think it's disappointing
that MLB.tv has a live video feed of the Mariners vs. the Padres but not this game.
Kris or Anna?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I don't think that's the Queen's English you're using there.
AN: the new twitter of sportsblogs. -Dogfather
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 19, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Woohoo
"Their Triple-A rotation, led by Trevor Cahill and Brett Anderson, could be better than some big-league rotations; Michael Ynoa is the best Latin American prospect of the decade; 2008 draftees Jemile Weeks and Rashun Dixon bring much-needed tools to an advanced group of hitters." - BaseballProspectus.com
Apparently his two day hangover is cured.
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
drink is correct; it's runners at the corners
Holliday shook off the alcohol long enough to make it to third
More 1st inning runs
Incredible
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
starting infield when everybody gets hurt*
And when everybody includes Chavez, Ellis, and Giambi…
by thejd44 on Mar 19, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
I think that's what called means
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
He may not have been looking at all
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
Was gonna answer in snark too
but then I realized it could be a called check swing.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Damn
I got lucky then
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Crosby was hit by pitch.. so it loaded them up
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
Didn't somebody score on Barton's productive out?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Sweeney scored
on barton’s productive out.
by ElQuesoCapitan on Mar 19, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Well good.
Gameday’s still stuck on Buck’s first AB…
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
if i was a pitcher, i'd bean a guy who was arguing that he got HBP
The Not-So-Casual Fan
and your teamate woudl thank you for putting a target on him in the bottom half lol
by TheGreenGoldCrush on Mar 19, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
but the hitter wanted to be hit so bad he had to argue for it
so hes just getting what he wants
The Not-So-Casual Fan
I think any pitcher who intentionally headhunts should be suspended and fined.
(and prosecuted for battery).
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Just imagine
Sutcliffe and Clemens could be sharing a cell right now.
"Warm Springs Infernal" - FSU, 2/6/09 DLD
I am differentiating "plunk" from "bean," although I don't have a lot of use for the former, either.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah I think it's all part of the game.
Granted that means you shouldn’t have to rely on your catcher to bail you out when the batter charges the mound.
Not with MY eyes, it's not.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions
double.
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Mar 19, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions
He's busy changing his username.
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
My wife was involved in a hit and run accident this afternoon.
Otherwise I would have been there for you.
(She’s fine, thanks for asking.)
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
WOW.
I’m so sorry, and glad she’s doing okay!
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
BB
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Mar 19, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
EGON, dammit.
I’m making it my Spring Training goal to coin that nickname and spread it like wildfire.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Then we have an accord.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
When EGON gives up a ton of runs and gets pulled in the early innings...
Can we say he got Slimed ??
Slimmed or slimed???
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
by Charlie Brown on Mar 19, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd prefer a Camrey.
transfiguration When the woman puts mascara on, it means she’s leaving the house. When the man puts big boots on, it means the alley has been erased by snow. When the black cat has a white strip on its back, be careful! The world can change in an instant.
Blalock made the error.
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Mar 19, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
A's first innning scoring
Last five games: 3 2 0 5 4
The game they scored 0 they scored 9 in the third. The A’s have also scored 2, 3, and 5 in the first on one other occasion each.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
how often though...
that they follow up with consecutive zeros after said inning?
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Well if they scored multiple runs every inning
They’d be the greatest team in the history of baseball
well they dont need to score multiple runs every inning
just not 6-7 total runs in the game when they had a 5 run first
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Multiple innings with runs scored is nice
But if the team is scoring 5-7 runs/game I don’t care if they score them in the 11th inning so long as we’re winning.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
i believe adding on to the number of runs you have is the better approach
but thats just my opinion
The Not-So-Casual Fan
I'm saying
The way you get your runs doesn’t matter. If you end up with 5 or 6 or 7 at the end of the game, you have just as good a chance of winning as you did if you scored one each inning for the first six innings. That’s my opinion.
i believe your opinion is incorrect
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Really?
I mean, maybe there is an argument about “momentum” in here somewhere, which would essentially be asserting opinions, but it seems like it boils down to: gaining 6 runs all in the first and 1 each in the first six, each way coming to 6 total, is the same at the end of the game. Are you arguing that somehow scoring a run in the 4th instead of scoring it in the 1st keeps the other team from scoring? I don’t understand how having 6 runs at the end of the game has different probabilities of winning depending on when the runs scored.
it is now middle of 5th inning
and the score is 6-4, texas
would you feel better if the A’s scored 2 on top of 5th and 2 on top of 4th ranther than 4 in the 1st and have been shut down since? if indifferent, then youve got denial issues.
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Maybe I'd feel better
But if that’s all they score then the score at the end of the day will still be 6-4 and it doesn’t matter how great I felt.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I believe yours is ridiculous.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 19, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions
that's not getting us anywhere.
AN: the new twitter of sportsblogs. -Dogfather
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 19, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions
The guy is essentially arguing that variable a is not equal to a (ex, 6 runs is not equal to 6 runs)
I can’t sugarcoat or be nice about this at all. It’s plain and simple, ridiculous.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 19, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions
true...
but…civility. No?
AN: the new twitter of sportsblogs. -Dogfather
by Leopold Bloom on Mar 19, 2009 2:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Meh, I see your point
But if some guy came up to you and tried to opine that the world is flat, it’d be hard not to get impatient.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 19, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions
u obviously gotta go get some glasses
at lenscrafters if u dont see a diff, lenscrafters
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Haha, you're funny.
But you’re still wrong.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 19, 2009 6:00 PM PDT up reply actions
EGON gets a 1-2-3 inning ending with a called strikeout
both pitchers looking better in their second inning.
Where'd the 2 come from?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Spring Training....we are headed over there this weekend. Does anyone have
any tips on post-game activities where ANers might meet for an after game drink? I recall that Buan sometimes does a post-game show at a local “water hole” not far from the Stadium. Any suggestions?
Game over for EGON?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
And by game over
I mean that he won’t be pitching in our rotation to start the season.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh god
Gonna be 10-4 soon.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Setting up closer to the plate, so he has a shot at those way-outside sliders.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
There's a shocker.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Sucks if true
I don’t like Texas, but its bad to see someone not named K-Fraud get hurt.
"Warm Springs Infernal" - FSU, 2/6/09 DLD
Score?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
How did Penn'n not score on the Zuke double, above?
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions
My only guess is that they were in diff innings
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Thx.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions
That's just crazy talk.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Late to the party...
…but “crazy glue still drying” is hilarious.
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
Buck walks on 4 pitches
Nippert still pitching.
Powell PHing for Ellis
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
Cunningham K's
Davis (pinch runner) steals 2nd. 2nd and 3rd, 2 away for Zooks.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
Love that Davis and his speed..
Hope he makes the cut to stay with the team this year…
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
I don't think there's much doubt that he's our 4th outfielder.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
Love that.
He’s putting together a great spring.
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
We scored!
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
Speak for yourself.
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
Too easy. <3
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
A softball, I admit, but couldn't pass it up.
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
I like your style!
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
The sox act!
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Is this game on the radio?
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Mar 19, 2009 3:21 PM PDT reply actions
mlb radio, for sure
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
by baseballgirl on Mar 19, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
(The Doctor scored)
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
Would you trust anyone who spends their summers in Dallas?
QED.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
So both shoulders and his back?
Jeez did someone tackle him from behind?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Who does he think he is, Eric Chavez?
Who was this sultan of sock, this hero of hosiery, this stalwart of shinwear? Ah, Wimberly — Corey Wimberly. - Uni Watch
help, help me.
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Pennington walks
That walk is charged to Nippert, for those scoring at home
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
Somebody leave his webcam on?
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
the one time I went to spring training,
I tried to keep score for a few games. It was pretty much hopeless.
So many things to say...
but I won’t.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Hey...I was JUST at Surpise stadium last Friday!
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
It was PRETTY.
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
by baseballgirl on Mar 19, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Viva Connectitcut!
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
minus one "t"
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus
by The Dogfather on Mar 19, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Very counter-intuitive word
Connect it, cut!
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Mar 19, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Denorfia doubles over the 3rd baseman's head.
Pennington to 3rd, 2 away
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
Ah, the Italian... Denorfia
I was trying to figure out who was Italian. Forgot about WBC.
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
by Charlie Brown on Mar 19, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
How did Edgar Gonzalez do?
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Mar 19, 2009 3:34 PM PDT reply actions
So says the good Doctor.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Outman still in the ballgame
And to take you the rest of the way, here’s ElQuesoCapitan.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
5th starter?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Did the site quit??? Nothing in 10 minutes...
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
need new thread, this one is clogging up with 300+ posts! thanks!
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Ummm...not good things for A's has been happening
Wimberly just error’d on a throw, runner scores 7-5 rangers
told ya we needed a new thread... see what happens?
The Not-So-Casual Fan
We need a season
Can’t muster the Angst for spring training.
Doolittle singles to start the 9th.
That’s the 48th time we’ve had the leadoff runner on today.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
doolittle doing too little too late
The Not-So-Casual Fan
Get those rally caps back on...
Evening march madness getting started again as well.
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
by Charlie Brown on Mar 19, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Hannahan K's looking
Hannahan pissed. 1 away. Doolittle takes 2nd base uncontested.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
with the pure stuff of hrod
he sure does get hit and rarely has easy innings, the idea that velocity isnt everything
he’s my pick as bust or expendable bait among all A’s pitching prospects
Not enough movement on his pitches, I believe.
Charlie Brown GO A'S WIN
GAME RECAP IS UP
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal


























