Open Thread: Spring Training Game 6 - A's at Cubs
by Nico on Mar 3, 2009 11:00 AM PST
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PrintSean Gallagher faces his former team today, but that's hardly the big news. The A's await the arrival, Thursday, of new shortstop Orlando Cabrera, whose main attributes are:
1. Still playing a solid defensive SS at age 34
2. Not being Crosby
My take on Cabrera as a hitter? I think it's fair to say that every hitter with a .750 OPS is better than every hitter with a .700 OPS, but I don't think it's fair to say that all hitters with a .700 OPS are alike.
What I like about Cabrera is that while turning in a "meh" OPS, he will do it in a way that is "batting average heavy," and he will provide the A's with a good "small ball" player where they need one: the bottom of the order. Cabrera's ability to steal bases, to bunt, and to make contact, will make him a solid #9 (and "double-leadoff") hitter that can help the A's "steal a run" now and then at the bottom of the order, while the A's emphasize reaching base, and driving the ball, in the Cust-Giambi-Holliday-Chavez portion of the order (which I personally hope is the 2-5 spots).
I don't think Cabrera represents a major upgrade, but I also think he makes the A's better than they were yesterday, and in a division as likely to go down to the wire as not, there really are no small upgrades at this point.
My "day job" will prevent me from posting the lineups, so perhaps some kind soul can do the honors when the lineups are availble. Thanks!
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I'll post the lineups when I see them.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Agreed
On Cabrera v. Crosby, I think at this point we have to assume that Crosby will be no better than what he currently is, his decline has been absolutely incredible though, I remember when Gammons was saying he’d be an MVP…
Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids. Add on me on Twitter: ScottASpecht
Stiglich
Davis CF
Cust RF
Holliday LF
Giambi 1B
Suzuki C
Crosby SS
Dillon 3B
Patterson 2B
Gallagher P
Lookie there, Nico. Cust in the 2-hole.
DAMMIT. I was supposed to do that.
I fail.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Am I the only one who finds it incredibly stupid to have AL pitchers batting in spring training?
I mean, pitchers batting is stupid ALWAYS, but in ST for the AL teams it’s especially dumb. Why not let the Cubs pitcher bat, but let the A’s get at bats from a guy who will get more than 5 during the season?
by thejd44 on Mar 3, 2009 11:42 AM PST up reply actions
+1
MLB should let each team decide for itself instead of letting the home team choose.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
Gotta disagree with you there.
ST is 43439234 weeks long this year. Nobody needs “as many as at-bats, as fast as possible”, especially veterans who aren’t competing for a job.
Somewhat unrelated
Ziggy’s in the game right now for Team USA.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
He threw like 8 pitches and only got 2 outs in first inning.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Mar 3, 2009 11:29 AM PST up reply actions
that sounds like the ziggy we know and love
by UOSportsDude on Mar 3, 2009 11:30 AM PST up reply actions
I believe it was 2
Thought he had 2 groundouts in his first inning, then 2 strikeouts and a groundout in his second one.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Is there a gameday link for USA vs NYY?
You can do it HP!
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
thanks for trying
sniff, sniff . . . I want the MLB Network! curse you comcast for charging more to see it.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
It's on MLB Network though if you are by TV
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Mar 3, 2009 11:35 AM PST up reply actions
Yeah for the link
BOOOOOO for not making it open as another page.
Wait for the the 2009 Oaklands A's season to start I can not. Herh herh herh.
Making it open as another page is generally considered a n00b move...
Why force someone to do that when they can easily opt to do so themselves?
I miss Chad God
Yea, but if you forget, don't know or just accidentally open it in the same window
you lose all of your comment read/unread statuses.
Duke to see a doctor about the elbow
How long until MAC is starting? Doesn’t look good for Duke. Oh well. Jerome Williams time? Edgar Gonzales?
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Mar 3, 2009 11:27 AM PST reply actions
that's a scary proposition
Home of the Rod Barajas Movement
Nice outing by Ziegler
K’d Teix to end the outing. 1 2/3, 2 hits, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 ER
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Mar 3, 2009 11:32 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Ziggy looked good!
Nice K on Tex!
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Mar 3, 2009 11:33 AM PST reply actions
Are we sure Geren will do the right thing and bat Cabrera at the bottom of the order?
I swear I’m not watching any A’s games where he’s hitting #1 or #2.
by thejd44 on Mar 3, 2009 11:36 AM PST reply actions
Far from sure....
I wouldnt be surprised to see him hitting up top there.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Mar 3, 2009 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
It would be terribly disappointing since he's an awful 1/2 hitter
by thejd44 on Mar 3, 2009 11:37 AM PST up reply actions
Don't disagree....
But I have a feeling he will hit there a bunch. I cant imagine he wants to hit 8th and probably made that clear.
Bring back Hammer.
by OaktownPower on Mar 3, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions
Depending on the lineup the A's use, Cabrera could be the worst hitter of the 9
He shouldn’t bat higher than 8th except in an emergency.
by thejd44 on Mar 3, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions
Cust really in batting 2?
does Geren read AN or what?
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
It was pretty good in the early 80's though...
It didn’t hold up well to the hysteria set upon it in the late 90’s and early 2000’s though…
I switched Cabreras when your back was turned.
might i also recommend
’You’re a naughty, naughty boy, and that’s concentrated evil coming out the back of you’.
Bad spellers of the world untie.
Did Chris Carter just say he watched Barton when he was growing up?
I think Barton is all of a year older than Carter.
I think he's talking about watching him last year
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Mar 3, 2009 11:56 AM PST up reply actions
I agree that Robert Buan isn't the best play by play guy
But I am sure glad he is on the job. Looking at gameday audio there isn’t many ST games being broadcast.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
he has improved since I first heard him in 2005
he was really awful then.
I actually really admired good play-by-play work, it’s a real skill.
Well there goes the shut out
Wait for the the 2009 Oaklands A's season to start I can not. Herh herh herh.
Bummer...Gallagher's Watermelons returns
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
HoHoKam Park
Named after the Hostess treat?
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
Crosby is going to jack 3 bombs today
and run around the bases with 2 middle fingers in the air, motherfuckers.
I miss Eric Plunk
YEAH!
Cabrera becomes a $4 mil motivational asset
Bobby Crosby now up
I can only imagine all the flashbulbs popping for this dramatic at bat
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
was he speculating or saying geren said that?
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
wait, catcher to 3rd to 1st?
weird
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
It's amazing how behind Vince and Buan are.
I mean for goodness sake, they’re working for the team and they STILL don’t know that the A’s have already agreed to a deal with Nomar.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Maybe the communication inside the club is poor.
That said, it only takes a minute to check up stories on the internet.
Or maybe...
… the club doesn’t want them to talk about it until after the deal is officially announced.
Ryan Sweeney: I probably irrationally embraced him before you did.
Um. It's already on the official A's website.
“Nomar close to deal with A’s.”
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Mar 3, 2009 12:50 PM PST up reply actions
They're even dancing around the oCab signing
I think the top brass told them to keep it cool
I miss Eric Plunk
Anybody have a link to whatever radio station this may be on?
So that I can find a feed on this sight?
Slusser on Nomar
A source close to Nomar Garciaparra tells me that the A’s have already agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the veteran infielder and that the team will announce the signing on Friday.
Really,
I’m just going to have a ton of fun all year running around going NO-MAH! NO-MAH!!
I miss Eric Plunk
let's get dave roberts!
oh no wait
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 1:02 PM PST up reply actions
Ellis please, please be ready for Opening Day.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Dude! Where are the hits
I thought the A’s were offense minded this year.
yes, I know pitchers are ahead of hitters at this point.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
LOL, I wondered if someone would use that set-up :-)
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
ok
I was talking to the A’s, not the Cubs! BOO!
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
i have no idea if that was a dive to make up for lack of fielding instincts by jack cust there
but boy, did it sound impressive
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 1:05 PM PST reply actions
OK
I’m leaving my computer for lunch, hopefully the A’s put some hits together while I’m gone. Peace out AN.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
6-2
McGwire belongs in the Hall so put him there
by streetisclosedin08 on Mar 3, 2009 1:32 PM PST reply actions
yeah, at this point it's all about the conversations
The baseball game is just an after thought..
Ellis for President
Damn, now I want some BK's
and some crappy children’s safety pamphlets as the “toy” in my Kids meal.
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
I'm curious as to what the Bleed Cubbie Blue folks were saying when Gallagher was in there...
::runs to BCB::
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
Nevermind
They are just complaining about Steve Phillips and hashing out who will start on Opening Day.
And listening to the broadcast by “Robert Juan”, as they call him.
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
bobby johns?
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 1:55 PM PST up reply actions
yeah, the sun's out in the mission now
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 1:54 PM PST up reply actions
go get me a veggie burrito at cancun
shove it in the floppy drive of you computer and send it to me.
I’ll pay you later. swear.
It keeps getting stuck
I’m just going to eat it and you’re going to have to trust that it was good.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I'll send some sunshine your way now if you will also take one of the 103 degree days from me in July...
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
Ooh....tough one
Me no likely when it’s that hot. Makes me sweat in weird places.
Tell you what, just send me enough sun for my afternoon walk, and I’ll have Mom bake some cookies.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Hi everyone!
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
No Chavy?
I thought he was supposed to play today. Was anything said about that?
"If you make up your mind not to be happy, there's no reason why you shouldn't have a fairly good time." -Edith Wharton (The Last Asset)
by Oakville Athletic on Mar 3, 2009 1:59 PM PST reply actions
I always think he is supposed to play, and it turns out he is not.
I thought he was to be in the field by last week? am I just high?
Thursday or Friday
Says the article I misread. Must use glasses.
"If you make up your mind not to be happy, there's no reason why you shouldn't have a fairly good time." -Edith Wharton (The Last Asset)
by Oakville Athletic on Mar 3, 2009 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
6-3
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
I smell a comeback
well, either that, or baby Aces needs to get changed.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
Where IS everyone?
Can’t be bored of ST YET?
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
I would LIKE to post, but stupid internet
is making that a little hard at the moment. I hope this post goes through.
GO A’S!!!!
Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40
Crazy thing called work
is allowing me only sneak peeks.
And he’s off again!
I'm here to talk about the past.
I'm here
working on a mini-“Bye-Bobby” picspam over on a different site so AN’ers won’t have to endure it :)
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
Really?
Haha, maybe I will make one here, then. “Semi-bye to Bob”. :)
I got my Mets photo album in the mail! It is so cute! THANK YOU!!! I kind of want to put my ticket stubs in it…
A's Strategy 2009: "Whoever is not hurt plays" - Syphon, 11/10/08
chaos!
dropped infield fly!
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 2:12 PM PST reply actions
wait, what just happened?!
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
I loved when Buan yelled...pretty awesome.
And “inconvenient hop” is my new fav expression.
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
And boy do I love the spell-check in comments!
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
From what I can gather
Donaldson hit a pop up.
Cunningham and Copeland tag at 1st and 2nd.
Ball is dropped.
Cunningham and Copeland run to 3rd and 2nd.
Fielder at 3rd treats it as a Force out and does not tag Cunningham at 3rd.
Cunningham is Safe.
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Trying to decide between two new t-shirts for Spring Training...
one says: “I Hella <3 Utility Infielders” and the other says: “I hella <3 Ex-A’s Players”
Figuring either would be a homage to Bobby, but which to go for?
I just went to mlb shop...
to look for those shirts. Haven’t seen them yet, but the A’s page features Street and Crosby on the banner.
How many rotation spots are guaranteed right now?
Or another way of saying it— is Gallagher locked in?
If he’s not, and if Duke is not able to go on Opening Night, we could see 3 new faces in the beginning rotation. With one of them bound to be from MAC.
With Duke's sore elbow I've crossed him off my list for Opening Night
That way if the MRI turns out badly I’ve already mentally prepared myself to see Gallagher starting the first game.
Gallagher's locked in
He’s probably the A’s number 2. Eveland is probably the third most sure thing. And I think the club wants to try Braden a bit more. Duke is also a sure thing when healthy. The last spot will probably go to Outman/Gio. I won’t even guess which though.
But Duke is hurt which opens another spot (probably for one of Gonzalez/Williams). MACS will almost certainly not open the season in the rotation. Midseason though could be a different story.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Gallagher and Eveland are locks
Braden is close to one if Duke is injured.
That leaves the battle between Gio, Outman, and MAC
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Gio pitching well.
And Anderson/Gallagher were good.. Its a good day.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
Finally back.... what's going on?
Awww… Unicorn's optimistic. And a cheeseball. That’s cute. ~Whiteshoes40
A's Lost
Chicago. Where the Dead can Vote. Where the Voters of Tomorrow are found in the Obituaries of Today.
Have they won a game yet?
Not that I’m giving up already, but
WERE ALL GUNNA DIE!
What do ya know.
Runners 2nd and 3rd one out and we cant get a base hit.
"With 16-year-old Dominican righty Michel Inoa in tow, Gio Gonzalez improving at Triple-A and lefty Brett Anderson carving up Double-Abatters along with Simmons and Trevor Cahill, Oakland’s pitching depthis officially the envy of baseball." - BaseballAmerica.com
i did a similar thing
but i got soaked.
still, the rain is ok. i just don’t like the wind.
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 3:56 PM PST up reply actions
serves me right, really, for boasting about the sun being out earlier.
all this rain is great for my brocolli, i’m sure, but it’d be nice for periods of unemployment to coincide with a greter amount of sunshine.
though, having said that, i should be careful what i wish for…
what have i got myself into this time... http://damiansthirtyyearchallenge.blogspot.com/
by alea iacta est on Mar 3, 2009 4:04 PM PST up reply actions
Good pitching by Gallagher
That’s my biggest concern right now is the starting pitching and our starters have all looked good so far. The offense will improve. Ziggy looked awesome for Team USA too!
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
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