A's Pitch, Hit in 7-2 Win Over White Sox, Duchscherer Hurt
by baseballgirl on Mar 4, 2009 3:14 PM PST
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PrintA’s 7, White Sox 2
Despite the discouraging news (or crushing blow to the A’s inexperienced starting rotation; take your pick) on Justin Duchscherer regarding his impending visit to Dr Lewis Yocum, the A’s were still able to show some of the reasons to be excited for 2009 in the game today.
Eric Chavez still doesn’t have a timetable for his return to third base, but he was the DH today (0-1); replaced by Mark Ellis (0-3); two players that have come to camp with injury questions of their own.
The A’s started the scoring in the third, with the sizzling Ryan Sweeney singling off Lance Broadway with the bases loaded (singles by Petit and Buck, and a walk by Cunningham). Chavez worked a walk to load the bases again, and Broadway walked Powell, bringing in another run. Justin Cassel (yes, I believe he is the brother of that Cassel) took over, and struck out two, but uncorked a wild pitch to score the A’s 4th run of the inning.
Starting pitcher Dana Eveland gave up a couple of walks in his two innings, but still hasn’t allowed a hit. Russ Springer got the win with his one perfect inning of work in the third, but Jerome Williams was hit fairly hard in his two innings; allowing three hits and two runs, including a long homerun to cut the A’s lead in half.
Joey Devine pitched a scoreless sixth, allowing a hit and a walk, and Santiago Casilla a scoreless seventh, allowing a hit.
The A’s scored again in the bottom of the seventh, after a walk and stolen base by Rajai Davis, who advanced to third on a Daric Barton single, and scored on an error. Yung Chi Chen tripled Barton home on the next play.
James Simmons pitched both the eighth and the ninth innings, allowing two hits, and striking out three, keeping the White Sox off the board. The A’s added one more run in the bottom of the eighth, on a combination of singles by Corey Wimberly and Matt Carson, and poor White Sox defense.
It was great to see Mark Ellis at the plate today, but I am extremely worried about the pitching rotation without Duchscherer. Iit looks like there may be a 4 and 5 spot up for grabs now, and maybe even a 6th starter/long relief spot. I think the offense will work itself out this year with the new additions, but the pitching just put up another question mark. All the potential in the world doesn't make up for at least one experienced, good starting pitcher anchoring the rotation.
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Duke injured is like gambling in Casablanca, I'm afraid
and you’re right about the cassel family. btw they are having a much better year than most of the country:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?id=3591758
"I hate the Wild Card." - - Dave Stewart
I've been hoping the A's would trade for a starting pitcher
even before it became likely that Duke would be injured to start the season.
should add that as it appears that the A's are going for it in 2009
given the deals with Holliday, Giambi, Springer, Cabrera and Nomar — they need a good starter with some MLB experience, even with Duke healthy.
Is there any more budget for a FA SP at this point?
Or would it have to be in trades? Dana’s looked great so far and most of the games have been low scoring for the most part. Its too bad Dukes having troubles, I still am bewildered we have’nt picked up any vet SP staff given his history.
sanity is insanities underpants...
that's one option if he looks good
but given that free agent starting pitching has not looked great this offseason, I’m guessing that the better option would be to grab someone via trade…perhaps someone who is entering his walk year?
Yeah, I agree- but thats still one more injury prone starter…
I’d be happy w/ a middling+ innings eater who has a few years under his belt.
But it would be sweet to have Mulder for the nostalgia alone.
sanity is insanities underpants...
I'd still rather have Outman and Cardenas
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
That's why it's called a minor leageu deal
How is it a “waste of time” to basically give him a tryout?
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 6:52 PM PST up reply actions
it would be a waste of time for the a’s to give me a minor league deal.
so the question is how much better is mulder than me?
keep in mind i have never had arm surgery and i’m working on developing a nice little sinkerball.
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
No! Me!
I had a 1.63 FIP one year in high school. That was awhile ago, but it’s been awhile since Mulder pitched well.
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
Me too!
I had a 1.63 GPA in high school.
by somebodyelse on Mar 4, 2009 10:58 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe.
Did you drink and smoke a lot during pregnancy?
by somebodyelse on Mar 4, 2009 11:08 PM PST up reply actions
Years of drunkenness, misdemeanor arrests
and therapy say otherwise. Nice to meet you though.
by somebodyelse on Mar 4, 2009 11:58 PM PST up reply actions
I'm sorry.
Perhaps you’re my nephew then. In which case, welcome to the family And congrats, because you seem to have come through just fine.
"You have to score to win"~Rickey Henderson
double edit
in the game thread I mentioned that the A’s would play two split-squad games tomorrow: one against the Giants and a second (on radio) against Cleveland. I amended that when Buan said that the non-radio game would be against the South African WBC team. But just now on the Giants mlb.com audio cast they mentioned that the Giants would be playing the A’s tomorrow…so I don’t know!!
and now on the A's website
Urban reports that the split squads will play the Giants and South Africa — no mention of Cleveland.
I’m confused.
Have any major leaguers ever come from South Africa?
Also, South Africa? And people don’t find this the dumbest, most non-sensical Bud-inspired bullshit ever created?
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 6:54 PM PST up reply actions
what if baseball became more popular to watch / play in south africa?
what if south africa produces some major leaguers, or at least legitimate minor league prospects, in 20 years?
having the south africans play 2-3 games and exit after the first round of the WBC would definitely be worth it. what’s the drawback?
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
Professionals being bullied into playing in this stupid thing is the problem
I’ve still yet to see one compelling argument for the existence of this thing.
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 11:39 PM PST up reply actions
I've yet to see any evidence that anyone has been "bullied" into anything
Most players would rather play meaningful games than kick around pointlessly in spring training for two weeks.
Many years from now, when his name's recalled
Everyone will say, "He should have passed the ball"
-- Al Stewart, "Football Hero"
Spring training games are infinitely more meaningful than Bud Baseball Classic games
Felipe Alou and Stan Javier calling out Dominican players for not playing isn’t bullying?
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090305&content_id=3921882&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/2009-03-04-wbc-cover_N.htm
Enough reason there to not play in these silly games.
by thejd44 on Mar 5, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions
My vote is to trade for Halladay 1st
Then Jake Peavy 2nd..
Any way you slice it, this team is in dire need of a healthy & legit #1 starter.
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
Seriously
who’s available? Or who can we get? OR if Beane isn’t worried about it, why are we? Or maybe he’s working on this now….WOW! It’s like an episode of Soap! Boy, I’m old!
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Mar 4, 2009 4:33 PM PST up reply actions
Nobody good.
The best available pitcher is Paul Byrd, but he’s pulling a Clemens this year and staying home until midseason. The most famous available pitcher is Pedro Martinez, but most people think his arm is toast.
Schilling?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
"Byrd pulling a Clemens" doesn't sound to me like it would refer to a guy sitting out half the year...
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I'm pretty sure Byrd pulls his groin a lot
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
taking all those growth hormones is not helping
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
That's not what the ladies are saying
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
Pedro
he’s available and apparently within our new price ranges
MJP - Go A's - give Bobby one more year
Honestly, the likelihood of Cahill or Mazzaro outperforming Pedro in 2009
are high enough that it’s not worth it. He’s available for a reason.
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
He's also a huge injury risk, as well
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Note that Brad Penny is already shelved with shoulder issues
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
Keiichi Yabu!
I bet he’s available… he has plenty of experience.
The Stockton Ports pitching staff is better than the Orioles.
I still have my rare Yabu A's Cap
one day on Ebay…..I will be sitting pretty with all the bids.
alaska A residing in colorado.
So then you're the lucky one
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
Cubs seem like great trade partners
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=chc – Seems like 21 pitchers is a lot to carry on a 40-Man Roster… no?
Any chance we could trade McCrosby + Cash/Prospect for Aaron Heilman? What about bringing back Gaudin? I actually heard rumors that Gaudin might be non-tendered this offseason.
I suspect a trade will go down in the next week involving the Cubs,
almost certainly Crosby, and perhaps a pitcher. But I wonder if it might involve the A’s giving up more than just Crosby and cash in order to get someone who might really help this season.
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
Theoretically, I wonder what it would take to land Ted Lilly (I know: Kielty!!!!)
A lot, obviously, since the Cubs aren’t rebuilding. But factoring in that the A’s could ask nicely…I just wonder what the deal would look like.
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
Trouble is, it's hard to imagine the A's being able to suit the Cubs'
current needs (which include to win now). You’d have to make it “too good to pass up,” like dangling Mazzaro and Cunningham or something – in which case, it’s a bad move for Oakland.
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
cooking...
seriously, the guy has experience both starting and relieving…he had some success with the A’s and wasn’t even too crappy when battling injuries…and he may not fit into the Cubs’ rotation…
I'd welcome him back and give him a starting job.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Duke isn't going to Yocum
The MRI of his elbow is right?
RIVER CATS: AAA CHAMPS!
according to this news
which came on the internet 19 minutes ago (@7:30 pm PST) he will be seeing Yocum
Next stop: Kevorkian
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
I suspect Beane's plan B (plan A was for Duke to be healthy)
is to roll the dice with high risk / high upside. Two of Gio, Cahill and Mazzaro could be gawdawful or they could be fanfreakingtastic. Whereas Jon Garland and Randy Wolf would be predictably bleah.
A rotation of Gallagher, Eveland, Braden, Gio, and Cahill, for example, looks likely to implode to me – but it also could combine with this offense and defense to win 90 games. It’s an 81-win team with a standard deviation of 9.
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
My bold prediction that the A's will win
somewhere between 72 and 90 games is rather impressive, no?
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
Cahill is behind Anderson in terms of readiness.
I’d be somewhat surprised if Cahill even starts at AAA.
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 6:56 PM PST up reply actions
Seems like in camp Cahill has shown progress
from where he left off end of last year. Not that I’d put too much stock in a week’s worth of late February/early March showings, but the showings are pretty impressive from what I hear.
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
I'm actually going by end of year/off-season stuff
Just seems like Anderson has been ahead of Cahill this whole time, not necessarily in terms of ceiling but he just seems to be a step ahead with his progress. Doesn’t mean Cahill can’t overtake him.
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 11:40 PM PST up reply actions
Go for Halladay
Ricciardi still owes Beane for that Lilly for Kielty swap. Crosby for Halladay!
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
The problem with the idea of acquiring a #1-#2 pitcher
is that it would require the A’s to go into reverse. They just dealt front line pitching to restock their farm system. To get a top notch pitcher they’d have to empty their farm system.
That’s why signing Sheets, or Lowe, was so appealing in theory – though in practice, spending FA money on starting pitchers (especially ones injured or mid-30s) is not a good idea.
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
That's why my Halladay for Crosby deal is perfect!
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
Brilliant
When I own a baseball team, I’m making YOU my GM
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Mar 5, 2009 10:37 AM PST up reply actions
Watching the Australia vs. Mariners game on MLB Network
I like how the Aussies’ uniforms appear to be slightly-modified versions of the A’s road all-greys. Oi Oi Oi!
I want the MLB network :-(
stupid cash flow
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
In Chicago MLB Network is part of some fairly basic Comcast package
Since I don’t get NFL or NHL networks, no movie packages, etc. but I still get MLB network for “free” (meaning no additional cost).
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 11:41 PM PST up reply actions
Is Duke the new Harden?
It really just seems like every time I turn around I hear that Justin is hurt again. This is bringing back painful memories of Rich Harden, with all of the he’s hurt, no he’s ok, no he is feeling some pain, he’s going to throw a bullpen session, bullpen session went OK- pitcher not so sure, he’s going to have a long toss session, he wants to see a doctor, now they have told him no baseball activities for 7 days, now we want an MRI…yada yada yada….. We went through this for a couple of years with Rich and now here we go with year 2 of Justin…. I just hope that all of this does not play out like Harden where we now have a guy that will only pitch a couple of times a year. Maybe he should of stayed in the pen! Although I seem to remember that he had an injury working out of the bullpen also, it just seems like he is another one of those injury prone Oakland guys. It almost seems like this has become a culture with our team!!
Let’s Go A’s!! I am hoping that I can chnage my tag line this year from, “There is no A in Offense” to “There is offense in the A’s!!” LOL!!
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
Sadly, Duke has now had recurring issues with his back AND his elbow
No way do the A’s re-sign him after 2009. Apparently the fact that he’s my favorite pitcher ever isn’t a compelling enough argument.
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
Add "hip" to that too.
"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
To save time, I'm going to focus on the parts that have been healthy:
Ears.
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
Spleen.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
go ahead and name your favorite poster
and they better run, carefully that is, to increase their health insurance coverage.
alaska A residing in colorado.
That's easy: Farrah Fawcett-Majors.
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
+1
"I know they're the defending World Champs, but they are the whiniest team in baseball" -Rays announcers
Random question
Is Jay Marshall still with the A’s organization? mlb.com says he’s an NRI, but he’s not on the A’s NRI list. Did I miss him leaving for another team?
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 8:07 PM PST reply actions
A's own Jay Marshall's rights..
I believe.
He was non-tendered by the A’s 2007 offseason. Picked up on waivers by the Red Sox 10 days later. Then the Red Sox non-tendered Marshall during that same offseason, and the A’s claimed him 10 days later. Then the A’s non-tendered Marshall again, but no one claimed him. Thus, he is owned by the A’s, and played for Sacto during the 2008 Season. He’s still owned by the A’s, and cannot become a Free Agent until after his 5th year as a pro (I think).
I say roll the dice
with the pitching as it is and wait for Duke to get healthy. Edgar Gonzales and Jerome Williams will work as the inning eating veterans and will pass the time while MAC gets ready. The offense will carry us along. 92 wins, AL West champs.
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
Slusser article on Crosby etc
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/03/04/SP751696G9.DTL
With Crosby relegated to a backup role and Garciaparra available to play third and first, backup third baseman Jack Hannahan is undoubtedly out of luck. Depending on how Garciaparra is used, Jack Cust could see fewer at-bats. And though the A’s stuck with Daric Barton all last year while he wasn’t hitting, there’s a very good chance that Barton could be an odd man out this spring.
Isn't this all obvious?
Barton is probably headed for AAA anyway (possibly the DL first), Hannahan still has an option and is the obvious guy to go down if Chavez doesn’t start on the DL, and Nomar would mean, basically, that just about all of the lefties will see fewer at bats as it creates all sorts of platoon options. I guess it’s good Slusser laid out the scenario but nothing too shocking.
And, for what it’s worth, I think all of these things make the A’s better now and for the future.
by thejd44 on Mar 4, 2009 11:44 PM PST up reply actions
Also, we have an open team in the GUBA.
I’M TIRED OF HOUNDING YOU. GIVE IN.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
You know, the A's could save some money . . .
If they kept Crosby at short, traded Ellis, then had O-Cab play second this year, in anticipation of Weeks/Patterson/Wimberly taking the job next season.
Don’t throw any unicorn horns (unihorns?) at me . . .
by EddieVegas_NRAF on Mar 5, 2009 10:00 AM PST reply actions
TRAITOR!
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Mar 5, 2009 10:40 AM PST up reply actions
aside from the "blasphemy"
Ellis is still recovering from shoulder surgery. He’s yet to even throw the ball in a game, and perhaps won’t be ready to start at second at the start of the season. So I doubt that he’d be tradeable at the moment.
Ellis is, by quite a bit, the best player of everybody you mentioned if he's healthy (or even somewhat healthy)
And if he’s not healthy you can’t trade him anyway (unless you’re Kenny Williams). It’s a moot point.
by thejd44 on Mar 5, 2009 12:20 PM PST up reply actions
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