A's Hitters Adopting The Futile System
by Nico on Apr 19, 2009 12:46 PM PDT
209 comments
Final Score: Blue Jays 1, A's 0
And you were worried about the starting rotation. Dallas Braden turned in a brilliant performance, surrendering just one run - otherwise known as "the run" - in 7.1 innings, locating his fastball, pulling the string on the changeup, and looking Moyer-like in controlling the bat speed of a hot Blue Jays lineup.
The tops of the innings, however, did not go well. The A's best scoring chance - and really their only threat of the day - came in the top of the 3rd, when Mark Ellis led off with a single and one out later Ryan banged a double one hop off the wall in right-center field. Opinions differ on whether Mike Gallego should have sent Ellis, but I maintain that it was a blunder to send Ellis on a ball that caromed quickly back to Wells, who fired the ball back while Ellis was only halfway to third. Aaron Hill's relay was 10 feet up the 3rd base line, yet Ellis was still tagged out easily. Orlando Cabrera followed with what would have been sac fly to right field.
I'm not holding Gallego responsible for every bad thing that happens on the bases around third base. Ellis' failure to go back to tag on the last homestand, and Sweeney's inexplicable paralysis on Cabrera's ground ball yesterday, certainly are the fault of the runner, though you would hope the third base coach had given the usual "going on contact" reminder. All I can say is that an alarming number of blunders are occurring around third base so far this year, and around all the bases really. The A's need to be a smarter baserunning team than they have been the first two weeks of the season.
As for the offensive lack of offense? Shades of 2005, when a young rotation (then Haren, Blanton) had its Cahillesque and Outmanesque struggles but the lack of offense was what got the A's off to such a poor start. That team suddenly started hitting at the end of May, never looked back and had an incredible stretch of playing .800 ball for two months. Don't count on a 60-day stretch of .800 ball this year, but this division is shaping up to be so weak that whenever the A's start hitting they have a great chance to put themselves in the driver's seat. Braden's efforts so far this year, along with Anderson's maturity and Cahill's potential, can only serve to highly encourage even the most frustrated fan.
The bottom line is that the A's are ill-equipped to handle left-handed pitching, especially with Nomar unavailable, and they will see two more lefties (Pettitte, Sabathia) in this remarkable and ill-timed series of lefty opponents. Perhaps as they establish their "identity," Oakland needs to further fortify their right-handed hitting. I would favor swapping the mistake-prone Rajai Davis for Chris Denorfia (off to a .333/.400 start in Sacramento) as a starting point.
Hang in there, folks. It's a long season, and if the A's top 4 starters continue pitching this well it will be a longer season for the rest of the AL West.
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This is f'ing bullshit.
There is no excuse to score 3 runs in 2 games.
We’ve had two seasons of terrible Athletics teams, I’m sick of loosing.
by jwnewman on Apr 19, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
How long have you been an A's fan?
The offensive struggles are annoying, but it’s not like the A’s are on a level with the Royals or Pirates.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Apr 19, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Long enough...
You’re right though, the A’s are not on the same level as the Royals or Pirates and I hope we never come close but looking at the A’s from the end of 2006 we haven’t steered clear from that path. Are offense has been atrocious for far too long and we’re sick of it.
by jwnewman on Apr 19, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year's offense was just stupid
This year’s will be better once they start clicking. It can’t be much worse than last year’s but they’ll put up the runs. Right now they’re pretty bad against lefties, though.
Patience.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Apr 19, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's one trend that may continue
so long as Geren insists on using Chavez, Sweeney, Davis, and Powell against lefties. At some point I think Deno may force the A’s hand by getting red hot at Sacto. He would make an ideal platoon partner for Sweeney. Assuming, of course, Geren comes to realize that Sweeney cannot hit lefties. Buck would surely be better against lefties than Powell/Davis/Sweeney; he’s maintained pretty even splits throughout his career.
by CapgrasDelusion on Apr 19, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed...
Geren needs to better utilize offensive splits.
"The magical goblins who live in my shower told me that Bobby Crosby's gonna have a good year this year" - The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Powell has a career .807 split vs lefties in the minors.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 19, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Have you seen the 2 teams records this year at least? They are trying to win with what they have…. but we losing with our pathetic offense.
by Socalfan21 on Apr 19, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
who cares how long
anybody has been a fan? is that some sort of measurement for calling out a bad team?
I happen to agree totally with the poster.
This club sucks, and has since 2006…and even then they weren’t that good.
tdwclark
by tdwclark on Apr 20, 2009 5:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
Enough soul-sucking negativity
Go away if you don’t like this team. When they win a bunch of games, you’d better stick to your guns and say they suck.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Apr 20, 2009 5:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if they're winning a bunch of games, don't they NOT suck
By definition?
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 20, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you believe that front-runners are always right by definition?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
gimme a break...
we’re all fans here, man. And we all have a right to express our opinions on how the team is fairing…its not “soul-sucking”, so get off the high-horse. Nothing is more lame than “staying positive” when its obvious there are troubles to deal with, in any situation. Just “staying positive” is tantamount to putting your head in the sand. Certain problems MUST be addressed…period.
My biggest beef with the A’s the past 5-6 years is their obvious refusal to keep their players healthy. No professional club of any kind can expect to garner respect, much less be successful, when they are constantly injured, and dont do anything to reverse the trend.
And as someone already pointed out, if the team is playing well, they wont suck, and there will be no guns to stick to….
tdwclark
by tdwclark on Apr 20, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, they've got problems
But 13 games into the season is hardly the time to give up on this group. If Geren would play the guys that should play, I’d bet they’d be a bit more competitive. They’ll win plenty of games.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Apr 23, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it possible to do like we did in Elementary School and have Nomar bat with a pinch runner?
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on Apr 19, 2009 12:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it possible to do like we did in Special Olympics and have Nomar bat in a wheelchair?
"The magical goblins who live in my shower told me that Bobby Crosby's gonna have a good year this year" - The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somehow I doubt you qualified for the Special Olympics
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 19, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree on Davis
His value to the team would be defense (he’s already dropped one fly ball) and speed (like getting picked off 1B yesterday). With him in the lineup, it would probably be beneficial for the A’s to DH for Davis and let the pitchers hit. Since this won’t happen, Davis should be DFA’d and call up the Rally Pimpernel.
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
by doctorK on Apr 19, 2009 12:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Plus, Denorfia has enough speed to be a good pinch runner, even if not a great 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
by Nico on Apr 19, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's probably not as fast as Davis, but he's probably nowhere near as stupid on base, either.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 19, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have you seen a worse baserunner?
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 Apr 19, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eric Byrnes?
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Apr 19, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Apr 19, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eric Byrnes was not a stupid baserunner
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 19, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I seem to remember a certain failing to touch home plate.
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 Apr 19, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we need to have Nico
interview everyone. Damn, Braden has pitched well so far.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 19, 2009 12:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't let him intervew me.
None of it would be printable.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 19, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can we have him sit down with the hitters?
That’d be nice as well.
More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/
by louismg on Apr 19, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
We should put them all in a line.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 19, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blez, you should stick to the interviewing around here...
"The magical goblins who live in my shower told me that Bobby Crosby's gonna have a good year this year" - The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A's offense will get better
Either the non-performers will improve, or Beane will dump them for someone else (think of 2002).
As for all the excessively-negative posters:
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
by doctorK on Apr 19, 2009 12:58 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
I'm sure there are lots of people saying the same thing on the Royals and Pirates boards too...
by jwnewman on Apr 19, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even worse than bad vibes
boredom.
Please, don’t post the obvious ‘fail’ post. I’ll take creative negativity.
by MobiusKlein on Apr 19, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Royals and Pirates have gotten off to pretty good starts
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buan says tomorrow's game in doubt
Lets hope so and we can skip cantgetanOutman
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think he's pitching tomorrow
Eveland, maybe?
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Apr 19, 2009 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outman is scheduled for Wednesday
In that ballpark he gives up 10 if they pitch him.
Routine fly balls are home runs to right.
Outman should be in pen or triple AAA
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH, got it
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Apr 19, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Donald Sutherland?
I didn’t know you were the backup catcher on the A’s!
If Ziegler blows a save... I'll flag his next post.
by gdub171 on Apr 19, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frustrating
The A’s are on pace to lose 27 games 1-0 this season. Does anyone remember when our 1-5 hitters were all hitting above .300? Yeah, me neither. Cust finally fell below that mark today after his quick start. He also didn’t get on base today ending his long-going streak.
On another note, Buck better play in this series in NY. I made a vow to myself before the season that I would not get frustrated with small things that don’t really make too much difference (like lineups). But the sheer amount of little things the A’s are doing wrong is killing me. These A’s are being terribly coached. Terrible base running as you mentioned Nico, Cabrera is batting 2nd, Sweeney 1st against LHP, Buck being oddly platooned (and now benching him when he just started looking good), Gallagher and Blevins being forgotten about, Nomar playing far more than he should, Chavez playing against LHP, small-ball tactics overused with guys who aren’t good at it. All these small mistakes add together to a bunch of losses.
But it’s right not to worry. The 2005 A’s started out 17-32 (IIRC) and they led the division entering September. Giambi is a notorious slow starter. So is Chavez (if we can hope he’s healthy, which we shouldn’t). Holliday will hit. When the weather warms, so will the A’s bats. It’s a shame that a streaky hitter like Cust was hot and the A’s didn’t really take advantage of it. Let’s give the A’s some time before we crucify anyone. The A’s are guaranteed at least a tie for second after today and the favorite in the division is behind us. The A’s have had a chance to win pretty much every game all season and that’s with half the offense MIA. The breaks will eventually even out.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Apr 19, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Prediction: they won't lose 27 games 1-0 this season
Maybe 25.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Apr 19, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the team were known to be good...
…like the ‘08 Red Sox or even the ’02 A’s, it would be easy to sit back and say the breaks will even out. But when it’s the rebuilding ‘07/’08 A’s this is just more of the same.
I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone - the chances that all the functions of an individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity.
~George Gallup
by UncleLeo on Apr 19, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except the biggest questions by far are the starting pitchers,
and if nothing else it appears as if Anderson is fully ready for the show and that Braden is up to the job of being a #2-#3 starter.
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 Apr 19, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and arguably our best pitcher
is on the DL…so personally I like the way the team looks right now, sure the offense is off to a slow start but in baseball you go through dry spells and you go through hot spells. I am pretty sure the A’s are in a lil bit of a dry spell offensively so there should be quite a bit of optimism here, instead though nothing but gloomy outlooks. I honestly doubt the offense is going to play much worse then they have, and this series against the Blue Jays was really bad, but we still had a chance to win every game. If you ask me this is really impressive considering the lack of offense.
I may be the only one but I am actually happy with the outlook and the overall position of the A’s currently
by yawedout21 on Apr 19, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read that as...
…the SP is holding it’s own, at least reasonably and at least so far.
I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone - the chances that all the functions of an individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity.
~George Gallup
by UncleLeo on Apr 19, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But it’s right not to worry. The 2005 A’s started out 17-32 (IIRC) and they led the division entering September.
because that team won games at an 80% pace for two months, something that is pretty much impossible in baseball.
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 Apr 19, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1 to everything in the second paragraph, obviously
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 Apr 19, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Longer-form thoughts on the game
There’s not too much to say about a 1-0 game but I’ll give it a go.
— Braden is proving the optimists correct. Shoot, he even went deep into the game, saving the bullpen its usual abuse.
— I agree with Nico and the others. I have a soft spot for Rajai Davis, but he’s a luxury the team cannot afford right now. Denorfia is a better baseball player, and can hit lefties. Denorfia would have been a much better option than Chavez against Ryan.
— It sure seemed like the Blue Jays have nothing but left-handed pitchers. And now the A’s head to New York to see more of them.
— It’s a really, really bad sign that I was wishing to see Bobby Crosby at the plate in the ninth, but that’s how bad Chavez is against a tough lefty at the moment. I know he struggles early in general, and against lefties in general. And he’s been hurt. That said, Chavez can’t be treated like some untouchable star who is never lifted for a pinch-hitter.
— I’m less concerned about Giambi. He’s not going to be the steroid-fueled, in-his-prime hitter we remember. Hopefully, he will be the streaky slugger he was during most of his Yankee tenure. I agree that he will need days off, but Geren doesn’t have many options right now. And he should be highly motivated to play in New York.
— While the hitting is sure to improve, because it can’t get much worse, the bullpen can’t keep up its ridiculous pace. And two-fifths of the starting rotation is almost certain to run out of gas midway through the season, or sooner if the league starts figuring Anderson and Cahill out.
— The A’s always have crappy baserunning, at least in the Beane Era. It’s really stood out this season, but is hardly a new phenomenon.
— The Angels, with their starting rotation problems and Vlad out for a month, look as vulnerable as I can recall. But it may not matter, because mediocre teams rarely make the postseason. You always have to be a .500 team, and the A’s aren’t there.
by bear88 on Apr 19, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And the Jays didn't even use Bill Murphy, yet another lefty in the pen
Ricky Romero legitimately pitched a great game, by the way. That doesn’t mean the A’s couldn’t have won 2-1, just to say he impressed me 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
by Nico on Apr 19, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the problem
he’s a luxury the team cannot afford right now
This is true, but he has no options. So to have him later you have to keep him now.
I disagree about Giambi. He looks terrible up there. I’d rather watch Barton.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Apr 19, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you lose Davis
Big deal.
I don’t see losing Rajai Davis as being a big consideration. He’s a backup outfielder. He’s fast, but not a particularly good baserunner. He’s not a great defender (speedy but lacking a good arm).
If the A’s had an extra roster spot and didn’t have a crying need for a good right-handed hitter, I would be happy to keep him.
But they have a crying need for a right-handed hitter. Denorfia is a better hitter and a competent fielder and baserunner. He also might develop into a decent major leaguer. Davis will never be anything more than a pinch-runner/late-inning replacement.
As for Giambi, he hasn’t looked good at all during the last few games. It’s possible he may be done. What’s more likely is that he’s tired, old, and going through a slump while facing a bunch of lefties. I think mid-April is a bit too soon to start talking about Barton, whose track record as a major league hitter (excluding the month of September) is dismal.
by bear88 on Apr 19, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s really stood out this season, but is hardly a new phenomenon.
it’s stood out because the a’s are giving up two outs per game.
crappy baserunning may not be a new phenomenon, but giving up two outs per game is certainly a new phenomenon.
i haven’t checked, but i assume most teams in the beane era had decent stolen base success rates.
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 Apr 19, 2009 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The A's and running
I haven’t looked either, but the A’s stolen base success rate would probably be decent because they never tried.
I’ve just resigned myself to the fact that the A’s can’t do little things (baserunning, bunting, situational hitting) well. They haven’t in a very long time.
by bear88 on Apr 19, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They've been a model of inconsistency
2008: 81% (1st in AL)
2007: 72% (9th)
2006: 75% (3rd)
2005: 58% (14th)
2004: 68% (8th)
2003: 77% (1st)
2002: 70% (6th)
2001: 70% (7th)
2000: 73% (4th)
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Apr 19, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, they've been at 2/3 or better 7 of 8 seasons,
and at 70+% each of the last three seasons. So far this year: 3/8 (37.5%), plus Ellis’ no tag-up gaffe, plus Sweeney’s no run on contact gaffe…Not good.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2/3 appears to make certain you're in the bottom third of the league.
In the last nine years, they’ve been good at it four times, average at it three times, and bad at it twice. I guess when you look at it that way, they’ve been a little better than average, but certainly not demonstrably better than everyone else.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Apr 19, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But not terrible
This year they’re terrible so far. Were they just average right now, life would be a happy dance.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the crappy baserunning charge doesnt hold up
the actual stats in recent years have the A’s among the best baserunning teams in the bigs, for the simple reason that they by and large do not run into outs. These first two weeks have deviated from that norm, so let’s see how the rest of the season plays out.
by jasonthea on Apr 19, 2009 6:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't see the numbers posted above....
So I amend my claim— generally above average, and at time among the best in the AL
by jasonthea on Apr 19, 2009 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The difference is in the past it has been more calculated than reckless
You’re going to be out sometimes and I don’t have a problem with that – especially if you’re struggling to score runs in general. So far this year, though, there’s just been a lot of “dumb” stuff.
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 Apr 19, 2009 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like the last thread..
WHERE IS OUR OFFENSE?!? OUR BASERUNNING MISTAKES ARE CERTAINLY PREVENTABLE AND SCUTARO HAS MORE HOMERS THAN OUR ENTIRE TEAM! WHAT?
" I may not know how to tango, but I sure as hell can man dance!" -Nate Robles
by DaSwinginA's on Apr 19, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe you could teach them to capitalize on their offensive opportunities
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
by JediLeroy on Apr 19, 2009 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
" I may not know how to tango, but I sure as hell can man dance!" -Nate Robles
by DaSwinginA's on Apr 19, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gallego
There is no way Gallego should have sent Ellis. It actually wreaks of desparation, but you can’t really blame him too much. We’ve got another Brutal Offensive team right now.
- Holliday got two bloop singles, though. I wonder if his pending contract is getting to his big melon.
- Chavvy is 31 going on 50. Is it an unwritten (or written) rule that Chavez never get PH for? He should be batting 7th.
by Colorado Fan on Apr 19, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't mind sending ellis
Aggressive is better than last year.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Apr 19, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Granted it wouldn't have been the same situation, but
the VERY next hitter put a ball deep enough into the outfield to score the run anyway.
Sending Ellis was an impossibly stupid move, especially when you have the chance for 2nd/3rd with 1 out and the 2/3/4 hitters coming up to the plate.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 19, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a bad move simply because there wasn't a good chance for him to make it
You have to figure that Cabrera has at LEAST a 50/50 chance of getting Ellis home. Ellis did not have a 50/50 chance of beating the relay, and Gallego should have known that by where Ellis was when Wells threw the ball back in.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Obviously it turned out badly
No one is arguing that. I’m just saying I’d rather send runners when in doubt than not send them (like past years). That policy will lead to plays like this one, but it will also lead to runs like the one Giambi scored a few days ago.
You can argue Gallego should have known, and maybe you’d be right, but that’s just an argument to replace him. My point is that given he thought it was going to be close, I’m glad he sent Ellis.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Apr 19, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well FWIW, as soon as I saw the carom to Wells,
I said, “Don’t send him!” I never complain about a manager’s or coach’s move I didn’t disagree with in real time, because I don’t think that’s fair. I don’t mind being aggressive in that situation; what I mind is that the opportunity really wasn’t there. A so-so throw gets Ellis there, and in fact it did.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then that's an argument for replacing Gallego
If there’s a better 3b coach out there I certainly would like to trade up.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Apr 19, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where's Rene Lachmann?
Actually, where is he?
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ellis not reading the Sweeney double was the killer
and yes, since OCab was at the plate, the runner should have stayed at 3rd.
The point being, would we have scored again.
Probably not
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hitting coach
for the AAA Colorado Springs Sky Sox.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Apr 19, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, thanks
We need him.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1-0 losses are the worst :(
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Apr 19, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So true
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Apr 19, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
a couple days after the yanks lost 22-6...i'll take 1-0
What you fail to understand in your joyless myopia is that baseball is the key to life-- the Rosetta Stone, if you will. If you just understood baseball better all your other questions your, your... the, uh... the aliens, the conspiracies they would all, in their way be answered by the baseball gods.
by winchester5 on Apr 20, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i know what you mean
but 1-0 losses are just frustrating. 22-6 losses are like…well at least all these runs were only given up in one game.
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Apr 20, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear A's,
Please stop sucking.
K thnks bye,
Me
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 Apr 19, 2009 1:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What's the clubhouse diet?
It needs some more protein worked into it, because the total lack of power to date is alarming. Matt Holliday leads the team with five extra-base hits…in 45 at-bats. Some other notables:
Sweeney, 3 in 52 AB
Cabrera, 2 in 47 AB
Suzuki, 2 in 45 AB
Giambi, 3 in 44 AB
Ellis, 1 in 42 AB
Garciaparra, 1 in 28 AB
Chavez, 1 in 24 AB
Buck, 0 in 19 AB
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Apr 19, 2009 1:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So that's over 100 ABs for Holliday without a HR,
including spring training.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I live in Colorado...
and he’s never impressed me. Balls off of Holliday’s bat would cruise 420 opposite field @ 5280. 550 AB’s @ -2 Altitude….less than 15-20 HR’s is a real outcome.
Where is Buck?
by Colorado Fan on Apr 19, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Hit Tracker, Holliday's Average Standard Distance for his HRs was 408 ft
Average Standard Distance adjusts for altitude, wind and temperature.
Of the HRs hit with an Average Standard Distance of 420 ft or more, here are some of the leaders:
Adam Dunn — 15
Alex Rodriguez — 15
Ryan Howard — 13
Hanley Ramirez — 12
Prince Fielder — 12
Carlos Delgado — 11
Jim Thome — 10
Josh Hamilton — 10
Miguel Cabrera — 10
Manny Ramirez — 9
Matt Holliday — 9
Justin Upton — 9
Vladimir Guerrero — 9
David Ortiz — 8
Albert Pujols — 8
Lance Berkman — 8
Jack Cust — 6
Mark Reynolds — 6
Ryan Ludwick — 6
Milton Bradley — 5
Evan Longoria — 4
Jason Giambi — 4
David Wright — 4
Sure, he’s no Adam Dunn, but he’s got legitimate power.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You forgot to say... Oh SNAP!!! at the end of that :-P
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 Apr 20, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’d say it’s 50/50 Holliday hits > 20 HR’s this season. He’s a line drive hitter. Line drives to the gaps in Colorado keep going and going, especially to the opposite field. I’d be surprised if statheads have a good grasp of how much the altitude really helps players. Are they subtracting HR’s by 15%? What about line drives vs. flyballs?
by Colorado Fan on Apr 21, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like I said
Praying for a rainout tomorrow.
They need a day in the freezing cold to think about how bad they are (Hitters) curently.
3 home runs in 12 games makes them the laughing stock of baseball at the moment.
Oh sure, it will pick up purely for the reason that it cannot get any worse.
DO not take strikes especially if the pitcher is getting the 1st strike over, all this taking does not work. Time to try a new approach that some have been advocating for 7 or 8 years now.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 2:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Of course we have a very weak division
so we have time to get things together. It is just so fucking annoying watching futility. Add to that the rotation has Outman while Gallagher sits instead of being in AAA or even pitching as he could not be any worse. I am sure there are other options.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm really not unhappy with approach
At least of what I’ve seen. I’m just unhappy with the results. Hopefully, that’s just bad luck, but it’s not the only possibility. It could be that Giambi has this little left (ditto Nomar), Sweeney will never have any pop, Holliday will be above-average rather than elite outside of Coors, and Chavez and Ellis aren’t going to return to health. I hope not, but there’s no real way to tell unless the results suddenly improve.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on Apr 19, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree - the approach looks fine in general to me
It’s just a collective slump, probably a combination of chance plus a little pressing due to the collective slump.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe hitter friendly Yankee Stadium can improve their fortunes?
I read somewhere that Yankee Stadium, the new one, has been giving up a lot of long home runs. Maybe that can help.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 19, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Angels fall to 4-8
Mariners lose, Rangers win. First team to 80 wins takes 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 Apr 19, 2009 3:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That would be pathetic unless the A's are the ones who win the division
Then I’ll be fine with everything.
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 Apr 19, 2009 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ellis held up on Sweeney double (Su Slu Drumbeat)
Should have read it better. Blame goes to him I guess.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?&entry_id=38754
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 3:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No, blame goes to Gallego for sending a runner who wasn't
far enough along to score. Maybe Ellis should have been and gets the blame for that part, but it doesn’t let the third base coach off the hook.
But what is up with Mark Ellis???
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Ellis is also hitting pop ups and looking basically awful at the plate.
Just said to see the pitching give up 1 run and get screwed.
Ellis said he didn’t think the ball was carrying that far on Sweeney’s hit. Ellis has not been thinking very well of late as the others.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
like the jay's announcers said, ol Rance Mulinex
that Ellis read the ball wrong, slow getting out of second.
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ellis appears to be very distracted so far this year
The two things that will most reliably cause that are pain and marital problems. So for Ellis’ sake, I hope his shoulder feels like crap.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could be right....he does look "not there" in the HDtv
I am getting on mlbtv. Oh well, back to watching that You-Tube of Susan Boyle singing….I can so identify “living alone with a cat.”
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was just enjoying a YouTube video by some cat that was called
“living alone with ak_A.” Very poignant.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, since moving to metro-land lower 48
I can indulge in more of a “social” life as compared to small town Alaska. So, a few ‘dates’ and most recent one the question was asked…“you don’t watch sports on tv a lot do you?” No. (mlbtv on the mac is not TV)
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you're coming to Chez Nico then?
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 Apr 19, 2009 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the A's made a miscalculation coming out of spring training
in not keeping a right-handed OF who can hit LHP. Nomar provides some right-handed punch on the infield but is known to be available only some of the time, and the current OF is just not good enough against LHP, especially if you’re not going to start Buck every day.
Rajai Davis served more of a useful purpose when Cust had to play the OF a lot. Now, Denorfia would be far more valuable on a team that is being exposed as still highly vulnerable against LHP.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
"especially if you’re not going to start Buck every day"
That’s the problem.
Of course, they couldn’t have started Buck today without sitting Giambi or Cust (which, for those keeping track at home, is yet another reason we probably shouldn’t have signed Giambi)
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Apr 19, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had no problem with signing Giambi
You just don’t have to play him every day. Sitting him for Buck would have been fine with me. But really, when the A’s realized they were about to face 5 LHPs in a row and knew Nomar was hurting, they should have sent Rajai down and called up Denorfia. Losing Rajai is not an issue in my mind – guys who can run fast, or guys who can play defense but can’t do much else, are a dime a dozen.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
mmhmm
There is a chance that if we DFA Rajai, no one claims him. I don’t get how we are so worried about losing this guy, when we got him off a waiver claim last year. It’s not as if he’s suddenly busted out since.
Sure, it would be great if this kid who is fast learned to play baseball. But it just isn’t worth waiting. Long term we’ve got Cunningham needing an OF spot up here and possibly Doolittle. We dont have space for Raj long term, so there is no need to hurt ourselves short term.
by SeanR on Apr 19, 2009 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's kind of a problem to have a starting 1b you can't play a lot of games
Especially when your backups are Crosby (ouch), Nomar (unreliable), and Landon Powell.
"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson
by nevermoor on Apr 19, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, first base is like wow, heck might as well have Loudon Wainwright the third.
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Russell Branyan might have been a good pickup
at $1mil. PT called that one early, too.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
PT?, oh the suspended attorney.
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm...and I'm often associated with the bar...
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess one thing to say to defend the A's...
They have been playing pretty good teams these first couple weeks… I think they should turn it around but Im not even going to worry about it. I got way to excited this year and I probably shouldn’t have.
by Socalfan21 on Apr 19, 2009 3:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have plenty of optimism -
Can you name the roster of the AL West team that looks like a better bet to win the division right now? Honestly, at this point I don’t even know which team represents the biggest threat.
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 Apr 19, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
honestly
Three way race. I’m willing to leave Texas out.
by SeanR on Apr 19, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if you look at the three teams:
Right now the Angels rotation is Saunders, Weaver, Loux, Oliver, TBD, meaning that even when one of Lackey or Santana or Escobar returns, the rotation is going to be below average until another returns – and even then it will be “fine” but hardly great. Their bullpen looks solid but the early returns aren’t good. Fuentes will be ok, but not spectacular, Shields will be fine, Arredondo hard to tell. Without Vlad, the Angels lineup has Abreu and Hunter as its #3-#4 hitters – defintely a “bottom 1/3” hitting group. The defense, with Rivera in the OF, Kendrick, Morales and Figgins on the infield, is poor.
The Mariners have a great 1-2 punch in the rotation, but after that? Washburn, Silva…The bullpen is ok but not really any better at the front end than at the back end – just a bunch of “ok” pitchers. The lineup could be better than expected if Endy Chavez and Russell Branyan have really good seasons, but should still be below average overall.
Right now, in those two teams I don’t see more than 80 wins. Meanwhile, I could easily see Anderson, Braden, Cahill, and Eveland pitching like a solid #2-#5 respectively (if that seems overly optimistic on Anderson, consider that it’s pretty conservative on the other three). As bad as it looks right now, the offense will be better than either LAA’s or SEA’s in the end, and the bullpen is deep enough that it should continue to be a strength throughout the season.
To me, going forward the A’s are in as good a position as anyone in the AL West, if not better.
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 Apr 19, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
I don’t disagree with that. I don’t think Seattle is much, but I do wonder if we discount their excellent defense a little bit too quickly. We had some balls to the OF against them that I thought were hits and they robbed ’em.
On the Anaheim side, I don’t know about the health of their staff, but I do think that their offense is the best in the division, with Abreu showing he can still hit. Still, our bullpen is now equal to theirs, and our offense SHOULD BE just about as good as theirs.
Still, I think I’d pick the A’s if you put a gun to my head. Holliday will pick it up and hopefully one of Giambi-Nomar-Chavez does, too.
by SeanR on Apr 19, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One thing I will say - I'd love to have Endy Chavez, personally
I don’t see the Angels offense being that strong, though. Abreu’s good, Hunter’s fine, but you’re talking “.360 OBP with 15 HRs” good and “.270/.330 with 20 HRs” fine at this stage of their careers. Until Vlad gets back, I don’t see the Angels scoring a whole lot of runs.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
seattle isnt a pretty good team and we got swept
The Not-So-Casual Fan
by rktse on Apr 20, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In his first apperance after losing his job, Street comes in to pitch in a game the Rockies are losing 13-2.
8 pitches later….the game is 14-2.
In other news Holliday has like a gillian home runs for the A’s this year.
by drink409 on Apr 19, 2009 4:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
In other words, same number as Gillian Anderson?
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 Apr 19, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2?
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 19, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
“They’re out there”
Holliday Home Runs are what I am referring to of course.
by drink409 on Apr 19, 2009 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Street: 4.2IP, 10 hits
Ouch.
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 Apr 19, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Am I right in saying this is what you get for
hiding injuries or pitching before fully over injury?
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
he could have handled last year much better. I am still rootin for him a little though.
" I may not know how to tango, but I sure as hell can man dance!" -Nate Robles
by DaSwinginA's on Apr 19, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
Street has been accused of pitching through injuries too much and of babying himself and not pitching through injuries enough. Seems like everyone has an opinion, but they can’t all be 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 Apr 19, 2009 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
You just can’t when when you get an injury. Pitch through it, make it worse, get blame. Don’t pitch through it…well then, when not much shows up on the MRI, you get called out as a baby.
I’ll blame guys for a lot of stuff, but their injury threshold is not one of them…
by SeanR on Apr 19, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The loss of Ron Washington
contributes to more losses in my opinion than any player Oakland has lost in the recent past. Gallego’s gaff is just one example, but it seems that the infield has been considerably less sharp since his leaving.
by Chilango on Apr 19, 2009 5:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not actually sure that's true -
Barton progressed a lot more than expected, Hannahan was super-solid, Cabrera is obviously fine, and the rest pre-date Wash leaving. Ellis and Chavez may have benefited from Washington being here, but I doubt they have been negatively affected by Wash leaving.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's just my impression.
It just seems that the insanely impressive small ball stuff, baserunning and infield details, for which Wash was so noted, is not happening as much.
by Chilango on Apr 19, 2009 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I don't think the
“insane” and “small ball” stuff have gone away. Just the “impressive” part.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Update on Carlos Gonzalez at AAA is kind of interesting (just 10 games, 44 PA):
.270/.391/.459, 7 BB, 8 K. If he’s working on being more patient, so far so good. I like Carlos – I hope he does well, even though it won’t be for the A’s.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Apr 19, 2009 5:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
maybe this trade got to him
maybe those are his only walks of the year.
by Future Ed on Apr 19, 2009 7:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I was looking his stats today.
If he learns how to walk were going to have gotten screwed in the Holliday trade, unless we can parlay Holliday into a Texiera to Atlanta type trade at the deadline.
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 Apr 19, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still dont understand the Holliday trade.
Beane better trade him fora Tex like package. I will not be happy with 2 draft picks.
"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
by Syphon on Apr 19, 2009 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whats not to understand?
Beane obviously wanted a contending team this year. You have to give up something to get something. We gave up a bitter reliever in sharp decline (Street), a starting pitcher that at the time seemed superfluous and is now in AAA (Smith), and a blue chip prospect (Gonzalez).
That’s two pieces we really didn’t need at the time (with Smith looking useful now), and one piece that hurt (Gonzalez). Beane probably figured he could get a lot of his value back in the two draft pics we will get for Haliday alone.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Apr 19, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is plenty to question.
First and for most why did Beane think an incomplete rebuilding team was one that should change directions and attempt to contend?
Second the idea that the two draft picks are worth that much is silly. Only one of them is for sure and that is after the first round. Secondly, turning a supplemental pick into something that resembles Carlos Gonzalez is pretty much the best case senario.
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 Apr 20, 2009 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd expect the compensation pick to be a first rounder. It's highly unlikely a bottom 15
team will sign Holliday…but I guess anything’s possible. Still the #25 pick isn’t worth Carlos.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unlikely, yes, highly unlikely? Im not so sure.
Last year the point of protection in the Draft was anything less than 84 wins. Granted it might not be that again this year but I could see the Angles winning less than that this year, cutting bait with Vlad and Abreu, and making a run at Holliday. The Giants could want a dangerous bat. Im just saying that there is a distinct and real possibility that it does happen. There always is a surprising team that just sucks that wasn’t suppose to because they spent money building a roster that might need an OF.
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 Apr 20, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ya it's a good point about the Angels. I guess Seattle could do that too.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
I ignored Seattle for a couple of reasons. First, Seattle already has a bloated budget. Second, I don’t think Dr. Z has the political capital to sign Holliday to the kind of deal he would command. Thrid, I think they really like their all D OF.
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 Apr 20, 2009 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say beane is looking like a genius
look at the Angels current roster.
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Apr 20, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sunday Denver Post Sports section
The Rockies and MLB begins on page 14c. No mention of til then. The rest filled with Nuggets and Broncos.
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 5:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Will the A's hit any home runs in the new bandbox
will they hit 3 homers all series? I imagine they gotta be last in MLB in hrs. Wonder if they could hit 3 in a game at the new Yankee stadium
Let's have our Piazza and eat the Cust too - SPWC
by closetasfan on Apr 19, 2009 5:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thank God for the Royals
The A’s may be last in BA, last in OBP, last in SLG, and last in HRs, but they have 3 stolen bases while the Royals only have 2! Only second to last, baby!
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they A's don't hit at least half a dozen
they are not going to win the series.
Even they should be able to hit routine pop flies that are outs in the 29 other ballparks
It will also take a miracle to win if Outman pitches as he will give up four or five himself if he pitches the way he has so far.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outman may not be hurt so much by the park,
in that he’ll turn Teixeira around to his less powerful side, and the Yankees don’t really have much right-handed power in the lineup right now. It’s not the worst matchup for Outman, given that the one thing he does pretty well is pitch to lefties – he can pitch the Yankees’ lefties away and neutralize their power.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still hoping for a rainout
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 Apr 19, 2009 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since the A's have an off-day Thursday,
I assume that if Monday’s game is rained out and not made up until later that Oakland WILL skip the #5 starter.
However, keep in mind that the Yankees are very vulnerable right now with A-Rod out and the bullpen utterly chewed up and if the game is replayed later it will likely be against a better Yankees team.
A Tuesday or Wednesday double-header would also be a possibility that I’d rather not see.
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 Apr 19, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
replayed later - and hopefully an improved A's team
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 19, 2009 7:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Duke starting!
I like 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 Apr 19, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No skipping!
Even if Outman is terrible we should not skip him in the rotation. Giving Cahil and Anderson more starts is going to up their innings over and above the already ridiculous expectations that the A’s are placing on their arms. If Cahill and Anderson make 30 starts and average 6 innings theyre already pitching 180 innings which is too much. Thats not even counting the playoffs, which if we don’t qualify for it inherently makes the decision to bring them up in the first place dumb.
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 Apr 19, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"not even counting the playoffs."
Loves it
by Future Ed on Apr 19, 2009 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you mistake me as an optimist.
Im just suggesting that if the A’s get there we might want at least one of them to pitch in them at some point. The only way this team makes the playoffs is if the entire AL West implodes and we don’t, which appears to partially be happening.
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 Apr 19, 2009 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a while, we were a tonic to the NYY
They’d be slumping, we would come into town, and they’d start rocketing to first place. Never figured out why.
by MobiusKlein on Apr 19, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recall those days....04,05
alaska A residing in colorado. (for now)
by ak_A on Apr 20, 2009 4:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW Nico
How is Poochini?
I am off to work out, will check out when I get back.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 5:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome, thanks for asking
More annoying than ever, actually. He’s looking forward to Chez Nico: BYODA (Bring Your Own Dead Animal), and hoping that the guests are especially clumsy. I’ve assured him that they are.
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 Apr 19, 2009 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good to hear
My cat (Mulder) 6 1/3 years old brought in 5 giant leaves from the creek outside and put them at my nose while asleep and then meowed until i woke up and then wanted me to throw them so he could fetch. He does this often. In the morning he often gets in the bathroom sink and requests to be brushed. Opens the cupboard door to the food when hungry and also looks in bathroom mirror at himself and talks to himself it seems.
And look out if I pet the other cat (Zito……Go figure) he just stares and then when I put the other cat down, he goes after him, pounces on him and bites him in the neck. He then jumps up on my lap after having chased him away. Mulder is an indoor cat who wants attention all the time while the oher guy spend most of his time outside fighting with other cats who are always bigger than him. He comes out on the losing end more often than not.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I almost feel guilty.
Emphasis on “almost”. I finally cured two of my dogs of their excessive digging habits. I’ve been using a shovel so often over the last two months that I feel like I’m working for Cal-Trans….except that I’m not just leaning on the shovel. I put up a hot fence, and they both got a really good dose during their last escape attempt! I’m almost ashamed of the glee I felt when I heard their yelping….but not really. Not really at all.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Apr 19, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you got the digging done on time, then it was nothing like Cal-Trans
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 Apr 19, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On time and on budget.
Not like Cal Trans at all I suppose. Has anyone ever wondered if the guy holding the “stop” and “go” sign is on display as the office screw up?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Apr 19, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean Mike Gallego?
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 Apr 19, 2009 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if orange suits him?
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
by alox on Apr 19, 2009 7:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd like to make 70K to hold up a sign
The Not-So-Casual Fan
by rktse on Apr 20, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sacramento loses 2-1 to Tacoma
They got a whopping 2 hits
Blevins got the L after Mazzaro went 6 plus and gave up 1 run.
by Trainman on Apr 19, 2009 7:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
LOL - great minds post alike!
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 Apr 19, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Strong outing today for Mazzaro
6IP, 5 hits, 1 ER (solo HR in the 4th), 1BB, 4 K (99 pitches, 61 strikes). A few too many pitches, a few too many balls, but still solid.
Blevins got the loss, 2-1 final. :-(
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 Apr 19, 2009 7:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
On a brighter note
Mazarro and Gio looked great in their starts with the Cats. Deno is slowing down, but still is hitting better than Davis, and Doolittle is cooking. Let’s hope for kicking butt on the Yanks! GO A’S!
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Apr 19, 2009 8:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Redundancy is necessary!
Woops! I didn’t see Nico’s post. Sorry!
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Apr 19, 2009 8:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just some general thoughts running through my twisted head...
Feel free to comment on any or all…
-I’m sure I will be ridiculed (and maybe kicked off this site) for the following comment, but I said it at the time, and I still believe it’s true. I think we may have been better served to not resign the unicorn. I love Ellis, but this is a business. He is a 30 something player coming off a major surgery, and it’s not like he was a wizard at the plate prior to this season. He wasn’t terrible at the plate, but not great. I can’t speak for other A’s fans, but I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Orlando Hudson playing for us. There were other options too, I know it’s easy to see what Hudson is doing and say we should have signed him instead, but there were other ways to go.
-Why isn’t T. Buck seing more playing time?? He needs AB’s to get in a groove. I think back to his rookie year, he started slowly but improved as he saw more AB’s. It’s not like the guys who playing in his spot are setting the world on fire at the plate.
-Barton is hitting well below the mendoza line in AAA, bust anyone??
-Doolittle is sweet swinging lefty that is actually being productive, Daric Barton who??
-Would anyone else be oppposed to trading Chris Carter if we were to land a top SS or 3B prospect in return?? I know we may to through some other pieces into a deal to land a top SS or 3B prospect, but I feel it would be worth it. Our system is completely void of any real prospects at those positions. And for some strange reason Carter feels like Bucky Jacobson to me. or he could be Frank Thomas….
by bdemartin on Apr 19, 2009 9:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Ellis is a risk but he's cheap and Cardenas is there as soon as next year.
Buck is being platooned and I don’t really have a problem with that.
Barton will be fine, he always starts slow.
Doolittle is fine, but he’s got a lot to prove after his AA stint last year.
I have no problem trading Chris Carter for Tim Beckam or Alcides Escobar. Of course those guys aren’t available for Chris Carter. I wouldn’t trade him for Reid Brignac or anything like that though. More than anyone he reminds me of Cust.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 19, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
1 No 2Agree 3 Yes 4 Yes 5 No
1 I could be snarky here but Hudson was 32 and coming off major surgery and a huge decline in defensive metrics opinions of his glove work. If you are going to sign on or the other you might as well have resigned Ellis. If you want to argue that one of the 3 Ps (Patterson, Petit, or Pennington) Hannahan or Crosby should be playing there instead you have that right but I wouldn’t advise it when trying to make the playoffs.
2 I really don’t see why sitting a Giambi that is begging for a day off for Buck would be a crime. Bob Garen disagrees and he is wrong.
3 I think Barton is going to have a hard time overcomming the bust label in Oakland. I have a feeling he will be traded at a significantly discounted rate and then will flourish a la Carlos Pena.
4 I would not want to trade Carter. Carter is important for both 1B DH and Corner Outfield depth and has light tower power. If you trade Carter and one of Buck, Barton, Doolittle, or Cunningham don’t progress, that leave a pretty big hole. Also I think Carter will turn into a beast, but even if he doesn’t you have 4 positions that need to be filled and only 5 guys right now to fill them. The odds that they all pan out are quite low, especially since you already believe that Barton is going to bust.
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 Apr 19, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But...
But, Ellis is a great defensive/heady ball player. Haven’t you heard that Ellis is a +30 Defensive defender, and a -5 Offensive Player? That equals +25, aka, 5 wins per season… Anyways, Ellis is what he is. With another organization, he probably never makes the bigs. With the A’s, he looks like gold next to Crosby, Chavez, and Barton.
(read through the scarcasm)
by Colorado Fan on Apr 20, 2009 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at NYC weather forecast
I would say zero chance of game today… not much better tomorrow— which could mean a DH on Wednesday
by jasonthea on Apr 20, 2009 5:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
According to Slusser...
Travis Buck is so hard up for playing time that he is taking groundballs at third base.
SAVE TRAVIS BUCK!
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Apr 20, 2009 6:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's complete bullshit.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 20, 2009 7:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
to clarify, I meant the hard up for playing time bit
Not the part about taking grounders at third.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 20, 2009 7:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depending on his proficiency at 3B...
the part about him taking grounders at third may prove to be complete bullshit, too.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on Apr 20, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure. I'd much, MUCH rather hear that he was practicing in center field.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 20, 2009 8:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If that is true
We’re in major trouble. Buck wouldn’t be any worse against LH hitters than what the performance has doled out so far this year. Geren really needs to pull his head out and quit relying so much on the lefty/righty matchups. The line-up should be as follows period unless the splits are completed favored one way or another:
Feel free to comment as to batting order as this post is merely who should be in the line-up.
1B – Giambi
2B – Ellis
SS – OCab
3rd – Chavez (if healthy), then Nomar, then Crosby
LF – Holliday
CF – Sweeney
RF – Buck
DH Cust
C – Suzuki
Sweeney and Buck lower in order vs. LH but should still be playing everyday
by bababooey on Apr 20, 2009 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can see Nomar over Chavez when Cahill and Anderson aren't pitching and
Nomar over Giambi when they are.
I can see Rajai over Buck for defense, since the platoon splits make Buck almost as bad as Rajai vs lefties.
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
Rajai over Buck on defense can and should be used in small doses but throw the splits out the window for now. We need offense and Rajai (great spring) is brutal at the plate. Buck is healthy, throw him out there for an extended period of time and go with it. The argument should be for Denorfia to split time against LH and not Davis
by bababooey on Apr 20, 2009 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or both!
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Might be the backup-backup at 3rd
Chavez, Nomar, Crosby all have what?
A notorious tendency to become injured. There should be at least one other person up to the task.
But Buck?
by MobiusKlein on Apr 20, 2009 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't he use to be a SS in HS and as a Freshman at ASU?
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 Apr 20, 2009 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure he played 3rd for a while in college.
by OldhamA on Apr 20, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Junior Year
He played there because Murphy had no one he trusted to play the postion. He filled in and played well there but at this level he is most certainly not an infielder
by bababooey on Apr 20, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
anyone...
going to any games vs the yanks?? I’ll be there Tuesday night.
by captain flitzy on Apr 20, 2009 7:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i have a ticket for tonight (section 409)
but i am not too confident… which sucks because i have class tomorrow night and not a huge chance of taking a half day on wednesday. bollocks. if tonight is rained out i’m hoping they schedule the makeup for the july (?) series.
by jlanning17 on Apr 20, 2009 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BB-Pro updated AL West Projected Standings
Athletics — 82-80
Angels — 79-83
Mariners — 78-84
Rangers — 69-93
We’re right on schedule!!
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 7:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What a powerhouse division eh?
Who cares. As long as we win.
by Trainman on Apr 20, 2009 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scarily, that actually seems about 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 Apr 20, 2009 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sure hope tonight's game is rained out
so we can make adjustments to our rotation.
by Trainman on Apr 20, 2009 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Unless they change the game to Thursday, in which case Outman will still pitch
It's not the results, it's how you look going about those results -- Tim McCarver
by WaddellCanseco on Apr 20, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Off topic. Photos
Hey, whoever is rewriting the captions for the photos attached to these recaps, great job! Must be someone at AN who is clevererer than the AP writers… Nico??
Thanks. They make me laugh when the game does not!
by streetfan on Apr 20, 2009 10:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks! Yes, they are rewrites. They're fun to do.
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 Apr 20, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That play was all on Mark Ellis
Yes, Gallego should have seen that Ellis slowed down and was not far enough on the basepaths to score easily, but it was still a bang-bang play after two strong, fairly well-aligned throws. There’s nothing wrong with coaches being aggressive on the basepaths. I’d much rather see that then the station-to-station crap we see every year. That said, Ellis needed to be past second base when the ball landed. It’s fine to slow up and make sure it will not be caught, but Wells would have had to channel Willie Mays to make that grab and double him up at first, even if Ellis was a few steps past second. Ellis is too smart of a player to run the bases like that, so I’m gonna treat it as an anomaly.
by RichSpider on Apr 20, 2009 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That wasn't remotely close to a bang bang play.
The ball was thrown 10 feet up the line and STILL Ellis was 10 feet away from the catcher. He had zero chance of scoring unless the throw was airmailed or the catcher just flat out dropped the ball.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
by mikev on Apr 20, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go back and watch the play again
It’s a catch and an immediate tag. Chavez wasn’t standing there holding the ball and waiting for Ellis. Regardless, it took two really strong throws to get him. Yes, Hill’s throw was not perfectly on line, but it was on a rope and was close enough to the plate to get the runner. It would be a shame if Gallego starts holding up runners on close plays because of this play. The way the A’s have hit in the last few years with RISP, they need to be aggressive on the basepaths. Smart, but aggressive.
by RichSpider on Apr 21, 2009 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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