Ryan Sweeney's Spectacular Catch Saves Day - Oakland A's Beat Rangers, 4-2
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 2:38 PM PDT
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PrintYou know, you can get caught up in the moment and say, this could be the turning point of the A's young season. I'm not talking about a single play, but a whole confluence of things that happened late in the game today against the Texas Rangers.
First, Ryan Sweeney's robbery of a home run from Ian Kinsler in the bottom of the eighth inning that would've turned a 3-1 A's lead into a 4-3 deficit and likely a loss was quite possibly the best A's defensive play since Terrence Long stole a home run from Manny Ramirez in Boston several years back. And Sweeney looked like he had it lined up the whole way and was as cool as a cucumber on it.
Then the next inning, Matt Holliday finally arrives. You know, the REAL Matt Holliday from Colorado. The one who mashes home runs and plays excellent outfield defense. Holliday, in the ninth inning, winds up smacking an opposite field home run and then cuts down Michael Young on an A's-like baserunning gaffe in that he, for some unexplained reason, tried to turn a double into a triple when his team was trailing by three runs to a very inexperienced closer in Michael Wuertz (he had one career save).
But it was one of those games where nearly everything went right for the A's. Geren gambled in leaving Dallas Braden in to pitch in a bases loaded jam in the fifth inning to try and get the third out, and it worked. Braden successfully got out of it. Braden earned a win. And say what you want about his stuff not dominating, but Braden is just deceptive enough to keep the opponent from squaring up the ball perfectly. Sure it led to him having an early exit after five innings, but he kept a potent offense completely off the board.
The somewhat depleted bullpen then came in and while Andrew Bailey was dominating in his two innings of work (seriously, do we want to put a guy who is probably our best reliever on the shelf for a while?), Springer and Wuertz were very lucky to escape their one inning each without giving it up. Not only did Michael Young's base running mistake cost the Rangers, but Orlando Cabrera climbed the ladder perfectly to rob another base hit. Like I said, there was a big-time confluence of things going for the A's today.
As for the A's offense, Cabrera, Suzuki and Sweeney are essentially carrying the club right now. With the numerous injuries and Holliday sporting his Crosbian numbers, the A's needed something so they got two sacrifice flies and a walk with the bases loaded from Jack Cust. If this team is going to really turn it around, they're going to need Holliday to be the stud that Billy Beane annointed during spring training. Hopefully this is the start of something good.
Ryan Sweeney certainly thinks so.
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Amen, Cap'n.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
But I thought Blue moon said we GNG'ers were done?
:)
Go A’s! Holliday needs to make this offense go and I hope today was the start of good things for him.
Great to hear the replay of the Sweeney catch as well, I don’t think I have ever heard Vince so excited about a play…..awesome call Vince!
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
Yeah, he really was.
It was a great call. we may have to embrace him now.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Lol!
I find this thought strangely arousing…
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
I'm staying out of this one.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
Looks more and more likely every passing day.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I only participate in these sordid affairs
in days ending in “Y”.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Love that T-long reference
If I remember correctly, that was the game that started their 20 game win streak
Save Rajai Davis
I'm surprised
I still remember watching that game o_O
I was sitting in the palazo
of The Venetian, having a caricature painted of me and my wife.
The artist lady kept getting pissed off at me because I kept getting up to get a closer look…
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm. Interesting proposition.
If I knew where it was, which I’m not sure I do (I actually do have an idea), I don’t know where I would scan it. It’s at least 18-20" tall…
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions
i'm trying to find the right reel in my head...
was it the one that was sort of hip-high after a long run, but behind the boston bullpen wall? he sort of reached down and said, oh looky here, there’s a sad boston fanbase in my glove.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 30, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, he didn't have to jump or even reach up
but he had to cover a lot of ground to get to the ball, so at the moment he caught it he was reaching across his body just as he hit the wall. But because the wall in RF in Fenway is so short, his glove was higher than the wall.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
it was an awesome moment
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 30, 2009 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions
That was the first time
that my wife ever saw me go apeshit over an A’s win.
More Rajai Davis & less mount Davis
by Athletics fan and runner on Apr 30, 2009 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions
First time
monkeys saw me go ape, too.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
I made Ian watch it,
twice.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
That's cause you're a good Mom.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
One thing's for sure.
Win or lose, the recaps make for excellent reading.
I'm here to talk about the past.
Marquez, since you were so intrigued by a MLP/Tomei Thunderdome matchup
I didn’t want you to miss this from the game threads
Well, I've got some...um, things we can use.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, Thunderdome is real
You’ve just gotta convince the West Oakland hipster artists who built it to bring it back out of retirement.
The whole MLP/Tomei part, I’m outta ideas.
They are the ones with the loft spaces to build it now.
Let’s be fair.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions
live/work loft space is where it's at
Zero-commute work environment and consolidation of 2 spaces of habitation into one. Everybody wins.
Well, except their spaces are big enough to house a 737 normally.
I’m not sure that’s necessarily eco-friendly.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
What's great is that what has been the A's strength
early on this year has been the bullpen and the rest of the team picked up Springer and Wuertz today on defense.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
+1 Blez
This team would be unbearable without the pen…
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
Wait a minute!
The best game of the year and the Blogfather’s running it!
Coincidence? I think not.
Blez, I hope you’re not busy for another 130 games or so…
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Personally,
I think the best play was Eric Byrnes’ catch at home against the Mariners it was a foul pop fly that he ran for what seemed forever and then dove into his superman pose and made a tremendous catch.
Sweeney’s however was much more important, being game saving and all.
Wasn’t Long’s catch during the ALDS (A’s Lose Da Series)
No
It was in the regular season
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 30, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
And
IIRC, he made another awesome play the next series in New York
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 30, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Well
We also had the Jason Kendall throwing his face into Michael Young’s cleats FTW a few seasons ago too.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Jason Kendall's facetag always wins.
Though the Chavez double play at third a few years ago was pretty special too. Ellis should be mentioned, but he makes 2nd look so easy that it’s tough to think of a spectacular play.
Oh and Jack Cust is carrying this offence too. You missed him out.
by OldhamA on Apr 30, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cust has been doing it since day one
So I suppose I’m taking him for granted right now, which is unwise with the Oakland A’s.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I think, of equal value was Kendall scoring from 3B on KRod's blunder
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
or a ball in his right hand
Angels used to run all over his ass. The glove and mental game were Kendall’s strengths.
by Colorado Fan on Apr 30, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Kendall's gonna be a kick ass manager
hopefully in a division far away from us…
REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, Crosby's not gonna improve this year and he'll be released by June... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 30, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I'unno
Wouldn’t mind having him skipper the team instead of Geren. Anyone who takes a run at John Lackey and steals home off of F-Rod’s sulk-fest is A-material in my book (aaaaaaaand pun).
I just remembered I love Eric Chavez.
I remember that catch
it was awesome, a greater catch but not as important cuz it didn’t save 3 runs.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
I guess you should swing by more often Blez
if it means a quality A’s win like this.
"I feel like I hit better when I'm playing the field...just feel more like a baseball player." —Jack Cust (or Derek Jeter for that matter)
by PortlandPachyderm on Apr 30, 2009 2:50 PM PDT reply actions
Any reference to that is always made of win.
Clayton Tanner. I have nothing witty to add.
by walkoff baltimore chop on Apr 30, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I may have written that.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
A Good Win
Any time the A’s can win one in that house of horrors is a huge plus in my book. I hope Holliday can get hot. The guy is a very good hitter.
I agree about Blez’s assessment on Braden. The guy knows how to pitch and isn’t afraid when the pressure is on. Hopefully this can rub off on the other starters.
Now it is on to Seattle. It is time for some payback.
GO A’s
I view
Braden as an almost left-handed Justin Duchscherer. With the movement on that cutter and the way he tries to pitch around the corners.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions
good assessment, doctor...
REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, Crosby's not gonna improve this year and he'll be released by June... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 30, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Sorry, Ian Kinsler
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
by doctorK on Apr 30, 2009 2:55 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I got a fever
and the only prescription is more Sweeney!
"Garciaparra, in an unusually patient at bat for him, ripped the first pitch up the alley"--Nico
did anyone watch the game?
and if so how did Patterson look…Cuz every game I have watched of him here in Sac I have been very impressed offensively, so was wondering how he looked at the plate…box scores can be deceptive
Patterson looked a bit overmatched at the plate
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 3:01 PM PDT up reply actions
What should we expect? Some people just mash in AAA
and can’t hit in the bigs. This guy is likely one of those types and, boy, we’ve seen soooo many of them play for the A’s.
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 30, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions
We'll see
I’m not ready to write him off. But he doesn’t look very good up there.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Apr 30, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
It seems like the Rivercats are a perennial AAAA club...
…which I don’t mind, because I like victories, and I’m at Raley Field a lot…
REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, Crosby's not gonna improve this year and he'll be released by June... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 30, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Strange
but does that mean that A’s scouts are really close to being great at evaluating talent but they just miss that one element that makes a player “special”?
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 30, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes. They can tell if a guy should be a good hitter - strike zone judgement,
power etc, but they can’t seem to tell if he’ll be able to foul off that crucial pitch etc.
I think this is approach
this is taught to them…and by teaching patience and trying to draw walks often times they try to avoid even swinging at the close pitch which would affect the “foul off” your talking about…instead a’s hitters get the k looking instead of seeing another pitch…Its mainly approach
I think they scout the guys with this approach.
Take Carlos Gonzalez (Gonzales?), he couldn’t find the strikezone with both hands and a miner’s torch.
By the looks of it the A’s have changed their scouting process recently with people like Dixon et al, so we’ll see if it really is an organisational approach or something they look for when they scout the players.
I agree. They aren't teaching guys to not swing
at the ball. They are teaching them to find a good pitch to hit. In fact, I’m not really sure if their philosophy is still as concrete in regards to patience but I’ve never heard anything to the contrary.
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 30, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions
heres the thing
if you are waiting around for the right pitch you are less likely to swing at borderline pitches which in turn creates a feel that the A’s generally do not fight off pitches…its cuz usually they are staring at pitches that other people fight off, good or bad its a fact that the A’s are waiting for a good pitch to hit which means they dont swing at borderline pitches and will strikeout looking or walk, instead of fighting pitches off as other teams do
If that's the case...
…that’s really terrible.
I can see, based on statistical analyses, why that approach would SEEM to be a successful one because all things being equal, it should work. But things aren’t equal, and what it really means is that the other pitcher can nibble around the edges, walk a lot of guys, and leave lots of men on base without any runs scoring. Which sounds a lot like what’s happened to the A’s over the past few years.
Sadly I think it is the case.
It’s why borderline pitchers can look like bonafide aces against us – they know we’re not going to swing at certain pitches in certain counts and then before you know it you’re behind in the count and suceptible to a strikeout (or a weak out if you’re protecting the plate).
Grass is always greener
It’s interesting to me to see complaints about how the A’s are good at getting on base but can’t drive the runs home, when here in Seattle it’s exactly the reverse.
I was listening to ESPN radio Seattle yesterday and they were observing that the Mariners have the worst OBP in the league but at the same time they’re best with RISP. Their conclusion: there’s no way that’s sustainable and it’s only a matter of time before the M’s offense crashes and burns.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
"worst OBP in the league but at the same time they’re best with RISP"
The Emil Brown in April 2008 effect.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 30, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions
Imagining "9 Emil Browns" ...
can’t breathe … must sit down …
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
You must be at the Coliseum
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
"9 Emil Browns"
That must be some sort of Baseball Apocalypse…
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 30, 2009 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions
[Channels Ray Fosse]
Who wouldn’t want nine RBI machines?!?
"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane
“Brown hits it down the line! All Browns advance! Brown at 1st, Brown at 2nd, and Brown at 3rd. And Brown comes to the plate with the bases loaded!”—-theoretical Cotroneo quote of the ’09 season in a very parallel universe
"Garciaparra, in an unusually patient at bat for him, ripped the first pitch up the alley"--Nico
I heard they taught "clutchness"
throughout ST. Shhh. Don’t tell anybody I told ya.
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 30, 2009 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it is the case
and agree to some extent…I think the A’s need to try to teach a kind of dual approach that is more aggressive when runners are on base and more importantly in scoring position, also with two strikes they need to preach that the strike zone is a little bigger and get into more of a fighting role.. something like what Jack Cust has looked like this year is wonderful…I love his approach right now with 2 strikes, picky yet not gonna let a close pitch beat him….Cust has had some at bats this year that are downright awesome. Sure he has had some k’s looking but I see a huge improvement now lets just see if its temporary or a permanent change in Cust
Exactly what I would say
Baseball is so much about adjustments. The best hitting approach HAS to include adjusting to the situation. There is no “one correct approach” for all situations.
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
They consistently win
thats what you want outta your AAA club…Sure the A’s dont really have too many Elite level players, but who does? I’d say if your complaining abou the A’s scouting staff it is misled because they do a consistent job of bringing in solid baseball players…“special” players are few and far between and require some luck at times as far as developing into what you see…A’s scouts do a solid job especially when we make these trades, we bring back talent that is really good, I would say we should improve our drafting but again its not easy
Well you can say that the key to building a ball club
is through drafting good players. If the A’s are doing that then why are there so many grade C to D fucking trades? Also, why is there a need to constantly wheel-n-deal if they have “solid” players?
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 30, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it's because you always need that superstar that can
win you a game on his own.
It also doesn’t help that we refused to go over slot for players and drafted very low in the first round for near enough a decade. Both of those situations mean your talent pool is going to be depleted.
Beane has had to trade the borderline elite players he has before they become too expensive. In return he’s managed to scrounge together enough prospects to put out a good team, until the last few years that is. I figure the whole process just caught up with him/us/the organisation.
but I think Moneyball eluded to part of the problem
that may still exist today. Jeremy Brown was a great example of someone you don’t draft yet the A’s brass was always trying to find a way to “outsmart” the other teams. Did it work at times? Certainly. Did it fail a lot? Definitely.
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 30, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions
In the last draft they went after guys with tools.
And they were willing to go over slot for them. I wonder if Beane has worked out that the new MB is exploiting the lack of action taken towards teams that ignore the slot system. It’s a policy that has infused our farm system with some talent very quickly.
interesting, thanks for the info
I really hope he can get more comfrotable and show what he shows at AAA…Another guy who is beyond impressive is doolittle, dude can just hit
Dallas Braden
could be the next Jamie Moyer. T-Long’s catch was A-mazing and I may have never been that amped up watching the A’s!!!
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 30, 2009 2:58 PM PDT reply actions
I agree, but wouldn't use today's start as a selling point
Sounds to me like today was “Phew” for Braden. 111 pitches in 5 innings? 4 BBs in 5 IP? I wouldn’t try that on a regular basis!
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 don't think they're twins but they both have completely
hittable stuff that somehow baffles the hitters. Man this guy has been a pleasant surprise that I never saw coming.
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 30, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh I think he's pitched great overall
My guess is just that today wasn’t one of his better outings, even though the ERA was 0.00.
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
Against that lineup I think it was pretty good.
From what I’ve seen of them of late they’re pretty locked in, but Braden was just deceptive enough so they couldn’t square him up. Unfortunately that led to about 60 fouls.
That's good to hear
I couldn’t follow the game so I’m just looking at the boxscore.
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 think the comparison to Duke is pretty apt actually.
Doesn’t have overpowering stuff, but has very good control and is not afraid to challenge hitters.
I figure the cutter he learnt in the offseason is helping him a ton too – that’s the pitch Duke relies on a lot, it’s a very tough one to square up on.
Braden
I watched the majority of the game. Not many players had good/great swings. Nelson Cruz missed a hanging 72 MPH’er, but that was about the only “true” mistatke. He was getting ahead of guys most of the time. Couple DP’s would have been turned had the infield not been Crosby, Cabrera, Patterson, Powell. Braden dealt today (IMO).
Braden was nibbling after getting ahead of hitters. He should have been more aggressive.
by Colorado Fan on Apr 30, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Hmm i seem to remember
- Braden has the command to spot his fastball so he is able to get first-pitch strikes on a more regular basis. He is pitching from ahead in the count a lot more often than Eveland, which puts him in position to manage opposing hitters better – both their stats (BAA, OBP) but also the quality of their swings in general.
…
- The walks are huge. Walking 5 batters / 9 IP vs. walking 3 batters / 9 IP is a significant difference when inevitably some legitimate hits and some "lucky" hits are bound to follow sometimes.
Clearly Braden is an ACE!!!!!!!!!! and hasn’t benifited from luck at all thus far.
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 30, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions
If I may just politely say,
I think this kind of comment is really unhelpful. I’m not even sure what it means, since today was a one start, 5 inning sample that doesn’t really reflect anything about Braden as a pitcher in general (and I’ve certainly never characterized him as an ace), but it seems clearly designed to restart an unpleasant exchange I had hoped we had (and still hope we have) moved past.
I hope every good or bad start by Braden or Eveland won’t devolve into a “see!” type of sarcastic exchange. It certainly won’t from my end; can we just root 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
That's what I call
leading by example. Well penned, friend.
And that’s not to imply that you have to change your ways, but, well, I think/hope you know what I mean.
Simply put, I can do without the buzzkill. Too many other things to talk about today. I can discuss the catch until my fingers break.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I regret my part in that conversation
I just regret everyone else’s part 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
Give me 5-10 years and I usually learn
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
Let me rephrase in a more helpful way...
Braden did not pitch well today and benefited from some copious luck to keep his 9 base runners four on walks from scoring in his 5 innings. I know people here like him… as do I but Eveland shouldn’t be judged differently from Braden when he had a great season last year an has had 2 bad starts. Luck plays a central role in starts like this and I think to deny it is irresponsible. I just think that decrying Eveland’s performance and calling him a #5 starter at best because he hasn’t had good luck isn’t fair when we are dealing with such small sample sizes. I want both to do well and both to be treated with the same skepticism.
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 30, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't know how lucky Braden was today, because I couldn't follow the game
What luck did he benefit from? If there were liners right at people, or great defensive plays to save him, then yeah he was lucky. Either way, he didn’t pitch a great game to walk 4 guys and throw 22 pitches per inning, but I don’t know how much luck played a part in his keeping the Rangers off the board.
What I would say about Eveland is that he has both pitched poorly and been unlucky. In other words, when his BABIP regresses he will still not have a lot of success if it means he is giving up “only” a couple hits and a walk every 2 innings and throwing 20 pitches / inning. And while his HR/9IP ratio may be very good overall, but it won’t stay at 0.0. So some things will be getting worse while others get 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
The HR rate regression is a good one to point out.
Though I would suggest it is less worry some than you would expect given that Eveland has only been giving up flyballs to 16% of batters he has faced. I would like to remind you that Eveland pitched in 40+ MPH winds in one of his starts, should have been able to pitch the 6th in his last one and other than that had a quality start. The Yankees start was a total disaster. Considering that the BAPIP is going to come way way down according to ALL of the projection systems, it will decrease Hits, Walks, Pitches and increase innings.
I didn’t see how a 9 base runner no runs through 5 inning performance can’t be attributed to luck, even though I missed some of the game that he was pitching. Its not like you give up that many runners on purpose or say to yourself hey im sucking maybe I should stop that when there are runners on. Braden’s strand rate is 85% where as the rest of the league is averaging 71%. Today he stranded runners at a 100% rate regressing that down to league average he would have give up 2.6 runs in 5 innings. Not good.
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 30, 2009 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn't say Eveland had a great season last year
I mean, he was pitching so poorly at one point that the A’s sent him to the minors to work on a few things.
He showed some good signs and did have some very nice outings, but he’s still got a lot of work to do before he’s any more than an end of the rotation guy. I’d say he was very average.
Does StatCorner show anything from 2008? Can we see how last year’s staff matched up in the stats you were pointing out the other day like tRA and FIP?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
He was the 38th most valuable starter in the big leagues last year...
Thats right he pitched like a top #2 starter contributing 2.7 WAR.
Im not sure what the bottom part means. Last years’ staff but here are Eveland and Braden
Lg avg tRA 4 .87
Lg avg FIP 4.32
Braden last year tRA 4.94 RAA -0.5 tRA+ 99 *tRA 4.97 FIP 4.57
Eveland last year tRA 5.33 RAA -8.3 tRA+ 91 *tRA 5.26 FIP 4.09
Obviously there are some discrepancies in the statistics… However you have to take into account that it is far easier to pitch in relief than it is to start. Honestly I know more about FIP than tRA so I would trust that last number a little more and I also might be mistaken but I think that tRA might hedge towards giving relievers more value if they come in with runners on base.
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 30, 2009 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Can we stop citing Braden's 4 walks as an example of bad control?
1 was intentional, so 3 walks in 5 innings is not nearly as bad, plus it puts him at 2.0 K/BB ratio on the day, which isn’t bad at all.
"Life is a horizontal fall" -Jean Cocteau
by King Richard on Apr 30, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions
There are also times to give in and times not to -
I’m going to write about this some day.
Cahill learned the hard way in ST when he fell behind Scott Hairston 3-1 with a couple on base and one out. In that situation, a Tim Hudson knows that a walk is better than a 3-run HR and he might throw a changeup, or try to locate a perfect sinker at the knees.
Cahill threw a “get me over” 4-seam fastball to avoid the walk and served up a 3-run HR. With the bases empty, that’s a pretty good choice of pitches; for the situation Cahill was in, not so much.
Braden knows when to give in and when not to, and it’s part of what makes him a good pitcher. I can’t speak for today’s game in particular, but I wouldn’t be surprised if at least a couple of the walks were in lieu of risking hits by giving in when he didn’t have to.
In fact, the notion that pitchers have no control over how many of the HRs allowed are solo HRs is false – just think about 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
But one can assume that a good number of young pitchers
simply don’t understand that they have that control. It’s part of the maturation process and it’s why you see guys like Jamie Moyer still pitching. He’s learned how to pitch with a very limited arsenal.
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 30, 2009 8:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I think this is specious reasoning
Braden will get the “knows when to give in and when not to” nod solely on the favorable opinion of the person watching him. To my knowledge Kurt Suzuki calls games. He puts out a spot if a pitcher can’t hit it and it gets jacked then thats what happens when your control sucks. But the idea that a pitcher purposefully can control screw ups is kinda silly, otherwise they just wouldn’t screw up.
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 30, 2009 9:36 PM PDT up reply actions
How did the umpire call the bottom of the strike zone?
Judging by Game Day (OK not the best) he wasn’t calling the bottom for either team. The Rangers seem to adjust better to this ( fewer swings on low strikes) but both starting pitchers seemed to have higher counts than I would have expected from the pitch placement.
Suzuki
Official sponsor and catcher on the A’s.
Is this guy playing well or what? I really love his hitting approach and his defense has been top notch as well. The A’s need to keep him around for a long time.
A long term contract could be the kiss of death...
Just look at Chavez.
"I feel like I hit better when I'm playing the field...just feel more like a baseball player." —Jack Cust (or Derek Jeter for that matter)
by PortlandPachyderm on Apr 30, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with ya
The A’s are not an offensive juggernaut and having a catcher who is good behind the plate and while batting is a great bonus for the team. Kurt seems to get maximum production out of his physical tools, unlike the players mentioned below (Chavez, Crosby, Harden).
can anyone tell me why KNBR never uses the a's broadcast for their radio highlights?
i find that to be one of the more annoying things about that station (apart from all the giants/niners hoopla)
Because KNBR exists to promote San Francisco
If they acknowledge that any other city in the Bay Area has anything to offer, people might start to realize that the rest of the Bay Area is actually quite nice, and not just an inferior backyard to the mighty San Francisco. That in turn might make it harder to sustain SF’s absurdly inflated property values.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
Also the Giants own part of the station
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
So how's come that MGD country music singalong commercial
doesn’t bother me after we win like that?
I was tapping my toes to it. I always mute.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
I've got a nice little parody of that that I sing to myself...
I’d share it with the rest of y’all, but I don’t want to get all 3 of my CGVs in one comment… Needless to say, it involves brutal sadism, cannibalism, and torturing John Lackey for fun…
REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, Crosby's not gonna improve this year and he'll be released by June... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 30, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Is there any dead varmint poontang involved?
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 30, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions
it ain't no
life is a highway
i want to ride it
all. night. loooong. woo-oo. woo-ooo
i would always catch myself singing that one. if they put some mixed metaphors in that MGD, i’d be down with it though.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 30, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions
You are on the fringe of being a lunatic
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 30, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought I was on the fringe.
{feels rejected}
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Two trailer park girls went round the outside?
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 30, 2009 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions
What?
I love trailer park girls.
They try hard.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Isn't that a Pink Floyd rip?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Really?
Never heard that one. I sure hope Louden Swain still beat Brian Shoop or I don’t know what I’ll do :-0 (runs off screaming in a zig-zag pattern)
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 30, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
hmm...
never heard the similarity before now. probably because when lunatic fringe came out, it was under the banner of new wave, and pink floyd at the time was the old dinosaur that new wave was trying to drown. at the time, i used to get lunatic fringe crossed with saved by zero and a little bit of aldo nova’s fantasy. but yeah, in retro, i do suppose they’re alike, especially the rough guitar over mellow pacing… but i’m not sure it’s a rip.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Apr 30, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Saved by Zero?
Someone bought a Toyota?
"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball." - Connie Mack
Video link of Sweeney's catch
"The glass is half full….and we are going to drown in it." - OptimistPrime
Kinsler's facial expression is precious
"I feel like I hit better when I'm playing the field...just feel more like a baseball player." —Jack Cust (or Derek Jeter for that matter)
by PortlandPachyderm on Apr 30, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
so is Sweeney's
“Look what I found in my glove!”
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 30, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Webgem #__
"I feel like I hit better when I'm playing the field...just feel more like a baseball player." —Jack Cust (or Derek Jeter for that matter)
by PortlandPachyderm on Apr 30, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes of course!
No need to fill in the blank because we all know.
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 30, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
11.
The Yankees and Red Sox have yet to play. Cano, Cabrera, Youkilis et al have yet to make routine plays.
I think they only do 5 webgems
This will be number 5
Bob Geren and Ken Macha both enjoy jai lai.
by CarGon's Jock on Apr 30, 2009 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions
It was, totally
“WTF?! How was that not out of here?”
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
Love the headline, too:
“Heist in Texas”
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
Just saw the catch in full size on MLB Network. Sexy.
Glad Holliday remembered he hadn’t homered in April and took care of that today, too.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Beautiful!
I’m playing that over and over and over.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
It was hilarious..
Sweeney is jogging in with the ball in his glove and tosses it into the stands towards a particularly boisterous group of Ranger fans. They toss it back on the field as if they can somehow reverse it by returning the ball to the field.
I'm not a big wine guy... Where do you grow the BEER?
Holliday was also grinning ear to ear after the catch
I think he cares a little bit.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
He was like, "Ooh, that's a HOMER! Now I remember!
I should HIT one of those!!!"
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
Then the throw to third!
He just remembered he plays baseball as a vocation.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you may get them.
I think he just woke up.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Is he the Kraken?
You wake Krakens, right?
Or like the Big Friendly Giant – terrified me as a kid mind.
What the heck is the Big Friendly Giant?
Is that like Smacky the Frog or some other strange British concoction?
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Kind of like the Manic Street Preachers?
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 30, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
They are opening up for U2 in some US cities
I’m not going until October 11th so we’ll have to see if they are on that leg of the tour. I wouldn’t necessarily say they’re huge over here but they did play at Lollapalooza last year so it appears they are gaining steam.
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 30, 2009 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm a big U2 fan but I know plenty of folks
that still like Coldplay. We all have some issues.
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 30, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Coldplay was incredible but they just aren't the same
since Gwyneth entered the picture. I saw them at a small auditorium before most had heard of them and
it was an unforgettable show.
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 30, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm technically in the video for 'Fix You',
somewhere in that crowd at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton.
The new album isn’t as good as the old stuff, but most bands have a shelf life. Even the epic Foo Fighters are past it for mine…
That song...
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
Must have been spectaular live.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
Something that has always amazed me is how music
can be so different in the UK and US. At times I’ll nearly laugh at what is popular across the pond (as you put it) but I’m sure you feel the same way about some of our music too. BTW- Just figured out where I first heard Muse. It was on XM radio.
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 30, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh. Wow.
I might move immediately because I hate country. Now I will admit that Willie Nelson and Hank Williams ain’t the same as Diamond Rio and The Kentucky Headhunters. Country music isn’t country music anymore.
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 30, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions
And yet,
country has influenced a lot of popular music.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
LOL
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 30, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I disagree.
Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Tom Petty, Dire Straits, to name a few, have all taken something from country. I’m not wild about the genre per se, but it has its place.
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
All of those bands are tremendous IMO
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 30, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I love the BFG!
And basically everything else by Roald Dahl. Especially The Witches.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 30, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, and he eats Smarties and Polo mints
and when he has a Mars bar it tastes wrong.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
20 may be the new 30
in non-steroid or HGH baseball.
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 30, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, to be 31 like Huston
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
I dunno
but I think that maybe a little part of holliday was scuffling thinking too much, down on himself and when Sweeney made that play it prlly made him forget about some of that stuff…timing is everything so im speculating maybe it was a good chain of events for him to forget about his problems at the plate and remember this is fun…So from my speculation thank you Ryan Sweeney for reminding him how much fun baseball is cuz im sure he was hating life
Yea the Holliday not caring thing
that people have been saying was annoying me and the apparent interest he had in that catch should begin to debunk this theory…I hope
Please don't
Or I’ll be forced to bring out my argument on why Jason Windsor should be in the rotation :)
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 30, 2009 3:54 PM PDT up reply actions
No! As I wrote above, let's not argue this every time one of them pitches
Check back in two years and see how each pitcher is doing; nothing is “proven” anyway in a small sample and I personally plan to root for both to pitch great.
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
SOT........A-Rod did steroids in high school.....
and I don’t give a shit.
:q
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
!!!!
1. I was mostly kind-of-not-really paying attention to the game online today. That last-minute lineup switch really confused Yahoo for a while there.
2. I heard a couple innings in the car; unfortunately, Fosse was calling one of them. Generally, I much prefer radio to computer, but in this case, it is SO much better to “watch” on gameday than listen to Fosse try to do play-by-play.
3. Pictures!
4. Why wasn’t this game on TV? Boo!
5. Good day.
I did not have to see
your name to know you were responsible.
Or shall I say, reliable?
Awesome. I may have to get that second one tattooed on my neck.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I am nothing if not predictable.
This picture requires a caption.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 30, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions
"Woah, nice ass. Hope he catches the ball."
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
if i can't catch the ball...
i may as well shoot at it with my finger gun!
"The hard... is what makes it great."
"Failing at anything baseball-related, Eric Patterson begins to compile his 'Dancing With the Stars' audition tape."
I just remembered I love Eric Chavez.
While doing his best 'The Fonz' impersonation, Eric Patterson is suddenly called into duty
Bad spellers of the world untie.
I likes your pictures.
you um good.
Define "succeed." --Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 30, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Funny how both Sweeney and Holliday are jumping for joy
"I feel like I hit better when I'm playing the field...just feel more like a baseball player." —Jack Cust (or Derek Jeter for that matter)
by PortlandPachyderm on Apr 30, 2009 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Can we have Sweeney, Holliday, and Buck
in the OF every day? Pweese? I’m in love!
Take a chance, wob. Go out on a limb. Throw caution to the wind. Count my cliches. Something~67M
i'm not the only one for which the front page insists it's still the 8th inning, right?
"The hard... is what makes it great."
But
There’s a picture of him high-fiving Buck after rounding the bases. You posted it. Everyone else sees it, right?
I'm here to talk about the past.
Looks like Chavez is going to the DL now, too
Fun.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
As much as I dislike the idea of Chavez to the DL,
I like the idea of having only 1 player (Giambi) that will need regular time off, vs. having 3 players (Giambi, Nomar, Chavez) who cannot play every day.
Neyer on Holliday
warning: not complimentary about Holliday nor the A’s
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-1-153/Holding-Holliday-accountable.html
Wang’s ERA is the same as the balance in my checkbook - Jennifer
Well come on
We weren’t expecting compliments. That would break the earth or something.
I'm here to talk about the past.
I don't think he was dissing the A's
I think he was making fun of the east coast bias in the media. If Holliday was pulling this shit in NY or BOS dead animals would arrive on his doorstep with the NY Post blasting him for sucking. He was just pointing out that because the media forgets we exist, that isn’t 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 30, 2009 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
Not to mention, of course,
that everything he said about Holliday was 100% correct.
Personally, I think Holliday’s struggles are one of the most “underplayed” developments of the season, so far. Any other city, and Holliday is getting roasted daily by now.
And it would be justly deserved. We get the guy for one reason — to provide power in the middle of the lineup. Period. Horrible job thus far.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
it is a good indicator
but not 100% since we’ve seen some exceptions.
Rivercats did call up an infielder from Midland – Chin – who’s starting at 2b
I'm curious why they took Chin over Wimberly.
On the surface, Wimberly’s numbers look a bit better.
Bring Gio back!
Not to mention his socks
OK I mentioned his socks.
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
The backflips alone should get him a major league callup
This may explain why I’m not a professional scout.
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
Now you're talking!
Heaven forbid we call someone up who might put butts in the seats!
{books ticket to Midland}
Bring Gio back!
Heaven forbid we call someone up who might put butts in the seats
I go to many games throughout the year, but I would make sure to get tickets to the 1st few home games if Wimberly were called up just to see the backflips. It’d guarantee my butt in a few extra seats this season.
FWIW Slusser wrote tonight
this despite the fact that Petit played in today’s Rivercats game and Pennington didn’t
Woah - that'd be cool. At least he plays some killer-D
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
{does backflip}
Ow.
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
No, my name isn't Copeland
And again, ow.
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
can they put a Rule 5 pick on the 60 day DL
I’m guessing no, since if he’s on the 15 day DL he’s still on the 25 man roster (a requirement for a Rule 5 pick). Someone on the 60 day DL wouldn’t be on either the 25 man nor the 40 man roster.
This assumes they don’t want to send him back to the Giants yet.
they can't DFA him
he’s a Rule 5 guy. If they drop him from the 25 man roster at any time during this season they have to offer him back to the Giants for half of what they paid for him.
he's still on Midland's roster
and Chen is now on the Rivercats roster (which he’d have to be, since he’s playing for the Rivercats as we speak).
Then again, Pennington is still on the Rivercats roster, although he’s not playing in tonight’s game.
so pennington up?
without debating whether or not that is the best decision, it would seem to be the most logical conclusion given how the a’s have treated pennington and petit, etc.
"The hard... is what makes it great."
Chavy hasn't been DLed yet, so no official callup
but it looks like this is what will be announced tomorrow.
just 60- day dl chavy already
who are we kidding? he said himself he’ll probly be day to day all year
If you had a lineup of 9 Jack Custs who hit(Cust career average) .239 AVG, .382 OBP, and .475 SLG, then your team would score 6.12 runs per game-totalling to 991runs a season.The 08 rangers lead the majors in runs score with 901.
Carlos Gonzalez
is 3-3 tonight vs Mazzaro. Hes batting .311 with 2HRs 23RBIs with a .950 OPS. Hes walked 9 times and struck out 15. I want him back!
"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
That confused me for about 5 seconds.
“Wait, how is Carlos facing Mazzaro, since they’re on the same team?”
…yeah. Wishful thinking.
by whiteshoes40 on Apr 30, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
CarGon just hits an RBI triple .
:(
"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
I'm not gay but he looked pretty good in an A's uni
Thought he would be a “good” but possibly GREAT player.
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 30, 2009 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
The fact you have to qualify your hetrosexuality makes me question it....
Though yeah, Gonzales definately has the look of a fantastic baseball player. Maybe he fulfils that potential, maybe not. Either way it’s not our problem anymore.
Not that there is anything wrong with that
but my girlfriend might be upset.
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 30, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm the only pitcher that will play on her team.
It’s my job to lose!
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 30, 2009 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions
If you don't stay set at the belt long enough, is it a balk?
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
Good one, Nico!
She will be attending her 1st A’s game in the near future. She has bought me quite a bit of gear so she is already trying to fit in.
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 30, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Chavez
needs to go on the DL and hire himself a personal trainer to get back in shape. I sense that he keeps returning too soon. Just a note: A’s are 1-7 with Chavez starting this year and 7-4 when he is not. I’m not by any means blaming the losses on him, it’s just a fact. I’m thinking maybe this 3b situation is affecting the whole team.
I think he's just one of those players that will never be healthy
To be perfectly honest I don’t think we can assume that he is doing something wrong or that he can do something different and become healthy. I feel terrible for him and worse for the A’s.
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 30, 2009 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it's increasingly likely that whenever his contract is up with the A's,
Chavez will retire. And that’s kind of sad, considering the talent he has and potential he once had.
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 means after 2010
when the guaranteed part of his contract is up, and all that’s left is a club option for 2011
by OaklandSi on