Dear Billy Beane,
Final Score: Tigers 11, A's 7
The A's blew a 6-0 lead and lost 11-7, but I'm not going to write a recap today. When Blez first brought me aboard to write on the front page, he asked me always to write "my truth" and that is what I have always tried to do. I try to be fair, and I try to call things as I see them, with as much perspective as possible.
Ballpark attendance may not be good, but reading AN each day provides incontrovertible - and often touching - evidence of how many truly passionate A's fans there are out there, fans who will love the team through thick and thin, who will cheer, curse, pray, and hope with every pitch, no matter what. And with each passing day, it becomes more and more clear that as a General Manager (not to mention a part-owner), Billy Beane has completely and utterly letdown his fan base by failing to rebuild OR reload, and failing to put together a team that is fun to watch for any reason.
Dear Mr. Beane,
Your fans don't ask for much. We are fiercely loyal to the A's, and just want a team that is either good now, interesting to watch, or has promise of being good soon, and for the third season in a row you have provided none of these.
You have "rebuilt" a team whose infield doesn't have a single player who has any bright future with the team, and doesn't have a single player who one can reasonably expect to be getting better in 2010. Chavez, Garciaparra, Cabrera, Kennedy, Crosby, Giambi, Kennedy, and an aging injured Ellis. It's an octet of filler. Your "Plan B" for the past 5 years, if an increasingly crippled Eric Chavez didn't work out, was apparently "to lose a lot of games." For your outfield, you traded away the only OFer with a high ceiling, the only OFer who could play the most important defensive position (CF) well, and kept a group of OFers whose futures range from "decent" to "bad." There is actually remarkably little to build on going forward and remarkably little reason for a fan to get excited about watching an A's game.
You have hired, as your manager, someone with the built-in problem that if he didn't turn out to be good at his job it would create an awkward situation for you as a close personal friend. The manager, who exudes the bland, overly comfortable, non-intense, "put in your time and get paid" brand of baseball the team shows on the field, pilots a team that is not good at the basics and is not full of energy.
It is part of your job not to put your personal relationships with Bob Geren and Eric Chavez ahead of the best interests of the organization, and your competence has to be measured against these decisions.
But worst of all, following a great run in the early 2000s ever since you "discovered" soccer your moves make fans quite reasonably wonder if you are even fully focused on, or committed to, doing the best job you can - as you have even violated your own rules of not rebuilding halfway and not calling up pitchers before they are ready. The team looks like it is going through the motions. Are they taking their cue from their manager or from his manager?
Which brings me to a request I am surprised to be making, as I held you in such high esteem at one time. If you are no longer interested in building the best baseball team you can, if the passion for the Oakland A's is no longer there, at least do well by A's fans one more time and find someone who has that passion. Because we have it - or at least used to have, and want to have it again.
Sincerely,
At Least Me.
9 recs |
640 comments
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Comments
Sad to say...
….but I agree 100% with that, Nico. Well said!
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 1:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nico – THANK YOU so much for putting this message together. It is perfect, and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I see that an excerpt of your letter has been made available on SFGate.com . Good work!
by ATLDuck on May 18, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Signed
Me Too
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Me Three.
Thanks, Nico, for saying what a lot of us want to and saying it well.
by lynnzgal on May 17, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me Four!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Where's the beef?"
by MMunoz33 on May 17, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want my John Hancock on this letter also!
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on May 18, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear Mr Beane
Fire yourself, you are not a good GM in spite of what the Beane apologists think,
You have no clue how to build an offense and Nico is right on 100 percent.
Go and run your soccer club into the ground.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 1:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
To whom it may concern at Mlbtv:
It is with great pleasure to thank you for offering monthly rates.
alaska A residing in colorado. (soon in Idaho)
by ak_A on May 17, 2009 1:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
HAHAHAHA
I was thinking the same exact thing. Im not paying to watch this crap!
by asfaninpismobeach on May 17, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish I had more faith in the A's ownership...
…to pick up the pieces if Beane were to go.
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 1:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bravo, Nico
I’m sure this has not been an easy thing to write.
I spend an awful lot of my hard earned money to support this club, through season tickets, patronizing concessions, buying internet radio access when I’m away, etc.I’ve been a fan of the Oakland A’s since 1980, but my childhood baseball love was the “amazin’s” the early — and awful — NY Mets. I don’t require a team with a winning season every year.
I do, however, expect my team — and all of its owners, managers, employees, etc — to care, and for that caring to be obvious to all.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 1:26 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
I love this team with all my heart
I think since 1980 I have (compulsively, quite frankly) watched, listened to, or attended about 150 games / year. And I have actually started thinking this week, “What other interests can I develop this Summer?” Which may be a blessing in disguise for me, but man – not for the reason I want. How do you get interested in a team that seems, from player to manager to GM, not to have a lot of interest in being the best it can be?
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 May 17, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
One answer....
How do you get interested in a team that seems, from player to manager to GM, not to have a lot of interest in being the best it can be?
Snark.
(But there are, of course, quicker and cheaper ways to get one’s snark on than watching the A’s on mlb.tv (when they’re not blacked out) and participating in AN comment threads.)
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When the A's are not blacked-out....
…What is that? Like about four games for the entire season?
by gregorymark on May 18, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well said again
They are interested in making a profit. Like I said, the A’s are DEFRAUDING their fans.
I am working out as I type this as I am that pissed off at the ineptitude of Billy Beane and 99 percent of the rest of them. They all make me sick.
But as lifelong fans, we will keep rooting for this ******* of a team
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it's any comfort...
…this is at least in keeping with some of the deepest traditions of the franchise.
The last couple decades of the Connie Mack era and the entire KC period were pretty much this terrible, too.
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm reaching the point I'm already at with the Warriors
Until the team and the front office can prove they’re actually interested in winning and have a clue about how to do it, I’m saving my money. I didn’t go to a single Warriors game last year and the way things are going (yeah, me being about to move has a little something to do with it too) I may not go to any A’s games this year. I love the A’s but this team is painful to watch and what’s more, they don’t really have anyone WORTH watching.
I’ll stick with the minors for the time being.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad to say
I’m with you I have been obsessed with this team beyond belief my entire life. They have been down before but it hurts more now because I think we shouldn’t be this bad this quick after ‘06.
For all the credit Beane gets one playoff appearance in 6 years just isn’t that impressive anymore.
by fansince1980 on May 17, 2009 5:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry to nitpick, but
one playoff appearance in 6 years
makes no sense.
Since Beane became GM, the longest the team has gone without a playoff appearance is two years. This year looks like it will make three.
The last time the team went six years with only one playoff appearance was 1995-2000.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on May 18, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sorry to double nitpick, but
2004+5+6+7+8+9= six years, and we’re one for six, ‘cuz we sure aren’t going this year!
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 18, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, I didn't realize you were counting 2009 already
You said “anymore”, so I thought you were talking about the past.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on May 18, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being the best you can be
How can you know that the players, manager and GM are not interesting in being the best they can be? Just because someone doesn’t wear their heart on their sleeves does not mean that they are just there for the paycheck. Some of the disinterested looks from players that, you will say, show that the players do not care may be because they are as sick and tired of the loosing as you. A guy does not make it to the bigs without tons of desire to do it. They have slogged for years to make it. Unless you can read minds, this kind of talk is ridiculous.
"Swinging and missing to me is like 'Jesus, what happened?'" Scott Hatteberg
by Razr on May 17, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the surface
I agree with you Razr, judging their passion base on facial expressions or throwing helmets does not measure passion and desire. But when you heart and soul team is off to an epically bad start hard questions are fair game.
Baja been here
by bajablue on May 18, 2009 6:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A's are even making the Raiders look interesting.
The conspiracy theorist in me says that the current rampant mediocrity is a prelude to moving the team…I mean moving them out of the Bay Area. Yeah, yeah…I’ve heard all the arguments about there being nowhere else to move, but I can’t get out of my mind the comment by Selig that the A’s should never have been allowed to move to Oakland in the first place, and now that the Fremont deal is dead, and San Jose being problematic, the idea of the A’s staying in Oakland for an indefinite period of time is repellent to the Powers That Be. That and the fact that Wolfe and Selig are old frat buddies, yes?
by gregorymark on May 18, 2009 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Major League conspiracy theory.
I guessing that inside the locker room, there’s a cardboard cut-out of Beane with little strips of clothing that can be peeled away after every win, too?
by LowcountryJoe on May 19, 2009 3:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that explains why they traded for matt holiday, tried to sign johnson and furcal, and did sign cabrera, giambi and nomar!
FREE KRAUT
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 May 19, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh how the A's lose let me count the ways...
Oh how the A’s lose, let me count the ways, they can’t score one run for a couple of days. If they manage hits, then come double plays. You might think they are the Tampa Bay Rays, but even that team has seen better days, then the offensively challenge Oakland A’s. Who cares what they look like because it all pays, bumbling and stumbling, close your eyes Mayes. A’s pitcher’s throw and everyone prays, inside the ballpark, the baseball stays. Can’t throw can’t hit don’t even want praise. I sit back in my seat and chew on some Lays. Wait, it’s a hit my eyebrows raise. Another foul ball, not a thing to amaze. You can’t even play with the smaller A’s. Your no pro, like that announcer says. Strike three looking, your eyes in a glaze. Back out on D your not even phased, when your out there forever on some very bad plays.
by jonxstri on May 17, 2009 1:27 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Please leave this up on top of AN front page
Beane supposedly reads this site, not that it matters as his ego is too big to listen to anyone but himself but he does need to read this anyway. Someone have Blez email him and have him read it.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 1:29 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
twins and yanks in extras 2-2
Maurer made an outstanding game saving tag.
alaska A residing in colorado. (soon in Idaho)
by ak_A on May 17, 2009 1:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Mauer is an outstanding baseball player.
by OldhamA on May 17, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
too bad we dont have ANY of those...
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 May 17, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
#1 picks
tend to be players like Mauer…there’s a price to be paid for getting a superstar the easy way in the draft.
by ohmangoAs on May 17, 2009 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And we're working on it!
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on May 18, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
crosby, cabrera, hannahan,kennedy
is irrelevant to next yrs team. if they gave guys like petit, pennington, patterson, etc i’m not so sure theyd be any worse than the current guys
by Asfan4ever723 on May 17, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm pretty sure they would be
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe they would,
but since their potential is greater than zero, what the hey?
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 May 17, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He hasn't even discovered 'soccer' I don't think - he's a fan of Spurs, no?
Not a real football team.
by OldhamA on May 17, 2009 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why did you trade Dan Haren?
He’s one of the guys who would have been worth signing to a big-time extension. As the young pitchers struggles this season reveal, true number one starters do not grow on trees.
I understand the Swisher trade, but why did you deal Haren? Why?
by Pucking Insane on May 17, 2009 1:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree, Haren was someone to build a club around
Proven commodities are difficult to find in baseball.
Fleeting value, or supposed potential, is everywhere. Look at any ST field of “dreamers”.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 17, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree
Young pitcher only getting better. It just doesn’t make sense to me.
"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher
by luvsthecurveball on May 17, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because he got a whole shitload of talent for him.
by NateHST on May 18, 2009 1:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And will that talent equal the exiting player in the end?
by Pucking Insane on May 18, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seeing as his contract with the A's only ran until 2010
We wouldn’t have been able to resign him. Jesus, just look at the return Oakland got. It was ridiculous. He drastically improved are farm. CarGon, Carter, Cunningham and Anderson are ALL top 100 prospects.
by NateHST on May 18, 2009 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Brett Anderson, Carlos Gonzalez, Greg Smith, Dana Eveland, Christopher Carter, and Aaron Cunningham
That’s why.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on May 18, 2009 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So
2 4th or 5th starters, a CF who was go great he was dealt less than a season later, another OF who appears to project as a “solid if not great” starter, a player who strikes out way too much in the minors no less, and a pitcher who has promise but is being put in a no-win situation?
by Pucking Insane on May 18, 2009 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dana Eveland
caused us many, many losses and is a failure but the rest of them make it a good trade
by Trainman on May 18, 2009 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last year Eveland was the 38th best starter in the entire MLB
You know not what you are talking about.
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 May 18, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
This post would have been just as helpful
with just the first sentence. The second sentence is unnecessary, unkind, and inaccurate.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on May 18, 2009 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please don't make me laugh
The guy has been a failure from start to finish. See his career ERA.
Last year is last year. what about this year?
Quit trying to justify that Eveland is good. He is not CURRENTLY and is not in AAA.
The bottom line is ERA and wins and losses. He is bad.
So stop trying to bring up last year when talking about what he is like now.
He was sent down because he sucks and I doubt he will ever be any good because he has no clue how to find the strikezone and when he does, he throws batting practice.
by Trainman on May 18, 2009 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Saying that Wins and Losses and ERA are good ways of measuring pitching...
is equivalent to saying that the world is flat.
Ignoring the offense behind them, park, defense and other variations of luck that has nothing to do with the skill of the pitcher give you a totally inaccurate view of a players performance.
Even in what is hard to describe as a bad year (though he was very unlucky) Eveland has contributed .2 WAR in 2009.
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 May 18, 2009 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Haren trade was better than the Swisher trade IMHO.
Even if DLS was healthy, the return for Swisher was rather paltry. The power and defense (can he stick at CF) questions with Sweeney were known prior to the trade, along with Gio’s major, major control issues.
"And you just don't get it, you keep it copacetic..."
by Blicks on May 18, 2009 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not really mad about this loss
offense scored 7 runs and a 21- year old pitcher had a bad day. I expected many of these kinds of losses going into this year. But they need this infield to get healthy so we can go ahead and trade them, al of them.
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.
by 9Custs on May 17, 2009 1:38 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
count yourself among a tiny minority, IMO
How many losses begin with six-run leads? That is two already. You could absorb it as “that’s baseball” if you’re the Dodgers, who lost to the Nationals. But then the Dodgers continued to win. For the A’s, it leaves them set up for loss after loss after loss.
Back to Sacto with Geren. Heck, even a switch with Tony Dee would be tolerable to “status quo”.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 17, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but your expectations are too high...
if you are expecting the young pitchers to never have a bad start. 7 runs should win us a game, but it al depends on our starters.
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.
by 9Custs on May 17, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's nice to have an occasional voice of reason
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
If and when our offense is consistent, other pitchers will want to come play for us. Obviously, none would want to now with the offense as cold as it has been. But, other players sure came when they heard we got Matt Holliday. And, pitchers will be looking this way, too. Go A’s… keep hitting… either these young pitchers will work out or not…
by SFBAsportsfan on May 17, 2009 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and either Matt Holliday will continue to be a singles hitter or we won't...
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
by mrod on May 17, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he won't....sorry.
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
by mrod on May 17, 2009 3:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
aye
4 – 4 is not bad though. He’s got to get that average back up so he can take a few more shots at the fence.
by SFBAsportsfan on May 17, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed...I was just being a smart ass.
:)
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
by mrod on May 17, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still
agree with you, though. They all need to pump it up… he’d prolly be the first to tell you that
by SFBAsportsfan on May 17, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure he'd say that
He’s out of here no matter what and might be finding it hard to care amidst all of this terribleness. Don’t know if that’s a word but it’s how I feel.
"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher
by luvsthecurveball on May 17, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was thinkin' today
he must be wondering what he got himself into…..we all thought it wouldn’t be this bad. That we’d field an at least decent team. and it has just been sad.
I rock!! Guitar Hero said so
by BERRYJO on May 17, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was actually thinking the same thing
This is the kind of loss we’d sorta prepared ourselves for going into the regular season.
But we didn’t expect it would follow two blowout losses, and we didn’t expect the sloppy defense, and we didn’t expect the worst start in Oakland A’s history.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on May 17, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bravo, Nico
It had to be said… let’s see if it gets any reaction, whether BB himself or perhaps in the old media, or who knows where.
by jasonthea on May 17, 2009 1:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and michael urban, you suck
now you’re doing giants radio pregame, what a douche
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.
by 9Custs on May 17, 2009 1:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
he's a giants writer through and through
maybe it’s just my personal bias, but i feel that he would be much better suited as a Giants’ writer.
"If Bowden was a general contractor, he'd build houses with nine bedrooms, six garages, no bathrooms, and half a roof."
by DyeLongJustice on May 17, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i think he agrees
"If Bowden was a general contractor, he'd build houses with nine bedrooms, six garages, no bathrooms, and half a roof."
by DyeLongJustice on May 17, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, we've all got to pay the rent
he’s a baseball writer in the bay area, what’s he gonna do, say no?
it’s a job, not a personal choice
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
it’s a job. He likes baseball.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 17, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no problem with him taking a job
that allows him to remain in the Bay Area, where he was born and raised, and where he is raising a family.
He is bery honest about being a fan of both the Giants and the A’s, even though many people may find that puzzling. But even if he was a fan of a team outside of the Bay Area, he’s got a job, and I don’t fault him for that.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As it is, I don't see what the big deal is
He’s a writer doing a job, and as part of that people like him are often asked to join in on pregame shows and things like that.
Why should he restrict himself to just the A’s?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
true...
…although A’s fans do kind of like having their own partisan guy…
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 May 17, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be SuSlu.
And yes, we love her.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on May 18, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's actually easy most of the season
to support both teams seeing as how they are in different divisions. But your true colors always show in the head to head battles. Me? I’m an A’s fan since I was a kid.
I rock!! Guitar Hero said so
by BERRYJO on May 17, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant different leagues.Sry
I rock!! Guitar Hero said so
by BERRYJO on May 17, 2009 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best thing you've ever written, Nico
right on the money. Every bit of it. I pray Beane reads this, I really do. I’d like to hear him put a positive spin on this team. Just a horrible, horrible job.
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.
by Vacafan on May 17, 2009 1:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My comment on this got lost in the game thread transition...
One of Billy Beane’s strengths as a general manager was his intellectual curiosity and willingness to try methods that were rejected by baseball lifers.
The trouble is that everyone else has caught up to him, and Beane does not seem as interested. That dips into the realm of mind-reading, so I’ll give a more concrete example of what bothers me now.
The Haren and Swisher trades were both examples of a team going into rebuilding mode. We’re waving the white flag, and are going to try to reload with a bunch of high-ceiling prospects. Some will pan out, hopefullly; others won’t. It won’t be fun for a while, but it will pay off in the long term, when the A’s would have a bunch of talented young players under club control for several years.
The Harden and Cupcakes deals only reinforced that.
And then Beane or Wolff got impatient, but only took halfway measures. If you’re going acquire a bunch of veterans, you need some veteran pitchers. If you’re trying to rebuild for the future, you don’t toss two 21-year-olds out there to get shelled on a regular basis. If you’re trying to do anything, you don’t ignore the obvious problem at third base, based on the far-fetched hope that Chavez would be able to come back from a serious of longstanding and neglected injuries to become an effective third baseman again when his shoulder was “shredded.”
And let’s be blunt. If you want to be taken seriously, you don’t hire your Best Man as manager and expect anyone to see anything but old-fashioned buddyism and back-scratching. That’s the kind of thing baseball lifers do. I haven’t been impressed with Geren, but it almost doesn ‘t matter. It’s just hard to take him seriously.
One of the criticisms of Beane, and the whole Moneyball thing, was that Beane wasn’t really so smart. He got lucky and acquired the Big Three and several good young hitters, several of whom benefited from PEDs. Once that group had departed, Beane wouldn ‘t look so smart. And with the exception of 2006, when he got lucky with Frank Thomas, that’s proven to be true.
Beane’s far-flung intellectual interests are all well and good, and make him an interesting individual (albeit one with whom I have deep political differences). But I do share Nico’s belief, based on various comments he’s made in recent years, that he’s really not all that engaged in the job anymore. David Forst is doing it. But whoever it is, the results aren’t good and the future prospects don’t look much better.
One good thing about baseball lifers is that you know the job is their #1 priority. I’m not sure that’s the case with Beane anymore. If it is, then perhaps it’s time to reevaluate his legacy and performance. If it’s not, he should hire somebody who is willing to make and stick with the hard decisions that Beane or Forst apparently isn’t.
by bear88 on May 17, 2009 1:46 PM PDT reply actions 11 recs
As far as young pitching goes
I would give a “pass”, considering what happened in Detroit. They let their young pitchers (Bonderman, etc) have big losing years, but two years later they were in the World Series. Sometimes it works. Curt Young is a worthy pitching coach IMO.
Since it worked for the Tigers, I will pronounce the strategy as acceptable, but… ONLY my opinion.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 17, 2009 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beane got lucky with the big 3
He fires or gets rid of anyone that makes the A’s better
His philosophy on hitting plain sucks and has done for years.
The team(s) will do better with him gone which is not going to happen.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
beane's philosophy isn't completely at fault...
the system works. just not in a home stadium that has 2098923 acres of foul territory.
by ArielPrieto on May 17, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Always love your comments
The monster at the end of this blog.
by grover on May 17, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Once I read the Forst comments on blog I shall not name,
I became convinced that the blogger was right. That is, that Forst was indeed the man behind the curtain. It makes one wonder just how important DePo was to the success of the teams in the early 90s. With all that said, is there any reason he would not be brought back?
Oh, and solid post.
by Pucking Insane on May 17, 2009 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love this, Bear. Excellent points and I feel the same way about the Big Three.
by ATLDuck on May 18, 2009 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The last 3 seasons.
This team has been unwatchable. 2006 was a fluky season since the only reason we made the playoffs was going something like 17-2 against the M’s. I havent been excited to watch this team since Hudson/Mulder were traded.
"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 May 17, 2009 1:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I have to agree
I go to fewer games, because whether it’s a Loaiza or it’s an Eveland as SP, I feel the other team is rarely far from taking the lead. Unfortunately, even a two-game sweep like with KC doesn’t remove the worry, whenever the A’s face a decent offense, that they are vulnerable to giving up the (X…try a number)-run lead.
Who wants to pay money/spend time on that???
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 17, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm rooting for Texas, Toronto and Milwaukee Now
The Brewers because they mash… and Cubs fans are as intolerable in losing as the Red Sox fans used to be..
Blue Jays because TB has lost its mojo (lose Longoria to the pitcher at the beginning of the game— seriously?) and the other alternatives are evil..
And Texas because they have the guy that should be managing here, and if we can’t do it, and we can’t, then we must all become Ranger fans and shut down the Scioscias and Lackeys of the world.
by jasonthea on May 17, 2009 1:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My (distant) second team in the division has always been the M's.
If the A’s can’t win it, I hope they do.
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is safe to say
the A’s cannot win it, especially with single A players and management who does not give a flying F
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's also good as a fan of BASEBALL in general
to follow other teams sometimes. This year, preseason, I picked the Royals and Pirates. Last year it was the Rays and Brewers. I sure got lucky on that one.
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 May 17, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been a huge A's fan since '91....
when I was 12 years old and just becoming interested in baseball. I’ve seen the A’s go through their ups and downs, but never have I found being a fan of the A’s as difficult as this year and last. I try hard not to be the guy that threatens to stop being a fan, but damn the management and ownership makes it more and more difficult on a daily basis. It’s become obvious to me that this team has pretty much no chance of competing this year. I’m not necessarily opposed to playing the young guys, but why have a losing season while your paying guys like Giambi and Holliday millions? Get rid of the dead weight and let some of the youngsters play regularly.
I have always supported Billy Beane, but I’m ready for him and Bob Geren to move on. The two of them have succeeded in building a team that has little talent, and even less desire to win. It’s hard enough to watch this team lose seemingly a different way every game. I could even deal with a 100 loss season as long as the team showed potential for the future. This team is not built for the future, and apparently not for the present either. My biggest issue with the team this year and last, is that they have absolutely no heart. My nephew’s little league team plays with more fire than the majority of the current A’s roster.
by AEP2007 on May 17, 2009 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just in case any front office types are reading this....
Please bear in mind: we’re among the team’s most diehard fans.
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 1:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd say season ticketholders are more diehard
Those folks your see behind third base amongst the empty seats, bundled up against the weather.
Those are the real diehards IMO, because they buy season tickets, drive to the Coli in awful traffic, and sit ’til the end through hometown mediocrity.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 17, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I am one of those season ticket holders
except that I take BART to the games.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't have to be a season ticket holder to be a die hard fan
but I get the point. After watching this game today I realize just how foul of a mood this team puts me in when they continue to play like they are sleepwalking. I can’t for the life of me understand why Bon Geren still has job unless Beane feels responsible and guilty if he blamed Geren. still, ya know, how many times has this been brought up in the last several weeks? More and more, it seems as though there really was no plan other than to “roll the dice and hope everything went right”. I totally agree that there should have been some emphasis on getting a vet starter to help out the youngsters this year, especially knowing Dike’s history. The 3rd base thing I’m kinda disappointed in not so much because Chavvy is never healthy but because I thought Nomar would be able to play 3-4 times a week even if Chavvy was not playing, which is the case to a certain extent. The excitement of coming out of ST and starting the year taking 2 out of 3 from the Angels now seems like a distant memory…….and no real vision of how the future looks for us “die-hard fans.” :(
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
by mrod on May 17, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
They buy season tickets and then sell 75% of them to other people for face value, just keeping the games they wanna go to.
"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 May 17, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
many season ticket holders don't do that
it’s hard to generalize that way. One of the things I appreciate about the A’s is that you can buy packages of games, rather than have to buy tickets to all home games.
Giants season ticket holders have to buy the entire home package, so they buy them in groups and only pay for the games they want. In fact, many fans throughout major league baseball do that.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
But I’d say the amount of season ticket holders that go to every game they pay for is very small.
"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 May 17, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no way to say that's true -- do you?
If I had to guess i’d say that the number is higher for A’s fans in general because you can buy packages instead of all of the games.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just all the season ticket holders I've bought tickets from.
"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 May 17, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wouldn't you only be able to buy tix from the type of SS ticket holder you describe?
You wouldn’t be able to buy from the hypothetical ideal ticket holder you wish the A’s had.
by ohmangoAs on May 17, 2009 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ideally I'd be one of those ones who goes to every game
But I’m broke.
"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 May 17, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
broke
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on May 18, 2009 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's too bad really
I’ve felt for years that the key moment for this franchise was when Long’ s ball went into the corner on that now long-ago night in October. If Howe had only pinch-ran Byrnes; if Jeter hadn’t made such an incredible play; if Jeremy had slid; if the umpire had called it differently…
Well, you know the rest. Dye would never have broken his leg. I firmly believe that team with a well-rested pitching staff would have handled the Mariners… and whether or not they would have beaten Arizona, we would have had a WS in this era.. before the Giants did.. before Bonds’ HR chase became the be-all and end-all. The team would have had 15-20 million more to play with based on the ensuing attendance spike. As good as that team was in 2002 attendance would have carried over until 2003 big time. Maybe with the successful playoff experience they beat the Twins and then it’s the Angels. Maybe we have a repeat all Bay Area WS in 2002, and win it AGAIN, ensuring another year or two of big-time attendance and payroll flexibility. Tejada does not leave in that environment, and I doubt Hudson does either.
But those things didn’t happen— BB soldiered on, but eventually this franchise spiraled back to lousiness— as has been its pattern for a century now. Let’s hope we get someone smart to pick up the pieces and can win, say, 2013 or so. But forget the next two or three years and the end of the Beane regime.
by jasonthea on May 17, 2009 2:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You missed a piece on the Game that Zito lost and Jeremy out at home
Two runners on, bottom of the 4th, Chavez got a fat pitch and he didn’t miss it. As soon as he hit it, I KNEW it was gone, as did Mussina. Mussina, looked down, slumped and kicked the ground. I jumped up from my seat….YEEEAAAAAHHHH!!!
….Chavvy hooked it foul by about six or seven feet. You talk about “close”? Even a swing that was 1/10th of a second slower would have re-wrote history.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 18, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does Buan have an email address
I want someone to email the game thread and wrap up to him to pass onto Beane. Is this possible?
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Done
I sent an email.
It had a couple of comments from me at the bottom
Sorry but we love the A’s and are sick and tired of having a team that could not even compete in AAA.
“Geren might have been a good best man but he is not a manager”
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You guys are pathetic! Beane is better than most GM's
There was so much excitement before the season started that the A’s could be a good team. Things had to go right and so far a lot of players have been hurt and things haven’t gone right. Billy needs to stay the course and this team will be good. Nico you are in the wrong in calling Billy out. I, in no way, agree with your post.
Ben "The Party" Hall GO A's
by benhall2121 on May 17, 2009 2:19 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Please take off your blinders
Billy is awful
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's overstating it, IMO
He has or had the ability to be a first-rate GM.
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 May 17, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Had the ability
The worst thing Lew could have done was give him ownership. Now he rakes in profit without carign about what he puts out there.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree with this.
Companies do stock grants and employee purchases and the like so that the employee feels that if they do a good job and the company prospers, they will see more than a paycheck as a reward. Instead of just showing up, doing your time and collecting your paycheck, you’re more likely to do the extra things that make the company do better.
by LoneStranger on May 17, 2009 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Beane is more motivated by his work than the money
What’s he need money for? He doesn’t have enough time in the day to spend it.
When he took, then foresook the Boston job, that should tell you that money or “raking in the profit” is the last motive in the line of what’s important for BBeane.
In my opinion, he has just been drawing a run of bad hands in a poker game, by analogy.
Heck, you could do that all night, even if you’re a bona fide WS of Poker player. It’s not as if he does a Mo Vaughn or a Jeff Cirillo year in and year out. I would say his biggest mistake was assuming Chavez would remain a healthy player.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 18, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay
Let’s see the reasons why things are all right.
Any time you’re ready.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a difference between saying things are all right and saying
“stay the course.” 2009 isn’t going to be all right, but before the A’s traded for Holliday, did you ever seriously think they would compete in 2009? Given that most of the players from Beane’s four big trades spent last year in A ball, I think the earliest you can make a fair assessment of the rebuild is 2011. So while I definitely agree Beane has made a few poor decisions of late, I think much of the GM-bashing and the assertions that this team has rebuilt halfway, or doesn’t have anything bright to look forward to, are an overstatement.
And I would add that while the signings of Cabrera, Nomar, and Giambi, as well as the Holliday trade may seem confusing for a rebuilding team, they do provide Beane with some trade ammunition at the deadline, which is important considering Beane fired most of his big shots last year. The one year deals given these vets means that the A’s will once again have a lot of payroll flexibility come 2010. Trade-wise, Buck, Sweeney, and Davis are also very expendable considering the development of Brown, Cunningham, and Doolittle (and Spencer and Thomas) as well as the cheap FA market for corner OFs. If you look at some of Geren’s more controversial moves in the context of a rebuilding season, such as platooning Buck and Davis, they make a bit more sense.
I think the plan this year was always to continue rebuilding, and I think if you look at the minor leagues, the plan is coming along all right. As for 2009, I think the best we can hope for is a couple good trades and some positive development at the big league level from folks like Anderson, Cahill, Buck, and Cunningham.
by scromulus on May 17, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
If the plan all along is to next be good in 2011,
with four lousy years in between, then I stand by an earlier statement that Beane is no more skilled at rebuilding than many, many GMs. Heck, the Marlins can do that and win a couple World Series.
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 May 17, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why should he be more skilled?
Why is there this expectation that he’s magical? I would say at this point, its the Twins, not the A’s who get the nod for being the team that’s consistently competitive on a low budget, but even they are starting to show cracks because no team can be good forever whether they’re the A’s/Marlins/Twins/Padres or the Yankees/Braves/Angels. At least the A’s have been more proactive than most other organizations headed into decline.
If your GM gives you 7 competitive years to 4 non-competitive years you’re a pretty lucky sports fan.
by scromulus on May 17, 2009 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Kudos on the Twins assessment...
"Where's the beef?"
by MMunoz33 on May 17, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, the big problem is there was too much uncertainty behind the 2009 roster that Beane put together. Way too much emphasis on the premise that “things had to go right”. Chavvy had to stay healthy and he had to play up to the same level he had player ealier in his career before his huge contract, Giambi had to produce, Nomar had to stay healthy, and perhaps most importantly, young pitchers like Anderson and Cahill had to perform like veterans. It’s just way too much to hope for, and not a realistic expectation.
by ATLDuck on May 18, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't get the sense of entitlement that's coming through this thread
Seriiously – what do the A’s actually owe us, the fans? We don’t employ them. We didn’t take out an ad on craigslist sayng ‘wanted, team to compete a little and go to the playoffs occasionally’. No – the A’s put together a team and say, ok, here’s a team, please pay to come watch us. That’s the way the transaction works. If you don’t like the team – and God knows, there’s reason enough not to, JUST DO SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD. But like, don’t go on like they’ve slept with your sister or something.
I don’t know about you, but I sat and watched a game this morning, and, as disatisfying as it was, it occupied me for three hours. If they keep on like this, likely I’ll lose interest in the second part of the season.
And here’s the thing. Let’s go back to the beginning of this year. The A’s have been rebuilding for a couple of years, and the front office sees that there might be an opening to contend, and makes a couple of moves. It looks like it hasn’t worked out. A reasonable criticism can be made for trying to go for it too early. But on the other side of the coin, could they afford to have another season of the kids, and to continue with the attendance falling? Should they have stuck to their course they were ploughing? Possibly. Hell, I’m just some guy on the internet – I DON’T KNOW. But I’m not going to accusing them of lacking pride. Jesus. I mean, on one hand, Beane is accused of having too much ego, on the other, not enough pride. You think he really doesn’t want to win?
He has made mistakes. But to call him pathetic, or dumb, or lacking pride? Seriously. If infalibility is what’s expected, then might I suggest that there’s not many of us here who’d meet that level?
I’m not saying that this team isn’t above criticism, but let’s get some effing perspective on this. It’s becoming a drag
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:24 PM PDT reply actions 10 recs
If they want more support and good crowds, then yeah, they do owe it to the fans
They owe it to the fans to prove that winning is a priority.
Beane’s the architect of this team. If it’s a bad team, if it’s a team that has nobody to really care about, if it’s a team that’s just going through the motions, if it’s a team that’s very injury prone…well, who DO you point the finger of blame at?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're missing my point
I’m not trying to absolve Beane from criticism. Far from it, actually. It just seems weird to be claiming to be ripped off by the team, or sold down the river, or whatever, when, yknow. They never promised us anything.
I do agree – they they want more support and decent crowds, they need to put a winning team out. But let’s not pretend that that’s not want they want, or that the players are ok with what is happening. Does anyone really think they are happy with what’s going on?
I’m not trying to divert the finger of blame – but I’m also saying, it’s nothing personal. As a fan, don’t feel that the club is trying to shaft you. Mistakes made are mistakes made, not personal attacks.
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
the club is not trying to shaft us but they are not trying to build a fan base either with the product they are putting out there.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, a i e, but they "owe us"
the same way stand-up comedians (also in the entertainment industry) owe it to their audience to show up sober or to practice their material. You may still be good or bad, but just at least put your best and full focus on the task at hand, and don’t favor your friends or lose interest and do it half-assed – which is the perception, if not the reality.
To say “they don’t owe us anything – if they’re not winning, or they’re boring, go do something else” may be “accurate,” but it doesn’t really make sense when you’re talking about a sports fan and his/her sports team. The best thing they have going is that we love THIS team, not some other team or other sport or other activity; they don’t get to say “well then don’t care so much” when it’s convenient.
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 May 17, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
supposedly they want us to care
at least that’s what baseball clubs strive for in their marketing. All we ask is the same from them.
Many fans have questioned the direction of this organization over the past few years. Ironically, AN has been on the whole one of the more supportive forums in terms of supporting the management and ownership of the A’s
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think from a humanistic stand point though,
you really kind of owe it to yourself to not go see comedians that suck, or bands that suck, and if baseball isn’t fun for you right now, don’t go to the game. Its your life and and its your time to do with as you choose.
In the past, when the A’s have been going well, I’ve foregone social gatherings and declined offers of extra hours at work because I really wanted to see the game that night. That’s not gonna happen for the ‘09 A’s. If I am watching the game, and they start to really suck, I might grab my book.
by scromulus on May 17, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the most part, right...
but sometimes you gotta go see bands that suck because they’re your friends’ bands. And of course, with an organization like a baseball club, some fans see said organization more as friends than as a crappy band.
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 17, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick question, as well
You watched the game on TV. That probably didn’t really cost you anything except your time.
Would you pay to go watch this team in person right now? That’s the big question.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I sure as hell am not paying to watch Geren and the Geriatrics...
"Where's the beef?"
by MMunoz33 on May 17, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I still enjoy going to watch the games
I can’t afford to go to as many as I like, not having a job and all at the moment, but $2 Wednesdays are hard to beat.
A baseball game always has a basic level of enjoyment to it, no matter what the score is, ultimately.
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is why I'll continue to go as well.
And lets face it, we’ve had some damned good entertainment this decade. That’s why its so hard to watch what’s happening right now.
by lynnzgal on May 17, 2009 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I for one am an NRAF who hasn't seen an A's game in person since before Hudson came up
but I went to well over a hundred games from 1982 to 1986, and those teams completely sucked.
I know it’s not fun to watch Cahill or Anderson or Outman, but I was a devoted fan of a team whose starting rotation for two or three years consisted of guys like Bill Kreuger, Chris Codiroli, Tim Conroy, Gorman Heimueller, Bill Mooneyham, a washed-up Steve McCatty, and Lary Sorensen. It was so bad that everyone got really excited when the team picked up Ray Burris.
One thing that made it easier: 1985 was the only season without either Rickey or Jose. So there was almost always one exciting, young hitter to bring you out to the park.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on May 17, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for this memory
I’m another NRAF who hasn’t been to the Coliseum in maybe ten years longer than you have – maybe not since the summer of ‘86, in fact. I spent 1983 in Europe; I could only follow the A’s through the International Herald Tribune. I think Kreuger, Codiroli, Conroy, and Heimueller were all rookies that year – makes this year look like a bunch of old guys, doesn’t it? And Mike Warren too; without “cheating” by resorting to Baseball-Reference.com, I think that was his rookie season and the season of his no-hitter. I thought that would be the beginning of something, but not one of those guys ever panned out, and probably none of them should have been expected to if we really knew how to evaluate prospects at that time.
When I got back from Europe, I discovered Bill James, who taught me how to really think about baseball for the first time in a way I had never even realized was possible. James was a revelation, but he never really was able to get a handle on the A’s (which he admitted), always getting them wrong. I remember in one of the Abstracts he bitched about the A’s foolishly focusing on Ray Burris, who wasn’t going to be part of any future winning A’s team. I also remembered going to a beautiful sunny afternoon game at the Coliseum where Burris pitched a crisp 7-0 shutout (or something like that), just a fabulously refreshing break from the usual young A’s pitcher like Kreuger or whoever who would take forever on the mound, peering intently and at length at the catcher trying to picture some pitch they might throw that might have a fighting chance of not getting creamed by the batter. It’s not as if Burris was blocking anybody, and when after his one season with the team he wanted a two-year contract instead of the one year Alderson was willing to offer, they let him go, so obviously they weren’t overvaluing a single decent season or trying to build around him.
Sometimes a competent pitching job and a well-played game of baseball are a pleasure on their own and worthwhile for themselves, whether or not they are part of some longer term plan for success or not. In fact, I could use one of those right about now.
by Faust on May 17, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You said it.
Sometimes a competent pitching job and a well-played game of baseball are a pleasure on their own and worthwhile for themselves, whether or not they are part of some longer term plan for success or not. In fact, I could use one of those right about now.
I’d take it.
by lynnzgal on May 17, 2009 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd forgotten about Warren!
And yes, he was a rookie when he no-hit the (IIRC) already-division-clinched White Sox in 1983! I remember watching Don Sutton pitch a shutout in 1984 — he didn’t help the team go anywhere, but I still remember that game.
Incidentally that awful pitching staff managed to throw 37 consecutive scoreless innings between 8/13/83 and 8/17/83. Baseball is a funny game.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on May 17, 2009 6:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
I’ve been to every Saturday game this season, plus opening night, plus a couple other weekday games (it’s the most games I’ve been to this early in the season, ever). Despite the struggles so far this year, as others have mentioned, there’s still something enjoyable about going to games regardless of the score. And there have been some bright spots, like Suzuki’s continued development, Cust’s improvements this season, Braden’s gutsy and solid outings (I wasn’t a fan of his before this season), and Andrew Bailey coming out of the bullpen.
In hindsight, though, I think Beane should have stayed the full rebuilding course instead of going with a veteran lineup. Bring in a few vets to fill the holes for now and provide some leadership in the rotation, sure, but I think it’s time to let the kids play.
by dtnick on May 18, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Totally disagree (re: the "owe" part)
If they “owe” us nothing, why should we give them our time, money, and emotional commitment?
As far as I’m concerned, it’s an even trade… each side “owes” the other side something in return for what the other side is giving.
I do agree that some of the criticisms of Beane are over-the-top, but he’s not exactly doing much to keep his reputation of late, either.
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 May 17, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I for one am missing posts from Rlangford right about now.
by Pucking Insane on May 17, 2009 2:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was just thinking the same thing.
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
by mrod on May 17, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Entitlement??
Hardly…
When your team— the one you’ve essentially run for the last 12 years— has won all of one playoff series, is coming off two mediocre years in a row, and appears to be a lot worse this year… and yet they’re making a movie about you starring Brad Pitt, where’s the sense of entitlement? please.
Billy you may not be selling jeans.. but we are not buying egos.
by jasonthea on May 17, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Again - it's this assumption that the team owes it to you to win
when they clearly don’t? If you don’t like the fact they’re making a movie, don’t go see it. Don’t give them the money, and don’t waste your time thinking about it. Problem solved.
It's never too soon to jump to conclusions
by alea iacta est on May 17, 2009 2:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And again -
To say "they don’t owe us anything – if they’re not winning, or they’re boring, go do something else" may be "accurate," but it doesn’t really make sense when you’re talking about a sports fan and his/her sports team. The best thing they have going is that we love THIS team, not some other team or other sport or other activity; they don’t get to say "well then don’t care so much" when it’s convenient.
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 May 17, 2009 3:09 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
they don't get to say it,
but they can sure stare smugly, roll their eyes and IMPLY it!
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 17, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Read Nico's post a bit more carefully, please.
He’s not demanding that they win. He’s demanding that they give us a reason to watch them. And that begins with the folks on the field and the guys in the dugout appearing to give damn. And it continues with the folks in the front office trying to assemble a team that is at least interesting and is, additionally, either good now or provides some hope for the future. Or to put it another way: a fan cannot expect his or her team to always win. But it’s not unreasonable for a fan to expect a team to provide some evidence that they might reasonably be expected to win sometime in the future.
Right now this team is doing none of these things.
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That doesn't sound like a fan to me
Maybe a “casual” fan. But any true sports fan is at least somewhat competitive, somewhat passionate about their team and/or it’s players.
I spent my money to go see my NL team, the Mets, in San Francisco this weekend. It was my baseball budget for a couple months but I’d rather spend it on a team that I perceive as wanting something as much as I would want it if I were a player.
"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher
by luvsthecurveball on May 17, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting you'd feel that way about the Mets
with all the accusations over the last few years that they don’t all have their heads in the game…
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 17, 2009 5:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
I don’t know why they melt down at the end of the season every year and I’m really hoping it’s a problem solved. But they at least appear to want to win. And Murphy makes me laugh frequently so it’s good entertainment. You can’t say that boy ain’t trying.
"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher
by luvsthecurveball on May 17, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
has it been poor planning or bad luck?
4/5 ths of their projected 09 rotation duke,eveland, gio, gallgher injured or struggling have given nothing and were forced tofast track cahill/anderson.
The bullpen had tons of depth last yr with devine/ziegler/brown/blevins etc which allowed them to trade street. i know at the time brining in wuertz/spring were surprising moves but imagine where the bullpen would be wihtout either to fill in along with bailey. Thats almost a complete 08 staff, having produced not much so far.
the FA hitters all had risks attached to them, worst case scenario has happened.
It might be unfair, but the progress of sweeney/buck/barton as potential core pieces of this future offense has not happened thus far. Only Suzuki looks like a current regular player to stick long term.
I’ve given up on contending and moved onto the continued rebuild. Hope some of these older players regain some value and are commodities at the deadline. The next wave of prospects in AA/AAA will be ready by late 09 into 2010.
by Asfan4ever723 on May 17, 2009 2:28 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
If they want people to attend the games
they need to put a decent team on the field.
This team would be lucky to compete in AAA.
They are defrauding the fans.
MLB teams are supposed to entertain the fans, that’s how they make money and the players get their high salaries.
we are being ripped off by an embarrassing team.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My radio just cut out
They cut off the broadcast
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh snap!
Censored!
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
didn't read the whole thing
reading posts by others, this time criticizing letting many of the coaches go.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buan didn't read the last three paragraphs
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 2:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no, I'm referring to Nico's front page post
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He really read some of it word for word?
What did he read?
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 May 17, 2009 2:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he read everything except the last three paragraphs
he said, “it goes on”…then he said it was signed by “at least me”
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He read most all of it.
Although, he reads about as well as Buck read last year for the Cops for Kids commercials.
by 33SwisherSweet on May 17, 2009 2:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good
Other emails ripping Beane and team
Buan is reading one now.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Props to Buan for reading this.
He just gained some respect from me.
by 33SwisherSweet on May 17, 2009 2:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
been a big fan of Buan for the past ten-ish
by stranahanahan on May 17, 2009 3:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
years
maybe it’s been a bit less than that but he’s a smart guy and he does things right. Always enjoy listening to him…
by stranahanahan on May 17, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here an Idea.
Spend some fucking money on the god damn team.
"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 May 17, 2009 2:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No, spend the money on people that are worth it
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was infering to
Hudson/Mulder/Tejada/Giambi when he was good.
"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 May 17, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
since when did they have the yankees payroll
teajada/giambi roids
mulder turned into crap
zito overpaid crap
i wouldve kept hudson, but that wasnt a given with his free agency and oblique issues
by Asfan4ever723 on May 17, 2009 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I dont care.
Sepnd some damn money on the team. Im sick of having a AAA team.
"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 May 17, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somehow I doubt they had the money to keep everyone
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then its on the owners.
If you cant afford a MLB team, dont buy one.
"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 May 17, 2009 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go talk to the last ownership group on that one
Who, might I remind you, are no longer owners.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I know the Schott and whoever else owned the A's
were real cheap.
"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 May 17, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is a big reason why "Hudson/Mulder/Tejada/Giambi when he was good" were not kept
But I also doubt they could have afforded all of them.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well prob not them all.
But they shouldnt have all gotten away. What message does that send to fans?
"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 May 17, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably the messages most people debated at the time
And the messages we debate whenever the A’s trade away someone with name recognition for prospects or let someone else sign a larger contract elsewhere.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They did sign one of them 'when he was good.'
His name is Eric Chavez.
by LoneStranger on May 17, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hindsight the only player worth keeping was Hudson
and even he has had his issues with injuries. Giambi has been injured and embroiled in the steriods scandal. Tejada magically aged 3 years, declined with the bat and glove and is neck deep in the steriods scandal. Mulder got injured and fell off a cliff a year after we traded him. If any of those had been signed long term this club would be in an even worse state now.
by DeJay on May 18, 2009 4:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they have spent enough money to have a good
organization and build a contending club.
The question is: has the money been spent wisely in the last few years?
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno.. our Payroll is what... 50mil.
A normal MLB team should prob be in the 75-80 mil range.
"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 May 17, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was in that range in 2007
and we have evidence of other teams that have had good seasons with less.
the question is still whether the money was spent wisely.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well... as of now it hasnt.
"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 May 17, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was Tampa Bay's payroll last year?
$40 million total? $50 million? Yankees? $200 million and no playoffs.
Throwing money is not always the route to success. Being baseball smart is important.
JD Drew was perpetually injured, yet Boston signed him and he is reasonably healthy.
We get Joey Devine on the cheap, looks unhittable, now he’s a TJ surgery guy. You just cannot assume money makes any of the situations work.
"Wag More
Bark Less"
bumpersticker sighted in Berkeley, CA
by One won lost won on May 18, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the A's had extended any of those players they would be no better off today.
And system-wide they would be much much worse off.
by scromulus on May 17, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not Huddy.
But that doesn’t invalidate the trade.
"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 May 17, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That unknown.
"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 May 17, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's start with a manager who can actually manage and who the players want to play for
by 33SwisherSweet on May 17, 2009 2:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I am sure Lew would have an upsewt stomach
after reading how we feel at the moment. If he cared about the team he would.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Still don't understand why they're making a Moneyball movie now
It’s past its time. Cancel the thing. People are going to see that and wonder, “What happened?”
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 2:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if they change the end of the movie
and have Beane and Geren run over by BART.
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there a way to block the posts of certain users?
I’d appriciate it if someone let me know…
"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe
by EastCoastA on May 17, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No. Just don't read their comments if you don't like their posts.
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 May 17, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you suggest doing that when the post comes above the username?
"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe
by EastCoastA on May 17, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
by post I mean comment
"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe
by EastCoastA on May 17, 2009 3:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I often look first for the green username,
before deciding whether or not I care to read the comment.
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 May 17, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that makes a lot of sense and is a good rule of thumb...
…although some people’s comments can grow on you. Some of the commenters I used to avoid are now my favorites!
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 17, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's funny is I basically am the polar opposite of that.
I very rarely look at WHO is posting something before I am thinking of a response.
"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 May 17, 2009 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want who the person is to color how I interpret what they say.
by LoneStranger on May 17, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what that means.
"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 May 17, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was agreeing with you
by saying that he wouldn’t want to know who it was, since knowing might prejudice him in some way. (correct me if I’m wrong…speaking for others usually goes badly for me)
by ohmangoAs on May 18, 2009 2:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that's a good way of going about that.
But that’s just me
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on May 18, 2009 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
why would you knowingly provide someone with false information? you didn't have to answer his question.
FREE KRAUT
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 May 18, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
nico is lying: there definitely *is* a way to block posts from certain users.
i assume you want to block trainman…
firefox:
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/firefox.html
greasemonkey:
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/748
killfile:
http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/4107
FREE KRAUT
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 May 18, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry, did you mean I was lying or that I might be mistaken?
Please reply; thanks.
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 May 18, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and just to clarify, what I was saying is
that AN does not have any such feature. (Which is neither a lie nor a mistake.)
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 May 18, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i didn't get your message because my answering machine was broken, and no one was home when i called you back
did you not know such a thing existed at all, or was your answer that AN doesn’t have that feature?
-killfile has been mentioned on AN well over a hundred times, including numerous times in threads and even subthreads that you actively posted in and definitely read.
-he asked if there was a way to block certain users, not if AN had that feature. were you mistaken about the question?
-did you also mistakenly not specify in your answer that you just meant that AN had no such feature? that’s a lot of mistakes in one comment…
Please reply; thanks.
FREE KRAUT
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 May 18, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The second of your three dashes
You come across as a really angry person, dude. Have some fun.
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 May 18, 2009 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It seems like a waste of time, doesn't it?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 18, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait... who started this thread?
-he asked if there was a way to block certain users, not if AN had that feature. were you mistaken about the question?
i’m not really seeing the anger there…
FREE KRAUT
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 May 19, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that is all...
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
by mrod on May 17, 2009 2:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly, we didnt win a series with that core group of guys
whats the climax of the movie?
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.
by 9Custs on May 17, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giambi slides and we go on to win the Series!
They changed the end of The Natural when they made the movie, why not change the end of Moneyball?
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m thinking about changing my screen name from “RHP Brad Ziegler” to “Fire Bob Geren” real soon.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 17, 2009 2:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't Call my friends pathetic!
The A’s owe every fan! If not for fans, they would not be employed. You do not rebuild at the professional level, period. Maybe in a transition year, but years of rebuilding? C’mon they are supposed to be professionals. It does seem very obvious, the team is not trying and that is shameful. In any other line of work that kind of attitude and performance gets you fired. Yes, they OWE US FANS. That’s what we pay for. That’s what they advertise. Go to a restaurant and have them tell you there is nothing to eat we are rebuilding, after they take your money. Or you go to see a famous concert and you pay top dollar for a certain performer and a ten year old comes out to sing Mary Had a Little Lamb.
Yes, many were optimistic at the beginning of the year, but it was only wishful thinking. Everyone knew how pathetic the trades have been over the last two seasons and we all just were praying for something good. You can’t blame us for trying. Although we knew they did not address major issues, we were wishing for luck. The people on this site are very intelligent and very loyal to the A’s. Why would they bash the team until they know for sure? Now they do and you think they are wrong for pointing out the problems.
We are owed, at the very least, an honest effort. The teams want us to give them our money, buy their gear, pay for games. That’s just great! We deserve a team that plays hard and management that have the best interest of the team, in mind. In fact, they owe it to us!
Sense of entitlement = we paid money!
by jonxstri on May 17, 2009 2:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Geren's typical post game comment
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=290517106
The Tigers outscored Oakland 34-9 in the weekend sweep.
“I just talked to everyone as a group, and told them that I thought the effort was outstanding this weekend,” Geren said. “We just need to write this off as a bad series, get out of town and start fresh in Tampa.”
by Trainman on May 17, 2009 3:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Glad to see Bob's got the morale part down

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Whereas Jim Leyland goes to the mound twice
in the middle of an at-bat to tell his pitcher, “throw f***ing strikes.”
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 May 17, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
(and burns them with his lit cigarette)
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 17, 2009 5:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clever.
A fractured sinus is nothing to sneeze at.
by somebodyelse on May 18, 2009 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know, but he should be...
…fired!
by GreenNGoldSooner on May 17, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a motivator
Part of being a manager is leadership, this guy is cast fron the same mold as Steve Boros; 100% boring. I remember when the A’s blew a game llike this in 1980, Billy Martin kicked over the buffet and told the team until they play they won’t eat on the team’s dime. They responded well.
If I ran the show I would hire Gene Tenace as my manager. He can teach hitting, Toronto is doing well, and he knows how to win..Egad I can’t take more of this lame ballclub.
Stomp,em, stomp the piss out of em.Then pound the budweiser after the game. Joe Schultz Seattle Piolts Mgr 1969
by billyball1981 on May 17, 2009 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Billy wrecked the buffet?
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
by lynnzgal on May 17, 2009 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He traded it for some seeds, which may or may not develop.
Much of it depends on how long the organization cultivates them and whether or not they’re brought up too soon.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on May 17, 2009 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's like Geren thinks this is little league
where everybody gets a little ribbon for just making it to the park with their uni on right side out.
"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher
by luvsthecurveball on May 17, 2009 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
The defensive effort was especially "outstanding."
It took a special level of effort to make all of those errors.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
by jeepers on May 18, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
two major problems
one is injuries…we’ve had an insane amount. now some of them, you can’t do anything about. but others…well, you can’t count on certain guys. chavvy is the main one. i still wonder, though, if the a’s strength training staffs all the way down the system aren’t doing something right. anyway, take away the unpredictable injuries that have killed us the last few years…the pitching staff this year. we all KNEW coming in that there might be issues w/ duke, and that cahill needed more time in AAA (anderson was more ready, but not ready imho). yet we didn’t make any moves to sign some pitchers…didn’t need to be big time guys, but people who at the very least could pitch some innings so our young guys (and i include gallagher in this…he had control issues, something that should have been worked on in AAA for a month or two). but no, we didn’t do that. and look, our pitching has been, as predicted, all over the place. i hope this stuff doesn’t get the young guys off track too much. then, the biggest problem – we have no idea about offense. i understand the draft is a crap shoot, but wow, we have been absolutely awful in developing hitters. is that a scouting issue? a coaching issue? its pretty obvious it has been atrocious for the past few years, and needs to be addressed.
by guy incognito on May 17, 2009 3:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
But the injury apologists just chaff my knickers. Look around the league. Injuries are everywhere. Teams plan for injuries. What was our plan? Bring in an injured guy to back up our injured guy (Garciaparra and Chaves).
Baja been here
by bajablue on May 18, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Many angles to the problem
No one thing, be it Geren or injuries or Beane involved with soccer has led to this. Each should be evaluated to find the root of the cause.
Some of the problems… and questions:
1. Injuries!
Are we even in this problem if the players are healthy? Granted some of the injury total is due to signing older vets that we all know have a higher chance of landing on the DL. Subtracting the injuries for guys like Thomas, Giambi, etc do the A’s still have more injuries than average?
2. Prospects not panning out
Crosby, Meyer, Barton, etc. Guys who were to be great and are either poor or not on the team. There’s still time for Barton to turn it around, but suppose our prospects did pan out? How does the team do then? In my estimation the A’s are all too eager to trade for minor league talent. Having a stocked farm system is great… but is it worth a poor record in the big show?
3. Management
Under Geren the A’s are a combined 164-192, or a .461 winning percentage. Under Macha and Howe you have to go back to 1999 to find a losing season. I repeat: Macha did not have a losing season. So even if Geren isn’t the problem, I can’t see him as a solution either. This is one of my big critiques of Beane – installing his friend as manager. Maybe his ever-positive schtick works well in the minors when guys need to believe in themselves, but this is the majors.
4. Failure to learn from other teams
Money ball and statistical analysis is great, but it’s not the key to winning. Teams like the Twins are doing better than the A’s without all the fancy analysis. Does that mean our problems are overshadowing any statistical benefit? Or is it because too many stats don’t make for a fluid team?
5. Batting with RISP
Why take a walk? Swing! Swing! Errors happen, singles happen, things happen! unless the bases are loaded taking a walk does not score a run.
alright, back to campus…
by Jernskogen on May 17, 2009 3:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm willing to bet the Twins are doing fancy analysis.
I bet every team is doing it now. They just aren’t all talking about it.
by LoneStranger on May 17, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Likely correct
Although I swear I read an article where they claimed not to; that doesn’t mean it isn’t misdirection. The hitters swing at darn near anything, so walks doesn’t appear to be something they value highly. Their drafting has turned out far better as well. Also helps that they positively looted the Giants.
by Jernskogen on May 17, 2009 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Their 2 best hitters (Morneau and Mauer) are patient hitters who walk quite a lot
and guys like Denard Span and even Nick Punto take their share of walks.
But you know who doesn’t walk? Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez, the 2 young prospects they targeted in their big trades recently. And those 2 guys happen to suck as hitters.
Seriously, how would you feel if Beane had traded Johan F’ing Santana for a now-23-year old CF who hit .258./.296/.360 last year and is hitting .207/.277/.310 this year?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on May 17, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Santana trade
was terrible. That’s what Smith got for trying to be greedy.
So maybe the Twins don’t overvalue walks. Could you see either Young or Gomez on the A’s? Only if the price is a total steal I bet. Anyway, you’re taking what I said too far. Walks are not bad; walks when you’re not scoring runs and have men on base are not ideal. How many times have we seen the A’s strand runners multiple runners in a game while struggling to get one or two runs? I’m all for getting a hit in those situations instead of a walk. Waiting for the big boppers to hit one out only works if they regularly do so; it’s not a guarantee they will, especially when it’s cold like during a night game.
Perhaps it all comes back to situational hitting.
by Jernskogen on May 17, 2009 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not so sure.
They actively take steps to teach players that all that matters is aggressiveness.
They just happen to scout players better than anyone not named Logan White. And that’s why the Twins are always in the hunt.
by rageon on May 18, 2009 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa!
I think everyone needs to take a step back and take a deep breath. Do you guys really think Beane doesn’t care anymore? I know his moves for this year haven’t worked out at all but that doesn’t mean he’s just carelessly throwing a team out there. Look at the Holliday trade. If we still had Street, Smith, and Gonzalez, would we be in any better of a position? I doubt it. Sure Gonzalez is raking in AAA, but that’s just because he’s not associated with the A’s. If he was starting for our mlb club he’d be hitting .220 just like the rest of the lineup and everyone would be complaining about the need for a big bat. Well, Beane cared enough to get that big bat and it just so happens Holliday has made the whole thing look foolish but that doesn’t mean Beane doesn’t care or isn’t interested.
To me, Beane is guilty of the same thing most A’s fans are guilty of: impatience. He really wanted to see the team compete instead of watching another year go down the drain. So did I, so did a lot of us. You guys can’t say you weren’t at least a little excited at the start of this season with the pieces we had in place. If things broke right, we could have competed. Things didn’t break right, that doesn’t mean the guy in charge doesn’t care anymore. If anything, he cared a little too much and let his feelings get in the way of the rebuilding process. We can still rebuild with the pieces we have don’t worry. Beane won’t just sit back and let this team implode.
by chipper1001 on May 17, 2009 3:13 PM PDT reply actions 7 recs
Perhaps
if those hitters he’s invested in start hitting on a consistent basis and scoring runs, other pitchers will want to come play for the A’s. Practice, practice. Maybe, they can get Blevins to throw some BP. Kill two birds, ya know.
by SFBAsportsfan on May 17, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if he "went for it" this year, he did so part way
getting veterans with injury histories (hoping that somehow they’d remain healthy enough and with quick enough bats), one legit star in his prime, depending (once again) on the franchise player who hasn’t been healthy enough to produce in several years — but not getting at least one more veteran starting pitcher. How does one expect Duchscherer to remain healthy enough to be the staff ace? How does one rush promising pitching prospects and hope against hope that they aren’t set back by the experience?
Gonzalez should have remained in AAA all last season. He is recovering in the Rockies organization, who wisely have not brought him up.
What has happened to the “can’t miss” prospects – Barton, Buck? Why has there been so much turnover of the coaches? Is all the misfortune and underperformance just an unfortunate coincidence? Perhaps — but at some point many will begin to question the direction from the top.
by OaklandSi on May 17, 2009 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Randy Wolf was available for 1 year / $5 million
Instead of getting Holliday for a season, guys like Street, Smith, and Gonzalez, or Sweeney, Buck, and Mazarro could have been used to land someone like Chase Headley or Ian Stewart long-term.
And in those scenarios, the A’s might be better NOW as well as much better in the future.
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 May 17, 2009 3:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was,
and it’s easy NOW to look at him and say “he would have been a nice addition.”
But I think a few months ago a lot of sensible people, including you might have thought that Randy Wolf would be predictably bleah.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on May 17, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but I also thought the A's would let Gallagher pitch
I also thought Wolf would sign for more than 1 year / $5million.
I did, and do, think that Randy Wolf is nothing more than a “decent” starter. But he’s a veteran, who is pretty reliable, and wound up signing for $5million.
What I’d really like to have seen is for Beane to bid higher (in talent) for Javier Vasquez, who was traded on the cheap and would have been an ideal addition.
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 May 17, 2009 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Memo to Beane;
make Nico the new assistant GM and fire David Forst.
I am in favor of Nico turning this storm around, one move at a time!!!!
"Where's the beef?"
by MMunoz33 on May 17, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather make Leopold Bloom the new assistant GM,
because I like my personnel moves to be sassy and saucy!
DOUBLE REVISED- The magical goblins that live in the Reverend Billy Lard's shower just told him that actually, nobody's gonna improve this year and everyone will be released by June except for Suzuki and Cust... Sorry, kids...
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 17, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But who will we have to gripe about the greater Tampa area on AN?
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on May 18, 2009 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs


