Mazzaro World! A's win 6th Straight with Another First-Frame Burst
by 67MARQUEZ on Jun 7, 2009 3:29 PM PDT
241 comments
The A's are developing all kinds of good habits these days. Even on an afternoon when they were outhit, 5-2.
Take the opening frame, for starters. Orlando Cabrera got things going today with a single, and came around to score. This is not a recording. It was the third straight day that O-Cab made like Rickey (he even stole second!) as the A's rode three first-inning runs to their sixth straight victory, 3-0.
Making those scores stand up was Vin Mazzaro, who was not as charitable as his counterpart, Rich Hill (2/3IP, 1H, 3ER, 4BB). In his second big-league start, he allowed as many runs as his first go around- that would be none- exiting in the seventh inning to a well-deserved standing ovation. Make that 13-2/3 consecutive scoreless innings for the 22-year old right-hander.
In sweeping a three-game series for the first time this season, the A's outscored the O's 21-5, including 10-0 in the first inning.
After Cabrera swiped second base with one out in the first, Hill became intensely generous. He walked Jack Cust and Matt Holliday to load the bases. Then Jason Giambi earned a base-on-balls to plate Cabrera. Hill hit Kurt Suzuki with a pitch to score Cust, and Bobby Crosby made it 3-0 on a groundout to third (replays showed he was safe at first). After walking Rajai Davis to re-load the bases, Hill's day was done.
As was the case for the A's offense which produced only one more hit the rest of the way (an Adam Kennedy single in the fifth).
In a normal A's universe, such ineptitude would be cause for cursing. But in Mazzaro World, it was merely an inconvenience for a team that has outscored its opponents 38-8 during the win streak, and has spun three shutouts.
Mazzaro was brilliant, pitching 7-1/3 innings of five-hit ball, walking none, and striking out four. At one point he retired 15 of 16 batters. Michael Wuertz, Craig Breslow, and Andrew Bailey finished up the win, with Bailey earning his fourth save.
It was yet another quick game (2:13) following Friday's 2 hour, 14 minute affair.
The Twins are in for four beginning tomorrow. Start time at 7:05PM.
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excellent, even though not much A's offense
tomorrow is another game
by OaklandSi on Jun 7, 2009 3:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
actually, even earlier the A's were scoring in the first
but not shutting down the other opponent and/or not scoring any more runs
by OaklandSi on Jun 7, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Mazzaro World
emperor nobody: "can ben copeland play third will the mcgwire throwback jersey be sponsored by balco labs i think i am having non-nerve-damage related chest pains well there’s holliday’s homer for may"
Clayton Tanner. I have nothing witty to add.
by walkoff baltimore chop on Jun 7, 2009 3:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
+ a million
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Jun 7, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We'll see if my lovelife picks up first before proclaiming
Mazzaro world awesome. It’s certainly entertaining at the moment though – a baseball team that wins, it’s novel.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I LOVE THIS
Can’t wait to see more A’s games. Wasn’t sure that feeling would be there this season.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Jun 7, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Give me reasons to hope
That’s all I ask for, really.
The A’s starters won’t always be this good. They will struggle, because almost all of them are rookies, and tougher competition awaits. But it sure is nice to see these flashes of brilliance. It gives me hope for the future.
by bear88 on Jun 7, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hang in there
This staff reminds me so much of the 1980 staff, they were young but pitched well. If the strike of 81 and no bullpen did not happen, they would have pitched into the 1990’s. Norris, Langford, McAtty, Keough, and Kingman. It was fun times.
Stomp,em, stomp the piss out of em.Then pound the budweiser after the game. Joe Schultz Seattle Piolts Mgr 1969
by billyball1981 on Jun 7, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The BillyBall starters were older than these guys
Keough was the youngest at 25. Norris and Kingman were 26, McCatty was 27, and Langford was 29.
Braden, the oldest of the current group, is 25 — the same age as the junior member of the BillyBall staff, Matt Keough.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
how old is Pepe?
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 7:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could tell you
but then Pepe would have to kill you.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would Braden be fingered for the crime?
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Death by shaving cream pie
a ground rule double followed by three unproductive outs, sounds like my sex life - dayzd toe
by adragon on Jun 8, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, it wasn't the strike or lack of bullpen that got them
It was Billy Martin, no more no less. You don’t have to have a great bullpen to decide not to let guys throw 22 complete games in a row, or not let them throw 14-inning complete games.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I really wish I knew what made Billy turn to Art Fowler
some time before the top of the 8th on September 27, 1981 and say, “Hey, maybe we should take Langford out.”
Might have something to do with the 8 earned runs in 7 IP.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMFG, I just realized something
I looked at that 9/27/81 game because Langford’s 1981 game logs showed that it was the game that broke his CG streak. I noted that it was the first game of a DH.
When I looked closely at the line score, I noticed that the A’s had taken a 5-0 lead in the 1st.
When I looked at the batter-by-batter, I realized that the A’s had hit 8 consecutive singles to open the game. And then I noticed that the A’s had lost the nightcap, 10-3.
It was that game!!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me too, as you know, with you.
Eew.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did we even realize at the time that Langford was having a historic streak broken?
You’d think we would have noticed that. But as I remember it we were totally absorbed by the utter lameness of losing a DH after starting the 1st inning with 8 singles.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, wait a minute, I'm an idiot
That was in 1981.
Langford’s record was in..1980.
Duh.
Here is the game that broke Langford’s streak — September 17, 1980."And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Notice the attendance in Arlington...
…for that 1980 streak-breaking game: 7,255
Also note that Langford was pulled with two outs in the bottom of the ninth (though, to be fair to Billy, he had given up a two-run HR, a single, and a walk since getting the second out).
Also notice that the Coliseum in 1981 is (mis)identified as “Network Associates Coliseum”
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I was just relieved to know early on
that we weren’t going to be shutout in both games. Ultimately, I was just glad that it didn’t go as expected: with both teams getting swept.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me Three, Naturally
That was an AL record for consecutive hits to start a game, I think. And it really was all downhill from then.
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you ask the starters
As I have, they all told me that it was the strike that really messed them up. None of them threw during the strike, and came back and continued to throw as if nothing happend. If you look at the pitch counts most were throwing 120 pitches per game. Sure, Billy did not like to use the bullpen, but there was not much there. Finley left the Haas family with not much to work with.
Stomp,em, stomp the piss out of em.Then pound the budweiser after the game. Joe Schultz Seattle Piolts Mgr 1969
by billyball1981 on Jun 7, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love Bailey in the closing role
Baseball players are smarter than football players. How often do you see a baseball team penalized for too many men on the field? ~Jim Bouton, 1988
by BERRYJO on Jun 7, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Imagin last next year...
Devine/Bailey/Hrod.
"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 Jun 7, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Late* Next Year.
"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 Jun 7, 2009 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm excited about Demel more than HRod
Carignan could come up too. Plus Ziggy. Plus Wuertz. Marshall could be a situational lefty. Kilby’s going Ron Flores on us. Then there’s Casilla. Jeez, a lot of bullpen depth.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jun 7, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Going Flores?
Not sure what the “Kilby’s going Ron Flores on us” means, but the A’s definitely have LOTS of potential in the rotation and in the pen.
by Dalee on Jun 9, 2009 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Devine going to be able to pitch next year?
I’d think his rehab after TJ surgery would be closer to 18 months.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we're pessimistic we'll probably be right
So let’s say 18 months at least.
by worldblee on Jun 7, 2009 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mazzaro
another score less outing by mazzaro its looking good for the A’s. with are pitching we only need to get 2 hits.
by Tambo45 on Jun 7, 2009 3:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't want the A's to do that too often
you usually need lots more than two hits to win a game
by OaklandSi on Jun 7, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
twinkies looking very tasty
What did i tell you...didn't I say they would win? Yeah that's right I did didn't ? Wait.. what? They LOST?!?!?
by greenbean on Jun 7, 2009 3:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
baltimore has a pretty good lineup too
which adds to the impressive outings that our youngsters posted this weekend.
What did i tell you...didn't I say they would win? Yeah that's right I did didn't ? Wait.. what? They LOST?!?!?
by greenbean on Jun 7, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
their pitching staff is the problem
I think Minnesota’s is better
…and Mauer/Morneau are far more intimidating (no knock on Baltimore’s young sluggers) M&M are among the most feared 1-2 punch in the majors.
by OaklandSi on Jun 7, 2009 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
VINSANITY
it hurts me to have to get a new nickname, now that this Mazzaro kid is on the set
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Jun 7, 2009 3:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that's obscure enough to be an AN nickname.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah you right
I prefer My Cousin Vinny myself, but I think we need a few more starts from him to come up with the ultimate nickname for Mr. Mazzaro.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Jun 7, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think "My Cousin Vinny" is a horrible nickname.
Almost anything would be better than that.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 7, 2009 4:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Almost anything would be better?
My Aunt Mazzy.
by Thefirstletterofthealphabet on Jun 7, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, better than the cousin.
I’m OK with “Vincent Van O” though.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 7, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad he doesn't go by Vince!
Possible nicknames would include:
Vince Offer
Slap Chop
ShamWow
You’re Gonna Love His Nuts®
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna go slap my troubles away.
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr. ShamWow has seen better days
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0327092sham1.html
"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."
-Charles Manson
by kaweahkaweah on Jun 7, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It could be worse.
He could be this guy.
So you wake up in the hospital, after having 7200 volts shoot through your body as you’re trying to rig up an illegal electrical connection, knocking you off your aluminum ladder.
Your neck, pelvis, and ribs are broken; you’ve suffered unspecified “internal damage” from the shock itself.
Oh, and by the way — in the resultant investigation, the cops found your meth lab.
I have no sympathy for the guy, but still … that’s one lousy day.
by el campysino on Jun 7, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
someone slapped his troubles away.
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're still gonna love his nuts!
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they're gonna love his nuts in lockup.
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 8, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone ever heard of Vin being a nickname for Vincent? I haven't
What did i tell you...didn't I say they would win? Yeah that's right I did didn't ? Wait.. what? They LOST?!?!?
by greenbean on Jun 7, 2009 3:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I once knew a guy named Vin
(can’t put the rest on a family site)
by OaklandSi on Jun 7, 2009 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vin Scully
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
with all the shutouts
I am leaning towards “Vincent Van O” right now.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Jun 7, 2009 3:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Vincent van O!
Well have you heard about the pitcher Vincent Van O
Who loved shutouts and let it show?
At the Coliseum, what have we here
The most dominant rookie since John Van Der Meer!
And he loved, he loved, he loved strikes so bad
His pitches had twice the movement other pitchers’ had
So much, that the world had to know
He loved shutouts and he let it show.
In the South Side stadium we were feeling sad
And looking for a starter not to pitch so bad
Vincent van O got the call
And those Pale Hose kept missing the ball
Because he pitched, he pitched, he pitched like he did
His sinker it sunk and his slider it slid
So much, that the world had to know
He loved shutouts and he let it show
Now did you see today’s shutout by van O
Did he shut down those O’s?
Did their OPSs fall?
Did they swing over the ball?
Because he threw, he threw, he threw it, young Vin
The A’s only needed 2 hits for the win
So well, that the world had to know
He loved shutouts and he let it show
Vincent van O, ohh, Vincent van O.
(Original performance here and lyrics here.)
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I'm sold
Best line: “His sinker it sunk and his slider it slid.” That’s worthy of Monkeyball.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 7, 2009 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
stunning Nick, major applause
Vincent Van O
aka
Vinstant Maestro
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Jun 7, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the inspiration, emperor nobody!
And JoJo, of course!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's playing Norman tomorrow night.
Always puts on a good show.
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's no Jordin Sparks, of course.
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice, nice work, Nick
I especially like the Van Der Meer namecheck!
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beauteous.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 7, 2009 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
When was the last time the A's won with just two hits?
Hell, when was the last time anyone won with just two hits?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on Jun 7, 2009 3:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
8/4/07 vs. the Los Osos Angels of Sierra Madre
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Jun 7, 2009 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Temecula Wingers of Whittier
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on Jun 7, 2009 4:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I almost read it as the Los A******* (not Angeles) Angels of Sierra Madre.
by raider5606 on Jun 7, 2009 3:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Only 5 games under .500!
Wait, is that right? 5? Whoa. Mazzaro World is my new favorite place.
by whiteshoes40 on Jun 7, 2009 3:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
An A's win
and BoCro leave early for the birth of his first child! Congrats, Cro!
GO A’S!
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on Jun 7, 2009 4:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
it better be a boy
and he better be able to play third!
No, I am kidding =) Congratulations Croz!!
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Jun 7, 2009 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
don't care if its a boy or girl
if s/he can layoff the outside slider
by Future Ed on Jun 7, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...if he can make Crosby crowd the plate
..not so bad this year…
…still, just strike out looking on those pitches, BC.
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carlos Gonzales
Recently called up, so far he is 1-9, with two Ks. The stat that sticks out, 21 pitches seen. Since one has to see three pitches to strike out, that means he saw at most 15 pitches in his other seven at bats, seven of which resulted in outs.
This I believe is one reason the A’s gave up on him. He will never work the count, and a walk is very rare.
by Thefirstletterofthealphabet on Jun 7, 2009 4:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Apparently he made a stunning catch in the outfield though.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His catch was absolutely amazing. It was hit by Pujols and two runs scored. It was a two-run sac fly off the bat of Pujols. That’s how amazing Pujols is.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jun 7, 2009 4:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's got to be the lowest pitches seen per plate appearance by like 2 / pa
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 Jun 7, 2009 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone could do a really cool study of pitches per PA
by analyzing hitters PA by PA, and looking at groupings of PAs to see if there are any trends in the numbers. Do hitters tend to go through mini-streaks where they’re seeing way fewer or way more pitches per PA? If so, how long do those streaks last? What happens to their production when they deviate a long ways from their normal pitches per PA performance?
Maybe it’s all just random noise, but it might not be, and I suspect that some of the best sabrmetric discoveries come from just playing around with the stats, without trying to test a particular hypothesis, and seeing how things turn out.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don’t even know how it looks year to year, aside from barry bonds do certain players (patient + really good so they get walked a lot) put up the best p/pa every year, or is it a bit more random than that?
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 Jun 7, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
C. Gonzalez seems to lack the one skill
that is the only skill I would have as a hitter: The ability to stand there and do nothing.
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 Jun 7, 2009 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well it's not that you do nothing, 'cos if that were the case they'd just throw
fastballs down the middle and punch you out every at bat (much like we see with Hannahan). It’s the skill to recognise the break on pitches which he doesn’t seem to have.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or the skill to relax and see a pitch to assess and time
But let me be clear: If I were hitting, it absolutely would be that you do nothing.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah I was clear on the meaning of your post.
I was just identifying what I think is wrong with Gonzalez. Maybe he needs Lasik surgery…..hell it’s in vogue now.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's why i don't understand why he and certain other hitters are unable to learn that skill
how difficult can it be if you really make an effort? do they just lack any strike zone judgment?
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 Jun 7, 2009 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it is whether you look directly at an oncoming
ball, or whether your eyes fool you, or you have a mechanism to look/don’t look/look all in a few split seconds.
Check out this optical illusion:
http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2009/051309visualillusion.html
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's cool.
I think I recall hearing that, for a while, people believed curve balls were completely illusional. This suggests that, although there is undoubtedly some physical curve due to changes in wind and pressure owing to spin, there is also an illusionary part to it (the old timers, pre-modern physicists were on to something). Seems like this could also suggest better and worse ways to throw curves (e.g., horizontal movement might be as important as vertical movement, since the former would maximize variability from peripheral to central vision).
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also,
the site you linked to seems to suggest that central to peripheral vision makes the break appear more so than moving from peripheral to central vision. If so, this could help explain why hanging curveballs (peripheral to central) are easier to hit that curveballs the start in the strike zone and break out (central to peripheral). The latter would maximize this illusionary aspects of the curve better than the former.
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 12:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm unconvinced.
That’s an interesting illusion, but it doesn’t illustrate that it would apply to a baseball. The baseball doesn’t have a black band moving across like that; it has the red seam. It also doesn’t spin nearly that slowly.
If this were really about baseball they could easily model it more closely to resemble a real baseball. But it’s not. It’s about optical illusions, and the remark that it “may help explain” curveballs is just fluff.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 2:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough. My guess is that this illusion would hold with any spinning
sphere. The point of the black band is that it must be possible to see that the ball is spinning in order for the illusion to have an effect. Rate of spin and color of the band seem to be arbitrary variables, IMO, but it’s an empirical question. My gut tells me there is something to this idea of spinning objects moving from peripheral to central vision (and vice versa). The photoreceptors in the eye are different around the periphery than those in the middle.
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I'd develop an additional skill if I faced major-league pitching:
the ability to bail out in abject terror at anything remotely near the inside of the plate.
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well played
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 7, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Michael Lewis say that the A's liked Hatteberg
because he had excellent career pitches/PA numbers?
Some guys clearly have consistent, year-to-year, high BB totals, and other guys have low ones. The guys who BB a lot should always see more pitches than the guys who don’t. Same thing with Ks. So I think it should be a pretty consistent year-to-year stat.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
if both BBs and Ks are what you need, is jack cust at the top over the last few years?
i don’t know where to check, but i thought i read that last year it was bobby abreu, and he only had 73 bb 109 k.
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 Jun 7, 2009 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think BB and K are big indicators
and I thought Cust was at or near the top, too. I suppose Abreu would be much better at fouling balls off and extending ABs that way (it’s much more likely that a 3-2 pitch to Cust resolves a PA — Abreu could well foul it off).
I glanced at each of their splits for 2008, but I didn’t see anything obvious from the stats-by-count/balls-strikes.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If there's a place on the web that lists average pitches per plate appearance I
would love to take a look at that data. My thinking is that hitters who are difficult to strike out are likely to be among the leaders in pitches/PA, but a hitter can be not-very-good and still be difficult to strike out (see Kendall, Jason), so I don’t know if there would necessarily be a correlation between being a good hitter and seeing a lot of pitches. (In fact, I’ve seen it suggested that fouling off a lot of pitches to work a walk is a sign of declining bat speed)
I’m kinda interested in how many pitches three-true-outcomes types tend to see per PA. It strikes me that even though the A’s of 05-6 weren’t much better/worse offensively than the current crew, folks like Kendall, Kotsay, Ellis, and Hatteberg were all difficult to strike out, and tended to see a lot of pitches, so that these A’s teams were able to drive up pitch counts and occassionally take advantage of bullpens late in the game. The A’s of the future look to be a very easy group to strike out (Doolittle, Brown, Carter, Spencer etc.).
by scromulus on Jun 7, 2009 7:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know if it's really cool, but
there’s a study here.
It includes some discussion; plots of P/PA against BA, OBP and SLG; and lists of the top 20 and bottom 20 hitters. There is a noticeable positive correlation between OBP and P/PA, but the author concludes that it is less than expected and not significant. The correlation with BA is negative, but also very slight.
Bobby Abreu ranks third on the list, behind Jayson Werth and Kevin Youkilis tied for first. Other A’s, former A’s, and objects of Beane’s desire making the top 20 are Jason Giambi, Nick Swisher, Dan Johnson, Frank Thomas, Mark Bellhorn, Adam Dunn, Nick Johnson, Jim Thome, and Troy Glaus.
Lowest P/PA of all belongs to Nomar Garciaparra. Others hackers in the bottom 20 include Yuniesky Betancourt, Vladimir Guerrero, Jay Payton, and A.J. Pierzynski.
The analysis is for 2000 through 2007 with a minimum of 1,000 PAs, so Cust didn’t qualify. Cust’s career P/PA is 4.31, which would have ranked him 4th on the list. His figures for last year and the year before are 4.37 and 4.40, which would have edged out Bobby Abreu for 3rd. This year he’s down quite a bit, to 3.99, though that’s still well above the league average P/PA of 3.82.
In his tiny sample size so far this year, Carlos Gonzalez has 2.1 P/PA, which is extremely low, but his career P/PA (which you can find near the bottom of baseball-reference.com’s expanded batting stats page for a player) is 3.41. That’s low, but not quite as low as the bottom 20.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 3:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
According to Dave Cameron,
on a rate basis, Gonzalez swung and missed at more pitches out of the zone than any other hitter last year.
by scromulus on Jun 7, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have to swing and you have to hit the ball
So then it stands to reason that Gonzalez is already halfway to becoming a great hitter.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was sweet with all those doubles to start his Major League career
What was it, first 7 hits were doubles? But it was the rest of the at bats.
I predict a Carlos Pena style trajectory. He’ll get real tough in two or three years, and we’ll all whine “why did Billy let him go1”
by MobiusKlein on Jun 7, 2009 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'm calling the Pedro Feliz route
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Jun 7, 2009 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Could it be the visual cues?
Check this optical illusion
http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2009/051309visualillusion.html
Theories?
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But then he wouldn't hit well in AAA either
Of course, his first 2 ML games this year have been in St. Louis — not at altitude in Colorado, which could affect how much breaking balls move.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
An optical illusion is not affected by the altitude
speculation: he’s just swinging because he can’t make out the type of pitch, and decided a “see ball hit ball” approach. But at the ML level, with all guys having superior movement on everything, CG is not squaring anything up, or no contact at all.
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The altitude issue might involve very low humidity
which dries the ball out, making it harder to grip (which means it’s harder to snap off a breaking ball) and making it literally harder (and lighter) when the bat contacts it. The humidors at Coors seem to have calmed down the launching pad tendencies of the park. I wonder whether the Colorado Spgs team uses a humidor.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is also not affected by individual differences
As the illusion illustrates, this is an illusion, regardless of your talent level. I don’t see why it should have anything in particular to do with CarGo.
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully the A's offense didn't go soft
Good sweep, good streak, keep it going guys, I wanna see .500 and above by the end of this month
by fruitattack on Jun 7, 2009 4:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Let’s take three out of four from the Twins and two out of three from the Giants.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jun 7, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's sweep the Giants
2-0, 3-1,1-0
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 Jun 7, 2009 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jun 7, 2009 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We got five runs off Dan Haren, we can do the same Lincecum.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 7, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least he's not left-handed
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jun 7, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
or hairy
"If Bowden was a general contractor, he'd build houses with nine bedrooms, six garages, no bathrooms, and half a roof."
by DyeLongJustice on Jun 7, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: DBacks/Padres game got into 18 innings
DBacks just took the lead.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
by Blicks on Jun 7, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mazzaro's on a pretty good pace to break Ziggy's record
Say something funny.
by muffinpryde on Jun 7, 2009 4:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Pace?
there is no pace, just a list of zeros.
by MobiusKlein on Jun 7, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure how Ziggy would feel about that,
but it would be freaking awesome for an Oakland Athletic to break that record 2 years in a row.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 7, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If mazzaro breaks the record
he’d be in the all star game! that’s be like 3 or 4 more shutouts!
Coming here and venting is being a fan; it shows you care - Nico
by closetasfan on Jun 7, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many scoreless innings does he have so far?
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 7, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah only 25.1 more to catch up
that’s, 4 or 5 more games probably
Coming here and venting is being a fan; it shows you care - Nico
by closetasfan on Jun 7, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a lotta gymnastics.
"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 Jun 7, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have faith.
Bring Jerry AND Gio back!
by ZigFan31 on Jun 7, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
red sox cabrera rumors
his would mean crosby could get his SS job back…yee haw!!
A’s maybe cut their losses dump the remaining contract, get a non 40 man roster prospect.
so for 2 + months on cabrera = couple mill spent/no 2nd rd pick
i wonder if stl would do cabrera for freese or craig, who have no spot with a fast tracked wallace ahead of them
by Asfan4ever723 on Jun 7, 2009 4:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Why the heck would we trade Cabrera
to a good team like the Red Sox … who need a shortstop … for a “non 40 man roster prospect”?!
We need to stop trading guys for scrubs. If the Red Sox want Cabrera, then give us a good player. If not, pound sand.
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 Jun 7, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
We should send back Brett Anderson, Josh Outman, Adrian Cardenas, Chris Carter, Aaron Cunningham, Ryan Sweeny, and Josh Donaldson immediatly! I’d much rather be watching Rich Harden on the DL then scrubs like them playing!
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jun 7, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually all the players you mentioned would probably
combine to pull in a pretty good starting 3B for our 2009 and beyond Oakland Athletics.
I'll have a sandwich and a draft(sic). - Bill King (RIP)
by BleedGreen on Jun 7, 2009 5:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I get your point,
but it’s time to start filling some holes with established players. Out of the 7 players you mentioned, Outman, Anderson, and Sweeney are doing fine. Cunningham looks ok. The others haven’t done a thing for us — yet. So be careful before you start acting as if they’re the ‘27 Yankees.
There comes a point when you have to stop “building” and start competing for the title. All I’m saying is we need to get a major-league ready guy for Cabrera. You want him? Then pay us.
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 Jun 7, 2009 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also, if I'm not mistaken,
Outman and Sweeney immediately went on the 40-man roster. Cunningham and Anderson weren’t far behind. This isn’t the kind of player Asfan4ever suggested we get for Cabrera.
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 Jun 7, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, and we need more players like that in order to stop the rebuilding process like you want too.
In my opinion, we have just about the same chance of winning the division with Crosby at SS as with Cabrera—they both suck.
If you can get a blue-chipper from the Red Sox that can go on the 40 man and fill a hole next year, the A’s should do it. That’s one spot closer the A’s are to not rebuilding.
The only way a team that isn’t the Red Sox or Yankees can reasonably compete is to get those “scrubs” and develop them into veterans.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jun 7, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can't start filling holes in the roster until you have a good foundation built.
If you try to bring inn veterans with too many holes, you end up with what happened this year—a team who’s rookies take so long to figure out how they play, by the time your team is good it’s too late and you’ve lost the division. The only reason the A’s even have hope, is that the division is so mediocre that the best team in it is the Rangers.
The A’s will still need a 1B, 2B, SS, 3B, CF, and a couple pen arms next year—and in all likelihood the A’s wont get the discount on personnel they got this year so the spots will be harder to fill.
Until all but three of those get filled, those players that “haven’t done anything for us” are our best hope of fielding a competitive team that has few enough holes that it WILL be feasible to fill them with veterans. If we trade them we just end up with another “Holliday” trade that by next year we’ll be regretting if we don’t have three 10 game winning streaks to pass the Angles and win the division.
You stop rebuilding when you have good, long term players at almost every spot of your lineup, not when half your roster are one year rentals. The A’s are nowhere near that point yet.
Sometimes life will strike you out on a curve ball and the only choice you have is to flip off the umpire and walk to first base anyway.
by Threepwood XX on Jun 7, 2009 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Red Sox actually have a few good left-side-of-the-infield prospects,
but they’re all under 20 (and therefore probably more attainable) so I suppose that makes them scrubs.
The Sox might not be willing to trade Almanzar if they’re hoping he can eventually take over for Lowell. Sickels has said the 18 yo 3b could be a Miguel Cabrera type if he can improve his strike zone judgment, but so far Almanzar has struggled mightily at AA, so he might not be totally out of the question. Yamaico Navarro could be a good SS to target. He’s 21, and might be considered expendable by the Sox with Oscar Tejeda ahead of him and Casey Kelly behind.
by scromulus on Jun 7, 2009 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a trade I can definitely see happening.
I really don’t think Beane will go into all-out “seller” mode at the trading deadline, and I think there’s a decent chance we’ll keep Holliday for the rest of the year (which I think depends on how good an offer anyone makes).
But trading O-Cab doesn’t leave much of a hole. He was a short-term signing anyway, and the main purpose was replace Crosby at SS. Given that Crosby doesn’t such quite as much as he used to, and O-Cab hasn’t hit all that great either, it wouldn’t be that much of a downgrade to put Crosby back where he was.
This works even better is we also make a move for a short-term solution at 3B.
Not sure what you mean about the draft pick, though. My understanding is we weren’t going to get one out of Cabrera anyway.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 7, 2009 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want Crosby back there
and also, I don’t want Ellis back at 2nd.
I’m totally done with the Old Guard A’s infield.
I'll have a sandwich and a draft(sic). - Bill King (RIP)
by BleedGreen on Jun 7, 2009 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not against making a trade,
I’m against making a trade for some guy that plays for Kane County next year.
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 Jun 7, 2009 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could get that other Chris Carter
Collect all six!
I think the PawSox one is the one from Concord/Stanford, but have trouble keeping track of them.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 7, 2009 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
IIRC, the PawSox Chris Carter is from Fremont.
emperor nobody: "can ben copeland play third will the mcgwire throwback jersey be sponsored by balco labs i think i am having non-nerve-damage related chest pains well there’s holliday’s homer for may"
Clayton Tanner. I have nothing witty to add.
by walkoff baltimore chop on Jun 7, 2009 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He went to DLS HS and then Stanford
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Jun 7, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
DLS has a high school?
Yet he can’t keep his arm healthy?
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is that De La Salle (sp), the guys with the awesome high school
football team?
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
(alumnus)
The horse jumped over the f---ing fence.
by JLaff on Jun 7, 2009 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ton of talent from there.
De La Salle’s a football factory.
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A team picture from the Football Factory
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
different factory.
but I am in this shot.
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thus, are you dead?
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's merely pinin' for the fjords.
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buying players has it's advantages
by Athletix Man on Jun 7, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Especially compared to poorer, *very* neighboring, public schools.
Grumble.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 7, 2009 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry
Promise I won’t do it again!
Not all of us play football, though. It’s weird. I’d say I went to DLS, people actually asked if I played football. Like… uh… really?
And I once took a fundamentals of acting class with MJ-D and Chris Carter. That’s really all I have to add.
The horse jumped over the f---ing fence.
by JLaff on Jun 7, 2009 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My DLS story
1. We beat them at soccer in NCS.
2. DJ Williams absolutely TROUNCED me in the 100 at a track meet once.
"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 Jun 7, 2009 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was pretty good
A year before I got there, though. Heard a lot of stories. Where did you go?
The horse jumped over the f---ing fence.
by JLaff on Jun 7, 2009 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He trounced me
on the Football field.
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 12:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
*Very* neighboring...
YV?
The horse jumped over the f---ing fence.
by JLaff on Jun 7, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 7, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's weird that you guys are talking about my neighborhood
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Jun 8, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's kinda all our neighborhoods, no?
I lived out there for a bit. I thought CoCoCo sucked ass, but that was before I experienced Florida. I’d move to West Pittsburg at this point, or whatever the hell they’re calling it these days.
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 8, 2009 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i meant more specific
people on this site are from everywhere, and it’s just strange to here things so local.
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Jun 8, 2009 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, but lots of locals too.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 8, 2009 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait what?
I haven’t been reading AN much, but you’d rather move to Pittsburg? From Florida?
The horse jumped over the f---ing fence.
by JLaff on Jun 8, 2009 6:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I assume he means the one in Contra Costa County, not Allegheny County
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 8, 2009 5:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He means the 2nd round pick we forfeited this year by signing OCab.
by Faust on Jun 7, 2009 5:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, got it.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 3:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's an interesting notion that Crosby doesn't suck quite as much as usual
Granted, he has had two bases loaded triples, which is pretty darn awesome, but his batting line for the season? .203/.306/.309. Ouch.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 7, 2009 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say the on base percentage is pretty good, in terms of how many walks he's
working – if he had a respectable average that’d be a good stat. He’s not hitting for any power at all though.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's true, good point. Pretty bad overall line, though.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah he's just not a good major league hitter.
Thankfully this is our last year of him (unless somebody gets crazy and thinks he’s a super utility guy and offers us a prospect for him).
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Croz has 1 more XBH than Landon Powell
who a) has about 1/3 the PAs Crosby does, and b) moves about as fast as a sedated walrus.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's scary is that you know this.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I checked on baseball-reference.com
and on pinniped-reference.com
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Whats even more scary is a sedated walrus
You never know when it is going to wake up and stick a tusk in you.
a ground rule double followed by three unproductive outs, sounds like my sex life - dayzd toe
by adragon on Jun 8, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You never see sedated walruses in baseball.
I think the reason is that any walrus who shows athletic talent in high school is invariably recruited to play goalie on the hockey team.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Landon Powell is a good major league hitter.
I wonder if he wouldn’t be our starting C if his knees hadn’t exploded on him.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
And he’s supposed to be a good catcher with a great arm. He’s just too big, and his knees can’t take the stress of catching all those innings.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He should invest in those knee savers that Saltalamacchia wears.
I assume I spelt that right, I can’t be bothered checking up.
by OldhamA on Jun 7, 2009 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't imagine why those aren't standard for all catchers
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And all...
You know, how ‘bout I just don’t go there?
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This optical illusion explains it all
http://www.aip.org/isns/reports/2009/051309visualillusion.html
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, it really doesn't.
Although it is cool.
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
trading for players who are blocked in others system
Especially blocked because other minor leaguers beat him to the majors, wouldn’t that basically always get us a play who is just not good enough to make it to the show, or as some may call them AAAA players? Isn’t that the problem we had with our system 1-2 years ago? Too many AAAA players and no stars?
by asfansince1989 on Jun 7, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So if Lars Anderson is blocked by Dustin Pedroia,
or Josh Reddick is blocked by Ellsbury (a one time minor leaguer) this is because the former two, respectively, are AAAA material?
by scromulus on Jun 7, 2009 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what's more likely?
an AAAA player being blocked by a major leaguer? or a farm system having two bona fida major leaguers at the same time atthe same postion? Just playing the % here. I think the 1st scenario is much more likely.
You can always find a case where this is not true. But as long as we are going to nitpick using individual cases, then lets look at Wallace specifically, and you tell me if he’s more of a bona fida major leaguer or a AAAA player?
by asfansince1989 on Jun 8, 2009 6:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
blocked players=Hannahan
isn’t that how we got Hannahan from Detroit? They had Cabrera, and Inge, and so…
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
argh, why didn't bean trade for rich hill??
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 Jun 7, 2009 5:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I no!!!11 Why?????222
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
because he wanted to keep garrett olsen?
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 7, 2009 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mazzaro was better this time but still needs to improve.
Mazzaro got more swing and misses but needs to develop a better change up to reach his potentional. Mazzaro does have a very good fastball. This starting staff has the potential to be really good. The A’s have problems in the pen. Who has the best stuff between Mazzaro,Cahill and Anderson? I think Anderson is the one most likely to reach his full potential.
by Tbone 1 on Jun 7, 2009 5:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
How was his slider today? Did he get anything in the strike zone other than his fastball?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 7, 2009 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
Mazzaro got a lot of strikes (called and swinging) with the slider. It was very reminiscent of Dan Haren’s slider/curve.
by Colorado Fan on Jun 7, 2009 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His slider it slid.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 3:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question on his velocity.
CSN had it conistenty between 94-96. Was that what you observed at the game?
Granted it’s a small sample size, but before Mazzaromania takes over, his ridiculously low BABIP is a cause for concern as well as the large number of fly balls from the supposed ground-ball pitcher.
by Pucking Insane on Jun 7, 2009 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Radar Gun
Looked to be about 4-5 MPH’s too high
by Colorado Fan on Jun 7, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
His K of Roberts
to start the 8th really impressed me… some sort of offspeed pitch. I was progressively more nervous as he entered the late innings, and yet there was very little drama today.
I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.
by ORthey on Jun 7, 2009 5:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Man. I got home from out of town and the DVR
somehow failed. Sure wish I could have seen Mazarro’s start today because it sounded pretty impressive. Damn. 6 wins in a row sounds so much better and it includes one of those broom thingys too!
These ain't your father's A's.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 7, 2009 6:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Our first broom thingy of the entire season
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 7, 2009 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah!
Though kinda sad coming in June.
Interleague Play: Celebrating Thirteen Seasons of Suck
by GreenNGoldSooner on Jun 7, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not counting that stubby, two-game one from the Royals.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 3:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
6 in a row, and we didn't even have to use the Flying V?
Bobby Crosby didn’t GDP? My baseball life has been resuscitated.
"If Bowden was a general contractor, he'd build houses with nine bedrooms, six garages, no bathrooms, and half a roof."
by DyeLongJustice on Jun 7, 2009 6:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That pic is awesome and wonderfully taken.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
by Blicks on Jun 7, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He needs to learn how to tip his cap though
I was there today and he diddn’t do it. Don’t blame him though, being his first home game and all.
by smokelanda on Jun 8, 2009 12:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I think 67M said the same thing yesterday about Cahill.
Like you say, they’re young.
And, welcome!
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 8, 2009 12:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know, the A's might match up very well with the Twins
Minnesota’s offense is heavily dependent on two lefty hitters, and the A’s will throw 3 lefties out of 4 in the upcoming series, two of whom (Outman, Braden) have exceptional numbers against opposing left-handed hitters.
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Outman has Ked 40% of the lefties hes faced this year.
I believe the number is higher for his career. His domination of lefties is quite remarkable
In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK
by designatedforassignment on Jun 7, 2009 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but
the twins dont walk alot of hitters.
so our offense need to gear up to swing some bats
by Wreckonized on Jun 7, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, we won again?
This is the A’s website, right? I haven’t accidentally clicked on some other team’s website?
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A's?
"It's like déjà vu all over again." -yogi berra
by Cheezombie on Jun 7, 2009 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A's?
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Goose!
{runs around the circle}
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 Jun 7, 2009 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fish out of water!
(I went to a special school)
"A few of the guests, who had the misfortune of being too near the windows, were seized and feasted upon at once.""--Pride and Prejudice And Zombies
by Leopold Bloom on Jun 7, 2009 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mazzaro! I love you! Mazzaro!
I can’t get that Sealab quote outta my head.
The glare was not practiced. I would get into the game situations, and when that happens, there comes a level of concentration that most can only imagine but can never achieve. You become what you are doing, and that is what you see on my face. -Dave Stewart
by Hegenberger Road on Jun 7, 2009 7:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
When you say it like that, I think
Mazzaro, Mazzaro, I love you, Mazzaro.
You’re always a day away.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 3:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
or
You’re always five days away?
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 8, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For Chavez it would be
you’re always day-to-day.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 8, 2009 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oooh, nice.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jun 8, 2009 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So, when Duke returns, who gets bumped out of the roto?
by Pucking Insane on Jun 7, 2009 7:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Duke.
"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 Jun 7, 2009 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
These ain't your father's A's.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 7, 2009 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duke Duke Duke Duke of Earl
There's no crying in baseball!
by gigglingone on Jun 7, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he was a great setup man
unless someone is doing bad, duke can work his way through the pen
by Wreckonized on Jun 7, 2009 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duke
He’s not long for the team, unfortunately.
If he is able to return, Duke will be able to fill the spot of whoever is less effective. It would be nice to have someone to replace Anderson or Cahill in the rotation because they will have thrown a lot of innings by then, compared to what they’ve done in the past.
by bear88 on Jun 7, 2009 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remembering when he was angling for a multi-year contract
last season? He was talking about his SP role, and how a contract for future years was a decent idea.
I think Beane replied that yes, pitching well will get you a multi-year contract eventually, so finish out the year well…and it puts you in a position to command such a type of contract.
Well, Duke didn’t finish the year, so it was advantage Beane on that episode.
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 7, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Able to return?
Am I watching another team?
by Future Ed on Jun 7, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMG! We're all gonna DIE!!!!!
What?
What’s that you say?
Six in a row? Huh. Carry on.
by LoneStranger on Jun 8, 2009 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the duke is the leader of this group
you need a pitcher that isnt 23 or 26 years old. someone who has been an all star but at the same time has had a really bad runs
i believe in the a’s as a team right now and i havent felt this way about them for 2 to 3 years. they remind me of the angels last year. we have a little power, but pitching wins games and series.
but in the end, the duke needs to be the leader
by jhroac02 on Jun 8, 2009 10:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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