AL Extends Win Streak to Seven Games

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 14, 2009 8:58 PM PDT Comment 56 comments

President Barack Obama throws out the ceremonial first pitch during the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

4 months ago: President Barack Obama throws out the ceremonial first pitch during the MLB All-Star baseball game in St. Louis, Tuesday, July 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Another All-Star Game, another win for the Junior Circuit.

Not since Mark McGwire was still playing in Oakland has the National League won a Midsummer Classic, as the older league finished 0-for-the decade, with only a tie in 2002 keeping the AL from making it a clean sweep.

San Francisco's Tim Lincecum struggled at the outset, allowing a lead-off single to Ichiro, and hitting Derek Jeter with a pitch, with latter scoring on an error by hometown hero Albert Pujos. After a single by Jason Bay, a groundball out by Josh Hamilton scored Joe Mauer, as 67M sets an All-Star Game record by using three players whose first name begins with "J" in a single sentence.

The National League broke through with three runs off of AL starter Roy Halladay in the second, courtesy of four consecutive two-out hits, the last a ground-rule by double by last night's Home Run Derby winner, Prince Fielder.

Joe Mauer made sure Fielder would not be walking away with the MVP trophy, too, as he tied the game with a two-out, two-bagger in the fifth.

The AL forged ahead in the 8th on a sac fly by Adam Jones to score Curtis Granderson who had tripled with one out.

After having 18 consecutive batters go down, the Senior Circuit rallied in the 8th, putting two men on with two out. But Joe Nathan struck out Ryan Howard, and that was that.

Mariano Rivera came on in the ninth, and shut 'em down 1-2-3, with former "A" Miguel Tejada making the final out.

Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford, who made a homerun denying catch in the seventh, took home the Ted Williams MVP award.

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Sure things

The Sun rising in the east, me with at least one double bogey per round,Bobby Crosby screwing up,the Raiders firing their coach,Bob Geren being pleased with the way the A’s played in a loss and the American League winning the All Star game

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Only one double bogey?

You are obviously a much more accomplished golfer than me!

by DeJay on Jul 15, 2009 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When Granderson hit the triple, it suddenly occurred to me

how cool it would be if the A’s acquired him, and then added players named Grabraden and Gramazzaro.

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We don't have any Ndersons on the team

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Jul 14, 2009 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brett Anderson?

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico got it, you didn't ;-)

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Jul 14, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I never get it.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand.

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, Flashfire, but the chances of

finding someone with the last name starting with Grb or Grm are about as slim as finding someone named Grcahill.

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can change my name to

grainman or grabman

My favorite team is a fucking embarrassment to all true A's fans and they make me sick to my stomach on an almost daily fucking basis. But being a true fan, I will ride this pathetic bunch of losers out and hope that they get better in 2010

by Trainman on Jul 14, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Idea Nico!!

I see Ray Ratto rips the A"s in the Chronicle.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/07/14/SPMV18OH4A.DTL

Let’s hope our second half goes better than the first.

Young pitchers progress and hitters who cannot hit start hitting.

All I ask for the second half is that we beat the slegnA. That is my WS. Just beat the slegnA. Take them out at the plate if need be but beat those bastards down.

by Trainman on Jul 14, 2009 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that was truly brutal

by coffee roaster on Jul 14, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just read Ratto

He’s upbeat like always. Actually I was wondering if he reads AN as he’s making remarks many have been making for awhile on the boards. It did make think of one thing though has anyone ever seen John Fisher? Does he exist?

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like "The a's have made an annoying and self-destructive virtue of being bland" etc

part

by Trainman on Jul 14, 2009 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A's baseball 09

come catch the bland and bad fever!

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and Graoutman

by Trainman on Jul 14, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he actually worked on my bathroom floor recently

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How did he do?

by Trainman on Jul 14, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh just grout.

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but his attitude...the guy's a total caulk!

I don't always blog. But when I do, I prefer AN. Stay thirsty my friends.

by Kallus on Jul 14, 2009 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could have been Weurtz?

"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 Jul 14, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry if this was mentioned.

Did anyone catch Bob Costas’ interview with the President? He was asked who his favorite players were growing up, and he replied that when he first started to focus on the game, he liked the 70’s A’s, Vida and Reggie, etc.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 14, 2009 9:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Any chance the 2009 team can apply for a bailout?

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the A's qualify

as major rebuilding is in order

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no but there should be plenty of Bailey outs.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 14, 2009 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Zing!

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

rim shot! oh

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

QOTM

I'm a happy seal

by SwisherThresher on Jul 14, 2009 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obama does seem like he's a big sports fan

so I’m not surprised he’d now about the swingin’ A’s

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obama first pitch.

Did anyone else notice Fox’s horrible coverage of the first pitch. They didn’t show the first pitch AT ALL. You didn’t SEE the pitch until he went into the booth in the 2nd and they showed a replay.

by fansince1980 on Jul 14, 2009 9:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Fox??? Horrible coverage???????

But at least they ignored the game to show a dugout interview with Roy Halliday that had no sound.

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ESPN should have the game.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean the AL team is already an orgasmic hybrid of Yankees and Red Sox

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 Jul 14, 2009 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only problem with ESPN getting the All Star game

is more Joe Morgan but they couldn’t do worse then Fox does.

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Commentators aside, their coverage is by far the best.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt

as much as the WWL can tick me off from time to time they are the gold standard for sports coverage.

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As for the NFL and Fox, I like it better than the NFL on CBS and that’s because I just like Fox’s commentators better.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the Fox pregame because it doesn't take itself

seriously but since I watch every Raider game I end up with a lot of CBS since they do the AFC

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, that’s what happens. It doesn’t help that we usually get one of the two worst teams on CBS.

As far as the pregame stuff goes, I just stick to ESPN. I love Chris Berman.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I grew up

with Berman and I still enjoy him but I’m not too fond of the other guys they have with him on the pregame show. As far as the CBS announcers since the Raiders have stunk it up of late they tend to get the worst CBS teams.

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I miss Berman and Jackson doing the highlights together. They were an unbeatable duo.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Erm... Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann, thx.

"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 Jul 14, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also miss that combo, too.

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 15, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not big on Berman for baseball...

…particularly the home run derby, but I do miss the old NFL Primetime. Just Berman, TJ and highlights.

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 15, 2009 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, I never realyl understood why they stopped doing it.

A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 15, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fox coverage of the thrown pitch was odd....

to say the least. So much so that I can’t help but wonder if it was done at the insistence of the Secret Service. It certainly didn’t make for good TV, so one would assume there was another reason for the obscured television angles.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 14, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

democrat president on fox...

just sayin…

by jlanning17 on Jul 15, 2009 6:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh, editorials

are one thing. Business is business, a lesson which the Washington Post is figuring out the hard way. I tend to view this through the POTUS security lens. I’ve seen how they work, and it’s impressive, if not a little frightening.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 15, 2009 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the cameraman on the field was surprised

It seemed to me Obama walked up to the mound and didn’t take any time before he threw the ball, and the cameraman wasn’t ready…

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 15, 2009 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Obama often gets horrible coverge on Fox

by sirbed on Jul 14, 2009 9:26 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs

That was a ~~good~~ great one.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 14, 2009 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some A's fans enjoy the AS game by reminiscing about all the former A's on the squads

Me? I prefer to get my vicarious jollies by pretending actual All-Stars are A’s all-stars who never were.
Bobby Crosby was once picked to win the AL MVP. That didn’t happen, and neither did the all-star game. But at least we can pretend with Aaron Hill
Now tell me, Is this guy Crosby’s doppleganger or what?

A’s fans often lament that Eric Chavez was never selected to the mid-summer classic.
But who needs Chavey when we have Adrian?
Hey, Chavey! Watch the back/shoulder/back Chavey!