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One Small Step for Holliday...One Giant Leap for the A's

Oakland Athletics' Matt Holliday swings for a grand slam off Minnesota Twins' Bobby Keppel in the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, July 20, 2009, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

More photos » by Ben Margot - AP

4 months ago: Oakland Athletics' Matt Holliday swings for a grand slam off Minnesota Twins' Bobby Keppel in the seventh inning of a baseball game Monday, July 20, 2009, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

The day after:

I spoke to my brother John, who was at the game last night with my 4-year old nephew Xavier, and my teenage nieces Brittany and Carrin. John seems to always be at these kinds of games. Some highlights of our conversation (his voice was hoarse):

"How long did you stay?"
"For  the whooooooole thing."

On the chances of a comeback:

"The A's were hitting the ball hard all night, so I felt like we had a chance to at least make it interesting."

The magical seventh inning:

"When Holliday came up with the bases loaded, Xavier said, 'Are we winning yet?' I told him, 'Not yet.' Then Holliday just crushed it. Brittany went crazy. 'Oh my God! I prayed! I prayed that he would hit it over the 388 sign, and he did! He did!' At that point it felt like there were 50,000 fans there."

Their seats were right behind the plate, which gave John a perfect view of the game's last play:

"I shouted to Suzuki that the runner was heading for the plate, which I think gave him a new kind of urgency, but he didn't rush the throw or anything. It was perfect.  I didn't see the replay but he looked out to me."

The bedlam that ensued heading for the exits:

"After the game it was like a Raider crowd, the way people were carrying on, with chants of Let's Go Oakland.  I won't soon forget this one." 

 

Star-divide

It was quite simply the greatest comeback in Oakland A's history.  Ha, if it were only that simple.

Makes you wonder how Jason Giambi is feeling right about now.

In a season in which the A's have done so little right, they seemed intent on outdoing themselves over the last two games, in two completely different ways.  Yesterday they went goose egg for ten innings, wasting a near-perfect outing by Brett Anderson, when just one little run would have sufficed.

So tonight in the very first inning, they scored two runs, which was good enough to keep them within ten runs of the Twins at 12-2 after Minnesota's third turn at bat.  Through six innings they had seven runs and 15 hits, and still trailed 13-7, seemingly well on their way to a seventh loss in which they've plated seven or more runs (that would have tied them with Cleveland and Washington for that dubious distinction).

Their starter Gio Gonzalez was the anti-Anderson.  One day after it took the Angels 21 batters to get their first baserunner against Anderson, Gonzalez was slightly less effective against the same amount of Twins, who lit him up like a pinball machine to the ungodly tune of 10 hits, 3 walks, and 11 earned runs in 2-1/3 innings.

On a night that we celebrated the 40-year anniversary of Neil Armstrong's giant leap for mankind, the Twins knocked Gonzalez out with four moon shots- one each by Jason Kubel (a 3-run blast in the first) and Michael Cuddyer (a solo shot in the third), and two by Justin Morneau (a grand slam in the second, and a 3-run laser in the third).

But the A's pecked away, while the bullpen played the role of unsung hero.

A two-run homerun by Daric Barton followed an RBI-single by Jack Cust, and cut the lead to 12-5 after three.  Matt Holliday did the same in the fourth, and suddenly it was 12-7.

Santiago Casilla gave one back in the fifth, but the Twins would score no more, stifled by an assembly line of arms: Russ Springer, Craig Bleslow, Brad Ziegler, and Michael Wuertz.

While AN waited for the nightly tease, figuring the A's would sneak to within a run or two in the ninth, the offense that was sorely lacking yesterday- and most of this season for that matter- pulled a fast one on the Twins.  And us.

Orlando Cabrera doubled home a pair of runs to make 13-9, and after a walk to Scott Hairston, up stepped Holliday, who lifted a grand slam to tie the game.  With José Mijares in to face Cust, the tie lasted one pitch, as the slugger went deep to center to give the A's an impossible lead.

The Twins weren't dead yet, as they threatened in the eighth.  But a Ziegler-induced double play killed the rally, and the A's turned to Wuertz in the ninth.  After he struck out the first two batters, Wuertz gave up a double to Cuddyer and intentionally walked Kubel, before unleashing a wild pitch that Kurt Suzuki could not locate as Cuddyer and Kubel worked their way around the bases.   By the time Suzuki found the ball, Cuddyer had broken for the plate.  Suzuki threw the ball to a waiting Wuertz who applied the game-ending tag.

Was he safe? Yes. Do I care? No.

A most fitting ending to a game this recap does no justice to.

1 recs  |  Comment 296 comments |

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Let's be honest

game ending tag was applied after Cuddyer touched home plate.

Cabrera’s “double” was a glorified pop up that was incredibly lucky to fall in.

But so what! Best win this decade other than the Hatteberg record game vs KC. This was sort of that game in reverse.

Holliday may have only 11 days left in an A’s uniform, but at least we have Paris.

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Amen

Cuddyer was safe.

by muscatel on Jul 20, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So was Jeremy Giambi.

It happens, and I’ll take it!

by oblique on Jul 20, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah how many times have we seen crap not go our way in a tight game. did we get lucky?

sure but it was still an exciting finish to a game that shouldn’t get lost in the drudgery of the entire season.

by green tusks on Jul 20, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

Heh....

either way i’ll still take it.

I'll have a sandwich and a draft(sic). - Bill King (RIP)

by BleedGreen on Jul 20, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

RE: Jeremy Giambi.

I love you.

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. ~ Thomas Jefferson

by ZacharyCF on Jul 21, 2009 2:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Fearless prediction:

Alcohol will be consumed by 1 or more A’s players.

Great game, glad to share it with the all the faithful here.

by Joey C. on Jul 20, 2009 11:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

and by a few fans, as well...

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

by Kallus on Jul 20, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Tonight the A's

Blasted off and went into space.

All Games and Comments are Subject to Blackout

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 20, 2009 11:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'll bet Giambi

is happy for his guys. He can’t hit anymore but I still think he’s a hell of a nice guy and hey if the A’s can have a comeback like this who knows maybe G can as well. Heck of a win….Go A’s!

by sirbed on Jul 20, 2009 11:09 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

He'll sit on the bench everyday

if that means winning. I wish you wouldn’t have took a shot at him. He’s a part of the A’s, no matter what you say.

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the ending kinda spoiled the whole thing...

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 Jul 20, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i'd argue the reverse

The ending took this game into the realm of the truly bizarre and utterly weird. It was fitting. Umpire mist have known he should blow that call.

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like Shooty Babbits explanation in the recap

Baseball etiquette says that if the ball beats you to the plate, you’re out regardless of the tag. Normally I’d go ballistic at this notion. Not tonight.

by guapobob on Jul 20, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

just to expand on the point

This game was your garden variety 14-13 tilt with team A blowing a 10 run lead to team B after team B couldnt sniff home plate in 10 innings the day before, with gobs of home runs and two managers leaving their utterly ineffective starters in too long for somewhat justifiable reasons. The blown call in a wild pitch with the runner trying to score from 2nd took it into hyperspace.

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

ya that is page 436

in UMP handook

HILLIS

by robbo650 on Jul 21, 2009 7:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm with Jason.

This game is all about the wacky. Embrace the wacky.

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 20, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe if the ump makes the right call

the game goes 12 more innings, with trevor cahill throwing a perfect game for nine innings. then the twins take a one run lead, but mark ellis hits a two run walk-off home run against joe nathan.

this could have been the greatest baseball game ever.

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 Jul 20, 2009 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nah

Geren would’ve given up in the 10th,… pick our worst pitcher and times it by however many innings it takes him to give up a run

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

there's always tomorrow

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and that's part of why I love this game

there’s always tomorrow.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 20, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

As a Niner fan, It reminds me of the playoff win against the Giants

Where after the greatest comeback in playoff history.. The field goal missed by the Giants could have had pass interference called on it… I try just to forget that part and wish it didn’t end that way.

by Athletix Man on Jul 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

as a niners fan

you are conveniently forgetting the buffalo bills comeback from down 35-3 against the houston oilers. no blown calls in that one.

by jlanning17 on Jul 21, 2009 5:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 21, 2009 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

are you kidding me???????????

I just died. No, really.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 21, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Woo hoo!

Talk about a dramatic re-entrance! Nice to “see” you!

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 21, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hi monkeyball!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 21, 2009 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yaaaaaaaaay

Hola amigo!

"You know, a long time ago being crazy meant something. Nowadays everybody's crazy."

-Charles Manson

by kaweahkaweah on Jul 21, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hi!!!!!!

"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 Jul 21, 2009 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The A's surmount

a ten run deficit to herald the return of MB?

I like it!

"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 21, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Soon the rivers will run red with blood.

It is as the prophet Hezulth has predicted, when the underachievers finally achieve and the monkey returneth from whence he first flung poo, that day shall mark the end for all humanity.

Run for the hills. Killing time is nigh.

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

by Leopold Bloom on Jul 21, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

good one

The TWSS has been devalued in your absence.

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 21, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Severely.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 21, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Know what?

screw both of you.

Harumph.

"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 21, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

TWSS

A B -3X = Swedish girls like chocolate @('.')@

by monkeyball on Jul 21, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well played

The monster at the end of this blog.

by grover on Jul 21, 2009 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

flashbacks

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 21, 2009 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm satisfied

Even if monkeyball has come back programmed to only say ‘TWSS’.

They say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing all the time!

by muffinpryde on Jul 21, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

"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 20, 2009 11:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

No.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wasn't asking you.

"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 20, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damn kids - think it's all about them

"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden

by doctorK on Jul 20, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I thought he was pointing at me!

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crap, I thought you were pointing at me.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He should be

No excuse for not winning with a 10-run lead

"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden

by doctorK on Jul 20, 2009 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Score error in your post 67Marquez

“Orlando Cabrera doubled home a pair of runs to make 12-9, and after a walk to Scott Hairston, up stepped Holliday, who lifted a grand slam to tie the game. With José Mijares in to face Cust, the tie lasted one pitch, as the slugger went deep to center to give the A’s an impossible lead.”

Should be 13-9

I miss Eric Plunk

by chuckcheeze on Jul 20, 2009 11:12 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fixed.

Let’s just say I am exhausted from all the thread-changing, and oh, rewriting an entire recap.

I need a drink, a hug, and some cookies. Not necessarily in that order.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

{passes out}

Thanks sirbed.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was just having your back

not complaining…

I miss Eric Plunk

by chuckcheeze on Jul 20, 2009 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn't take it the wrong way, chuckcheeze...

and thanks!

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, I'm older than him, and I stayed up

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 20, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just wanted to give you kudos

for “calling” this win. Nice. Funny how you mention way earlier today about sticking with the A’s even when they are down ten runs. Talk about faith rewarded.

Holy cow, was my phone blowing up after this game. Finally, “Damn it!! I need to get off the phone and write a recap!! Yes, I love you too Mom. And Happy Birthday again.” (It really is Mom’s b’day).

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Happy B-day Mrs. M!!!

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

by Kallus on Jul 20, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well, in my non-defense,

I “call” a win pretty much every time we’re down by three or more. I’m still well below the Mendoza line.

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 20, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

No one has to know that.

Well, except all these people here.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

beauty of it is

no one remembers if your wrong

HILLIS

by robbo650 on Jul 21, 2009 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

he probably feels like retiring

the way geren was quoted in the drumbeat, it sounds like a phantom DL visit. chien ming-wang and dice-k style.

Roy Steele is the voice of God

by cuppingmaster on Jul 20, 2009 11:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

How is Jason feeling you ask?

Old.

Negativity first, but only because it’s become a habit. What the hell is wrong with Gio? He may as well have started his count against every hitter after the first two at 2-0. That curve was not working and was definately not fooling anyone but Gio. Why couldn’t he recognize that the hitters were sitting on his first two pitches because they absolutely knew he wasn’t going to throw a strike? And then, predictably, when he got into a hitters count they were sitting on the fastballs that were sure to come. And they didn’t miss a single one of them. Gio needs to go back to Sac and figure out that MLB hitters aren’t idiots. I still think he has potential as a pitcher, but he has a lot to learn. I really don’t want to see him again before March of next year.

"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 20, 2009 11:14 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

62 baserunners in like 27 innings

And 8,000 home runs given up.

This is a case of strikouts to innings pitched meaning nothing.

People think he has good stuff and maybe he does but I have not seen it.

He cannot locate, and his fastball says belt me which they do everytime he gets behind.

Anyway, incredible win.

What would have made it better was a few of thse hits yesterday against the hated slegnA

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 20, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

He's good.

But he’s not that damn good. And therein lies the problem. That kid better start thinking or he’s going to throw his way right out of baseball. Kubel and Morneau don’t miss fastballs when they know they are coming. And they knew beyond any reasonable doubt that Gio was going to go to the only pitch he could get over when he had too.

"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 20, 2009 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think you understand the concept of stuff

Stuff and control are two separate things. Gio has great stuff but his control is very spotty. Even the best stuff pitchers in baseball can’t grove pitches to MLB hitters all night and get away with it. Youre exactly right about this statement.

He cannot locate, and his fastball says belt me which they do everytime he gets behind.

He doesn’t have a plus fastball. He does have a plus to plus plus curveball. If his curveball disappears hes going to have a bad outing. Think about Zito’s outings where he got lit up because he couldn’t locate his curveball, they are remarkably similar. Zito didn’t have bad stuff.

In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK

by designatedforassignment on Jul 21, 2009 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thing is,

Gio does have a decent fastball. But not one where he can expect to blow it by hitters consistently, especially if it’s up in the zone. Did you notice that he tried to throw that curve for a first pitch strike to EVERY SINGLE HITTER as his lead off pitch? That kid took himself out of the game because he was incapable of modifying his approach when his curve ball wasn’t working. I’m serious when I say he may as well have started his count at 2-0. For the life of me I can’t understand why Suzuki didn’t go out to the mound and pop him in the mouth. He may have gotten out of it with minimal damage if he would have figured out that his approach sucked and then made the corresponding adjustments.

"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 21, 2009 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

isn't it Suzuki's job to pick the pitch sequence?

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I do think Zooks bears some blame -- though obviously

Gio pitched like carp. But three lefty hitters (Kubel, Morneau, Morneau), three fastballs in on fastball counts, from a pitcher with a knee-buckling curve, all in situations where a walk was not the worst thing in the world — even to Morneau with the bases loaded. Very poor pitch selection, albeit poor execution too.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 21, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Suzuki can't make the pitch for him, that's for sure.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Especially because then who would catch it?

I mean one has to think these things through before doing something rash. {scratches}

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 21, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

maybe if Gio and Kurt switched places the first 3 innings would have been better

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 12:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I understand stuff fine

He’s a one trick pony.

A good curveball. Nothing else.

He has been unable to locate nearly everytime he has pitched.

He has had time after time of getting hammered into submission.

It should be the year 2015 by the time he learns how to pitch.

ANother thing, He is a headcase.

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 21, 2009 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok well youre not using the term as scouts would

He has a plus to plus plus curve, he has a solid average fastball from the left side and a solid average change. That is good stuff. Stuff has nothing to do with location, or make up.

In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK

by designatedforassignment on Jul 21, 2009 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Amazingly, he gets another chance in Yankee Stadium

He better have pinpoint location at that launching pad.

I agree he has a plus plus curve. I would call his fastball below average.

I know stuff has nothing to do with location or make up.

I question his makeup because he falls to pieces with regularity at the first sign of trouble which is usually the first baserunner.

And of course I would like him to suceed. I just have a hard time seeing him do it after so many implosions.

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 21, 2009 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just one question:
Gio needs to go back to Sac and figure out that MLB hitters aren’t idiots.

How exactly is he gonna figure out that MLB hitters aren’t idiots if he’s kept in the minors?

"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."

by mikev on Jul 20, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Because that's were MLB hitters come from?

Well, maybe not from Sac, but I understand that other teams often find some in their AAA clubs.

"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 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

His AAA numbers are good this year.

"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 20, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

“Mommy, where do MLB hitters come from?”
“Why, Pawtucket, sweetie!”

Formerly Gallagher's Watermelons, until Beane gave up on Gallagher. It makes sense though...Gallagher = Player To Be Named Later = me!

by Player To Be Named Later on Jul 20, 2009 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

QOTM

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hey, little things like extra rest can throw off a rookie

Give him some time and he’ll settle down. I was very encouraged by his two starts before the All-Star break. You can’t expect him to get any better if you don’t let him take his lumps.

Also, I thought him sticking it out with his guys in the dugout was a very classy move.

by cityplANner on Jul 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe I'm being a little harsh....

because I honestly think he’ll make a great pitcher one day. But part of pitching is overcoming adversity in mid stride and improvising until his stuff comes around.

"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 20, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1~

Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox

by mrod on Jul 21, 2009 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the first inning was a groin kick

2 outs, up 0-2 on morneau, and proceeds to walk him. followed by a 5-pitch walk to cuddyer. then he gets kubel to 2-2! and then the homer. as often happens with gio, that ruined him.

despite his inconsistencies, i really hope he stays with the big club the rest of the year. he shows enough flashes to convince me that if the A’s were to trade him or cut him, he would end up starring somewhere else in 2010 or 2011.

by jlanning17 on Jul 21, 2009 5:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

This^

I think Gio has star in the making written all over him, I really hope he has his breakthrough moment as an A, an not somewhere else.

Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-

by Daniel777 on Jul 21, 2009 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

So this is what winning in a strange, but awesome fashion feels like.

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 Jul 20, 2009 11:15 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Bears re-posting

"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden

by doctorK on Jul 20, 2009 11:16 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

do you have to refrence the last game and this season in this recap?

"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"

by OmahaHi on Jul 20, 2009 11:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm still pumped about this win

I won’t be able to go to sleep tonight. My hearts still beating as fast as it was during the final play lol

Jack "The Must, Just has no Rust, ain't no Bust, after him the ladies Lust, turns pitchers into Dust, likes his pizza with no Crust" Cust

by FrankCohen on Jul 20, 2009 11:17 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Holliday

  Just like I said after allstar break his bat comes alive. A few more games like this and Beane’s phone will be ringing.

by Arcman on Jul 20, 2009 11:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

oh, this game alone is more than good enough

He could go 0-for the rest of July and GMs will still salivate remembering the day he had today…

"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 21, 2009 12:23 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bad calls happen in every game.

Tonight it happened to the Twins. I know its happened to the A’s. It all evens out. I’m fine with it.

And how awesome was that comeback!

by lynnzgal on Jul 20, 2009 11:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

So where will Holliday be playing on August 1??

that may be the biggest impact of this game, unless it is Gio’s shrink’s bill.

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:19 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Another impact

Might be some life finally injected into this previously lifeless team

Jack "The Must, Just has no Rust, ain't no Bust, after him the ladies Lust, turns pitchers into Dust, likes his pizza with no Crust" Cust

by FrankCohen on Jul 20, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

hate to pour cold water on this theory

but, as we are constantly reminded, season is a marathon, not a sprint. And this team has been lifeless for about 15 miles now— hard to imagine much will change in the remaining 11.

Though when you look at the lineup 1-9 these days, it doesn’t seem so horrific as when 5-9 were Suzuki, Hannahan, Crosby, Davis and Petit.

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

really from 10 down????

or did someone spike my kool-aid?

Holding the Oakland A's down in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

It really happened.

Now kindly put your pants back on.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How did you know his pants were off?

(begins to slowly back away)

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sparticust.....wins it........kind of

"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"

by OmahaHi on Jul 20, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

so he didnt win it?

"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"

by OmahaHi on Jul 20, 2009 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sure, by hitting that HR.

But if you look at the overall game, Holliday contributed more, .394 to Cust’s .242 WPA.

by LoneStranger on Jul 20, 2009 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Alas, Holliday still fell two RBI short of

MAKEPAMNOTHATEHIM

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 20, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure he's crushed.

"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 20, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why did they stop counting GW RBI's? I used to like that stat to see who was "the" clutch guy of the game, who had the most on the team in a season etc.

didn’t that used to be an official stat for a while? did they find out is was a BS stat? I mean did Jo Migares deserve a L? isn’t L kind of a BS stat also?

"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"

by OmahaHi on Jul 21, 2009 12:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I noticed that too

seems to me that stats are more and more directed towards fantasy team owners. Espn’s “ticker” leaves out more and more information that a lot of fans value

by chipper1001 on Jul 21, 2009 1:08 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I will take the drama out of it for you

It’s Pujols, it’s always Pujols

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sparticust...

although I’m quite sure Spartacus didn’t use PEDs… unless you consider grape leaves to be a PED

Holding the Oakland A's down in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:24 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

67MARQUEZ

Why put my pants on?!? The A’s coming back from 10 and managing to win is better than sex… I’m going to enjoy this while I can

Holding the Oakland A's down in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Is it really?

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That’s why I asked.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

well if you have a girl

you can have sex at least once a week. a game like this, however, comes along once in a blue moon

Roy Steele is the voice of God

by cuppingmaster on Jul 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I see.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes padawan learner

Roy Steele is the voice of God

by cuppingmaster on Jul 20, 2009 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

LOL

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 20, 2009 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

so true

sigh

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 1:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

once a week?

hopefully tonight is that one night for ya…

gotta celebrate somehow right?

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. FIeld Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well then.

Carry on.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

later gators

and thanks Lauren! :-D

Roy Steele is the voice of God

by cuppingmaster on Jul 20, 2009 11:25 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Did you guys notice

The starters played a complete game- no odd PR/ PH from Geren. Hrm.

Dont blow Bailey.

by brian.only on Jul 20, 2009 11:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i say Holliday's

stock rose a little bit tonight… that leg kick is back as is his confidence at the plate…

if only he didn’t listen to McGwire… lmfao… McGwire had so much strength because he had a whole GNC store flowing through his body… maybe that’s why he didn’t a leg kick

Holding the Oakland A's down in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Oh, I think Ray Fosse would disagree with you...

He was calling it down 12-2.

Then again, maybe that doesn’t mean much, as optimistic as he usually is…

"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 21, 2009 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

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 Jul 20, 2009 11:28 PM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Billy Koch has bigger things to worry about,

considering he was recently arrested for assault (I think)…

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 20, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

really?

yikes.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm sure it was in a DLD recently

You remember DLD’s, right? We used to have them every day….

(link)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 20, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

DLD.

Sounds kinda familiar. Then again I am half asleep and have to be at the office at 6.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

kind of sad

 his family also has some mysterious skin disease. don’t have the link, i was on ktvu news a few years ago.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hopefully, this will be a link

linkie-poo

"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 21, 2009 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yep, that's what I saw

I remember the audio being a few seconds behind the video. Weird alien disease?

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

My guess is that it was nanoexperiments gone awry released into the atmosphere,

but we won’t know for a long long time, if ever…

"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 21, 2009 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

why does ellis look like

a little kid kinda poking around the circle, trying not to get stepped on but still wanting to be part of the celebration?

I'll have a sandwich and a draft(sic). - Bill King (RIP)

by BleedGreen on Jul 20, 2009 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Since 1991?

Are you forgetting how they broke our record streak, and knocked us out of the playoffs in our best year?

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 20, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I didn’t make it. Someone I know showed it to me and I just decided to pass it along here.

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 Jul 20, 2009 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and not to look at the glass half empty but

why the hell did Geren let Gio go out there for the third inning? to that point he had given up 8 runs and three big Jacks (and not Custs either ) but Geren inexplicably let him give up another big fly to morneau. geez if we had lost by a run or two, we could’ve pointed ot that being a main contributor to our defeat. ehh…Holliday rocks ( for one day)!!!!!!!

by green tusks on Jul 20, 2009 11:32 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

one more inning of Gio is one less inning of Springer.

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

by Kallus on Jul 20, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

may as well send him out for the third to see if he can buckle down some...

he couldn’t, but still, gotta give him a chance.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 20, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about

he doesn’t read the scoreboard during the game

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is a losing attitude

and that is what Geren has… unfortunately because of our players production… hopefully that will change and they will all play up to their potential regardless of whose in charge

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Score was 8-2

after the previous day, what was your guess of the A’s run total for the day?

Would you have taken 10-1 odds on 9?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 20, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

when he sends out Casilla Geren's givin up.

"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"

by OmahaHi on Jul 21, 2009 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

the title should read

ONE GIANT LEAP FOR HOLLIDAY… ONE SMALL STEP FOR THE A’S

CAUSE HE IS DEFINITELY MOVING… AND WE’RE STILL AN UNDER .500 CLUB… SOON TO BE UNDER .400

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. FIeld Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

that's a really long title

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 20, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

but it's true

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. FIeld Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

wrong night for truth though

lets forget our their troubles for a few hours please.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i hope he stays

so we have some offense for the rest of the season.

by green tusks on Jul 20, 2009 11:34 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

that's just as realistic of a hope as

me hoping to get the fuck outta iraq lol

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. FIeld Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I’d rather have some offense when we’re in a position to contend.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions   1 recs

+1

My thoughts exactly

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I saw Chronicle Live last night

(yes, during the middle innings I was too disgusted to listen to the game, so I went to check the show as I heard Marty Lurie was making an appearance)

and I thought I heard someone say that Beane is willing to pay Holliday to the tune of $13M next year or take the draft picks, and that if no trade offers at least match that, he’ll stay an Athletic this year.

As I was thinking last night, hoping and hoping that the radio was bellowing crowd noise for good reason, “There is an A in agonizing”. Thank God I left the radio on.

Bob Geren, on 8/2/07, on the success of Alan Embree as new interim closer: "What can I say,... he's been our Steady Tremendous Bullpen Man"

by popcornjames on Jul 21, 2009 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Geren on Radio

Reporter asks him about Gio

“They hit him hard, when he made a mistake, they didn’t miss, they hit the ball along way”

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 20, 2009 11:35 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

no sugarcoating

I like.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

point

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 20, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

game

match

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry if this was already mentioned

but did anyone catch when they had a shot of three A’s fans in the stands when we were still wayyyyy down and fosse said something to the effect of “these fans don’t know it but they could be watching the beginning of an amazing comeback by the A’s”

by chipper1001 on Jul 20, 2009 11:36 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Fosse was calling this shot since the third inning...

"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 21, 2009 12:32 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

they need to include that on ESPN

"Gratuitous gesticulating together sounds even better"

by OmahaHi on Jul 21, 2009 12:44 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

stop watching games

you can’t watch any more this season.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 20, 2009 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

well you're lack of support

is obviously good luck

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

there should be plenty of good luck going around then

because plenty of people start to not watch as many games when they have a slump season

by Carter27 on Jul 20, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

got a couple of song ideas

“Blackburn pitching in the dead of night… Take this ten run lead and let it fly… all your life. You were only waiting for this A’s team to arise… Blackburn fly…..”

And to Holliday: "Your bat.. is taking us higher.. than we ever thought we could go. your bat is screwing Gardenhire… and I’m happy that it is so…. Your bat is so on fire… gonna tag out Cuddyer… gonna piss off Gardenhire— whoa, whoa.. and so on…

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:38 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

yeah it's taking him

back to the national league most likely

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cuddyer's reply

Fuck you ump

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

UMP's reply

YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU’RE OUT!

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

and of course this one

Gio… Geeee oh.

Daylight comes and Twins want to go home..

Gio… Geee oh.

Up comes Morneau and he wants to go home.

I pitch the curve ball and they don’t swing…

daylight comes and the Twins go home…

then the fastball and here;s the thing…

Morneau does swing and the Twins all go home.

Geo….. Geeeee oh.

Please go back to old Sac town.

Geo… Geeeeeoh

Your name will become a synonym for downtown.

by jasonthea on Jul 20, 2009 11:42 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

It’s false hope for a great let down… I like it

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I also like the new disagreeable Bob.

Although he’s yet to be ejected. At least you get the feeling that all the losing is starting to grate on him.

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

by alox on Jul 20, 2009 11:42 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

YES

AS IT SHOULD / Has the sleeping dragon awoke???

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I warned you

I told you to stop poking the dragon

Now you have done it

The dragon is awake and very angry!

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

bob geren

is a joke… i still have dreams of Wash running the clubhouse…

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok, I'm calling it a night.

Later all! I’ll be in my bed dreaming of Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel and Diamond-level seats.

by LoneStranger on Jul 20, 2009 11:43 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

True that.

You need at least two of them to make beer runs so you don’t miss any of the game.

"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 20, 2009 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

MVP of Tonight's Game

Mike Muchlinski

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Do we still hate the black uniforms?

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:46 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

not

until they lose the next time they wear them

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i'm not hating

i’m just a realist…

although i was glad to see Barton hit his homer… keep his ass up and let’s send Giambi to the Palm Springs Power hahaha

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Now you are hating my friend

GO A’S…SWEEP

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 20, 2009 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

just a little

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh you meant

the uniforms…

silly me

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 20, 2009 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

1-4 in them so far this year.

but this game was special…..

[b]More Rajai Davis & less mount Davis[/b]
Does Rajai Davis know Al Davis?

by Athletics fan and runner on Jul 21, 2009 4:49 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 20, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I just want to say

I made a really bad decision to go out instead of finishing watching the game tonight.

Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.

by pam5981 on Jul 20, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Holliday says hi.

"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 20, 2009 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh my gosh

don’t cry my friend haha

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 21, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

OMGHIMATTHOLLIDAY

Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.

by pam5981 on Jul 21, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did you at least have a good time?

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 21, 2009 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

It was okay.

I would have had a better time watching the game with all of you.

Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.

by pam5981 on Jul 21, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

UGH.

Still really mad.

Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.

by pam5981 on Jul 21, 2009 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude. Harden vs. Blanton tomorrow.

I believe it’s on ESPN. I can feel the attack of nostalgia already…

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 21, 2009 12:00 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

i didn't like blanton

when he was on the A’s

Harden though… well… if you didn’t Harden you didn’t like baseball

Representing the Oakland A's in Iraq!
"I bleed green and gold and represent the BIG A... For Oakland the only real team in the Bay!"
*U.S. Army Field Artillery!*

by Let's Go Oakland! on Jul 21, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

WGN I think. 4pm.

I think I need to leave work early tomorrow.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 21, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed. Impressed with Mr. 67 tonight.

Impressed with a lot tonight. I even used the big fat Retweet button.

http://twitter.com/louisgray/status/2753875524

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Jul 21, 2009 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

One of those games

that keeps you watching sports.

Except for the part in which DirecTV reception right out right before Holliday’s grand slam AND Cust’s go-ahead home run. I did see the ending, though.

At first, I was a tad bummed because of the blown call. But then I agreed with iglew. It was fitting.

I’m not in the mood to criticize anyone or talk about trades. We do that every other day. Tonight was fun and delightfully unexpected, and we don’t get nearly enough of that.

by bear88 on Jul 21, 2009 12:19 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

I KNOWWWW

I was soo pissed i just thought it was the living room TV Fuckin up so I ran upstairs and into all the Bedroom then ran into the closet to get the old ass radio and by then it was fixed

HILLIS

by robbo650 on Jul 21, 2009 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I, on the other hand,

was scared that I would jinx the impending grand slam, so I sat and stared at the blank screen. One syllable out of Kuiper’s mouth got through the black and static, but the excitement in the yip said all that needed to be said…

"Flea Markets aren't just for blind dates anymore!"- The Reverend Billy Lard

by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 21, 2009 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

As the late, great Bill King would've said: HOLY TOLEDO!

Down 12-2, like the audacious cat in that ol’ cartoon THE A’s CAME BACK.

And so will Jason!

20 wins in a row! Will it ever happen again?

by Johnny U on Jul 21, 2009 12:26 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I don't know why they just do't play him in the second half these days

He’s always shined in the second half. The first half has been rocky for him for a while. The yanks were talking about the minors just a few years ago for him. That was the year of the comeback. But, it wouldn’t have been a comeback had he started in the second half. Kinda far-fetched, but do you think they are working reverse psychology on him or should they let him finish strong.

Optimistic...

by Porcupine on Jul 21, 2009 12:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

See mommy...

I told you the Holliday toy actually works….

"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."

"Any fan that wants us to do that is going to be disappointed because that just isn’t us." - Wolff

"Joe Morgan's going to think Beane wrote the movie too..." -whitshoes40

"What am I going to do, seriously? Maybe be a bouncer at strip joints. That's about all I'm qualified to do." -Giambi

by ST on Jul 21, 2009 12:42 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

My fantasy league header speaks for me:

“Blackburn blown out…by the A’s?!”

by Pucking Insane on Jul 21, 2009 12:47 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I have Holliday on three of my teams

and Morneau on one with Holliday, (Heads up league).

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Anyone else getting weird behavior with C-X-Z?

When I type “c” it jumps to the top of the post. If I scroll down I can see that it really did advance to the next one like it was supposed to, but then when I hit “c” again, it jumps to the top again. Kind of defeats the purpose.

It’s only happened two or three times so far. Most of the time I open a thread it’s OK, but a couple of times now I’ve open a thread and it exhibits that weird behavior. Reloading the page fixes it, but that marks all the unread comment as read.

I’d never seen this problem till today, or maybe it was last night. But a new development in any case. Is it just me?

"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan

by iglew on Jul 21, 2009 12:59 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I turned on the game right before the Holliday AB.

It was GLORIOUS TIMING.

I don’t know what mirror universe we got thrown into, but I’ll take it. And I get a little glee whenever bad things happen to Cuddyer on the field — talk trash about A’s fans, will he? Ha!

This was in no way, shape, or form the kind of thing I was expecting to happen this season. Other than the giving up 13 runs part. But every day we got a new thing to celebrate, gotta take it and enjoy.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jul 21, 2009 1:10 AM PDT reply actions   1 recs

Great Headline!

I oughtta stop by here more often.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Jul 21, 2009 1:17 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

long time no see

(AKA: Where the hell you been?)

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I really hope

That this game dispels most fears that GM’s have of Holliday. Yes it’s one game. One deliciously awesome game. Billys’ phone needs to be ringing, and I have faith that he’ll pull something nice off.

by Orodawg on Jul 21, 2009 1:19 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

ZOMG A('s)wesome

We don’t get many A’s games here, and I watched this on yahoo’s refreshing scoresheet thingy.
Holliday’s trade value just went up quite a bit I think (drool).

Is this the real life-
Is this just fantasy-
Caught in a landslide-
No escape from reality-

by Daniel777 on Jul 21, 2009 1:21 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I couldn't jump on the game thread b/c the wife was using the laptop

but that means I got to watch the game. We switched to “Rules of Engament” @ 8:30 but I kept checking the score during commercials. They still were down by a few so I flipped between the game and “Get Smart” on HBO. Needless to say, Get Smart went out the window after the A’s scored about 7 but I somehow saw all the scoring.
   When O-Cab’s pop up fell in I started to feel hope mounting in my soul. When Harriston got up I turned to my wife and said “If Harriston walks then Holliday could come up with the bases loaded and hit a grand slam and it would be tied!” I wasn’t really calling it, more like thinking “hey, it could happen” but I guess I was seeing the future. Matt hit his bomb and I was jumping up and down as quietly possible (top floor apartment).
   I had to steal the laptop (she is a semi fan so she was cool with it) to open AN and post a comment, I gots to cheer with my AN folks. No sooner did I post my joy did Spartacust hit is bomb. I was going bonkers.
     I was a nervous wreck the rest of the game, too nervous to be in the game thread. Ziggy DP, YES! Sweeney baserunning fail, NO!!!! Wuertz 3-0 count, pleasenopleaseno K!, uh-oh here comes Justin, swing and miss, JOY!!!!! oh no, double and IBB, sadness/fear, BALL IN THE DIRT, HE’S TRYING TO SCORE, THROWITTHROWIT, OUUTTTTTT!!!!!! OMG he was safe but they win anyways!!!!!!

and then I collapsed on the coach and called my Pops to tell him the good news.

I couldn’t go to bed yet though, had to watch the post game, and MLB network recap, and Sportscenter, and Baseball tonight, and FSN final score, and read all the game thread comments to see the theme of the thread change with every run scored and see a bunch of AN’ers I’ve never heard of post their happiness with the win. What a night, I’ve got to go to sleep now. GO A’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 1:33 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I should go watch "Harry Potter" every night....

instead of A’s baseball, since then I’ll guarantee massive run support for the rest of the series?! A grand slam, really? Comeback from 10 runs down, really?
Good movie, but I can’t believe I missed one of our best games of the year! :(

by streetfan on Jul 21, 2009 2:13 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

This team has no heart.

Can’t say I’m surprised at the way they laid down after going down ten runs. They all obviously don’t care. When I turned the game off in the third inning I resolved not to watch any more games until they put a real team out there.

"We've come a long way, and I'm not talking about Virginia Slims, either." - Art Howe

by EastCoastA on Jul 21, 2009 6:10 AM PDT reply actions   2 recs

Hahaha.

Nice.

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Jul 21, 2009 7:41 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

sarcastic QOTM!

yes sir.

When I got home from work it was 12 to 5. I stayed with it.

[b]More Rajai Davis & less mount Davis[/b]
Does Rajai Davis know Al Davis?

by Athletics fan and runner on Jul 21, 2009 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes.

"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT

by travdog6 on Jul 21, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

amazing quote by cust

on the fact that the a’s didn’t strike out even once…

“When I’m on the team,” Cust said, “I figured there’d be at least one.”

holdin' it down for the bay from upper westside manhattan

by SamYam on Jul 21, 2009 7:09 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I love that guy.

"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 21, 2009 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Didn't you have tickets, sir?

I knew I should have taken them.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 21, 2009 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

What a great win for us last night!
Unfortunately, it is also a small step for Holliday out of Oakland. If he stays hot for another week, we’ll have to tinker around with yet another lineup. I really do hope that whoever it is that we get for Holliday, please let it include a starting pitcher who can immediately replace Gio Gonzalez. I’ve given this guy a lot of benefit of the doubt, but bottom line is, he stinks. He will never be a solid major league pitcher. I don’t agree with a lot of Geren’s decisions, but his decision to send him to Sacramento at the beginning of the season makes a lot of sense. This guy needs another 2-3 years in the minors before being considered a starting big-league pitcher.

by ATLDuck on Jul 21, 2009 7:14 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

What I took from this game

1. I hope Gio stays in the rotation the whole year. My father is a high school pitching coach, I used to pitch, now that still doesn’t make me an expert by any means, but it’s obvious that Gio has some really good stuff. He’s just gotta learn to stop trying to nibble 0-1, 1-1, and even 2-1. I also wish Buerhle would’ve taught him the cut fastball (like he taught Danks), because it would be a much more effective 3-2 pitch instead of grooving straight fastballs.

He seems like a good kid and I think it would be stupid to allow Cahill to pitch through his growing pains and not allow Gio to as well. He just needs to harness his control (because he already has it to an extent) and flat out learn when to throw certain pitches. It’s not like he is going through any Mark Wohlers issues.

2. I love O-cab’s intensity. The dude might not be the player he used to be. But I am going to miss him out there next year. He seems like a cool dude.

3. I don’t know if I hate Mark McGwire for altering Matty H’s swing or if I hate Matty H for letting him.

by sourstuff on Jul 21, 2009 7:23 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I’m glad you guys finally got to see the Matt Holliday that Rockies fans grew to know and love.

"I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

by Poseidon's Fist on Jul 21, 2009 7:38 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Someone referred to this game last night.

How crazy that he was a key to both comeback victories, for two different teams, barely over a year apart.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 21, 2009 7:46 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That was me

I was at that game.

"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden

by doctorK on Jul 21, 2009 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Angels Fan Here

And I have to give your team mad credit for turning around on a game where your starter threw a near-perfect game, to a game where your starter gives up 11 runs before getting nine outs. Down 12-2 in the third, nobody but nobody could imagine you guys coming back to take the game, but you did it. Amazing, I applaud your team.

Let's do this for Nick Adenhart, Courtney Stewart, and Henry Pearson.

by AlanFalcon on Jul 21, 2009 7:41 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

You know it's a once-in-a-lifetime thing

When Angels fans are congratulating you. ;-) Thanks!

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jul 21, 2009 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love Adam Kennedy(and so should GIO)
“I came down [to the clubhouse], had my head down in front of my locker,” Gonzalez said. “[Adam] Kennedy comes down and tells me to get out of my locker and cheer the team on. I’m happy I did. … I’ve never been a part of a game as exciting as this.”

From MLB.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090721&content_id=5970030&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

HILLIS

by robbo650 on Jul 21, 2009 8:40 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

That ROCKS.

Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.

by pam5981 on Jul 21, 2009 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

I love how this is the top story on Sports Center.

He was clearly safe on the game winning out, but if your an A’s fan your not complaining.

by Carter27 on Jul 21, 2009 9:21 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

And I really love how

MLB.com doesn’t have anything about it on the front page. F*ckers

I miss Eric Plunk

by chuckcheeze on Jul 21, 2009 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

that is weird

they have the boring Matsui walk off. pphhppttt, a 1-1 tie won on a solo shot. No where near as exciting as a 10 run comeback on a grand slam.

You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}

by micdog2001 on Jul 21, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just can't help but hope that

the last 2 games send the A’s into a nice 10-4 run or something like that to at least pull themselves up off the deck for the season. Or maybe so that their upcoming trades bring a bit more return.

I miss Eric Plunk

by chuckcheeze on Jul 21, 2009 9:26 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

I was in Harry Potter last night

We came out of the show, and watched the game. WOW. Except for the TV CUTTING OUT at Holliday’s slam and Cust’s go-ahead HR…Wow….just wow.

"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 Jul 21, 2009 9:34 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

The problem was at the source...

In other words, the equipment at the game is to blame. So I’m left wondering if a cameraman didn’t fall off his camera pedestal at the prospect of the A’s coming back from ten runs down.

"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 21, 2009 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

BBG in an earlier thread some people were asking on the status of AN day

you know how many people are coming, are we sold out, that sort of thing. When you have time do you think you could give us an update?

PREPAREDNESS_Because those goddamn zombies aren’t going to kill themselves

by adragon on Jul 21, 2009 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

yes

This sad scene (ha ha ha) was taken after he was removed from the game after the GS, and just following the Cust HR.

by coffee roaster on Jul 21, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

God I missed this thing. Computer FAIL around the 4th.

Pure, epic win on the A’s part. I love it all.

><

by Blicks on Jul 21, 2009 12:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Gio had too much rest

He needs to be on a regular start schedule. He was overthrowing. Let’s give him time, as I hope the A’s will! GREAT game! I almost turned it off after the second, and am SO GLAD I hung in there! Stupid Vista crapped out with 2 outs in the ninth, so I put ESPN on quick and they had the recap. Unbelievable!

"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit

by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 21, 2009 1:28 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

All I can say about this game is "F*****g wow!"

Incredible…..and I don’t know what got into this team but it sure is nice to have something to celebrate for a change.

Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox

by mrod on Jul 21, 2009 6:08 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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