Gio Comes Up Grande On "A's Hang On" Day!
by Nico on Jul 25, 2009 1:31 PM PDT
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PrintFirst things first. Coming off a nightmarish 11 ER debacle Monday night, Gio Gonzalez rebounded with 6.2 sterling innings under the toughest of circumstances: Facing the Yankees' lineup in the launching pad known as Yankee stadium. Not until Melky Cabrera beat out a bunt single with two out in the 5th did the Yankees even get a hit, and that was one of just two hits Gio surrendered along with three walks. Even when Brett Gardner's one-out triple in the 6th drove in a run, giving the Yankees a short-lived 1-0 lead, Gio bore down big-time, retiring Mark Teixeira and Alex Rodriguez on ground balls with Gardner frozen at third.
Enter the A's offense, jumping to life like Poochini to a pig's ear, erupting unannounced for 6 runs in the top of the 7th against Andy Pettitte and an unusually ineffective Alfredo Acevas. Highlighting the explosion: A perfect bunt single laid down by Bobby Crosby to load the bases, followed soon after by a clutch two-run single by Landon Powell on an 0-2 pitch. When Orlando Cabrera brought home the final two in the inning with a double, giving the A's a 6-1 lead, it seemed like gravy. It would turn out to be the difference.
You see, Michael Wuertz wants to stay with the A's, so after being so good all season that teams are calling about him before the trading deadline, Wuertz tempered the enthusiasm by giving up a pair of HRs -- a two run shot by Jeter and a solo blast by Teixeira -- making it 6-4.
So when Andrew Bailey walked the first two batters in the 9th and Jorge Posada came up representing the tying run, it looked like we might have a dramatic Yankee comeback win and that I might be pushed over the edge, driven to torture innocent kittens out of frustration. Good news for everyone: Posada bounced into a 4-6-3 DP, Jeter flied to center, and kittens everywhere could rejoice.
If Gio turns out to be a good major league pitcher, it won't be farthest a pitcher has hit "rock bottom" before bouncing back to have a good career. But at least as single failures go, it's up there so props to Gonzalez for his resilience and let's hope this is step one to more consistent success ahead.
Landon Powell now has 18 RBIs in a season where he has 17 starts. It would be great for the A's, who are lacking power, slugging, and hitting in general, to get Powell's bat in the lineup more consistently the rest of this season and in 2010. Unfortunately, due to Powell's physical limitations the only way the A's could get him in more often is at DH, which would come at the expense of Cust. It's a shame, because I'd really like to see Powell get more ABs.
Finally, I know he struggled today but Wuertz is a very good reliever and as fungible as relievers are supposed to be, I don't think true bullpen depth is that easy to develop. I'd like to see Wuertz, who comes cheap and is under contract control through 2011, stay with Oakland unless a team calls with the offer of a piece the A's truly need -- and that would be a SS to get excited about, a possible starting CFer, or a power hitting righty, none of whom is likely to be offered for Wuertz. Good relievers should not be overrated, but neither should they be underrated.
Good job, Gio.
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I like rhyming
“grande” with “hang on day” — it’s good times.
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
Posada represented the WINNING run
It would have been a horrible ending…yay! A’s win, instead!
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jul 25, 2009 1:36 PM PDT reply actions
I've been busy and away from my computer for th epast two days
anything happen while I was away?
(Just kidding — in this age of the iPhone I did learn that the A’s have entered the post-Holliday era.)
Wuertz gave up his two home runs on fastballs
the first time, to Jeter, he shook off Powell to throw the fastball. I had the impression that he and Powell were not completely comfortable together. In any case Wuertz’s slider was as good as ever today. No biggie.
Gio reminds me of Braden two years ago, but with better swing and miss stuff. I think that he will be up and down a bit more, before becoming a very good pitcher, our best after Anderson/Cahill. He still needs to learn better manipulation on the fastball, how to throw it a touch slower from time to time to get contact instead of missing location with the straight one down the middle.
Had to leave after the 4th, I think it was, to take the kids to the pool
I was already happy with Gio’s performance. I’m even happier that the team pulled this one out.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
is "dropping the kids off at the pool" the same euphemism it used to be?
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Jul 25, 2009 4:18 PM PDT up reply actions
A five inning poop would have been pretty impressive.
A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 25, 2009 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions
would have been pretty impressive if he'd done it alone.
but as he said, “the team pulled this one out.”
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Jul 25, 2009 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Agree on Wuertz.
I think that if Tampa Bay wanted to trade Wuertz for Reid Brignac or the Angels wanted him for Brandon Wood, then yeah, I’d think about doing those trades, but I doubt either of those deals come to fruition.
I'm never gonna do it without the fez on!
Ya I heard angels were interested in Wuertz
I said to my cuz that we should package Wuertz and someone else to get Wood, but i doubt it will happen
HILLIS
You're new here, xMattex
So you’re probably not that familiar with how things work here. Racism, sexism, and homophobia are big, fat no-no’s here. Next time I see something like that from you I’m flagging it.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
As you know I have been one of Gio Gonzalez's biggest critics
It should only be fair that I acknowledge his great performance today as I think we were all hoping but really not expecting it.
Of course it goes without saying that he needs to have more good outings.
Hopefully this outing will go along way to helping him.
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
Gio's performance today was like the Spanish Inquisition
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!
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 25, 2009 2:00 PM PDT up reply actions
The Inquisition
"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden
It can be hard for some pitchers to improve against ineferior competition
Gio’s stuff has always been good enough to get out minor-league hitters. But he’s discovered that his fastball-curveball combo just doesn’t cut it against big-league hitters. I know he has a changeup in his arsenal, but he didn’t seem to throw it much today. What I saw in the 4 innings I watched today was a harder, slider-style breaking ball to go along with his bigger curveball.
Since he’s already dominating in AAA, I don’t think he’d be able to develop a good slider or a wrinkle on his fastball in Sacto — even if they’re not really good, AAA hitters will probably flail at those pitches out of desperation. The only way for him to improve is to fight it out in the majors.
Of course, nothing’s guaranteed, and he may never fulfill his potential, but the good outings are much more encouraging to me than the bad outings are discouraging.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Nah, just talking out my ass as usual
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
there's that euphemism again
but seriously, interesting perspective.
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Jul 25, 2009 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions
A game like this
is why I love baseball so much. With Gio going against the Yankees not many people (myself included) thought the A’s had much of a chance. But good pitching always wins out and the A’s took down the evil Yankees for one of the better wins of the season. Go A’s!
It is a funny game
My predilection is to be too optimistic about the A’s, but I admit that more than any other game this year (by far) I was convinced the A’s had next to no chance to win today. Glad to be wrong, especially because I hate the Yankees like bitter poison.
Reds/Jays discussing Rolen
Can we still have Todd Frazier?
What you fail to understand in your joyless myopia is that baseball is the key to life-- the Rosetta Stone, if you will. If you just understood baseball better all your other questions your, your... the, uh... the aliens, the conspiracies they would all, in their way be answered by the baseball gods.
Minny is wasting their time getting OCab
They have once again imploded and given up 9 runs in 1 inning.
Their season is about to be done.
But if they want OCab then go ahead and give us some good player(s)
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
I would like Kevin Mulvey....always liked him for whatever reason.
What you fail to understand in your joyless myopia is that baseball is the key to life-- the Rosetta Stone, if you will. If you just understood baseball better all your other questions your, your... the, uh... the aliens, the conspiracies they would all, in their way be answered by the baseball gods.
I don't think the Twins' season is done
The AL Central kinda sucks.
Although, I’m led to believe that Blackburn could be hurt. If he is the Twins might be smart punting.
><
Kevin Slowey is out for a while.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 3:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Suzuki not in lineup
Why did Kurt Clutch not play today? Was it a scheduled day off after a night game?
Also my son and I have tickets on the Monster at Fenway on Monday night. We are
hoping for the best.
Let’s go A’s
Need to see some post-game pics from the Monster seats
"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden
Cf/1b now available...
Kotsay was just dfa by the BoSox today. Should Barton be quaking in his boots?
by rollierollieOxenfree on Jul 25, 2009 3:06 PM PDT reply actions
If the team even considers Mark Kotsay, it’s a dumb move.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I said it the last time someone brought this up
No.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
do not want
"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden
We could get her to play third base. She’ll sell tickets.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I am so turned on right now.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions
After Mark's surgeries
there are now two Kotsays who have no back.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jul 25, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
if i could rec this from my mobile phonbe
I would.
Nico: Okay. We have twelve hours to make a really big pickle.
by pam5981 on Jul 26, 2009 12:54 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I’m not sure if someone has brought this up, but I’d go with Landon Powell catching every start for Gio Gonzalez if he keeps this up. Let Powell catch Gonzalez next time and give Suzuki a break.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 4:18 PM PDT reply actions
i'm all for breaking suzuki once awhile
but not on a regimented basis like this. especially if gio is scratching and clawing his way into form, as nick suggested earlier, he’ll need what game-calling experience zook can provide. and with powell, it seems to me today there were a couple of pitches he shouldn’t have called that resulted in runs for the Y’s. but maybe i’m not remembering right… what were the HR pitches to #2 and to Texeira again?
(yes, #2 is a euphemism. it stands for jeturd.)
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Jul 25, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm kinda mad
Stupid Gio is getting my hopes up again that he will be good someday. But he’s sure to crush them next time he touches the mound. S#@t.
"If Bowden was a general contractor, he'd build houses with nine bedrooms, six garages, no bathrooms, and half a roof."
Powell has 18 RBI in 17 starts?
Can they try Suzuki at shortstop after Cabrera is gone? Get Powell’s bat in there!
Oh, but if I catch a line drive by a girl, that’s girl-on-girl action, the twiceness is eliminated, and it just counts once - gigglingone
I think the perfect use for Landon Powell
is #2 catcher (30 games), rh dh 40 games, #2 1b/3b 10 games each.
Get his bat in the lineup with about 80 starts a year and then pinch hit him whenever possible in the other games.
Bring up a #3 catcher to sit on the bench as insurance, don’t hesitate to get Powell’s bat in the lineup in key situations.
They're called RUNS for a reason.
gonna give myself credit
for being one of the few ones that didnt crush Gio after last game. I actually said he looked pretty decent!
If you think giving up 11 earned runs is decent, well, I just don’t know.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
you'll see... in about 5 games you'll be saying:
i totally and completely take all my credit away for trying to present a nuanced opinion on AN and basing said opinion on more than one afternoon’s worth of demonstrable data rather than the way i felt the minute i was writing it!
don't care if i ever get back.
by AV on Jul 25, 2009 5:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Seeing how the offense (arguably the worst lineup all year on paper) busted out for six runs today and Dallas “I Get No Support” Braden is pitching tomorrow, it doesn’t look good even if it is Sergio Mitre on the other side.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Jul 25, 2009 6:04 PM PDT reply actions
Don't want to seem negative but
A broken clock is correct twice a day. I still don’t think he can pitch in the majors.
Gio is just one step away from being very good, but it is a big one step...........
controlling his emotions. I am sure you all saw him stompoing around the mound after the walk and triple that lead to the first run of the game. He allows himself to get way too rattled. … he had only given up one run, and I think only 2 hits at that time. But he was clearly beside himself with anger and fustration. My guess is that this lack of emotional control is why the White Sox traded him twice. I have heard that Curt Young has been working with him on it, but the A’s should assign Anderson, the ulitimate cool character to be his room mate, and but their lockers side by side. We saw Gio’s stuff and against the Yankees on the road on Saturday…. so that is a given, what is needed now is a course in emotional control, maybe a course in medatation, ala Zito is called for.
agreed
i was listening to the radio broadcast today, and it sounded like cabrera tried to calm him down after a supposedly bad call! And he was pitching really well at that point. Not sure why he was getting all worked up over one pitch.
Random thoughts
On Gio Gonzalez: I’ve always wanted him to get consistent starts. Seems to me the way to get the kid (I say kid, I think he’s my age, but whatever) to calm down on the mound is to remove all doubts that one bad outing will have him on a train to Sacto. I suppose this latter half of the season will test that theory. I liked what I saw today. Even if he becomes “just” a fifth starter, that’s pretty valuable alongside Anderson, Cahill, Mazzaro, Braden, and Outman.
On Landon Powell: What a luxury to have a backup catcher that knows how to handle the stick. During the game, I was mulling over the idea that a lot of teams might be interested in a young, cost-controlled offensive catcher. Powell’s physique would probably temper those interests, but either way, I wouldn’t wanna trade him.
I really enjoy beating the Yankees.
+1 on Gio
He’s got nothing left to prove in Sacto. Hell, he might get worse in Sacto, because he get away with no control and can rely on his curveball to get guys out.
And fuck the Yankees. And fuck that horseshit stadium of theirs. 300 foot homeruns are horseshit, unless of course you’re talking about little league.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
I'm 31.
I hate it when kids call me sir because I certainly don’t feel like I’m much more than a kid most of the time. I hope it helps me bond with my one year old.
by LoneStranger on Jul 25, 2009 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Squeeze
I think Bailey was getting the squeeze from the HP ump. Cust had the outside high strike called every time. This ump was very inconsistant. I agree that a win over the Yankees is le creme de la creme.
I agree that Holbrook's strike zone was hard to figure
I’m not sure I’d say it favored one team over another or that Bailey was clearly jobbed, but it wasn’t the easiest strike zone to predict.
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
Holbrook's strike zone is easy to figure
It starts on the Afpac border, proceeds north to Uzbekistan, and then comes around to Qatar.
Or at least as far as the predators cover
They're called RUNS for a reason.
okay this is pretty random but does anyone remember where
john sickels ranked the a’s minor league system compared to everyone else’s?
BTW
Brett Wallace and Shane Peterson mad their A debuts tonight. So…
Wallace- 1-2 R
Peterson- 2-5 R and RBI
Now it actually feels real that we have Wallace
HILLIS
Why, did he strike out looking?
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
Small sample, I know, but...
TERRIBLE TRADE, HE’S ONLY HITTING .250!!!!!111111
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
Holliday went 4-5 and 2-4 in his 1st 2 games in STL and raised his season OPS by about 17 points, at this point he might have a Beltran in HOU or McGriff to ATL presence in STL.
Or a "nausea to Nico" presence in Berkeley.
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
Holliday
Either the NL is just lousy or he took it easy in oakland. Especially since gammons said he was “miserable” here
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