A-Hill Beats Cahill In A Game Ending With a Sweeney Fahill
by Nico on Aug 1, 2009 9:37 PM PDT
222 comments
All the action tonight happened in bunches. In the top of the 2nd, the Jays used five hits, including a Lyle Overbay HR, to put up a 3-spot on Trevor Cahill. That made 22 HRs off the sinkerballer who looks more and more each day like he could have used a chance to be AAAhill for a while.
The interesting thing about the post-Holliday A's is that when they get down, I actually feel hope that they can come back. Which is remarkable considering that their second best HR threat right now is arguably Tommy Everidge, who has nary a career HR. Indeed, the A's roared back immediately tonight, ending a 19 inning scoreless streak by Brett Cecil with 4 runs, capped by Adam Kennedy's bases clearing double.
But not content to give up just one 3-spot tonight, Cahill did it again in the 4th, serving up HR #23 -- a three-run bomb to Aaron Hill that gave the Jays a 6-4 lead. And so the score stood until the bottom of the 9th...
With one out, Cust singled off closer Scott Downs' glove and Downs hurt himself chasing after the ball. However, Downs tried to stay in and served up a double to Everidge, putting the tying runs in scoring position with Crosby, Ellis, and Pennington the next three scheduled hitters. Righty Jason Frasor took over for the Jays, and Bob Geren countered by first pinch-hitting with Nomar Garciaparra. Interesting. Nomar bounced out, both runners advancing, 6-5, tying run at 3B with two out. Geren then went to left-handed hitting Ryan Sweeney. I'm assuming that had Pennington come up, he would have hit for himself; either that or we might have seen the debut of Landon Powell, or Jack Cust, or perhaps Rickey Henderson, at SS.
Anyway, it didn't matter because Ryan Sweeney had one of the most pathetic at-bats in the history of major league baseball. After taking a strike on the inside corner, Sweeney got a very hittable pitch over the plate. He took that one too. Then Frasor threw another strike and Sweeney took that one too, but luckily for him it was called a ball. Then Frasor threw another very hittable strike and Sweeney took that one too. Tying run at 3B and Sweeney was what, intent on driving home the run with a walk on ball one or ball two? Possibly the worst "deer in the headlights" at bat of the season, and that's saying something on a team that puts Jack Cust out there on a daily basis.
I think the order of ceilings for MAC goes Anderson, Cahill, Mazzaro, but I continue to believe that the order in which they will turn the corner and become good major league pitchers goes Anderson, Mazzaro, Cahill. Trevor is every bit a "work in progress," and I'm not sure the current direction is "forward." He has a lot of work to do -- which is why it's great to be 21.
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That makes me laugh
which is good after watching that Stiff look like a statue.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks. I laugh to keep from crying.
And because triple doses of nitrous oxide, received by “prescription” from a “dentist” will do that.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You haven't tried Propofol?
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suggest Temocil.
A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2009 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why choose one over the other, I say!
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's no I in Temocil
At least not where you’d think…
by Keze on Aug 1, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just got back from celebrating my b'day. Sweeney left the tying run on 3rd...
….without swinging the bat?!?!
There is no joy in Mudville (though at least Casey swung the m*****f****ing bat!)
There is no "i" in Teamocil. At least not where you'd think.
by GreenNGoldSooner on Aug 1, 2009 9:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
at least it wasn't in the playoffs...
I remember seeing that one happen to the A’s before.
by VV A's fan on Aug 1, 2009 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The second pitch that Sweeney received was right over the plate and the one he should have swung at.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 9:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Posting from BART
Hated the call to PH Sweeney, and unfortunately it was a much worse call than I could’ve imagined. Pathetic AB. And I think Ellis was a much better bet anyway.
by oblique on Aug 1, 2009 9:43 PM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I thought Sweeney should have pinch hit for Crosby,
and Ellis should have hit for himself.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then if you get down to Pennington, you can decide
whether you want to hit Nomar for him or whether you want to actually have a SS if the game goes into extra innings.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Calls where not bad, they might have been balls... but waay to close to take.
by cyke17 on Aug 1, 2009 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only bad call, IMO, was ball one to Sweeney
He got a total break there and did nothing with it.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was at the game too....I was wondering if Cust coulda made it home when he got the stop sign.
From Section 124 – it looked liked he could have. It would have still left someone in scoring position – but if he had made it, we would have had 2 outs vs. only one. It might not have made a difference but I sure would have liked to see us take the chance.
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?" Yogi Berra
by BERRYJO on Aug 1, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ooops - typo
we would NOT have had 2 outs.
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?" Yogi Berra
by BERRYJO on Aug 1, 2009 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
?
Nomar’s comebacker still would have been the second out. The reason he was held is that it wouldn’t have helped anything — all that mattered was Everidge’s run, which was going to be at second with one out either way. Unless Cust was thrown out, in which case there would have been two outs and Everidge suddenly wouldn’t have been the tying run.
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 Aug 2, 2009 8:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK...maybe I was thinking the pinch hit might not have happened had the run scored......
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?" Yogi Berra
by BERRYJO on Aug 2, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just nevermind....
In retrospect I think I totally misremembered the entire situation….or my selective memory just wanted us in win-win!
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?" Yogi Berra
by BERRYJO on Aug 2, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that one prespective is better than the other
but from where we were at it looked like a good call to hold him up. I almost wonder if we should have had a pinch runner for Cust once he got to second. I know it wasnt the tieing run, but if he scores the other runner can advance to third and then a fly ball ties us up.
Thats the best part of monday-morning quarterbacking, I can alwasy come up with a creative solution after I know the endgame…
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Aug 2, 2009 2:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cahill's FIP after this start: 6.09. Ouch.
by speckops on Aug 1, 2009 9:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That's only because we have especially lousy fielders
who make Cahill look bad by refusing to leap 20 feet over the fence like normal defenses.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Geren should bench them for lack of hustle.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, wasn't Cahill on the mound for one of the two times Sweeney robbed Kinsler of a HR?
It could (should) be even worse.
by speckops on Aug 1, 2009 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've just provided evidence that Sweeney can move
Something I had forgotten.
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 Aug 1, 2009 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought FIP was one of the numbers that's
supposed to be independent of defense.
We really need a glossary for all these acronyms, so every time someone uses one it automatically links, like the player names do now.
I don’t even want a detailed explanation. I just want the basics like what the acronym stands for, what type of skill(s) the number attempts to measure, and some idea of how the numbers are scaled.
I gather FIP is a pitching stat, but if it weren’t for the “ouch” I would have no idea if 6.09 is good or bad. And I still don’t know if you want a higher number or a lower number. Would a FIP of 7.09 be better or worse than 6.09?
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fielding Independent Pitching
"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 Aug 2, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aha, so I was right about defense not included.
How is it scaled? Same scale as ERA?
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes,
Fielding Independent Pitching, a measure of all those things for which a pitcher is specifically responsible. The formula is (HR*13+(BB+HBP-IBB)3-K2)/IP, plus a league-specific factor (usually around 3.2) to round out the number to an equivalent ERA number. FIP helps you understand how well a pitcher pitched, regardless of how well his fielders fielded. FIP was invented by Tangotiger.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Aug 2, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL -- yes.
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 Aug 2, 2009 8:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cahill's FIP
is being destroyed by his HR rate. How much you should worry about a FIP of 6.09 depends on whether you think he’s getting unlucky with the home runs. This far into the season, you can definitely put me in the worried camp. (but like Nico says, he’s only 21!)
by colin on Aug 2, 2009 5:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right.
Along with FIP, they introduced xFIP, which is similar to FIP, but with a normalized home run rate. Because home runs are often times so dependent on the park, xFIP just gives everyone the league average home run to fly ball ratio. Cahill’s xFIP is 5.34, significantly lower than his regular FIP. So, yes, he has been getting unlucky with the HRs.
Still, though, his xFIP is third worst in the majors…Nick Swisher is dead last.
by danmerqury on Aug 2, 2009 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
That’s assuming Cahill’s HRs would’ve stayed in certain parks. You can also look at last night and see how many hard-hit balls would’ve gone out elsewhere if the marine layer hadn’t kept them in the park.
He gave up six runs and was still very, very lucky.
by richwol1 on Aug 2, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, he hasn't exactly had a lot of lazy fly balls carried by a jet stream
The HRs he has allowed have generally been launched.
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 Aug 2, 2009 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This
and I get the feeling that xFIP is primarily useful if you play in a bandbox like Phillie or Yankee stadium.
He’s got so much movement on his pitches, I get the feeling that sometimes he really has no idea where they’re going, which is how they can end up thigh-high on the inner half of the plate. Which is a great launchpad.
by speckops on Aug 2, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's worse, is that his tRA is 6.75.
Groundball pitch-to-contact guys tend to have a higher FIP than ERA, because they thrive on getting weak groundouts. FIP sort of assumes that they’re getting lucky with all of these batted ball outs, when in actuality, they’re consistently generating them.
tRA includes ground balls, line drives, and fly balls, without counting whether or not they were actually turned into outs. This way, the stat remains defense-independent, but it’s more accurate than FIP, especially with these groundball pitchers. Like FIP, it’s scaled to ERA.
Of course, since Cahill’s tRA is higher than his FIP, it means that he’s really not generating the groundballs he’s supposed to be. And a groundball pitcher who’s not making these groundball outs…is just a bad pitcher.
by danmerqury on Aug 2, 2009 1:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh, I (and others) said at the beginning of the season that immediately bringing up Anderson/Cahill was one of the worst decisions this management has ever made
and possibly one of the worst decisions any management has made in recent memory. And I obviously still stand by that now. You simply don’t rush and fuck around two prospects expected to be the cornerstones of your franchise for years to come (in an ill advised attempt to compete, nonetheless).
So now Cahill’s performed like a 5th starter, utterly wasting one of his arbitration years. Seriously, it’s not as if the A’s didn’t have other options; EGon, Gallagher, Eveland, hell, maybe even Jerome frickin Williams might have been able to pitch at the 5th starter level (Eveland and Gallagher might even have performed better). Thank god, Anderson’s been so much better than expected. But I still maintain that it would’ve perfectly fine, even beneficial if he spent the first two months in AAA (considering the fact that he struggled earlier in the year too, and the fact that it probably would’ve saved an arby year).
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Aug 2, 2009 2:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we send Cahill down, can we still get that extra year?
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Aug 2, 2009 2:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So....
no?
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Aug 2, 2009 2:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Too late because there isn't enough AAA season left
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 Aug 2, 2009 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure there is
Send him down until Sacto’s done with its playoffs and you retain his rights through 2015 instead of 2014. You’d think he’ll return a hell of a lot more value in 2015 than in 2009.
It’s a legitimate move – he’s got plenty to work on. Better command, better consistency, some sort of breaking ball and changeup he can actually throw for strikes to get batters off his harder stuff. Fundamental things, not just the sort of fine-tuning that you can only get against the highest-level competition. Drives me nuts to see him pissing away games in a year where he doesn’t really help the team win and (by contrast with Anderson) doesn’t appear to develop his game appreciably but nevertheless uses up 17% of the time the A’s have rights to. It’s a waste of resources.
by Faust on Aug 2, 2009 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was under the impression that the window of time
had recently passed. If there’s enough season left, I’m all for it. Because, as you say, it’s not just a business move — Cahill has plenty to work on, whereas Anderson, Mazzaro, and Gio need major league experience more than they need anything else.
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 Aug 2, 2009 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
…if he starts next season in the minors, wouldn’t that change his eligibility?
BTW, I was at the game - got there at around 4:45, and stood in a very long line. By the time I arrived, I was told the jerseys were gone. I’d have had to go at 2 pm or earlier to get one of them.
Outside of a promising first inning, Cahill was pounded all night, whether runs scored or not. This guy really needs to work on his command, his adjustments, everything. He’s not ready for the majors, and it shows.
by richwol1 on Aug 2, 2009 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
And speckops is wrong in his comment just below.
He needs six full years of MLB service time to be eligible for free agency. Any time spent in the minors (this year or next, or the one after that for that matter) that keeps him from recording a full year of MLB service time will keep him from being eligible for free agency at the end of 2014, as he basically needs uninterrupted service time between now and then to be eligible (since he didn’t begin this year with any service time at all).
The exceptions are (1) rehab time in the minors while on the DL still counts as MLB service time, and (2) if a player spends less than 20 days in the minors, it is “rounded up” to a full year of service time. This keeps teams from having a too-easy manipulation of service time by calling a rookie up on Day 2 of the season so he winds up one day short of a full years’ service time at the end of the year – you basically have to commit to being without a guy for 3 weeks in order to knock a year off his service time, still not that high a hurdle to jump.
Maybe people are confusing this with the criteria for burning option years. There, it’s true that if a player spends any part of the year on “optional assignment” to the minors, it “burns” an option year. But counting MLB service time toward free agency is not like that. (And I won’t even get into the complications of arbitration eligibility and super-2 status.)
Basically, 172 days of MLB service time = 1 year. You can see how much service time any A’s player had at the beginning of the year on Cot’s A’s page, where service time is shown in years and days. For an interesting example, scroll down to Joey Devine and notice that he had 1.171 years service time coming into this year – that is, one year and 171 days of service time, one day short of having two full years’ service time. That one day means that, if he spends no more time in the minor leagues, at the end of 2012 he’ll be one day short of FA eligibility, and still A’s property. (It also means that next spring he’ll have 2.171 year service time – time spent on the DL counts as MLB service time – and will be the very superest of super-twos in terms of arb-eligibility.)
If it seems that being one day short of a full year contradicts what I said above about having to spend more than 20 days in the minors to count as less than a full year service time, the explanation is that 171 days in one year spent on the MLB level would count as one full years’ time, but two or more partial years’ service time totaling 171 days is still just 171 days. (And don’t think it’s just an unlucky coincidence for Devine – I’m sure the Braves were quite aware of his service time considerations when they called him up the last time, and I’m sure Beane was well aware of it when he traded for him.)
by Faust on Aug 2, 2009 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
Where’d you get this info, btw?
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Aug 2, 2009 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
From memory this time – which means I can’t point you to any one compendium of information, unfortunately. At one time I tried to get a handle on some of the convoluted major league rules I’d been reading about for years without much thinking about – like options, and when waivers are required, and what the hell waivers are exactly, and so on. The arb rules and FA rules are part of the union contract.
It’s way too late at night here on the East Coast (shit, is it really Monday? How did that happen?) for me to look stuff up, but google around for it – it’s out there.
by Faust on Aug 2, 2009 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alright, great.
I’m sure I can find it. Good work.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Aug 3, 2009 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops, my bad.
I was under the impression that since he’s spent the majority of the season with the big league club, they’d already burned a year. That’s really damn complicated, and pretty impressive that you’ve got that memorized.
by speckops on Aug 3, 2009 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you guys have crossed wires...
There’s plenty of time left for him to work on his stuff in AAA, but I’m pretty sure we’ve already burned a year of club control.
by speckops on Aug 2, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree with you!
I hate it that we had to bring them up so early.
by cyke17 on Aug 2, 2009 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if a better way to state it would be
to say tRA is more precise than FIP, rather than more accurate.
As I understand it, tRA’s formula categorizes each at-bat more specifically than FIP does. It seems to me that increases the statistical uncertainty of the conclusion, in that you’re looking at more things so that pushes up your margin of error, with the result that you need a larger sample to achieve the same level of statistical certainty.
Now if your sample is large enough that your certainty is still very high, then sure, it’s more accurate. But if not, then all you’ve done is narrowed the target you’re aiming at without actually improving your aim.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder what the defense was going to look like
if it went to the bottom of the 9th. Kennedy to 2B? Then you still need a 1Bman and a 3Bman. Nomar at 1B and … ?
Or maybe Kennedy stays at 3B, Nomar to 1B, Patterson to 2B, and give up the DH? (Patterson had pinch run for Everidge, who was the DH.)
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Giving up the designated hitter makes the most sense unless you wanted to try Sweeney at third base or play Garciaparra at third base with Cust at first.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm assuming Nomar's not an option at 3B just due to physical limitations
And Cust is not really an option at 1B if I’ve eaten within the past 48 hours.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of eating, I’m hungry.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm making blueberry muffins. You're welcome to come by.
by LoneStranger on Aug 1, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
streetlights are on.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yummy.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to make cupcakes but its too hot to turn the oven on!
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
One day, I’ll bake you cupcakes.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
“Bake” and “make” are the same things, right?
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For cupcakes, yes.
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, cool.
I thought I had failed miserably.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
its just 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 Aug 1, 2009 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
aww...
glad to see you are still in good form.
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
as much as i can be
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
back from an historic night in section 236
The only thing I wanna know is, when they have the ceremony to retire Jack Cust’s number, will it have a hyphen in it? Because if taking were swinging, that guy’d have 1,000 HRs.
Sweeney’s AB, from where we were sitting, was likewise worthy of a statue of its own… they could have made the mold for that statue from his body standing rigidly in the box, mime-like, whilst 3 (possibly 4, per Nico) not-at-all-spectacular hittable strikes went by the boards. A truly epochal “Swing, Goddammit!” moment from your 2009 Somnolent Nine. Is it 2011 yet?
The pre-game was totally electric, I will never forget it as long as I live. I’ve never seen a number in any sport retired in person so this was kind of a one-off opportunity in a lot of ways. The whole thing was great, Fosse was great, Stew was great, Rickey calling for the “Run, Rickey, Run!” chant was greater than great, it was just Athletics ecstasy for an hour in the evening sun.
Whoever had the idea for Rickey holding second base aloft, oh man, goosebumps even if you’ve never heard of the A’s. And yes, we got jerseys, we made it by about 500 people I think.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Aug 1, 2009 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The thing about Sweeney's AB was the situation
If Hairston is rung up, at least it’s in a situation where you’re looking to get on base, period. In Sweeney’s case, you should be specifically looking for a pitch you can make contact with to move Patterson, y’know, 90 feet from 3B to home.
You should be looking for an opportunity to swing at a hittable pitch, and Sweeney kept getting them and kept taking them like…what? They weren’t strikes? (They were.) He was going to get the run home by not swinging (He wasn’t.) Two of the pitches caught a LOT of the strike zone. So did the ball, for that matter.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was half hoping
that Patterson would have read that Sweeney was being bronzed before his eyes and taken off for home. But I’m an idealist I guess. Or longing for Rickey.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortuately, Frasor was pitching off the stretch
I was more than half-hoping for a wild pitch, however.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That second pitch
Was Sweeney’s favorite: a fastball, outer half, the kind he likes to slash to left. I can only think that with an 0-1 count he was kind of expecting a splitter and telling himself to lay off and then didn’t identify the pitch in time. You could see he was annoyed with himself that he’s let it go by.
Ugly AB, and a deflating way to end the game.
by Faust on Aug 2, 2009 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's where it's so important to be hitting to the situation
Hairston was up in a “get on base” situation, Everidge in a “HR ties it” situation, etc. Sweeney was up in a “single anywhere ties it” situation and got a couple pitches you can — and especially he can — poke to LF for a hit.
A walk was going to leave it up to Pennington, arguably the worst hitter on the roster and with the A’s out of infielders so Pennington probably would have had to bat. You would think Sweeney was looking for a pitch where he could put the bat on the ball and poke it anywhere past the infield, and he got two great pitches for doing just that.
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 Aug 2, 2009 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Memo to R Sweeney
No more texting during an AB. Or while driving…
People claim they can multi-task, but really, they are mult-threading.
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Aug 1, 2009 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
From Rotoworld:
“Jason Giambi (quad) is expected to return from the disabled list Tuesday.
Giambi has been sidelined since July 20 with a strained right quad and was also dealing with a bruised elbow. His batting average had dipped to .193. Tommy Everidge will probably head back to Triple-A to clear roster space. "
Whyyyyyyy??? Because Everidge is doing good things and is pretty young?
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Can we have a celebrity death match between Nomar and Giambi?
The winner gets DFA’d. Roster spots! Hurrah!
by speckops on Aug 1, 2009 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping for the classy retirement by G
He hit his 400th. He accomplished all that will be probably count for a milestone in his career.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everidge needs to hit a couple of bombs
only to cement him staying here and to make their decision harder.
He needs to stay here for awhile.
DFA Crosby for starters. Make Nomar a coach for the rest of the season.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hopefully one tomorrow and one on Monday
I guess even he does to Sac, though, there will at least be someone to light a fire under Barton’s ass.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
God, I hope not.
I take consolation in the fact that Rotoworld has been known to be grossly incorrect.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aaron Hill became the first second baseman in Blue Jays history to hit 25 home runs in a season and he hit his 25th tonight.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Be nice if he was an A
Like about 2 years ago.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A trivial request
If when you write a fairly short recap like this it would be nice if you don’t use the page break. That way when (especially on my iphone but also on my laptop) I want to read it I can just load the front page rather than loading the front page and then loading the recap thread. Thanks.
Also if long people who write long fanposts would do the opposite that would be stellarstar*.
Dating girls is like starting pitching depth, you think you have a good full rotation, even too many starters, then in an instant as soon as you trade your depth away injuries decimate your rotation and you are forced to start Sidney Ponson.
by designatedforassignment on Aug 1, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
FWIW, I don't care for the "page break" at all and wouldn't use it on my own,
but have been asked to use it because it allows the site to load faster. I wouldn’t have thought it made much of a difference one way or the other to load time, since it’s just a few paragraphs of text, but apparently it does. I’m afraid this one’s out of my hands.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
can you do something about the spiders, then?
A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2009 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Raid makes a spray that is quite projectile...
that way you don’t have to get real close to kill it. I DESPISE spiders so I can relate.
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ew spiders.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baby! I missed you!!!
But I had lots of nice boys to keep me company.
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats good
I was otherwise occupied.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Should I be jealous?
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no. whats the opposite of jealous?
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, that.
well.. lemme put it this way.
well.. lemme put it this way.i am likely to go to AN day alone.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah. sucks.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m sorry.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope I did a good job of keeping you company, ZigFan.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You did!!!
You scored lots of points.
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No worries babe. You're still my number one.
Even if you do me wrong when I’m not around. ;-)
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
watch it.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, yeah?
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
not tonight. trust me.
"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 Aug 1, 2009 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
From a user perspective if I can’t figure out what the hell happened in the game because there are only three sentences that don’t tell me the score, anything about Aaron Hill, or Ryan Sweeney like the title implied, then I have to click on the link and load the extended page which makes the total page load time way longer for the user than if you just had it on the front. That being said if i have to click on the link you can show me a whole new set of ads so Im sure that has something to do with it as well. Honestly when you watch the page load the text comes up right quick but the banner ads and the widgets from the side bars are what really slow it down.
I also accept that it may not be your choice whether to continue strangling puppies.
Dating girls is like starting pitching depth, you think you have a good full rotation, even too many starters, then in an instant as soon as you trade your depth away injuries decimate your rotation and you are forced to start Sidney Ponson.
by designatedforassignment on Aug 2, 2009 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
All I can say is that if I had my druthers, I wouldn't use the "page break" format
because I don’t care for it either as a reader or as a writer, but it has been requested that I use it so I use it.
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 Aug 2, 2009 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm with Nico on this one
I’d prefer to write them without using a break.
But, I’d also prefer some of the things that seem to cause the site to lag be cut down on first.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 2, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I concur, but I suspect that what we're really saying is:
I’d also prefer some of the things that seem to cause the site tolag[make money] be cut down on first.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if you are going to use it may I make a suggestion?
Think of it like the abstract for an academic paper, so that you get the gist of the article and then go in depth. That way you at least give the reader a more informed choice about whether or not they want to click through.
Dating girls is like starting pitching depth, you think you have a good full rotation, even too many starters, then in an instant as soon as you trade your depth away injuries decimate your rotation and you are forced to start Sidney Ponson.
by designatedforassignment on Aug 2, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty much what I try to do.
And the break works for me, because my non-recap posts tend to be longer.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 12:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is There Something Wrong With Ryan Sweeney?
Seriously, it looked like he had a brain fart when the game he did not run out the pop up resulting in him getting benched. Tonight he forgets that the objective of a hitter is to swing the bat and try to hit the ball.
I just wonder if at times he mentally drifts to another time and place during games….
by EastbayBen on Aug 1, 2009 10:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
OakA’sHoney would be loving this on ESPN right now. They’re talking about great faces, great backs and great butts.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Which is even more remarkable considering they're only talking about Jeter.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, they did say that Derrek Lee had a great butt.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is it like the gold glove?
“Best ass” always goes to someone with great hitting stats?
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
are we really talking about this?
LOL
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know, but they loved Derrek Lee’s butt, Albert Pujols’ square head, Orlando Hudson’s face and Derek Holland’s back.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do they love Derek Holland's back exactly?
Terrific spine? Exquisite vertabrae structure? Cute L-5?
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They mentioned his small waistline and I think something to do with his shoulders.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Glad they're not hard up for content.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is this a Peter Gammons-driven piece?
He’s hardcore straight news.
A real Poppy Palace would have a lot more chocolate, and a moat with otters. -Poppy
by Leopold Bloom on Aug 1, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Buck Showalter and Tim Kurkjian were talking about it.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holland is a cutie.
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you like his backpack?
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do! And I loved his outing Thursday night!
8 2/3 innings! Just let the kid finish the game Wash!
Bring Jerry back!
by ZigFan31 on Aug 1, 2009 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The best part of the game
was the amount of A’s fans, it was sold out of pure A’s fans, unlike those games when half the fans are that of the other team, we don’t need another stadium, we just need to retire Ricky’s number every game
When we played softball, I’d steal second base, feel guilty and go back.
- Woody Allen
by rhymeswithelephant on Aug 1, 2009 10:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At least the game was exciting
I’ve seen or been to many a full house where the A’s were blown out from the 2nd inning on, and it’s frustrating.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was really a lot of fun
I was afraid, because of my own biases about what’s been happening with the organization, that the ceremony would be more towards the on-the-cheap end of the spectrum, but I was totally off base; the whole thing, start to finish, from a baseball fan’s perspective and obviously from an A’s fan’s perspective, was worthy of the caliber of player and athlete that was being honored on the field.
The game was really fun, too… first time I’ve been to a sold-out game since 2006 where 1/2 the fans weren’t rooting for the other team, and it makes a huge difference in the energy. When Nomar was up it was deep, I felt the energy of everyone pulling for a hit to tie it up, it was very palpable in the place.
I had a blast, I really enjoyed it tonight, memories to last a lifetime because the player being honored was/is SO rare as an athlete — one of the handful where the opposition knew exactly what he was going to do and still could not even remotely hope to stop him — that you couldn’t help but get sucked into the vortex of A’s pride and baseball pride, really.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Aug 1, 2009 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cahill
18 of his HR’s have been hit by lefties. I think the problem is correctable. We are just gonna have to suffer though some horrifying at bats.
by Future Ed on Aug 1, 2009 10:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree -- the A's just need to convince all the opposing hitters
to bat right-handed and, voila, problem solved!
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
On an entirely different topic
I wish Favre would actually retire and no one would call him. This crap with the Vikings is getting ridiculous.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'd larve that.
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 Aug 1, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has actually retired — for now.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah ask him tomorrow
I mean he was decent last year, but far from his prime. With baseball it’s one thing, but when you’re the QB in football, it’s really obvious when you’re past it. It’s ironic with all this about Rickey, that Favre doesn’t watch TV and see how Rickey’s skills declined in his last 3+ years in the bigs. I know it’s part of his mystique and all, but it was hard to watch at the end.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Vikings are better off with Sage Rosenfels and Tarvaris Jackson. I’d actually start Rosenfels.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they both deserve a chance.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
They will battle it out during the preseason.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To hear the latest, turn your TV to FavreCenter... da, da, da... da, da, da!
"I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia. Let them walk to school like I did." -Yogi Berra
by brenarlo on Aug 1, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jaymee Sire is holding down the SportsNet Central desk along with that mistake-prone Matt Morrison right now on Comcast SportsNet Bay Area.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow did the Rangers really retire Ruben Sierra's number?
That’s kind of funny.
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
According to this, they’ve only reitred Johnny Oates, Nolan Ryan and Jackie Robinson.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
scroll down to the end
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, he’s in the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, but he doesn’t have his number retired.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah okay
I was gonna say…
"Do I talk to myself? No, I just remind myself of what I'm trying to do. You know, I never answer myself so how can I be talking to myself?" - Rickey
by cuppingmaster on Aug 1, 2009 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gio?
I think the pitching peking order goes Anderson, Gio, and then Cahill/Mazzaro. If Gio can learn some control and cut down the walks, his ERA should be half of what it is now. He is already capable of striking out the side every inning. If Anderson and Gio keep making improvements, we will have the most dominant 1-2 soutpaws in the league by 2011.
by batterbatter on Aug 1, 2009 11:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
cahill needs to gain better use his changeup
he uses a lot of fastballs and sliders which have similar velocities and movement. So even when he misses down in the zone he cant smacked like the pitch he threw to hill for the homerun. if he mixes in an effective changeup more often, he’ll reduce that homer total by a lot next season.
by green tusks on Aug 1, 2009 11:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the changeup
would also help address his platoon problems (mentioned above)
by colin on Aug 2, 2009 5:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW - what a place the coliseum was tonight.
It has been a looooooong time since the Coli has rocked like it did tonight. It reminded me of a playoff game – it was THAT electric. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the outcome we wanted – but we had some super exciting moments.
At the end of the 7th lots of folks got up to leave – but the end of the game was the best. They lost out – and it was just as loud and intense as when the house was full. I love it when the fans are so into the game.
What will I remember from this A’s Night to Remember?? The class act that Rickey is, the crowd shouting “Run, Rickey, Run,” the crowd that was sporting green and gold about 95% to 5% (really – I only saw two Jay’s fans), a wave in the 3rd (!!!) inning, the red carpet treatment afforded Rickey. I will also remember reflecting on my lifetime as an A’s fan and the inspiration and hope that Rickey instilled in me as a young fan. As others have said – the ceremony was awesome. I am so glad I was there.
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?" Yogi Berra
by BERRYJO on Aug 1, 2009 11:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the moment when he held 2nd base aloft
and then the crowd chanting “Run Rickey Run” for him one last time at his request were Sports Nirvana for me, goosebumps.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Aug 2, 2009 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was very happy that the A's did it up right.
I was afraid that it would be another cheap ass, shoddily put together tribute and instead it turned out to be very nice. Oh and… I was proud of our fans responding and showing up in droves so that Rickey would know how special he is to the fans.
by IM4Oakgal on Aug 2, 2009 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
tonight
was the one night this sad season where we could really have reason to cherish the legacy of this franchise… I thought management did it up tremendously and tastefully, absolutlely worthy of who was being honored, himself merely one of the best players ever to wear the uniform of any team in any sport.
I also think Tommy Everidge has superstar written all over him, am I alone in this instinctive impression? It’s just a hunch but I feel it and I felt it tonight, that Tommy Time is coming to save us from the boredom of the last 3 years of offensive offense. Him and Chris Carter give me hope, a little.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Aug 2, 2009 12:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I said Tommy Knocker a few times pretty loud in my section.
I’m hoping it catches on.
by LoneStranger on Aug 2, 2009 12:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's only because the "Mezzies" haven't been able to
attend ever since the A’s tarped off the 3rd deck.
{tosses gladiola}
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 Aug 2, 2009 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shoulda screamed "Edna!" last night
There was an Aussie couple sitting behind us.
by richwol1 on Aug 2, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Superstar
I admit, I tend to be suspicious of anyone who lingers unheralded in the minors for so long. Was Everidge even on our community prospect list at all at the beginning of the year? So yeah, I’m still expecting to see him go the way of Wes Bankston, Dan Johnson, Graham Koonce, etc.
I hope I’m wrong, of course. And if Tommy does become a superstar, the long wait makes for an even better story!
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The only thing that disappointed me is that it took until the very end for the game to sell out
This was one that the tickets should have disappeared for the moment it was announced. On top of that, they even did a promo discount for tickets and they were still available as of a few days ago.
It was all better once things got going but it just makes me sad that even something like this was almost not sold out.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 2, 2009 3:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I went to the Coliseum at 11am yesterday.
And using up a few of my “buy one, get one free” vouchers, was able to secure 10 seats in Sec 131. Together, too.
So yeah.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ouch
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 2, 2009 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Normally I am not a fan of the wave
But with a packed crownd doing it, it took me back to those Crazy George days. I think I echo your sentiments, and emperor’s, and everyone else who took part: truly a night to cherish,
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Admittedly, the wave does look a lot better with a full house
My friend and I generally despise the wave (and did not participate last night) but we did observe that it looked like it should if people are going to do it.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 2, 2009 9:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not a waver myself but yes, agree with you there.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's nothing like the wave split up by entire empty sections of seats
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 2, 2009 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed the wave
and, although I love a packed house and really shouldnt complain, how can it take me over 2 innings just to pick up some eats? In the 4th inning 2 stands completely ran out of hot dogs and the crack vending staff seemed dumbfounder that I might be a bit taken back by it. I asked the simple question “when will more be read7y?” and I swear it appeard that I just asked them to prove something about string theory.
The staff seemed completely unprepared for the large crowd. And while it took too long to sell out, I doubt they didnt realize it would be a large crowd.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
by 5Aces on Aug 2, 2009 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our Double-A team, the Midland RockHounds, had a no-hitter tonight.
Midland’s Arnold Leon and Jason Fernandez combined on the first no-hitter in the Texas League this season.
Asyouwish33 has the minor league lines for tonight’s games.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
Fern’s struggled a bit this year and I see they’re bringing him out of the bullpen now, so it’s nice to see him be a part of this. I’ve talked to him a couple times and he seems like a good guy.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Aug 2, 2009 3:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It took Brett Cecil 50 pitches to get through the first 2 innnings,
and 50 to get through the next five. Not good.
"True fact: In a global thermonuclear war, the only human who would survive would be David Eckstein" -PT
by travdog6 on Aug 1, 2009 11:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
not the best lineup Cecil will face in his major league career
by green tusks on Aug 1, 2009 11:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
He was just drafted in 2007 and seems like a pretty good pitcher.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 1, 2009 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So does anyone know
Where I can watch the retirement ceremony? I wanna see it =(
"I feel like we are sending Danny Haren for Mulder all over again." - Cardinal fan on the Matt Holliday trade
"But at this time of year, two plus two doesn't always add up to eight. Sometimes, it equals four." - Geoff Baker, Mariners beat writer.
by Orodawg on Aug 2, 2009 12:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You can watch it here.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 2, 2009 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks RRS
That was pretty special.
"I feel like we are sending Danny Haren for Mulder all over again." - Cardinal fan on the Matt Holliday trade
"But at this time of year, two plus two doesn't always add up to eight. Sometimes, it equals four." - Geoff Baker, Mariners beat writer.
by Orodawg on Aug 2, 2009 1:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Run Rickey Run!
Run Rickey Run!
Run Rickey Run!
Run Rickey Run!…
I'm a happy seal
by SwisherThresher on Aug 2, 2009 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
{chills}
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swing Sweeney Swing!
Swing Sweeney Swing!
Swing Sweeney Swing!
Swing Sweeney Swing!…
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 Aug 2, 2009 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crosby to Short
Come on, what do we have to lose? We make him happy to play SS. Upside=he hits .290 to finish season. downside=he hits like everyone else on team…. Screw the waiting around too… Give Carter a call, tell him to pick up Wallace in Sacramento on his way to Oakland….. get them here and play them. keep Tommy in the lineup, keep Rajai in the lineup, PLEASE keep Rajai in the lineup. lose hairston (injured anyways) lose Sweeney!
1010
C-Suzuki/Landen
1b- Tommy/Carter/Cust
2b-Ellis/Kennedy
SS-Penn/Crosby
3b-Kennedy/Wallace
Lf- Rickie Henderson/Hairston/Rajai
Cf-Rickie Henderson/Rajai/Sweeny
Rf-Rickie Henderson/Buck/rajai/Cust
by GSW-A's-Fan4life on Aug 2, 2009 3:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
downside = we have no idea if Pennington will be a viable option next year. Crosby’s done with the team after this year, so there’s no reason to play him at SS. They need to figure out their options for next year at this point.
by speckops on Aug 2, 2009 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweeney
Missed the game yesterday but just read the recap. I’m surprised Sweeney just sat there with the bat on his shoulder to end the game. The one thing Sweeney can do better than most on this team is get the bat on the ball. Must’ve been frustrating to watch.
by jdub69 on Aug 2, 2009 9:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I was just wondering why he took the bat with him in the first place.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe to defend himself in case he was attacked?
By the catcher, or the umpire, or by fresh fruit. If I were standing alone at a bus stop in a bad neighborhood, I might want to be holding a bat. I think that’s what Sweeney was thinking.
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 Aug 2, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweeney's mind-melts are scary
Seems that at times his brain just disappears. That’s why Geren benched him. In the long term, if he continues to lose focus, he’ll find himself working at Shooty Babbitt’s garage instead of playing in the major leagues.
by richwol1 on Aug 2, 2009 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fruit bat?
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tommy has one career home run?
You must have added the one he hit in your back yard (LOL) Nico.
Or are you counting the one he is going to have today?
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 Aug 2, 2009 10:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I keep thinking he HRed off of Papelbon
Wishful remembering.
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 Aug 2, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There -- I just edited it ever so slightly
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 Aug 2, 2009 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wait.
I’m the queen of wishful remembering!!!
"I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?" Yogi Berra
by BERRYJO on Aug 3, 2009 3:09 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Shields is pitching, um, a gem against the Royals.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 12:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Cool.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 2, 2009 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never mind.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why, you little — well, it’s okay.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 2, 2009 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't even say "no-no".
Sheesh.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Aug 2, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The moment I checked on the score he gave up a hit.
Awesome.
skigurl: Buy that man a Swatch!
by pam5981 on Aug 2, 2009 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How very Heisenbergian
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Aug 2, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're all gonna die or not die!
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Nico's case, I think it's actually the
Heineken uncertainty principle.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Aug 2, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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