Prove Us All Wrong, Tomko!
by Nico on Aug 17, 2009 9:27 AM PDT
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PrintAnd by that, I mean please last into the 3rd inning and keep the damage to less than 5 runs. This is the post where I hate on Brett Tomko for giving me less confidence than Dana Eveland, Edgar Gonzalez, or Dan Freaking Giese, which is hard to do. But you see, Tomko pitching well is actually slightly less likely than finding a pitcher named Danegardan Evezoliese, and let's face it: That's pretty unlikely.
Here are some things I'd like to see tonight:
1. Edgar Gonzalez getting loose in the bullpen as Tomko takes his warmups on the mound before the top of the 1st.
2. Kurt Suzuki putting down four fingers, Tomko calling him out to the mound to double-check the sign, and Suzuki explaining, "I'm calling for Mazzaro's fastball; you think I'm gonna call for yours?"
3. Suzuki putting down nine fingers, then one finger, then one finger. Where's On-Star when you need them?
4. A Scotsman on a horse.
5. The A's bring the infield in with a runner at 1st and nobody out, "just to get a head start."
I kid, I kid, I kid. Brett Tomko is not a horrible pitcher, he's just incapable of getting hitters out. He feels he didn't get "a fair shot" with the Yankees, because after posting a 5.23 ERA in 15 games, the Yankees wouldn't let him pitch for them any more. Even though last year he had proven himself with a 2-7 record, 6.97 ERA, and WHIP of 1.53 "pitching" for Kansas City. 60.2 IP, 80 hits, 11 of them HRs. Oops. Sounds like a lot of "shots" that stayed "fair," Brett!
What IS impressive about Tomko, in fairness to the guy, is that he's consistent. Here are his ERAs since 1998: 4.44, 4.92, 4.68, 5.19, 4.49, 5.28, 4.04, 4.48, 4.73, 5.80, 4.61, 6.97, 5.23. That's right, one season with an ERA below 4.44. So essentially, any 2-inning period in which Tomko gives up only 1 run means he's "really on his game right now."
What you'll hear scouts say is that Tomko "has a good arm." But no one ever asks the crucial follow-up question: Which arm? Tomko's left arm is like Derek Holland's back: Hubba hubba, folks. Sadly, the right one produces bombs at a rate rivaled only by CBS' comedy department. ("Tonight on The New Adventures Of Old Tomko: Hilarity ensues when the Yankees find themselves with five baserunners but only three bases they're allowed to be on, and Wanda Sykes has plenty to say about it.")
Go get 'em tonight, Brett! We kid because we love we're frightened.
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Tonight is going to suck.
There’s no good reason to start Tomko. Hell, let Jerome Williams try and prove he can do something still.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
I still think Tomko begged for one start against the Yankees...
…just because he thinks he can stick it to them.
Stranger things have happened.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
you think he's worked out a Pay to Play scheme?
Is this the A’s new money making idea? obv, they’ve got trial it with a ex ballplayer first, so that hopefully no-one will notice
My guess
…is that you may be right. Sometimes making it personal can work.
And sometimes, a crappy pitcher is still a crappy pitcher. I’d rather see Kirk Saarloos or Lenny DiNardo out there instead of Tomko. But at least it’s not Shawn Chacon (who has actually pitched some decent games in the past five years).
what I expect
5 innings and 3 runs. If he can just get through 5 innings that would be good. hat those yanks but not epecting to win today. Mazzaro is the concern if he can get over his head games and just pitch. Geren please start Powell and give Kurt a day off!
The one that made me LOL was
“I’m calling for Mazzaro’s fastball; you think I’m gonna call for yours?”
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
Seconded
will crosby spread his legs so far apart at bat that the games will have to be rated nc-17 -- emperor nobody
The Chad would crush us if he got the chance
I still think he could have become a strong 3/4 option in the rotation had we given him the chance. Then again, I liked Donnie Murphy, so what do I know?
As far as Tomko-time, I think we’re going to see a lot more of this type of thing as Billy tries to limit IP for Cahill and Anderson and to a lesser extent, Mazzaro. Is it ugly? Sure; but avoiding another Outman blowout in the future will make it worth it and limiting their IP in Aug/Sept is the best way to protect them.
by cityplANner on Aug 17, 2009 10:15 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
In September? How about by the 6th inning?
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
Doubt it
Gaudin’s been terrible this year and he was even worse in pitcher-friendly Petco.
Let him go, man. Let him goooooo.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Terrible's a strong word.
His K is actually quite good (109K in 108.1 IP), and he’s only giving up about a hit an inning. What’s killing him is walks, as he has 57 of them. He’s still very good at keeping the ball in the yard, too (only 8 HR). Since he’s still only 26, I think there’s a lot to still like about him.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Apparently starting on Wed against Brett Anderson
All Games and Comments are Subject to Blackout
by Hit4TheCycle on Aug 17, 2009 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions
I never know if I am supposed to reply to comments like this,
but they are always treasured. :-)
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
Except the ones you hate!
It’s like Crosby: Just throw out all the bad ABs and the guy’s hitting .812.
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
We love ALL your comments.
It’s YOU we hate! Throw out all the bad Nicos and we’d have… Noco?
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh thank God.
I thought you hated my comments. Yeah, I suck; this I realize.
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
No wait, now that I think about it
it’s all your fault that I suck.
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
WHAT??? JERK!!!!!!!!!!!
I don’t tend to go through the stages in classic order.
{Call me — I can change, really.}
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
Just as long as you get through the stages, I'm not sure it matter which order they're done in.
If you’re down with it, undies can go on over the pants.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions
What are undies?
And have you seen my pants?
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
I am completely bored at work, so I decided to downsize his career numbers
into a ridiculously optimistic 6 IP for tonight. The results:
6 IP, 6.31 hits, 3.37 runs, 1.93 BB, 3.99 K
Fully aware of the flawed, faulty basis of my projection process, I would totally be stoked with a similar line from Tomko tonight!!!
Forever the optimist…
"If, by 'journey', you mean, 'me coming to terms with my manlove', and the destination being 'Jack Cust' then yes. I agree." -bobnothing
To make things even more fun, our defensive alignment should be:
Nomar: 3B
Cust: SS
Everidge: 2B
Rajai: 1B
Rajai: Also LF
Powell: CF
Casilla: RF
Crosby: C
But seriously, what’s the roster move going to be to call B-Tom up? SuSlu says Nomar might be a goner.
The artist formerly known as HigherPie.
I hope Nomar is given to the Red Sox to finish his career there.
I think he deserves it, though I hate to give the Red Sox anything to be happy about.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions
also: remember when Byrnes said he could play SS or 3B if needed? lol
JUST BECAUSE YOURE STANDING THERE DOESNT MEAN YOU CAN PLAY IT!
I think he meant 'play' as in 'a play.' He'd be acting.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions
"Is this a grounder I see before me?
Forsooth, ‘tis now rolling in the corner. Ah, if only ’twere true that ’fair is foul and foul is fair!’"
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
"I'm not a shortstop, but I play one on TV."
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
I see that Rotoworld just posted
it’s Cunningham that’s being sent down.
Zeigler to Geren…."A-Rod? He’s my bitch." -alox
Duke returning to cool off the Yankees would have made for a nice storyline
The guy hasn’t pitched all season. How can he not have his non-baseball-related issues sorted out by now? If he’s not hurt he should be pitching. I just don’t get it. Anyone know what’s going on?
Introducing your 2010 Oakland Athletics Long Reliever, Justin Duchshererererer.
I think the non-baseball related issues are still an injury. Maybe he tweaked his back getting out of bed. I hate to say it, but I don’t think he’s going to be doing anything else this year, at least not on the big club. Maybe he’ll be cheap to resign for next year.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions
Speculation has been going on that he could have an illness
The reason being in some cases medical privacy is pointed out, vs. something like “family emergency.”
I dunno.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
Swine flu
Or as I like to call it, “hamthrax”
by cityplANner on Aug 17, 2009 12:13 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Do you catch that in Hamsterdam?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
You can get it from a third base coach,
if he gives a porcine.
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
what I expect
2 innings- 9 hits, 7 runs. I, too, would rather have Eveland pitching than Tomko. The only job Tomko deserves is being the pitcher at the All-Star Home run derby.
Really, I wish they would have asked ME to pitch.
I’d do just as good.
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
And Tomko's a pretty good blogger
Switchsies!!!!
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
It's an upgrade on both accounts!
"I’m Joey Devine, I’m what Joba Chamberlain would be if he was good and nobody had ever heard of him."
It t'ain't your hmm and it t'ain't your hah.
It just t’ain’t.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 2:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Fixed it for you
I think I have asalveslave for that
Well, not anymore
Reverse jinx doesn’t work if you say it’s supposed to be a reverse jinx.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
Is it merely the mention of a jinx that will nix said jinx,
or does said mention of a jinx require a declaration of intent?
If someone merely muses about a desire for a reverse-effect on said jinx, is that in itself a jinx of the aforementioned request that the original post would provide a reverse-jinx?
"If, by 'journey', you mean, 'me coming to terms with my manlove', and the destination being 'Jack Cust' then yes. I agree." -bobnothing
by dtownmbrown on Aug 17, 2009 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions
I believe the mere mention of a possible jinx or reverse-jinx will nullify any positive outcome
At least when it pertains to a positive outcome desired by the person doing the mentioning. Even if the intent or desire for a particular outcome is never stated, it usually is present implicitly by context which is sufficient to nullify the jinx’s positive (or anti-negative) effects.
However, I think discussing this for a Hopeless Cause such as Brett Tomko provides the opportunity for everyone to get on board with the idea and the understanding not to mention it ever again for future games/seasons.
There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.
I am the biggest Yankees fan ever
God bless Chris Chambliss.
I am so excited that the A’s are going to start the upcoming series with Brett Tomko. There will be runs o plenty for my wonderful Yankees.
that realization prompted my inquiry
"If, by 'journey', you mean, 'me coming to terms with my manlove', and the destination being 'Jack Cust' then yes. I agree." -bobnothing
Is this a rhetorical question, or am I supposed to answer it?
Here’s my reasoning:
A regular jinx is when you say “we’re going to win” (or some other good result) and by saying so you spoil it. So a reverse jinx would be when you say you’re sure of something bad (eg, Tomko sucking) and by saying so you make it not happen. But it only works if you really mean that you’re sure he’s going to be bad. If you say “wink wink, I’m only saying this to get a reverse jinx” then you don’t really mean it, thus no reverse jinx.
So technically what nixed the jinx here was saying “hopefully this works”, because that — unlike Nico, who was thorough in his pessimism — you are acknowledging that you actually still have hope that Tomko won’t suck.
… um, not that I believe in any of this stuff…
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
I predict 4 innings, no runs
unfortunately, there will be a 4 run inning sandwiched inbetween
I'm a Scotsman
Somebody just needs to get me a horse.
by Lafayette Scotsman on Aug 17, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions
I think we're gonna play...
7 guys in the outfield tonight. I surely wouldn’t want to be dodging bullets at 1st or 3rd base. Do they get combat pay?
by Keystone State on Aug 17, 2009 11:41 AM PDT reply actions
I have to agree with Rotoworld's synopsis
on Duke. Man up and at least TRY to earn 1/30th of what we’re paying you this year. Players have had divorces before why does his keep him from joining the team all the time?
I noticed that even in the positive report
on his rehab start in Arizona they mentioned that his velocity was down. Velocity has never been “up” with Duchscherer, even at his best.
wait Duke is getting a divorce?
"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 17, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Still?
It’s one hell of an acrimonious one if so—that was announced a long time ago.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
so long ago I had forgotten
"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 17, 2009 1:19 PM PDT up reply actions
apparently every time he’s had to skip a start in his rehab due to “personal matters” its been because of a custody battle. I know it sounds heartless but he’s only needed every 5th day, Im sure they can work around his schedule.
Maybe she's asking the court for custody of the cutter
Then it all comes together.
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
If reports are true, you'd think she already got custody of his velocity.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Looks like she also got custody of a half-or-so of his starts.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions
seriously, though
Duchscherer went through the divorce during the 2007-08 off season. I suspect that is not the “non-baseball related” problem that is keeping him from starting.
We lack any information, so our imaginations are free to run wild.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree
but given that the divorce battle was two years ago, it’s far more likely that it’s a different issue. Slusser –- who is likely to have more info than we do — suspects a medical issue.
I'm beginning to think it's a non-baseball medical issue.
And my imagination doesn’t see anything but bad from that.
by LoneStranger on Aug 18, 2009 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Trett Bomko
Yeah, he’s probably going to get shelled, but that’s the beauty of baseball where anything can happen. Like Ringo said “Tomorrow Never Knows”.
I guess we're still waiting for the other shoe to drop?
Rotoworld now has Tomko’s promotion as official, and it’s on the A’s website, but I don’t see anything about a corresponding roster move. Hopefully someone claimed Nomar and we’re in the process of getting something for him.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
What a waste of two weeks for him.
Welcome back to the log jam in Sacto.
He sat on the bench badly?
The A’s really care about posture.
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
He and I sure didn't care much for it,
so I imagine the A’s brass didn’t feel any different.
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
according to Slusser
nobody told Cunningham.
She remarks on what she thinks might be some communication issues this season on the part of the A’s management, and not only with Cunningham.
Somehow seems reasonable to want to know before RotoWorld knows.
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
I totally agree
Oh, BTW, you’ve been traded to Fear the Fin for a blogger to be named later. Sorry.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Great. And me with my dolphin phobia.
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
Um,
there are actually Sharks, not dolphins over there.
-The dude responsible for this mess
Proud member of the "Don't Trade Marleau" Club
I was only referring to the "fin"
Truth is, I’m actually French and I’m deeply afraid of endings.
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
Ridiculous
**UPDATE**The lineup is below, and first-base coach Todd Steverson tells me it was his job to let Cunningham know he’d been sent out but Cunningham proved elusive. “He was moving around too fast,” Steverson said. OK, it happens, but maybe then make sure that the lineup card is on hold until Cunningham is found?
will crosby spread his legs so far apart at bat that the games will have to be rated nc-17 -- emperor nobody
And why is this Steverson's responsibility anyway?
will crosby spread his legs so far apart at bat that the games will have to be rated nc-17 -- emperor nobody
"I gave the info to Bengie Molina ,
and asked Bengie to tell Cunningham, but somehow he didn’t get to Cunningham in time," Steverson explained.
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
Stassi signs with A's
As per MLBTradeRumors.
"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.
At least they're conscious of our young pitchers arms
and we don’t have Nolan Ryan and Dusty Baker running the team. Our guys’ arms would seriously fall off.
If you think Billy Beane is a bad GM, I hate you and find you stupid.
Situation Tomko
What Giants fans used to say back when he started for them. He was horrendous, obviously, but apparently quite the artist as the Gmen handed out a poster one night of his sketches – still have that.
Tonight will be brutal theatre, but I wouldn’t dare miss it.
Working on perfecting the PandaDance....
Sounds like a sketchy character
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
you're bottomless with those witticisms, aren't you?
"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 17, 2009 4:27 PM PDT up reply actions
He's bottomless, yes.
Put some pants on, Nico.
by LoneStranger on Aug 17, 2009 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions
now that's an image I didn't need
"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 17, 2009 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I've been bottomless ever since the day I laughed my ass off.
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
So my A's are starting Brett Tomko
against the best team in the American League and my Raiders have a Head Coach who likes to go around breaking the jaws of his assistant coaches. One thing is for sure if the A’s keep throwing guys like Tomko out there Oakland is going to lead the sporting world in knockouts.
The only thing I have to say in regards to #4 is...
Lemon curry?
I'll have a sandwich and a draft(sic). - Bill King (RIP)
Errr, I will not interrupt the top of the 1st inning for a pound.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Livan Hernandez is kind of the appetizer to Brett Tomko
5.1 IP, 11 hits, so far 5 ER. As his “parting pitch,” he just tried to give up a grand slam to Schierholz but missed by a couple feet.
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
Wings and Fat Tire Ale at the Westside Club
Watched the Rangers rough up Francisco Liriano— who hasn’t been the same pitcher since his operation.
BART was full of A’s fans. Sure, lots of Yankee fans, but lots of A’s fans here.
I think this is the first time I’ve posted from the Coli…
by OaklandSi on Aug 17, 2009 6:29 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Liriano's kind of a sad story, in that
prior to his injury he looked like one of the most exciting young pitchers in the game. He may never get back there.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
For awhile there Liriano looked like he was going
to make Twins fans not feel so bad about losing Santana but now he looks like just another pitcher who has had injury ruin his career. I think guys like this are why teams are so reluctant to spend big money on pitching.
As much as I get down on the A’s not keeping anyone it’s hard to argue that they made a mistake not investing huge money to keep any of the big 3. Two of them have broken down and the one guy whose stayed healthy is a 15 million dollar a year five inning pitcher.
This is just another reason why I hope some of the good young players that fuel the next A’s run are hitters and not just the young starting pitchers.
What's something like that cost at the WSC?
by LoneStranger on Aug 18, 2009 8:41 AM PDT up reply actions
wings $9.50, draft beer $7.50
plus tax was $18 and change, plus I tipped of course
they give you a good amount of wings, plus carrots and celery and the bleu cheese dressing to dip.
I love me some wings.
I’ll have to try it sometime. You sit there the whole game?
by LoneStranger on Aug 18, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
So...this is...
awkward.
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
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