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GOG 2009 #43

September is here (well, it will be here tomorrow at least), so the A's schedule is packed full of the AL West. I'm really not looking forward to any more games against Seattle, but we can take solace in the series starting today against the woeful Kansas City Royals. As usual, Posnanski puts it best:

But this Royals team reminds me of that 1993 Mets team in this way — they are not without talent. But they will do what’s necessary to lose games. The 2005 Royals went out there every day knowing that the team across the dugout was better than they were. These Royals, on the other hand, are bad when Zack Greinke’s pitching. They are also bad when they score five runs in a game (4-10 record in those games if you can believe that). They don’t SCORE five runs in a game very often … but they still find ways to lose when they do.
...
They are also — and I admit this is an unofficial stat but I’m pretty confident about it — the league leader in times a player forgot the number of outs. The other day, catcher Miguel Olivo ran off the field with two outs which was staggering not because it was unusual (it has to be the third time this year Olivo has forgotten the number of outs) but because only two batters had come to the plate. It wasn’t like it was a long inning or something.
...
They are also — and I admit this is an unofficial stat but I’m pretty confident about it — the league leader in times a player forgot the number of outs. The other day, catcher Miguel Olivo ran off the field with two outs which was staggering not because it was unusual (it has to be the third time this year Olivo has forgotten the number of outs) but because only two batters had come to the plate. It wasn’t like it was a long inning or something.

Star-divide

Ok, that is getting to be a pretty long quote up there (of course, since it's from Posnanski's blog, it only amounts to about one fifth of the whole article). The point is to be thankful that, while the A's are an occasionally frustrating team that is lacking in talent, particularly on the offensive side, they at least can play some defense, hold a lead late in the game, and occasionally surprise you with a clutch hit. I can't say it enough: at least they aren't the Royals.

Links

GOG #43 :: The Royals Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha! (34 points possible)

Three game series vs Kansas City Royals -- August 31, September 1-2

UPDATE -- answers added below in bold

  1. Series outcome [3 points] 2-1 Oakland
  2. Edgar Gonzalez is back in the starting rotation. Predict his IP/ER/BB [2 points each] 5 IP, 1 ER, 1 BB
  3. Billy Butler's 41 doubles put him in a four way tie for 2nd place (Brian Roberts leads baseball with 48 doubles). In the last series against Oakland, he hit four doubles (including three in one game). How many two-baggers for the Royals big 1B/DH in this series? [3 points] no doubles for Butler
  4. I've been pretty critical of Ryan Sweeney, because of his lack of power and inability to take a walk, but the only position players on the team who have posted more wins above replacement are Holliday and Davis (Suzuki is close, though, and Fangraphs WAR doesn't try to evaluate catcher defense, so there is a good argument for Suzuki being more valuable than Sweeney). How many hits in this series for Ryan? [3 points] 3 hits
  5. Miguel Olivo is having his best year with the bat, if it's at all possible to say that about someone with a .274 OBP. He has 17 home runs but he is swinging at an amazing 44.5% of pitches out of the zone. Predict his BB/K/HR against Oakland [2 points each] 0 BB, 3 K, 0 HR
  6. Kyle Farnsworth has had a very interesting season. A FIP of 3.12 is pretty darn good, as is a K/BB ratio of 3.88. On the other hand, the ERA of 5.40 is not so impressive. The best part is that pretty much all of his meltdowns have come in the late innings of close games. Fangraphs calculates a clutch score which is the difference between win probability added in high leverage and low leverage situations. Farnsworth's clutch score of -3.13 wins is far and away the worst for any player in baseball. Will the A's face Farnsworth in any game where the score is within two runs? Will Farnsworth allow any earned runs in the series (in any situation, not just a close game)? [+1 for each right answer, -1 for each wrong] Yes, Farnsworth did pitch in a two-run game. He did allow one earned run.
  7. If they had been able to hang on to all of their players, the Royals could be featuring an outfield of Johnny Damon, Carlos Beltran, and Jermaine Dye instead of David DeJesus, Jose Guillen, Mitch Maier, Coco Crisp, Mark Teahen, and whoever else. How many RBI for Royals outfielders in the series? [3 points] 3 RBI
  8. Twenty eight games is way too few to really say anything, but UZR likes Pennington's defense so far at shortstop. He's been pretty much average in terms of range and double plays, but zero errors on 38 put outs and 86 assists is pretty good. How many assists for Pennington in the series? Will he commit his first major league error? [3 points for the first part, +-1 for the second part] 8 assists, no errors
  9. The active roster expands on September 1. The A's will use the extra space to take Crosby off the DL and probably also add some bullpen depth, since Gonzalez is back in the rotation. Guess which new addition to the major league roster contributes the most win probability added for Oakland [3 points] Blevins contributes the most WPA, with +.074 spread over two appearances. Other September call-ups who saw action are Kilby (.014 WPA) and Eveland (.001 WPA).
  10. Joe Posnanski has started the push for the Royals to call up Disco Hayes (the nickname "Disco" is because he throws his fastball in the 70's!), a submarining relief pitcher who is currently pitching in AAA Omaha. Will Hayes get a September call up (during this series)? [+1 if right, -1 if wrong] nope

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm. You all know what to do by now.

Results

Wow, really high scores on this one. I guess I'm being nicer with the questions. Olivo's BB and HR were pretty much gimmes. Same with the Disco Hayes question, and whether or not Pennington would get an error (swatnick pointed out in his entry that it might be more about the official scorekeeper in Oakland than it is about Cliff).

Overall scoring statistics

  • mean = 11.8571 points
  • standard deviation = 4.81755 points
  • mode = 10 points
Gog2009_43_medium

via cfcp.uchicago.edu

Your Scores

Congratulations to muffinpryde for dominating this GOG! Also, we have three new members of the 200 points club, muffinpryde, swatnick, and oblique, plus Angry Sean is knocking on the door...

nameplace (this GOG)score (this GOG)# of GOGsplace (all GOG)score (all GOG)place (by AVG)score by AVG
muffinpryde122361120624 0.172
swatnick21823112061 0.271
micdog20011835625010 0.216
oblique417351020821 0.180
zaniac755114123234 0.240
A'sfaninNC113532675 0.234
doctorK71043723327 0.165
colin1042525519 0.185
stranahanahan1084144N/E 0.171
streetfan109391518530 0.144
JLeverenz118261617911 0.211
nevermoor84113333 0.248
Angry Sean137381419729 0.156
Rated-R Superstar73742609 0.217
Mantecan As FanDNP--1951N/E 0.024
SoCal As FanDNP--14309316 0.200
NateHSTDNP--15251127 0.225
DCinWCDNP--16328428 0.158
GoAsDNP--32921417 0.199
mikeADNP--3182326 0.227
ZeroIndulgenceDNP--202411623 0.176
gigglingoneDNP--16231178 0.225
KimberlyDNP--211913118 0.189
vegAN ryANDNP--45227N/E 0.185
diehardoaklandfan22DNP--162710613 0.202
Walton711DNP--1789N/E 0.214
travdog6DNP--2951N/E 0.013
BooneeDNP--35819N/E 0.174
RayJEddDNP--1228104N/E 0.252
A'sBowlingLeagueDNP--25819N/E 0.244
elephantbaseballDNP--192012615 0.200
brian.onlyDNP--46914N/E 0.096
robertmelvinDNP--64341N/E 0.188
OaktownPowerDNP--162611014 0.201
roscoeDNP--291716125 0.168
FlashfireDNP--1876N/E 0.143
designatedforassignmentDNP--36816N/E 0.145
tresselfanDNP--4847N/E 0.046
KMoAsFanDNP--45720N/E 0.137
Gallagher's WatermelonsDNP--17410N/E 0.238
GreenOctober69DNP--1818N/E 0.190
SLOtownDNP--103660N/E 0.174
baseballnut020DNP--94051N/E 0.173
MaineAthleticDNP--123373N/E 0.187
j_rich36DNP--1847N/E 0.167
scutaroknowsthewayDNP--1923N/E 0.071
train80DNP--351120622 0.179
FormerHuntsvilleStarDNP--113188N/E 0.251
jay_senseiDNP--64144N/E 0.227
easyraiderDNP--14299912 0.206
Athletix ManDNP--93759N/E 0.199
Athletics fan and runnerDNP--65227N/E 0.133
Holy Toledo!DNP--1923N/E 0.083
NicoDNP--17410N/E 0.278
EddieVegas_NRAFDNP--199-1N/E-0.028
JLaffDNP--1914N/E 0.111
WaddellCansecoDNP--55128N/E 0.164
crb29DNP--113470N/E 0.196
eastcoasta'sfanDNP--45623N/E 0.161
OaktownflavDNP--36417N/E 0.156
Future EdDNP--64341N/E 0.197
JediLeroyDNP--1818N/E 0.222
DalesmanDNP--2876N/E 0.083
nateh37DNP--74539N/E 0.174
anomaly_katDNP--36118N/E 0.173
sprtsnwynDNP--26417N/E 0.250
VORP is too nerdyDNP--44732N/E 0.234
asyouwish33DNP--1818N/E 0.250
jeffroDNP--46118N/E 0.150
CutthemulletDNP--35524N/E 0.238
stabbin_mcadamsDNP--17410N/E 0.312
jasontheaDNP--44930N/E 0.219
fruitattackDNP--114831N/E 0.086
adragonDNP--281815226 0.167
Helloooo 1stDNP--64634N/E 0.165
King RichardDNP--27113N/E 0.203
jplDNP--83955N/E 0.222
baseballgirlDNP--17410N/E 0.286
whiteshoes40DNP--18356831 0.116
walkoff baltimore chopDNP--1847N/E 0.200
spiffyjwcDNP--27113N/E 0.194
samljmDNP--1789N/E 0.265
pam5981DNP--73759N/E 0.276
Gaijin_SukettoDNP--16914N/E 0.424
harenshairDNP--15201262 0.249
toskDNP--55029N/E 0.179
mikevDNP--16417N/E 0.515
Leopold BloomDNP--1951N/E 0.029
ElQuesoCapitanDNP--36118N/E 0.194
TrainmanDNP--2923N/E 0.049
OptimistPrimeDNP--1895N/E 0.179
dtownmbrownDNP--45425N/E 0.182
BlicksDNP--212012620 0.183
chillicothe20DNP--1789N/E 0.265
ChadGodDNP--17113N/E 0.382
SamYamDNP--35819N/E 0.186
JLopezDNP--3895N/E 0.051
robbo650DNP--46417N/E 0.132
Steve in NapaDNP--1951N/E 0.032

2 recs  |  Comment 23 comments

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Did you know you can comment on Athletics Nation from your phone or PDA? SB Nation has launched mobile commenting. Check it out next time you're at the game or bar and have something to say.

   1. A’s sweep
   2. 6/4/3
   3. 1
   4. 4
   5. 0/4/0
   6. Yes, Yes
   7. 5
   8. 12, No
   9. Crosby
  10. No

"There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want" -Bill Watterson

by nevermoor on Aug 31, 2009 11:01 AM PDT reply actions   0 recs

GOGing my heart out
  1. 3-0 Oakland
  2. Edgar :: 6 IP, 3 ER, 2 BB
  3. 2 doubles for Butler
  4. 5 hits for Sweeney
  5. Olivo :: 0 BB, 4 K, 0 HR
  6. Farnsworth does not pitch in a close game. The A’s do not score off of him.
  7. 3 RBI for KC outfielders
  8. 10 assists for Pennington. No errors.
  9. Blevins
  10. no way

by colin on Aug 31, 2009 12:02 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

4 points accumulated over the last 2 GOGs. Ouch.

1. A’s Sweep
2. 5/4/2
3. 2
4. 5
5. 0/4/0
6. Yes, yes
7. 4
8. 10, No
9. None
10. NO

"Did you know you can comment on Athletics Nation from your phone or PDA? SB Nation has launched mobile commenting. Check it out next time you’re at the game or bar and have something to say."

by stranahanahan on Aug 31, 2009 12:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

   1. A’s 2, Royals 1
   2. 5/3/2
   3. 1
   4. 5
   5. 0/3/1
   6. Yes, No
   7. 3
   8. 11, No
   9. Blevins
  10. No

by oblique on Aug 31, 2009 12:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Gunning for 200 GOG pts

   1. 3-0 A’s
   2. 5/3/3
   3. 2 Doubles
   4. 4 hits
   5. 0/4/0
   6. Yes to close game, no to earned runs
   7. 4 RBIs
   8. 13 assists, 0 errors
   9. Good grief, I dunno. Travis Buck I guess?"
  10. No

There is no gravity - the earth just sucks.

by JLeverenz on Aug 31, 2009 1:11 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

For me, quantity beats quality

1. A’s 3-0
2. 5 IP/3 ER/2 BB
3. 2 juicy doubles
4. 5 hits
5. 0 BB/4 K/0 HR
6. yes, yes
7. 5
8. 12, no
9. Cunningham
10. No, Disco died 29 years ago.

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

by doctorK on Aug 31, 2009 1:27 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Royals

The Royals took a 3-0 win over the M’s with Zach Greinke K-ing up 15, and they tied the series 2-2. The A’s have not really done wll against them this year compared to the other teams, so it should be exciting.

by br0nxb0mbers23 on Aug 31, 2009 2:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Can I extend my GOG guesses starting tomorrow? Bring up 3 more guesses per GOG?

1.2-1 A’s
2. 5/2/2
3.1
4.5
5.1/3/0
6.Yes, No
7.6
8.11/no
9.Crosby
10.no

"Macha hates you"- Tacoma fans heckling Kielty

by zaniac75 on Aug 31, 2009 3:07 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

GOG 43

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

by muffinpryde on Aug 31, 2009 3:22 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Well that didn't turn out so well

1. 2-1 A’s
2. 5/4/2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 0/3/0
6. yes no
7. 3
8. 8/no
9. Blevins
10. no

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

by muffinpryde on Aug 31, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

You got the title

and the number right!

by streetfan on Aug 31, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

That should warrant me over 9000 points.

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

by muffinpryde on Aug 31, 2009 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

  1. 2-1 A’s
  2. 6IP/ 3ER/ 3BB
  3. Two
  4. Four
  5. 0BB/ 2K/ 0HR
  6. No, No
  7. Eight
  8. 11,No
  9. Nobody
  10. No

by Angry Sean on Aug 31, 2009 3:41 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

  1. 2-1, Athletics
  2. 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 2 BB
  3. 1 double
  4. 5 hits
  5. 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR
  6. No; no
  7. 5 RBI
  8. 10 assists; 0 errors
  9. Bobby Crosby
  10. No

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 31, 2009 3:48 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Where is Dallas Braden?

Three game series vs Kansas City Royals — Aug 31, Sept 1-2

   1. Series outcome A’s 2, KC 1
   2. Edgar Gonzalez is back in the starting rotation. Predict his IP/ER/BB 6IP, 3ER, 3BB
   3. Billy Butler’s 41 doubles put him in a four way tie for 2nd place (Brian Roberts leads baseball with 48 doubles). How many two-baggers for the Royals big 1B/DH in this series? 2
   4. I’ve been pretty critical of Ryan Sweeney, because of his lack of power and inability to take a walk, but the only position players who have posted more wins above replacement are Holliday and Davis. How many hits in this series for Ryan? 7
   5. Miguel Olivo is having his best year with the bat, if it’s at all possible to say that about someone with a .274 OBP. Predict his BB/K/HR against Oakland 2BB, 3K, 1HR
   6. Kyle Farnsworth has had a very interesting season. A FIP of 3.12 is pretty darn good, as is a K/BB ratio of 3.88. Will the A’s face Farnsworth in any game where the score is within two runs? Will Farnsworth allow any earned runs in the series (in any situation, not just a close game)? Yes, they’ll face Farnsworth; he allows 2 ER
   7. If they had been able to hang on to all of their players, the Royals could be featuring an outfield of Johnny Damon, Carlos Beltran, and Jermaine Dye instead of David DeJesus, Jose Guillen, Mitch Maier, Coco Crisp, Mark Teahen, and… How many RBI for Royals outfielders in the series? 4
   8. Twenty-eight games is way too few to really say anything, but UZR likes Pennington’s defense so far at shortstop. How many assists for Pennington in the series? Will he commit his first major league error? 9 assists, no errors
   9. The active roster expands on September 1. The A’s will use the extra space to take Crosby off the DL and probably also add some bullpen depth. Guess which new addition to the major league roster contributes the most win probability added for Oakland Everidge returns (I hope)
  10. Posnanski has started the push for the Royals to call up Disco Hayes (the nickname “Disco” is because his fastball in the 70’s!). Will Hayes get a September call up (during this series)? No

by streetfan on Aug 31, 2009 3:51 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

GOG 43

1. 2-1 A’s
2. 5/2/2
3. 1
4. 5
5. 1/3/0
6. Yes, No ER’s
7. 6
8. 10/no
9. Crosby
10. no

Bad spellers of the world untie.

by A'sfaninNC on Aug 31, 2009 4:21 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

Back from vacation, ready to GOG. got a "win" with 6 points before I left, woot.

1. A’s 2-1
2. 5 IP/ 3 ER/ 3 BB
3. 2 doubles
4. 3 hits
5. 0 BB/ 3 K’s/ 0 HR
6. yes/yes
7. 3 rbi
8. 9 assists
9. Reineke
10. Yes

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

by micdog2001 on Aug 31, 2009 6:04 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

18 points, my best score ever?

and 250 points total, sweet.

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

by micdog2001 on Sep 3, 2009 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Go A's

   1. 2-1 A’s
   2. 5/3/3
   3. 0
   4. 3
   5. 0/2/0
   6. No, no
   7. 3
   8. 7, no (I’m sure I’m not the only one who has noticed the A’s scorekeeper almost never calls errors, except when the are so mind-numbingly obvious that they have no choice)
   9. Cunningham
  10. No

by swatnick on Aug 31, 2009 6:56 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

it could happen

but my gut feeling is that they’ll leave Cunningham with the Rivercats for the AAA playoffs.

by colin on Sep 1, 2009 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

Agreed

Didn't come up here to read. Came up here to hit.
-Hank Aaron

by br0nxb0mbers23 on Sep 1, 2009 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions   0 recs

i agree

Didn't come up here to read. Came up here to hit.
-Hank Aaron

by br0nxb0mbers23 on Sep 1, 2009 2:33 PM PDT reply actions   0 recs

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