Rivercats Eyeball Roundup: The J's Have It
by Nico on Apr 18, 2010 7:00 PM PDT
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PrintExcited as I was to see Chris Carter and Michael Taylor in action, the two guys who really caught my eye last night in Sacramento's 2-0 win were Josh Donaldson (say, he might be better than you think!) and Jai Miller.
First of all, if the score suggests a dominant pitching performance I wouldn't add Clayton Mortensen to your fantasy team just yet. He wiggled in and out of trouble early, then settled down and pitched quite nicely, but his 7 shutout innings didn't somehow excite me. Here's what I saw:
Josh Donaldson: Donaldson caught all 9 innings and wound up making three throws to 2B, two on stolen base attempts and one on a pitch that bounced a few feet away. Donaldson cut down all three runners with absolute bullets right over the 2B bag.
We already have a pretty good idea of what Donaldson can do as a hitter: With very good patience at the plate, a short and quick swing, and only moderate power, he projects to be only a decent hitter for a 3Bman but good for a catcher (a line of .270/.350/.440 would not be far fetched). The question is where Donaldson can play defensively. All I can say is that behind the plate, the guy looked a whole lot more like Landon Powell than Jake Fox. By a lot.
Jai Miller: What stood out to me last night is that Miller has really quick hands at the plate. He may not have "Bette Davis eyes" but he might have "Howie Kendrick wrists," and that's probably more useful given Miller's chosen line of work. Now he flailed at back-to-back sliders down and away (let me be more concise: He "Crosbyed") in his last AB, but the two base hits he lined impressed me for how quick his hands looked.
Michael Taylor: The swing still looks long to me (An OFer walks into the bar and the bartender says, "Hey, why the long swing?"), but Taylor electrified the crowd in the 8th inning with an all-out diving catch, on a ball in front of him, to save a run. He still doesn't look 100% comfortable against AAA pitching and should not, IMO, be called up for a while yet.
Chris Carter: Carter lined a solid single up the middle in his first AB and then went down pretty quietly thereafter. However, every time I've seen him I have to say he doesn't look at all like a hacker. His swing is pretty controlled, his patience and calmness evident.
Defensively, he handled the only grounder hit to him with ease and made a good play taking an errant throw and tagging the runner going by, but in 3 games I still have yet to see him attempt to field a sharp ground ball or one that forces him to range in either direction. However, each time I have seen him he has looked pretty comfortable at 1B -- not like a guy who desperately needs to be DHing. But I haven't seen him try to do anything especially challenging, either.
This has been another episode of Small Sample Theater, brought to you by Acuvue: Creating "eyeball scouts" for over 50 years!
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Thanks Nico
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
It would be sweet if Donaldson could stick at catcher.
I’ve been wanting a guy like George Williams on the team again since I was 7, I just didn’t know it.
Thanks for the commentary.
How does Dave Winfield strike you as a comp for Taylor? I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that one before, but it strikes me as valid—two smart, tall, athletic guys with long swings. I think Winfield was somewhat more athletic, but perhaps not quite as baseball savvy.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Considering Taylor himself made the Winfield comparison, I'd say it's a fair one so far
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Ah, that must have been where I heard it :-).
Winfield had a great arm, and I haven’t heard that Taylor does. If Winfield is the result the A’s get, they’re going to be in great shape.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Scratch that
HE didn’t say it, but it was in here:
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/08/2663312/all-eyes-on-these-cats.html
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Dave Winfield is one of my all-time favorite players.
Too bad he never played for a team I could root for.
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions
If you couldn't root for the 70s padres
you have no heart
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
I guess the validity of the comparison
depends on whether or not Taylor goes on to be an All-Star level player.
In theory, the comp is good —but Winfield was a very, very good player and I’m not ready to assume yet that Taylor will be.
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
not too serious question
but isnt it technically racist, to make this comparison? Like, Taylor could be the next Dave Kingman too…
Yeah, Taylor isn't a Kingman like hitter
I think Carter is more potentially a Kingman like guy, the feast or famine raw power dude.
Winfield is an interesting comparison for Taylor. I personally think it has less to do with them both being black and more to do with them both being very big guys who also have athletic ability.
Back when he was at Stanford, I used to hear folks compare him to Frank Thomas a lot and I always felt that was more “racist” than the Winfield comparison. I don’t know if racist is the right word, but folks compared him to Thomas because he is big and looks physically imposing like Thomas. They are not remotely similar as players… Taylor in his best big league seasons will potentially hit 30ish Home Runs to Thomas’ 50ish. Taylor will be a good outfielder. The thought of Big Frank in the outfield is hilarious.
I think another potential similar player for Taylor is Dale Murphy. For Taylor to live up to WInfield or Murphy is gonna take a lot of work, especially on his defense. But, in any event, those are the sort of players I think of as being the ceiling for Taylor. Hitting .300 with 25 to 35 bombs, swiping some bags and playing above average outfield defense.
Do either Carter or Taylor come with a rat and/or misogyny?
‘Cause it really wouldn’t be Dave Kingman without them!
There is no "i" in Teamocil. At least not where you'd think.
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 19, 2010 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I don't know if "racist" is the right term, and this isn't at all an isolated case
it seems like it happens quite often. I mean you don’t hear about Dustin Pedroia being compared to Lou Whitaker too often too. Comps should be based off style of play and game, not color of skin.
That being said: shit, I hope and pray to every possible god that Taylor becomes the new Dave Winfield and has a HOF career!
Race very much comes into play.
Smallish white guys are always compared to David Eckstein, regardless of how they actually play.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Yeah...
I sort of think of it as “passive racism” if such a thing exists. Physical appearance shouldn’t really have much to do with evaluating or projecting a player unless it is something like : “This dude can rake but he is fat as hell and a potential injury risk. Can we make him eat less ZIngers?”
Like I said, Taylor to Thomas was one that used to make me cringe and I had to hear it from my own family members (who are mostly not racist).
It's not at ALL racist in this context
What it is is weighting the wrong characteristic (skin color) too heavily (at all is probably too much).
The fact is, at a first glance, on the surface, two white guys are more similar in appearance than a white and a black guy. That’s why people tend to look for similar looking players when making a comp. I think it’s far more of a natural “grouping like things” problem that all humans have than anything racist.
That doesn’t mean it’s good for evaluation purposes.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I totally agree
It’s the lazy but natural effect of grouping people together because they kind of look similar.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Young latin infielders with power potential
Are ALWAYS compared to Miguel Cabrera. Every time. And OF’ers are Beltran.
"The A's have to be setting some record this year for simultaneously maximizing team quality and player anonymity. I guess that’s sort of their thing though." - Luke in MN
no
Dave Winfield’s avg. major league season was .283/.353/.475. 127 ops+. He averaged 25 home runs a year, and 60 xbh. He walked a little bit less than 10% of the time and he struck out 15% of the time.
So far in the minors, Michael Taylor has walked a little bit less than 10% of the time, he’s struck out about 15% of the time, he’s hit for high average, and he’s shown well above average but not elite power. Before you go to race and body type, just as hitters, they’re very similar.
by AgitationStation on Apr 19, 2010 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions
First of all, it's not racist even if you tend to make the comparison at least partially because of skin color
A racial component =/= racist (at least not necessarily and absolutely).
Secondly, maybe the Winfield comparison was made because of everything else, and they just so happen to both be black. Kind of a strong assumption to make that the comp is racially motivated, is it not?
(For what it’s worth, I do find it interesting that we tend to compare white guys to white guys and black guys to black guys. It’s still not racist.)
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
WTF is wrong with you people?
Racist? How is comparing the look and playing ability of a prospect with those of a hall of famer infer racial superiority?
And before you say anything, you know what I mean by “you people,” so don’t go there either.
YOU PEOPLE!
Whatdya mean you people!
Keep in mind, of course, that "the best defense of Derek Jeter's life" ranks somewhere in between "the best fiscal responsibility of Mike Tyson's life" and "the best not-getting-assassinated-ness of James Garfield's life." -FJM
Us People?
Us people, were thinking, more stereotyping, than racism, but us people, are more athletes, than scholars, and we sure as hell can’t float.
by theblackpearl on Apr 19, 2010 7:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Down With Up With People!
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Out With Down With Up With People!
It was particularly funny to hear Bailey asking the director, "You want me to say ‘nipple clipper’ as a question?" Susan Slusser via The Drumbeat 03/20/2010
I think PL78
wasn’t saying it was racism, but couldn’t put his/her finger on why it bothers him/her. It bothers me too, FWIW.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
Yup
That’s pretty much it. Why do I see a tall, athletic black LF and immediately think of Dave Winfield without even looking at their respective gameplay? Seeing others posting it made me think it might be some kind of problem with everyone, but jeepers and jeffro gave good arguments otherwise. I guess its not racist but more of sense memory than anything else, its a deep psychological thing. It doesnt have to do with prejudicing so its not racist by definition. I dont think its anything like the Eckstien comprables, those are definitely racist in the classic sense, in the old “black players dont hustle” school of fucked up thought. This is more like Person A is exactly the same physically and does the same job as Person B, so I want to say they are the same in many ways and group them together, which, while lazy, is an instinctive logic stream that exists in everyones mind.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
It's easier to be colorblind if your main baseball experience
is radio. There have been many many times when I finally see a guy on the screen and my reaction is “huh? that guy is white?” or “huh? that guy is black?”.
In fact, that happened to me just today in Zonis’s new system watch thread, with Grant Green.
I also wouldn’t have known Dave Winfield is black before reading this thread. I knew his name, but that’s about it.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
I would have thanks to Parker Brothers Baseball
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually, I just thought that looking at the SystemUpdate thread about Nino Leyja.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Dave WInfield is truly a specimen
black, white, brown, yellow or otherwise… He was drafted by 4 teams in 3 sports coming out of the University of Minnesota. How ridiculous is that?
And… he wasn’t even drafted as an outfielder, he was drafted as a pitcher by the San Diego Padres, a forward by the Atlanta Hawks and Utah Stars and as a Tight End by the Minnesota Vikings, despite not playing football in college.
Yeah, first time I saw Tyson Ross I thought,
“Well that’s not Ross; that’s a black pitcher.”
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
Sometimes I get confused
Like, what the hell was Joey Hairston? At first I was like, “he totally reminds me of David Ortiz.” But then I was like, “no he’s more like Erubiel Durazo.” IMG like WTF? So confusing…
that is so funny, if you're kidding.
If you’re not kidding, the name is spelled Joey Hariston.
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Grant Green is white or black?
I thought he was Green.
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions
He's 50% Purple, 35% Orange & 15% Teal
It was particularly funny to hear Bailey asking the director, "You want me to say ‘nipple clipper’ as a question?" Susan Slusser via The Drumbeat 03/20/2010
He's both... he averages out to 18% gray.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
Well..
but isnt it technically racist, to make this comparison?
He’s asking the question.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I think the word you're looking for is "racialist"
I’m not saying that this is what characterized this particular comparison (in fact, I don’t think it is. Taylor and Winfield may in fact be similar ballplayers), but the tendency to compare ballplayers only to other players of their same race is a form of categorization that takes race as the primary characteristic through which to order human diversity. This is “racialism.”
Racialism can be distinguished from pretending race doesn’t exist (the so-called “colorblind” approach) and recognizing that race is an important aspect of identity that shapes social experience (I don’t know what to call this…I guess reality?).
Racialism is a deeply problematic and all around unhelpful form of thinking. It can sort of be distinguished from racism (belief in the superiority or inferiority of a given race), but this can sometimes be a tricky separation to make. Racialism is not racism per se, but it gives rise to it.
I'd love it if Carter and Taylor could both get a full year at AAA
and that Barton, Davis and Sweeney give the A’s no choice but to keep them there.
"I get nervous every fifth day," Braden said. "I figure the day that goes away is the day I saddle up behind the 7-Eleven desk."
That would be ideal
Both those guys are legitimately exciting prospects, but both are still pretty raw.
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 about Matt Carson, whats your impression of him?
I’d like to see a strict platoon with him and Gross, send Buck down.
"I get nervous every fifth day," Braden said. "I figure the day that goes away is the day I saddle up behind the 7-Eleven desk."
Honestly, I see Carson as AAAA filler
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
dang, i guess he's probably gone when Doolittle returns
"I get nervous every fifth day," Braden said. "I figure the day that goes away is the day I saddle up behind the 7-Eleven desk."
His position might save him -- he plays CF, which Taylor and Doolittle don't.
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
BTW, I didn't mean "AAAA filler" in a pejorative way
I just don’t get the feeling he’s part of the big league club’s plans, more of a placeholder for younger guys.
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 still don't get it why is he placeholding for Corey Brown
I don’t see what’s the point of having Carson in AAA anymore. Calling him up and playing him against lefties in Oakland is actually a pretty interesting idea, at the moment. He can’t possibly hit lefties worse than our current LF options. Either that or trade/release.
The team still thinks Eric Patterson has some positive use for a major league baseball team.
It can’t be long before they realize he doesn’t.
Also, if they’re calling up a right-handed hitting OF, I’d much rather see Miller than Carson.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't see how Miller hits .200 in the American League
He’s like a poor man’s Chris Young. Who isn’t that great to begin with.
Shawn Spencer: Ahoy there! Um, yes. Right! My name is Shawn Spencer! This is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamacchia!
Burton Guster: Hello!
Shawn Spencer: We were turned around-- discombobulated! We... we just now realized we're in restricted waters.
Burton Guster: Just now! And we both have hepatitis!
You know
Miller is precisely the type of player who I wouldn’t mind calling up before he looks ready. He has major league tools that could break out and his service time is not likely to matter. Then again I’d put chance of failure at about 90%.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
That's as may be, but Carson is much more likely to not have a season-killing performance
If the A’s are really “in the hunt,” then that’s more important than a small chance of upside.
Shawn Spencer: Ahoy there! Um, yes. Right! My name is Shawn Spencer! This is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamacchia!
Burton Guster: Hello!
Shawn Spencer: We were turned around-- discombobulated! We... we just now realized we're in restricted waters.
Burton Guster: Just now! And we both have hepatitis!
Also true
But are the A’s really in the hunt? My heart says yes but my mind says no.
And I’m not really advocating calling up Miller (or Carson). I stick it out with Buck until Crisp gets back.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Carson is as ready as he will ever be
he deserves shot, even if he plays well for a couple weeks then starts slumping we can send him back down. its killing us having buck and patterson here, theyre totally losing us games by being on the roster.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
Well, they've only managed to
lose us five games, so far. That’s not so awful.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
It is when a good deal of those games were winnable.
Which they have been.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
You're probably right
But, A) I’m not sure Patterson is much better than a .200 hitter and B) Miller’s had such a weird minor league career I’m curious to see if he’s actually become good/could be a major leaguer.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
I think we should spare a moment for him
He’s got to be pretty frustrated, hitting .400 and seeing our current mashup of different kinds of crap in LF, he’s got to be able to do a better job than Buck, Gross and Patterson.
It is sad to see Buck flailing away
Even while getting two hits yesterday he managed to look completely uncomfortable at the plate. I hope he gets traded for his own good. A change of scenery is probably what he needs right now.
I like Gross as a back up. DFA Patterson already, sheesh.
Stuff like this, I kind of wish I had more of a chance to actually scout players in some way
A couple things make that difficult, though:
- I don’t think I’d make a very good scout because it can be tough to pick out little things others do
- My focus (no pun intended) while shooting photos is usually very singular on specific players and moments, so it’s easy to miss other things someone just watching from the seats can follow
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Whenever anyone says no pun intended, its always a pun intended ;)
Now, whats really nice to do is to throw it in at random places in the middle of sentences, no pun intended, in order to make people confused if you actually made a pun.
No reply intended, but that's a really good point -- no pun intended.
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
Sometimes
I make a pun and don’t realize it. Then when I read what I’ve written, I noticed the pun. I intentionally leave it in, but I don’t initially intend for it to be there.
NO PUN INTENDED NO PUN INTENDED NO PUN INTENDED NO PUN NO POON NO POON INTENTIONAL POON INTERNET
Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!
I like the 5 different meanings, all at once, of the word “POON” 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
in which case it's intended
I suppose you could say “pun not initially intended”. But why? You could also say “word originally misspelled” every time you notice a misspelling and fix it.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
"Pun not intended" is completely useless in written communication
In a spontaneous discussion, it has its place (since you can’t take back spoken words as you can something you type). Either way, why would someone not want to take credit for the pun? Puns are awesome.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Needless to say, I agree with this.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
So was it PUNINENTIONAL!?!?!
omg I’m a genius
Keep in mind, of course, that "the best defense of Derek Jeter's life" ranks somewhere in between "the best fiscal responsibility of Mike Tyson's life" and "the best not-getting-assassinated-ness of James Garfield's life." -FJM
by travdog6 on Apr 19, 2010 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Um, anyone see how the Sharks game ended?
Sharks dominated all game, but both goalies were playing out of their minds. 0-0 going into OT. 51 seconds later, Dan Boyle passed backwards and scored. Own goal.
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
No way.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
I'm not a hockey fan,
but my friends (according to their FB updates) are out of their minds right now.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Yeah.
I’m a casual hockey fan at best (“hey, the playoffs are on. okay, sure.”). But man, I was losing it too.
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
i cried a little....
what else can go wrong this year in the playoffs?
first game we lose after the puck hit blake’s skate
second game a puck hit vlasic’s throat and went in ( we won this tone, but only in OT)
and now boyle’s “pass” makes it way into the net T.T
by Wreckonized on Apr 19, 2010 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions
The Sharks' SB Nation Blog cursed them
“Fear The Fin – Where Selling Your Soul Is The Likely Solution”
Someone is obviously going to have to sell their soul in order to bring the Cup to San Jose.
Dear Sharks and Red Wings,
Plz keep choking. kthxbye.
Love,
Blackhawks fans
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 3:41 PM PDT up reply actions
The Red Wings didn't choke, they were actually outplayed by Phoenix
The Sharks, I mean, I don’t even know what to say at this point. This is like the Red Sox’s 1919-2003 worth of bad luck compressed into like five seasons.
Shawn Spencer: Ahoy there! Um, yes. Right! My name is Shawn Spencer! This is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamacchia!
Burton Guster: Hello!
Shawn Spencer: We were turned around-- discombobulated! We... we just now realized we're in restricted waters.
Burton Guster: Just now! And we both have hepatitis!
Yeah
Heatley’s back in for game 4 though, not too late to turn this thing around.
"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 Apr 19, 2010 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions
You're right. But by "choke" I mean "not winning as expected."
Despite their lower seed, the Red Wings are dangerous because everybody is now healthy.
I’m actually not all that cocky because Nashville always plays the Hawks way better than they should, and Hornqvist is coming back tomorrow night.
I’m not gonna be liked (in the Bay Area or Chicago, really) for saying this: I miss Brian Campbell. I didn’t realize just how valuable he was to the Hawks until Ovechkin’s cheap shot sidelined him.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions
A couple of those goals were a little soft, no?
Maybe Detroit’s goalie just isn’t that good.
And honestly PT, maybe the Sharks just aren’t that good.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Apr 20, 2010 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
The Sharks outshot the Avs 50-16 last game.
I mean, what else can you do?
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
Make a few more?
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Sometimes a hockey team loses because of being outshot
- and it is painfully obvious what the problem is. Other times shot totals have almost no reflection of the game played on the ice.
Having said that, the Sharks were dominating the part of the game I watched, which was most of the 3d period. But they couldn’t convert.
The Sharks are an annoying franchise with a fairly uninformed fanbase. They have enjoyed enough success in the playoffs that the fans are entitled and bay area journalists blather on every spring about the Sharks choking in the playoffs and how great the team is and how they should win.
My theory on the Sharks? They put together a world class scoring line that can do it all and put up league leading minutes totals all season, play an at times brilliant defense pair that plays both ways and moves the puck as well as anyones and a goalie who has extreme streak tendencies. Then the playoffs arrive and the demands of playing 4 lines game after game wears holes in their strategy. There are no shootouts in the playoffs. Nabakov appears to not even care at times when he is not shutting out the world. The 3d and 4th lines are full of players that wouldn’t make many playoff rosters, their back end and shutdown D-Units suck.
So it’s kinda sad for Sharks fan. And honestly this team is now old by NHL standards and there isn’t much in the system to replenish with. As shrewd as the Heatley trade was it may have been the last bullet in the gun for some time.
"Not in your wildest alcoholic nightmare would you ever imagine such events unfolding!" Bill King
by Buck Turgidson on Apr 20, 2010 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I like reading first hand observations
about players I haven’t seen play in person. I hope to read more of these. I heard an analyst on ESPN radio say that he thinks we’ll probably be seeing Taylor and Carter called up this season.
ESPN? they don't know about about this
"I get nervous every fifth day," Braden said. "I figure the day that goes away is the day I saddle up behind the 7-Eleven desk."
ESPN "analyst"
hahaha. Good joke. Really, where’d you this?
"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 Apr 19, 2010 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I kid, I kid
"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 Apr 19, 2010 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Most ESPN analysis is a cursory guess based on random (usually old) reports
It’s not that those guys are clueless, though some are. But they just don’t pay enough attention, they get 3 or 4 talking points, and that’s all they stick with for far too long.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Ooh, hey, nice.
I was at the Grizzlies-Beavers game today with family.
Denorfia and Cunningham ripping triples, lol.
Wuertz was scratched from a minor league game on Wednesday, but bounced back quickly on Thursday, throwing mostly fastballs and sliders, although he did mix in three sliders. -Rotoworld
Wow, Cunningham entered the day with a .634 OPS in AAA.
Oopsies.
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'd think he'd be busting his ass
Hoping for Agon to be traded, Blanks to move to 1st and he may actually get the chance at a starting job.
"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 Apr 19, 2010 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions
He may well be busting his ass
But he’s sure getting out a lot.
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
Well, it's better than Kouzmanoff's OPS right now...
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Kouz's D has been pretty damn great
and hes traditionally a 2nd half hitter, I half expected him to be worse than this with the bat, swapping to the harder league and all.
I think his 1st/2nd half splits are career 705/785 or thereabouts. Kind of huge.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
Donaldson
has always seemed an upside player to me, just instinctually from seeing him in Spring Training and whatnot.
As for CC and MT, the rawness factor plus the big club’s hot start makes me reticent to take them out of the AAA kiln before their pottery is fully glazed… although it is gonna become more and more tempting if the A’s offense (already not the most functional vehicle at the 2010 AL Car Expo) sputters off the rails, as is wont to happen when your primary DH has the spine of a 79 year old man and your other DH swings like he is trying to hit the ball the China when the BART station will do, and both are about as apt to hit a decent breaking pitch as I am to throw out the first pitch at the 2020 San Jose A’s opener.
Great post, I want more! Will you be tripping out to the 916 again soon to furnish more eyewitness accounts of the kids and their progress? I hope so =)
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 19, 2010 12:41 AM PDT reply actions
Today's Sac Bee noted Rickey's going to be spending the next four days with the River Cats
Makes sense since he was just in Stockton over the weekend.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Get a good one of Rickey in a RC uniform if you're working
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Got a few of Rickey
Also got a GREAT one of Taylor in the dugout, and I didn’t even have to ask him. He just posed for me. You’ll see.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Thanks, Nico!
Went to the Rivercats Beavers game last week here in Portland and had the same impression of MT and CC. Michael was a total gentleman. My 10 year old daughter looked at Jim with saucer eyes and said “you’re so tall!” He said it’s because he eats his veggies. He also said he’s just Michael, not the franchise.
Jack Custwas also a nice Guy. When is he going to be called up?
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on Apr 19, 2010 9:27 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
with no runs batted in
and a batting avg that is so close to 0, i dont think he will be called up anytime soon
by Wreckonized on Apr 19, 2010 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions
RBI don't really tell you anything, you know.
What if he’d hit a double in every single at bat he’d had so far, but nobody was on base?
Still no RBI.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
That is Cust's MO, he hits when nobdy is on base.
"Life is tough .... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
bzzzzzzzzt. Wrong.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Hey now, we wouldn't want silly things like facts to get in the away of dumbass bullshit moronic statements
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 3:59 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
But not in 2009, who cares what he did in 2006 or 2007.
"Life is tough .... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
let's decide
Total for 2009 – 240/356/417/773
RISP for 2009 – 238/411/469/880
seems like he was more valuable in 2009 w/ runners in scoring position also
Ding ding ding ding!
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
That's a false statement
Good data > bad observation. Good observation > bad data.
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
Well then IN THAT CASE Data was > Observation
Which it often is. And isn’t always.
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
OK, OK, but I still don't like him....
"Life is tough .... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
he's a valuable hitter and a good guy...i don't see what there is to dislike...
during the pregame at a Spring Training game (at Ranger/Royals stadium in Surprise), he signed my mom’s hat, my niece’s hat and gave us a ball.
actually, he daric barton, ryan sweeney and jack cust all came over and signed stuff. all good dudes.
If he's such a valuable hitter and such a good guy
then why were the A’s the only team with interest in him during the off season? Why was he not picked up when DFA’d?
He made comments after last season and again when DFA’d that don’t sit well with me and I don’t think he’s he’s here for the team. We’re each entitled to opinions, and mine has him listed as an ASS.
He’s a good guy just because he signed a baseball and a hat?
"Life is tough .... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
...
1.) you’d have to ask the other teams in baseball. i can’t speak for them. i think he’s valuable. and apparently, so do the a’s or they wouldn’t have signed him to a nice rich deal. he’s the victim of a roster crunch, not an inability to play the game (as his 2H09 stats make clear).
2.) he might be an ass, but i haven’t seen him act that way. in fact, i’ve only seen him act the other way.
it’s clear you find him a bad baseball player and an ass. i’ve proved you wrong on the first and you have no evidence for the second. over.
We have no knowledge that the A's were "the only team with interest"
All we know is the following:
1. The A’s did not feel that he was worth offering arbitration to,
2. The A’s were the highest bidder for his services on the open market, and
3. No team, in between when he signed with the A’s and when he was designated for assignment, revised its assessment of the value of his services upward sufficiently enough to the point where it would claim him on waivers at his current salary.
Shawn Spencer: Ahoy there! Um, yes. Right! My name is Shawn Spencer! This is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamacchia!
Burton Guster: Hello!
Shawn Spencer: We were turned around-- discombobulated! We... we just now realized we're in restricted waters.
Burton Guster: Just now! And we both have hepatitis!
A good buddy of mine
traded for Cust in his fantasy league. When the A’s cut Cust, he was pissed off and he tells me he’s now actively rooting against the A’s because of that.
This does not make me sad. It makes me want to laugh in his face and taunt him every time the A’s win another game.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Kinda reminds me
There were a couple guys sitting behind the plate last night during Cust’s last AB shouting about how Beane’s lost it by dumping him.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
This is why I detest fantasy leagues.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
literally the only reason you have an argument for to base not liking him about
is his defense.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
but his criticism was about not hitting with guys on base
nobody would challenge the defensive stuff
FSAHDHDUIDCNXUASPUNJKLJ
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
his batting avg speaks for itself.
its not like hes batting .275+
by Wreckonized on Apr 19, 2010 12:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Hopefully never..
And batting .19 with 0 RBI’s helps.
"Life is tough .... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
.179
"Life is tough .... It's even tougher if you're stupid." - John Wayne
Jose Reyes is hitting .154
12 games
Keep in mind, of course, that "the best defense of Derek Jeter's life" ranks somewhere in between "the best fiscal responsibility of Mike Tyson's life" and "the best not-getting-assassinated-ness of James Garfield's life." -FJM
Maybe he's available!
Quick, let’s put together a post about trading Jeremy Belvins and Landon Donovan for him!
by el generico on Apr 19, 2010 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Um landon donovan is a pretty good soccer player
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions
OVER PAY!
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Fucking chokes on the national stage when it matters :-X
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
He played well against Spain in SA
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Scored against Brazil, too, right?
Shawn Spencer: Ahoy there! Um, yes. Right! My name is Shawn Spencer! This is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamacchia!
Burton Guster: Hello!
Shawn Spencer: We were turned around-- discombobulated! We... we just now realized we're in restricted waters.
Burton Guster: Just now! And we both have hepatitis!
yes, he did.
But he was the Next Big Thing™ and was supposed to help lead US Soccer to relevance on the world level.
He didn’t.
The next wave of US players will have to help do it, guys like Altidore, Dempsey, Feilhaber, and Bradley. Donovan will just be a part of it, not the sole reason the US becomes relevant like so many expected.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
I meant Brazil, in retrospect, thanks PT
I do agree that US soccer will need a superstar-level performer in order to vault to Major Spectator Sport status in the US. And Donovan is a very good player, but clearly not at that level.
Although as far as legitimizing US soccer is concerned, his stint at Everton does seem to have broken new ground for a US player — he’s the first non-GK American at a mid-upper tier European club to perform at that level and be a fan-favorite for it, isn’t he?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Dempsey in Fulham, maybe?
Donovan just joined Everton last year, Dempsey has been with Fulham since 2006.
Donovan did play with Bayer Leverkusen, but sorta wasn’t that great which is why he came back to MLS.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Yeah, I was thinking of Dempsey, too
and he’s played very well, esp that little chip shot in their last Euro game. But Everton fans seem to have gone kinda nuts over Donovan in a way that they haven’t with Dempsey.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
That's not "choking" in any possible definition of the term
Shawn Spencer: Ahoy there! Um, yes. Right! My name is Shawn Spencer! This is my first mate Hummingbird Saltalamacchia!
Burton Guster: Hello!
Shawn Spencer: We were turned around-- discombobulated! We... we just now realized we're in restricted waters.
Burton Guster: Just now! And we both have hepatitis!
Let me rephrase.
Landon Donovan was supposed to be an elite, world class level player.
He’s not.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Unfortunately, that's probably true.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
that being said, i think he's pretty frickin' good.
he just needs some talent around him. no more damarcus beasley please
Just so long as Dale Barton isn't part of that deal!
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions
OT, but...
I just noticed that the Reds released Aaron Miles. Just thought it was funny that of the 3 people involved in that trade, 2 were DFA’d and released.
Carter just looks ready......
Other than the defensive show put on by “Skillet” Tolleson at 3B to ruin the day at the ballpark Sunday… the quality AB’s by Carter were the highlight… smoked single to center… smoked double to left… lineout to 3B.. and flyout caught at the 380 mark when they were trying to pitch around him…
Thanks for the right up Nico
Catcher defense is on of the areas where statistics are still trying to gain traction so some eyes on Donaldson is helpful.
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 2:18 PM PDT reply actions
*write up
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 2:18 PM PDT up reply actions
after going to the game on saturday and sunday, zooks is lost offensively and struggling defensively
But he was fine
before you went to the game.
"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 Apr 19, 2010 7:31 PM PDT up reply actions
what did you do to him?
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
By the way
In case anyone was wondering, Brett Wallace is raking for the Las Vegas 51’s (Blue Jays AAA, obviously). Just hit his 5th homer of the year.
Before today his line was: .289/.386/.632
Of course, it’s 38AB, and I’m not saying I’m going to miss him, but just thought some might be interested.
Being a local guy, and obviously someone many of us followed for some time, I think I’ll always root for him, I’ll just root for him to be a little bit worse than Taylor.
"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."
which is still a sub league average MLE at 1b.
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 7:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow.
How about at 3rd?
What would be the MLE for that line?
"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 Apr 19, 2010 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions
the MLE doesn't change based on position
its just for hitting.
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I know that
I was asking if it would league average at 3B…
"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 Apr 19, 2010 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions
He hasnt spent 1 inning at 3rd this year
Its safe to say that ship has sailed and the argument is entirely moot by now.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
Figured
I’m just curious if he could play third if that line would translate to being league worthy at 3rd…
"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 Apr 20, 2010 1:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Wait, how did Toronto end up with a AAA franchise in Las Vegas?
It really couldn’t be much longer of a MLB-AAA flight, unless there’s a PCL affiliate in Anchorage or something.
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
The A's' AAA team was in Edmonton for a number of years
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
that would probably be shorter since flights would go over the top of the globe to cut down on distance.
"Since other people actually read these threads, though, probably best that your particular brand of wrongness not go completely unchallenged." - PT
There are differing opinions on me. According to Iglew "DFA is PT with a sense of humor. PT is DFA with introspective self-doubt. I like them both" but according to sirbed Im "The Stats Killer"
by designatedforassignment on Apr 19, 2010 8:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Those who believe Cust's strickouts are bad also likely belive the world is flat
And your post may have just blown their minds.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:25 PM PDT up reply actions
You may be interested in
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Oooooh.
I remembered that fanpost, actually. And hey! I was right. Longest distance between MLB and AAA.
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
Any update on Staplehead tonight?
There is no "i" in Teamocil. At least not where you'd think.
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 19, 2010 8:21 PM PDT reply actions
So...Chavy at 1B,
DH…Fox? Gross? Patte—Pat— HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Couldn’t do 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
And speaking of tomorrow's game
If we cannot beat this trash NL pitcher tomorrow, they should all retire.
Vazquez is terrible.
He's really not, though.
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 got shelled in his 1st 2 starts
and ended their playoffs, the last time he pitched for them.
I was listening to John Sterling on the Yankee station last time he pitched and they talked about how he loses his mechanics in a game and everything becomes meatballs (they didn’t use the word meatballs, but you get the picture)
You have to tee off on him ealry in the count.
You have to tee off on him ealry in the count.
Shit! We’re doomed!
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Jake Fox will have a good game, though.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Unfortunately, the Yankee offense
will have a thing or two to say about tomorrows game. Rumor has it that some of those guys have been known to mash a baseball mercilessly.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
I hate that they lost Damon and picked up Granderson.
Talk about the rich getting richer.
He steps to the left, he steps to the riiiiiiight. That Amos Roberts, he'll make you look shite!
Vazquez's last 4 years have been outstanding
and 3 of those were the white sox. FIPs from 2.77-3.86, thats really good.
He stunk when he was with the Yankees back in 03, and moving to the extreme hitters park of yankee stadium 2.0, he doesnt look like hes in for a good year.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
Supposedly he's corrected a mechanical issue in the last few days.
I don’t expect a bad pitcher tomorrow night.
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
Might be Rosales at SS for all we know
It’s the Mike Rouse game all over again.
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
funny you mention Rouse
I used to work with a gal who was related to him. She told me about a phone conversation they had after his MLB debut. I remember her relaying “I…got…a…hit…of off…Randy Johnson!” Course, who wouldn’t be stuttering a bit when asked to describe what you did the other day.
I remember the Mike Rouse era with fondness.
The whole three days of it.
"Cheese is the fruit juice nature intended."- The Reverend Billy Lard
by Gaijin_Suketto on Apr 19, 2010 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
It wasn't nearly as awesome as the Mark Kiger era
Speaking of which. How many players in MLB history have only appeared in the postseason, but never got an at bat? There can’t be very many who fit that description.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on Apr 19, 2010 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
I remember at the time it was noted that
Kiger was the first player since the 1880s to make his major-league debut in a playoff game.
I believe that means the answer to your question is: one.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
That's a pretty cool piece of trivia.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
According to Wikipedia, the only other guy to do it
was some dude named "Bug Holliday".
But Bug got at-bats.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
I was also pleased the guy got an appearance.
I mean, it was obvious the team was going down in flames, let the guy have his moment and give him a story to tell his grandkids. Didn’t hurt the team at all.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
This is still great news
Call me superstitious, but if Dale doesn’t go on the DL I’ll consider it a very good sign.
This is exactly the sort of freak mishap that for the last three seasons would have somehow put the player in question on the 60-day DL. If similar circumstances lead to a player missing a game or two this year, it’s a sign that things have turned around a bit this year.
Or perhaps I shouldn’t reach this conclusion without reading the goat entrails.
There is no "i" in Teamocil. At least not where you'd think.
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 19, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
You mean the ones Brett Anderson had for dinner tonight?
Yeah, those might have been a bit “ripe.”
Brett Anderson was 22.
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
Oh c'mon it's the A's.
He just won’t be available to play for a week then he’ll be put on the 15 day DL.
He steps to the left, he steps to the riiiiiiight. That Amos Roberts, he'll make you look shite!
I know I know....
“Available to pinch hit” = 15-day DL
“Day to day” = deceased
There is no "i" in Teamocil. At least not where you'd think.
by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 20, 2010 5:59 AM PDT up reply actions
You forgot part..
He won’t be available to play for a week. After 8 days they’ll stick him in for one game only to find out he’s not quite well yet, and THEN they’ll put him on the 15-day DL.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
Hope you all caught this story in the Chron today - great read
“Penitentiary pastime: Baseball offers inmates a brief prison break”
The Boys of Slammer
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Cahill pitched for Sacramento tonight.
3.2IP 2H 2R 0ER 3BB 4Ks
He threw 62 pitches.
"Carter's 25-game hitting streak isn't any normal streak. He's 46 for 97 (.474 average) during the run, adding 16 walks and compiling 81 total bases in the process. I'm out of superlatives for what he's doing." - Kevin Goldstein
Thought I'd share a few quick shots from tonight
This first one might be my favorite candid I’ve ever taken. I was just taking some player shots in the dugout and was focused on Michael Taylor. After he noticed me pointing the camera in his direction he did this. Looks like he’s ready for the commercial shoot.
Here are a couple of Rickey, the first one coming while sharing a laugh with Corey Wimberly.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on Apr 19, 2010 11:16 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
RC Cola hats!
no one noticed that?
incredible pix BTW. are the rivercats the best minor league team to watch in many years? with that lineup and rickey, id say “definitely”.
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
my goodness, the Cats have more star power than the A's
I love this Rickey-as-roving-instructor thing, I gotta say.
Great shots all around Flashy, esp. the Taylor beverage ad.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 20, 2010 1:40 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I'm glad I got the chance to see him around there after not being able to in Stockton...
…since I was working. He was spending some time around the batting cage yesterday and I assume there’s going to be more going on between now and Thursday. I like that he’s involved with the organization in any way and this should help the guys in the minors even if it’s just a little.
I’m still grinning at the Taylor shot. One of the other photographers there was a little envious of it, I think. As much as Carter and Taylor are being compared when it comes to the power they can bring, at least from what I’ve seen their personalities are complete opposites. Carter seems very quiet and reserved (not at the expense of, say, interacting with his teammates, so don’t worry) while Taylor reminds me of the class clown, energetic and funny.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
They very well could be
And the RC Cola logo (one version, anyway) IS pretty close.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
That Michael Taylor Monster promo shot is hilarious.
Even more so that it was completely off the cuff and spontaneous.
Sundown dazzling day, gold through my eyes.
But my eyes, turned within, only see
starless and bible black.
That was the best part about it
It shows the sense of humor and level of comfort he has, which I love.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I just wish he'd drink the sugar free ones!
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
I love that flavor too
It’s pineapple!
Don't hate on Kouzmanoff's bat until you look at his career 1st+2nd half splits.
these pictures just made my day
rec rec rec
Could some of you maybe use a condom once in a while?
by wallywagon11 on Apr 20, 2010 8:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Great pics Flash!
Looks like “Rickey being Rickey” to me
It was particularly funny to hear Bailey asking the director, "You want me to say ‘nipple clipper’ as a question?" Susan Slusser via The Drumbeat 03/20/2010
One last Taylor note for now
Last night I had my first real “Damn, that’s a big guy” thought while standing a few feet away as he stepped out of the dugout. I haven’t really had that feeling around Carter because we’re about the same height (Taylor’s a little taller) and when you put the two of them side by side Taylor actually does make Carter look on the lanky, thin side.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Forgot to mention, LongTimeFan and I saw Taylor next to Wimberly
Holy cow!
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 bet
I’m going to be on the lookout for any chance to get a shot of Carter, Taylor and Wimberly at once.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
That'd be awesome in a "one of these things is not like the other" kinda way!
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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