Bullpen Spoils Anderson's Impressive Tune-up
by baseballgirl on Apr 2, 2010 9:41 PM PDT
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PrintKevin Kouzmanoff endeared himself to Eric Chavez and A's fans everywhere with his banter with Giants fans tonight. A loud fan remarked that Chavy seemed less than good and Kouz said something back to the effect of "He got a hit last inning; when was the last time you got a hit?"
Pretty awesome.
Chavez did indeed get a hit tonight; he also took a ball fairly deep into cavernous AT&T Park.
Kouzmanoff himself would collect the A's only RBI; his double (out in any other ballpark) knocked in Eric Chavez (who scored standing up, don't worry!) in the fourth for the early 1-0 lead. Rosales, Davis, and Fox (who didn't take a single pitch tonight) had the rest of the A's five hits. Par for the A's offense.
But the real story of the game was Brett Anderson, who pitched five gorgeous innings, allowing just three hits and zero walks, while striking out four. Had he pitched the entire game, the one run might have been enough. His slider off the plate looked simply filthy tonight. Unfortunately, after Edwar Ramirez pitched a perfect sixth (with help from a great catch by Pennington), Gaudin and Kilby combined for the tie and the loss in the seventh and eighth.
Chad Gaudin was definitely not the 'relief' the A's are looking for in what no doubt will be a plethora of close games this season. He gave up a single and a double to tie the game in the seventh, and then uncorked a wild pitch. Strangely enough, Juan Uribe tried to take both third AND home on the pitch, and Gaudin, for reasons unknown, simply didn't think about covering the plate. Powell chased after the ball and dove for the plate (shades of Jason Kendall) to make the tag to preserve the tie. He also got a pretty good cleat shot in there too (see picture).
And is there anyone out there who can make the team instead of Brad Kilby? Walking the leadoff man is never a good strategy; it usually comes back to haunt you. And it did; the Giants plated the run and the game was all but over. The A's went down weakly 1, 2, 3 in the ninth to ensure the loss.
We do it all again tomorrow afternoon as the A's play their last exhibition game, which means the SEASON IS STARTING!
Have a great Friday night!
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Anderson 96 on the gun tonight
Sandoval 396 on the scales.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
If that's true, then he's bigger than me.
but the Anderson thing’s awesome. He’s gonna be a stud this season.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions
yes
sky’s the limit for Anderson, he looks like he knows just what he’s doing out there.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 2, 2010 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions
and I'm...still pretty fat.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions
yay!
(fat butt)
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions
That reminds me, Dana Eveland made the Blue Jays' rotation today.
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
Ouch
The Blue Jays will be competing for the worst record in the American League for sure.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 2, 2010 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
It would just be so cool
if the Blue Jays happened to have a pitcher named Hugh Jass who also made the rotation today.
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
considering Shawn Markum is their opening day starter
He could slot in at #3
"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
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Apr 2, 2010 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
(thank god)
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions
poor thing.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Time to carb up.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Want 25 of mine?
We’ll both be a nice, tidy 175 that way.
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 already has great location, control, the power to K guys, and the ability to induce grounders.
And now he has velocity too? Look out, league.
This never happened, but I saw you leave
and crawl into a bed of broken windows.
we have 3 potentially All-Star-exceptional starters
the only question is whether or not 2/3 of them can stay on the field.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 2, 2010 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions
I dunno if they're gonna do that every game this season.
I get a feeling they are—I think there’s some real friction between the people who have been doing the A’s broadcasts and the people who have now taken it over. KTRB just signed a ten year deal, so…we’ll see. I really hope we still get the post-game show. I’ve not even heard the new guy yet. But I wonder if we can just tune in online for that?
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:46 PM PDT up reply actions
me neither.
trying right now. Huge fail.
BUT…I think it will later in the year.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Since we're getting ready to start the season
I want to say thanks to BBG,Nico,EN and both good and evil Don for doing these game threads. You folks do a great job and you make the games more fun.
careful, or I'll make it so every 3rd comment shows up in Farsi
and the front page is remade to resemble a mid-Blue-period Picasso.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 2, 2010 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I like his blue period.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Apparently Coco Crisp had a dislocated Pinky
And the Brain.
http://twitter.com/CSNAuthentic/status/11518939595
Follow on Twitter - @MAD_Marvin
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Can we get players who can feel all their digits, please?
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
Maybe Braden can tell Anderson what his toes look like
and Anderson can tell Braden what his toes feel like. And Rajai can give Coco the finger.
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
Travis Buck perks up.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
Anyone know
normal recovery time for such an injury?
"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 3, 2010 2:03 AM PDT up reply actions
A dislocated brain?
Eh, give him a day or two.
This never happened, but I saw you leave
and crawl into a bed of broken windows.
Townsend on postgame
Says Giants have no hope whatsoever to make the postseason.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
Now that is a bold prediction
Considering the Giants announcers have the Giants winning the pennant already…
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
I like this guy already
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on Apr 2, 2010 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Seems kind of silly to say
They have a good pitching staff and if they can get some offense they have as good a chance as any at winning the NL West. In fact, I don’t think it’s THAT different a situation from what the A’s are in.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Static on KTRB is so bad now
That it’s really hard to listen to the postgame show.
by OaklandSi on Apr 2, 2010 9:50 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
that's not static
that’s just a recording of Lew Wolff saying “Make sure no one in Oakland can hear it!” played at 1000 X normal speed along with the actual radio signal.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 2, 2010 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought I heard
“I buried Paul”
by OaklandSi on Apr 2, 2010 9:59 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
You mean you can get KTRB????
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
Amazing isn't it
Considering I live in Oakland
by OaklandSi on Apr 2, 2010 10:05 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Oakland?
Didn’t there used to be a baseball team there? I think I need to start calling into Michael Savage and instead of the rabid politrix I could just start discussing the merits of Fox vs. Powell for the 25-man.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 2, 2010 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't forget the "day of Reckering"
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
Chad Gaudin
Is a total RAG ARM! Kilby isnt much better…
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
Gaudin
shaved his brain off for that wild pitch. Andi thought uribe was safe
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
Why did we pick up Gaudin again?
I know there are injury issues in the bullpen, but Gaudin isnt the answer to any questions.. There is a reason we let him go. Did Curt Young forget?
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
He's way better than Jason Jennings
and also happens to be better than Kilby or Edwar.
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
no
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones."
-BB 07/27/05
Why not?
Put the best guys on the team and then you don’t have to ever see people like Kilby in a game.
Cahill
is a valuable starting pitcher. Last year he abandon his strikeout pitch (Knuckle curve) in August and went on a smoke and mirrors good run. For long term success he needs a strikeout pitch. He is only 22 and is way ahead of most pitchers schedules. He need to work on his curve and arm slot (something he said was not consistent last year) in AAA. then replace Braden when he triumphantly returns in July.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
Fair enough answer I suppose.
I like Cahill too and agree he is going to be a very effective starter. He can work on whatever he needs to work on at the major league level. He’s ready now. Won’t do us any good in the minors. I say put the best team on the field now! Pitching depth is a great problem to have.
How can he work and experiment with his pitches at the major-league level
when he’s got 100,000 eyes watching his every move? He needs to start in Sacramento, work on his new curveball, and stay stretched out. And besides, all he needs is 20 days in Sacramento, and he doesn’t burn a year of service time. Putting him in the long relief role would be a terrible idea.
This never happened, but I saw you leave
and crawl into a bed of broken windows.
Hardly a terrible idea.
The 20 days in Sac is an angle I hadn’t considered though.
Disagreed
The Majors is not where you send a young pitcher out there to “work on whatever he needs to work on,” especially if he has options left. You do that in Spring Training and the Minors first and foremost, so that pitcher is ready to help you the way you need him to at the highest level where wins and losses mean more.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Cahill is ready now.
Until some of the regular relievers come back from nagging injuries he is our best option. Wins mean most at the Major League level.
What everyone is trying to tell you is that he's NOT ready right now...
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on Apr 3, 2010 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think that's what they're saying.
But if it is… they would be wrong (in my humble opinion).
because starting pitcher #6 is far far more valuable than relief pitcher #6-7
A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones."
-BB 07/27/05
Wrong.
Having him on the field is better than not having him on the field.
I tend to agree with the others.
Having individual positions (or pitching roles) staffed with the best possible pitchers is optimal… and better for the players themselves. The days of picking your best pitchers and sorting roles out is long gone. Today, you have to fill each role with the best individual candidate, i.e. starting pitchers start… relievers relive, and so on.
The occasional “swing man” who is capable of spot-starting in a pinch notwithstanding.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
Well then,
if Cahill doesn’t win the 5th starting spot he would be a better individual candidate to relieve than Kilby and others. He’s a better pitcher and we’ll have a better chance to win with him. It’s never ok to put a crappy relief pitcher in.
It's better to keep the guy who misses out on the 5th starter spot stretched out in the Minors
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Agreed.
By putting a starter in the bullpen, especially a young starter, you’re effectively halting his continued development as a starter.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
Exactly
I’m not sure if some people just don’t get that you don’t simply take a starter, tell him to go hang out in the bullpen for a couple weeks and pitch in a few games, and think that he’s going to stay the same.
Starters and relievers are not conditioned to do the same things except throw pitches. From there it’s pretty different.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Difference being
Kilby is expected to be a one hitter/one inning kind of guy.
You wouldn’t be keeping Cahill or Gonzalez in the bullpen for that purpose.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
No, I don't see Cahill as the Rick Honeycut guy.
Middle relief, long relief, set-up guy roles would be better.
Point being, if there is a defined role for each member of the bullpen...
…and that’s honestly a bit of a stretch given how Geren has used the ’pen in the past, but if there ARE defined roles and Kilby is mainly a LOOGY then Cahill replacing him serves no purpose because it then forces others into different roles.
If Cahill’s coming out of the ‘pen he’d basically be your long relief guy. That’s the complete opposite end of the spectrum.
Ideally if Kilby doesn’t make it in, then they go with someone else who can pitch in a similar role.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
As it is, the bullpen needs a little help anyway...
…while waiting for Wuertz and Devine to be back and ready to go.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
That's what I'm talking about.
Bullpen needs help. Cahill is a better pitcher than others, he’s ready now and gives us the best chance to win in a relief role.
Yes, but asking Cahill to get a couple guys out here or go an inning every couple days for now...
…is not the best way to use him, even if the bullpen itself is short for the moment. They have other relief arms they can use to get them through a couple weeks to Wuertz and Devine being back.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Ok, this is where we differ.
I say Cahill is better than a couple of the guys we’ll keep on to fill in for Wuertz and Devine. I prefer to put the best players on the team to give the A’s the best chance to win now. Those other guys might cost us a game or three over two weeks.
Or they might surprise you
Or they could lose a couple games because of bad offense, bad starting pitching, a blown save by Bailey, etc.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Bye Jo!
Have fun in the morning.
sigh.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions
me too.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions
me three
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
night, gf!
have fun tomorrow.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Rickey Henderson was a clue on Jeopardy! tonight!
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Rickey likes it when Rickey is the answer to a question about Rickey
by sirbed on Apr 2, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rickey knew the answer was Rickey but didn't want to spoil it for any other Rickey's who might be watching.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 2, 2010 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Who is Rickey Henderson?
Follow on Twitter - @MAD_Marvin
The FairWeather Channel - Sports Comics and Bandwagon Forecast
by Hit4TheCycle on Apr 2, 2010 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, Hopefully we get them in the rubber game
We had this game. WE’ll get um tomorrow.
Another year, another chance to hope for the team !!
Hard to think the A's had this game
With so little offense
by OaklandSi on Apr 2, 2010 10:03 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
= Barry Zito
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Chris Townsend says Fox's defense at C, 3B and 1B could be "adequate"
I’d agree, if by “adequate” he means that once in a while I might peek through my fingers to see what happens whenever he touches the ball.
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
Well unfortunately touching the ball seems to be the problem
Since I rarely saw get glove on the ball at third base
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
Or catcher, for that matter.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
don't know
if chavez or kouzmanoff would have gotten that run scoring hit, but i will die believing they would’ve.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
I think we should play all our games
with Fox at 3B, Cust in LF, and Patterson in CF.
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 worried he wouldn't have his head in the game
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
by Trojanbrand on Apr 2, 2010 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
So how long does everyone think Crisp will be out?
Is this something you can put some tape on and gear up, or is this 2 weeks off?
Crisp
Ah, he’ll be fine and hitting atop the lineup on Monday.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 2, 2010 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Sounds like both me and God don't want him leading 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
Notice how I get first billing 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
I'm anticipating a smiting.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Hey, I've been stoned before.
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
did Nico just quote 1970s French acid-prog masters Gong?
Methinks he done it, holy Pot Head Pixies!
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
by emperor nobody on Apr 2, 2010 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions
GRANT DESME IS NOT PLEASED WITH YOUR SHENANIGANS
This never happened, but I saw you leave
and crawl into a bed of broken windows.
Then he won't like my cardigans either.
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
The only way I will be ok with Desme joining the priesthood
Is if he acts like the priest from Caddyshack: “Hey a man’s allowed to have one vice…ok maybe two”
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
I don't think the Padres are going to be that good either
Follow on Twitter - @MAD_Marvin
The FairWeather Channel - Sports Comics and Bandwagon Forecast
by Hit4TheCycle on Apr 2, 2010 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
My guess would be a week or two at the most
He would be a borderline 15 day dl case I suspect
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
day to day
he will play once on ap.15, then go on th 15 day. buck will be recalled, then sit
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
Sounds right
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
Townsend just lambasting the seagulls and chilly temperature at AT&T
now yakking like a parakeet on Ritalin at Rob Neyer
Hey, I just bought the team from Lew Wolff... who wants to play third?
Hey, it has calmed my bird down ok?
Stop judging me!
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
Wait, they're playing again TOMORROW?
That’s pretty sweet. Anybody doing anything?
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Yes
I will watch the first two hours of the game before watching the NCAA tournament.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 2, 2010 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Ooh, that sounds awesome.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
Agreed
I like my plan.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on Apr 2, 2010 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions
It's in the fridge marinating, hon.
See you in the AM.
I AM VERY MUCH ENJOYING THE HITTING OF BASEBALLS AND SCORING OF RUNS. -mikev
only an ZOMG CENSORED WORD FAMILY SITE quotes himself. -mikev
the tournament is still going on?
its not march, right?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
Don't do it!
never draft A’s on your fantasy team, you will lose.
You have to include smiley faces - Poppy
;- ) :- ) :-O : -> : -] : -}
when is the roster deadline?
has there been a final decision?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
weren't you supposed to go to bed hours ago?
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on Apr 3, 2010 12:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Ummmmm. Night Owl on Vacation = late late hours!
And it’s what time where you are??? I did have a hard time waking up tho this AM!!
I'm pretty sure that Fox swung at every pitch he saw tonight
That is not something I want to see in the regular season.
I don’t care if he gets a hit, he is putting in terrible ABs…
"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."
Ok, this is kinda funny...
I don’t care if he gets a hit, he is putting in terrible ABs…
…I always thought getting a hit was a good AB by default.
Yes, I know what you mean, it’s just phrased funny.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
Seriously funny.
I think I could grow accustomed to such terrible AB’s
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
re: Kilby - serious question
And is there anyone out there who can make the team instead of Brad Kilby? Walking the leadoff man is never a good strategy…
Has he been this bad all spring? I’m asking because this came off to me as a bit over-reactionary, and I trust BBG, so I wonder if maybe I missed something about Kilby during ST.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
I don't think HRod is making the team right now
But he hasn’t been much better, it seems
"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
Everything is better with bacon.
by cuppingmaster on Apr 3, 2010 8:17 AM PDT up reply actions
He's been really wild all spring
He was all over the place when we saw him mid-March, then had a BB, HBP, HBP inning last week, then last night. Pretty consistently not able to put the ball where it’s supposed to go.
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
Anderson...the 2010 Team Ace!
In light of Brett’s superior abilities, can anyone explain why Geron doesn’t at least schedule Anderson to pitch #3 in the rotation behind Sheets & the Duke & ahead of Braden who is likely to struggle this year to overcome his injury??? Just wondering what the manager’s rationale might be.
Considering that it's just his second year....
I’m thinking they don’t want to put that kind of pressure on him. This is why we signed Sheets and Duke in the first place. He can be staff ace next year, assuming he’s pitched his way there.
"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer
Doesn't really matter.
You could shuffle the spots around if you wanted. No difference.
This never happened, but I saw you leave
and crawl into a bed of broken windows.
Also...
The rotation to start the season does not really reflect what it could look like later in the year….or if the A’s somehow made the playoffs. So, good point Dan.
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
Pitching numbers
are a distinction without a difference. Each pitcher only “competes” with the other teams hitters.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - danmerqury
No, it really doesn't matter (on the field), but...
…I think it will always matter to the players for psychological reasons. Ego, competitiveness, etc. It’s not solely ability. This is a large part of what drives so many players at this level… the drive to be #1, and viewed by others as such.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
Some observations and some inside news...
Observations….
-Fox’s defense behind the plate scares the living daylights out of me!
-Crisp going down means Patterson’s place on the roster is probably secure now…(more on that later)
-Kouz looks great and I’m leaning towards him having some good power numbers this year.
-Brett Anderson is the real deal and will challenge for the Cy Young Award this year….book it! At the very least he will have the beast overall season on the A’s staff.
-Duke is back for real!
-Chavvy is still rusty at the plate but I see his swing starting to come back….and he is still healthy! (Crossing my fingers…)
-Chad Gaudin didn’t cover home plate because he was busy lighting up a smoke…
-Brad Kilby will not make this team unless the front office is sniffing glue…
-Pennington is Rocky The Flying Squirrel!
-Landon Powell is my hero!
Insider News….
I was rapping with Mychael Urban on Friday night for the A’s-Giants opener and he was very cool and open about a few things:
Brace yourself for this first one….
-According to his sources, Gio is going to be the 5th starter and Cahill is going to be in the bullpen…wow! I’m not sure if that’s a smokescreen but it’s what he was told so we’ll see if it holds up.
-Travis Buck doesn’t get enough at bats, still. And I asked him why the A’s seem to show him no love at all…“Beats me. I don’t get it. And I couldn’t really tell you why”. To that effect….Hmmm….interesting. So now that Crisp is injured, Eric Patterson will almost assuredly have a spot on the 25 man roster. And Buck will almost certainly be going down to AAA…again! But hey, anything could happen, right?
-“Duke feels great and looks poised to have a great year”. When discussing The Duke, I expressed my unnatural man love for Justin and how he has been my favorite Athletic since coming up to the big club. He and I both agreed that if Duke has a great year he will almost certainly become a top FA and get himself a multi year deal from a big budget club like the Yanks or Sox…..( insert sad face here. )
That’s about all I have to share from my end and the Big Urb and I am really looking forward to the regular season
And he also gives a big shout out to Athletics Nation! Go A’s!
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
by mrod on Apr 3, 2010 11:03 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Please take some of this stuff with a grain of salt folks...
I don’t want people going crazy with this…..it was more just o couple of guys rapping. Okay? Thanks..!
"By the end of the year, I'll have Dallas throwing right-handed'' -Ben Sheets
re: Duke
I don’t think that’s much of a surprise to anybody. Using this year to (hopefully) re-build his value and sign elsewhere next year for big bucks, I mean.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
I'm not complaining...
…I’m just saying it wasn’t some insider secret, or anything.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
But... I still predeict he's going to crash and burn physically again...
…before the season is over.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
re: Buck
I like the guy, and will admit to something of a man-crush on him also, but I’m getting tired of this myself.
It has occurred to me that maybe… just maybe… he’s not really as good as we all want him to be, and that the team knows this while the rest of us are in denial. But… if so, I’d prefer the team just suck it up and trade him, or something. By keeping him around, and not giving him more shots, I feel like they’re toying with both him and his fans.
Pitching and defense wins pennants, but offense sells tickets.
Ahhh, the world according to A's beat writers
Buck is starting right fielder and bats cleanup, Powell is DH, Petit is shortstop, Chavez plays all the other positions.
So Kilby is the new victim of instant over-reaction syndrom
His spotless minor league record in relief and a brilliant stint in majors are irrelevant. He walked a leadoff hitter in a exhibition game!
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