A's Pitchers Fire Another Round Of Blanks!
by Nico on May 23, 2010 4:05 PM PDT
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PrintBack-to-back shutouts, 20 consecutive scoreless innings, and a 3-game series in which the Giants were held to one run. That's what the A's pitching staff, led today by Ben Sheets (6 IP, 2 hits, 0 ER, 8 K), accomplished to hit the road over .500 and just 2 games shy of 1st place.
It was still 0-0 in the 7th when the umps blew a call and Bob Geren blew a gasket. With a runner at 1st and nobody out, Juan Uribe appeared to strike out on a Michael Wuertz slider foul-tipped into Kurt Suzuki's mitt, but 1B umpire Greg Gibson incorrectly overruled that the ball had hit the dirt before Suzuki caught it. A livid Geren pled his case all the way to an ejection and though Wuertz uncorked a wild pitch later in an at bat that should have been over, from there it was all Oakland.
Uribe struck out, Rowand sizzled a line drive right to Kouzmanoff, Wuertz got Renteria on a comebacker to end the inning, and then the A's turned to "Dumbball" to score in the 7th and 8th.
In the 7th, Adam Rosales singled and it was Mark Ellis who was asked to bunt -- because Jake Fox and Gabe Gross were such terrific hitters to have up against Jonathan Sanchez. It worked, because Fox ripped a fantastic double to give the A's a 1-0 lead.
In the 8th, Rajai Davis walked and Daric Barton, as has happened far too many times this season, was asked to bunt the runner to second. That worked out well too, as Kurt Suzuki singled home one, and following a Kouzmanoff single, Ryan Sweeney slapped a signature single to LF to make it 3-0.
The story, luckily, is not the A's misguided obsession with the sacrifice bunt. It's the pitching staff holding the Giants to a single run in 27 innings. The A's are now 18-9 at home, but will spend tomorrow packing for Baltimore where they put their 5-13 road record to the test beginning on Tuesday. My advice for the upcoming road trip: Don't count on the pitching staff to post a 0.33 ERA, and score some runs before the 7th.
There are many zeros in br00000000000000m!
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Rotoworld notes since the Rays/Jays debacles, Sheets has a...
…2.52 ERA and a 29/12 K/BB in 25 innings of work over four starts.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
No way Rosales makes that catch.
Love him, but he’s got NO vertical.
Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.
by skigurl on May 23, 2010 4:20 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
That was a ballsy catch
Unbelievable. Myself, Sheets, and everyone in attendance probably got loud after that play…
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on May 23, 2010 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
lol
Post-game thread: Giants play game, don’t hit well
by Grant
I didn’t watch the game — I recorded it, so l can have all kinds of fun later. So the headline might make me look stupid. I mean, they might not have played the game at all.
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
Oops, thanks.
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
haha
Kuiper made the same mistake
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on May 23, 2010 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions
This patchwork offense still keeps finding ways to score runs
and as much as I hate despise loathe the sacrifice bunt fetish that Geren exudes, it’s working against crappy teams.
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
The only explaination I have for its overuse
is that he is really trying to prevent a double play. What is the groundout rate for Ellis and Barton?
The best way to prevent a DP is not to get on base in the first place
And we’re damn good at that!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
The team has a .684 off-base percentage!
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
SWEET!
Drew: 'Oh no.. That is certainly the meaty part alright, but it's not the thigh..."
Randy: "No... that bone is NOT connected to the thigh bone..."
www.fearthefin.com
Sidney Crosby is my Cousin
www.pensburgh.com
by SeanCrosby87 on May 24, 2010 2:41 AM PDT up reply actions
I have a huge issue with our best hitter giving away his out
It’s good baseball for a crappy hitter to give his out away to get the runner into scoring position, but Barton is good at hitting and even though this is helping us win games, it could be even more helpful to let the best guy at hitting do what he’s good at. Why the hell is Barton still in the 2 hole? He should be 3 and the teams best bunter should be in the 2-hole if this is the gameplan.
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
What's unfortunate is that Barton happens to be a great sacrifice bunter
I actually wish he weren’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
yeah that is true
he is very good at almost all facets of hitting except hitting for power.
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
totally agree rightbackin
I love small ball, I love doing just enough to win. If Daric Barton was Giambi circa 2000, I’d agree don’t bunt him. But, he is hitting .269 coming into the game and we just need a run, I say bunt.
"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."
It's not that he's hitting .269
It’s that he’s got an OBP over .400.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
i'm not smart enought to convert anybody
I like what I like.
"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."
You should also know, then, that Barton has legit .300 hitter potential
He’s been battling through the finger injury and started out very well this season.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
i know all of that stuff dude
I think its like conservatives vs liberals, you are who you are. I’m conservative I like bunts and getting a run on the board unless you got an MVP candidate type at the plate.
"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."
You know what I like?
Evidence.
"The A's get some action but they do not score..." -Glen Kuiper
"Anyone who calls themselves the Angels Angels should have to start over and ride the short bus." -timmeh from McCovey Chronicles
The problem with that argument
is that sac bunting often lowers your chance of “getting a run on the board.”
http://www.ballyourbase.com
by thelincolndude on May 24, 2010 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought
It raised your chance of getting 1 run on the board but lowered the chance of getting 2+ runs on the board.
by Billy Frijoles on May 24, 2010 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
successful sac bunt from 1st to 2nd generally hurts chances of scoring 1 run
http://www.tangotiger.net/RE9902score.html
0 outs, runner on 1st=44% chance of scoring
1 out, runner on 2nd=40.5% chance of scoring
close enough to probably be good with a bad hitter/good bunter, or maybe with high BA coming up.
2nd to 3rd generally improves chances of scoring at least 1 run:
0 outs, runner on 2nd=63% chance of scoring at least 1.
1 out, runner on 3rd=66% chance of scoring at least 1.
A lot of these decisions are hard to evaluate, because you need to take into account lead runner out/error/hit/bunter left with bad count, on top of the the lineup/pitcher.
Having Barton bunt someone from 1st to second is pretty much always a bad decision, though.
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
by mikeA on May 24, 2010 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
not a fan of small ball
but it is fun to watch these guys execute it in tight games, especially when the other team fails so miserably at it.
by sf drift king on May 24, 2010 2:17 AM PDT up reply actions
Sweeping the Giants is soooooo sweet.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
how was rosales in the outfield?
i didn’t see any of the game. did rosales hold his own in LF? any scary adventures or great plays?
Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.
He wasn't really tested at all
Maybe 1 or 2 balls hit to him but that’s it
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on May 23, 2010 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
He is not Eric Patterson
Which is probably enough.
Looked good enough to not make me nervous
Got a good jump on one ball
AN: Where you will be an A's fan or Dallas Braden will show you the repercussions of your actions.
by stranahanahan on May 23, 2010 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Attention RLangford...
go put a Giant sock in it!
Go A’s!
"Twenty minutes," says Jack Sr. "Thank god for Billy Beane."
"Any fan that wants us to do that is going to be disappointed because that just isn’t us." - Wolff
"Just play for the name in front of the uniform.." - Dallas Braden
He's my fave player ever.
Him and Dock Ellis. Anyone for pancakes?
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
pamcakes?
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on May 23, 2010 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions
And he's going to be our closer, Bailey sent to AAA
Weird, but I guess you have to trust Billy.
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
Good Jesus
we in the hurtin ballplayers binness. and cousin, binness is a boomin.
by walk off bunt on May 23, 2010 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions
he was signed into the real minor leagues from the independent leagues. He won't be pithing for the A's...
With stout hearts, and with enthusiasm for the contest, let us go forward to victory. ----Hero Defector Montgomery
Well I know
Still. John Halama. I think “good Jesus” is the only way I can react to hearing he’s still in baseball at all.
we in the hurtin ballplayers binness. and cousin, binness is a boomin.
by walk off bunt on May 23, 2010 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Played for the brewers for years...
I remember him being old like 5 years ago though… so that’s what it tells me…
Drew: 'Oh no.. That is certainly the meaty part alright, but it's not the thigh..."
Randy: "No... that bone is NOT connected to the thigh bone..."
www.fearthefin.com
Sidney Crosby is my Cousin
www.pensburgh.com
by SeanCrosby87 on May 24, 2010 2:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe the "Dumb ball" worked, but did it?
Perhaps, Rosales could have scored on the Fox double, and the three singles after the Davis walk means he would have scored too. I mean we never know perhaps Barton his into a double play but……..
PLEASE STOP BUNTING!!!!!
by OnlybuyBeaneJerseys on May 23, 2010 4:45 PM PDT reply actions
You're right you can't
But most of us on this site know you don’t give easy outs (as far as probability is concerned.) Maybe in this case with the A’s anemic offense you play for one, and increase the probably of one run by decreasing the odds of multiple.
Maybe it was the smart thing to do in the first case.
It’s crap though. And it drives me crazy because the A’s organization knows better and were one of the first to recognize it.
by OnlybuyBeaneJerseys on May 23, 2010 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions
If Gross had been up, with Fox and Ellis to follow
then that bunt is a great move. Who’s up and who’s on deck and who’s in the hole are critical.
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
Myabe geren seen what happened to the giants
Runner on second and no outs Sanchez strikes out then a deep fly out for the second out. I wondered why a team shut out the night before in a 0-0 game is not bunting. a 1-0 lead by the giants would have been big but we will never know.
you play the hand you're dealt
We don’t have a big inning team.
by cool coltrane on May 23, 2010 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Not if we keep bunting every time we have the opportunity.
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
Geren knew
it only takes 1 run to beat the giants. Oh no I am praising Geren what is wrong with me??
Finally, a team worse at hitting than we are!
I know it’s unprecedented, but think MLB would allow the A’s to schedule the next 117 games at home against the Giants? It would sell out every night, and everyone could use the money in these tough economic times.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Hah. Like.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
by pam5981 on May 23, 2010 5:36 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
That means we must be at least as good as the Padres!
"The guy was tasting himself too long to apologize."~Dallas Braden
by OptimistPrime on May 23, 2010 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions
uhh, he said TWO west coast teams
west coast teams by RS
dodgers 224
angels 200
padres 188
giants 175
a’s 174
mariners 153
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
Hey we'd probably score more runs than the Portland Beavers if they were put in the majors
we in the hurtin ballplayers binness. and cousin, binness is a boomin.
by walk off bunt on May 23, 2010 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions
For good measure
Team OPS+:
LAD: 110
AZ: 102
TEX: 98
SD: 94
LAA: 91
COL: 90
SF: 88
OAK: 86
SEA: 83
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
Geren's Obsession with the Sacrifice Bunt
A great sweep of the Giants, and two home sell outs…..a great weekend. The only downer is Geren’s ridiculous obsession with giving away outs via the sacrifice bunt. You only have 27 outs, and when you deliberately give one or more up you are not helping your team win, and when the guy that is to make the sacrifice, Eric Barton, is one of the best hitters on a weak hitting team….absolutely criminal. I believe that the A’s lead the American League in sacrifice bunts, and I would fire Geren or any manager for this offense.
Eric Barton?
And Texas has 20, the A’s 16 (before the start of play today).
Sometimes they’re too quick to utilize the sacrifice bunt, but it’s a byproduct of having a mediocre offense and a good pitching staff such that a run or two might be enough to scrape by sometimes.
When it gets you the run it’s not bad. When the guys behind the bunter don’t get the job done, then it’s no good.
I also don’t really look at it as giving up one of 27 outs. I think of it as giving up one of three in the inning. There are others where those three outs go by right away with no real chance to score, so the giving up one of three thing can be seen to both sides.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Daric Barton
is hitting .265. He does walk a lot, but he has little power. It’s not like we’re asking Stan Musial to bunt. I agree with the early inning bunts, but today made perfect sense.
by cool coltrane on May 23, 2010 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions
but if he walks, then the runner is at second and there is nodoby outs
if he single or doubles, there is a runner at least at second and nobody out.
I can understand the ellis sac, because nobody at the bottom of the order is all that great, but bunting barton with the lead with only 3 outs to go is dumb dumb dumb.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
This is Oaktoon we're dealing with. C'mon.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
I agree Barton or Sweeney should never be asked to bunt
But at the same time, people seem to think that the sac bunts are the only thing standing in the way of the A’s all the sudden being a great offensive team. Keeping in mind I would not be opposed to firing Geren. But the reality is, this team is ALWAYS going to struggle to get runs, regardless of offensive schemes.
by JamesS on May 23, 2010 5:50 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
exactamente
Whatever the opposite of Bronx Bombers is, that’s the A’s.
by cool coltrane on May 23, 2010 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions
If the team is ALWAYS going to struggle to get runs
wouldn’t making an out ON PURPOSE and decreasing the likelihood that a run scores be a bad idea?
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
Time to retire, Chavy
MLBTradeRumors has a link up to Eddie Bajek’s (whom I believe runs a Tigers Blog) reverse engineering of the Elias Rankings. For AL 1B/OF/DH, Chavez ranks last with 0 points. Joey Devine and Jon Meloan, both on the DL for TJ for quite some time, both have higher rankings (3.663) than Chavez.
Well, to be fair, the Elias rankings are based on multiple years, not just one.
I'm walking out in a force ten gale.
Birds thrown around, bullets for hail.
well, that's what he is dong, riding out the year to get to the buy out
I hope you are not suggesting he give up $10,000,000.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
I am sure if Chevy decides to retire the A's will make it worth it to him.
Also, Chevy will probably become a coach..
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
WOW.
Seriously? They were all hot on him for a while. You’d think he’d just get demoted to the bullpen at worst.
I'm walking out in a force ten gale.
Birds thrown around, bullets for hail.
Still not good at baseball
I hope the A’s don’t go and claim him back.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
27 walks, 21 strikeouts
Not. Good.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on May 23, 2010 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions
I'll say it 'til I'm blue in the face
In the late innings, with a close lead, with this lineup (Ellis is just back from an injury and is a career .265 hitter; Barton is now hitting .265) with this bullpen and against poor hitting teams like the Giants, the bunt is the RIGHT play. It was today, and it worked. It won’t always work, and every now and then the bullpen will give it all back. But the percentages that claim a base is never worth an out are simply too rigid— there are times the bunt is the best play and as I’ve been saying for a few weeks now, people around here had better get used to it.
Daric Barton had a .381 OBP before today
No, bunting with him is not the right play whether it worked or not.
No percentages say a base is NEVER worth an out, so you’re misunderstanding the math or something.
I should hope nobody around here “gets used” to something as patently stupid as having the teams best offensive player bunting on a regular basis. That’s like telling the kid with glasses he “better get used” to the bully stealing his lunch money everyday. I’d rather that kid kick the bully in the nuts.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on May 23, 2010 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I would have bunted with Gabe Gross in both cases (7th and 8th)
against a LHP. The batter matters a ton; it’s not just the situation.
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 doubt he can bunt.
He steps to the left, he steps to the riiiiiiight. That Amos Roberts, he'll make you look shite!
He can bunt fine, far as I know.
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
Are you seriously trying to reason with Oaktoon?
Does nobody learn?
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
Huh. Didn't realize that.
Is he Oaktoon? I don’t know. But he does have two banned names coming from his IP.
b-b-b-BANNED.
I'm walking out in a force ten gale.
Birds thrown around, bullets for hail.
Hey, I could be wrong
But stylistically, he’s got all the same ticks as Oaktoon/madmongoose/Windyfelix.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
at least it will give him more practice coming up with good names
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Whatever name he chooses..
I’m sure someone will figure it out soon enough.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
my sock puppet is horrendously obvious
and was only made in response to someone else’s… but the name is in the same vein
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Now we know why he was sOsNeAkY.
Quality Jones is my kind of hero.
by Gaijin_Suketto on May 23, 2010 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions
+1
The odds Barton will end up on base, or hit the ball in the air anyway, are too good for him to bunt. Sweeney on the other hand, is a pretty empty offensive player and not threatening in any way, Id rather he hit #2 and bunt than Barton.
I love how I keep reading “you cant give up an out!” the NL gives up at least 3 outs a game when a pitcher hits, its a pretty big reason why the AL is tougher than the NL.
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
Love Marty Lurie
He just said the A’s got basically nothing for Holliday. I love it.
"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."
why cuz its true?
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
no it is
he didn’t add meaningfully to our season and we gave up a shit ton for him even if Taylor works out it was a spectacularly bad trade.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
The trade was not intended to add meaningfully to the season
It was intended to give them someone who would be a future piece of the puzzle.
Wallace was to be that guy, now Taylor is.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
well if that was the intention boy did they fuck up royally
street was worth two B prospects in himself and Cargon> Taylor and im sure Gregg could have been spun for something useful, like a bag o ballz
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Of course it hinges on what Taylor becomes
If he reaches his potential (yes, an if, but Wallace would have been an if as well with his possible DH or 1B-only future) then it’s something. Not a great trade, but not the worst ever.
Either way, it’s premature for Lurie to say the A’s got basically nothing for Holliday. Too soon to say.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
no it doesn't hinge on what taylor becomes
it was bad process.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions
If you say so
I’m not really interested in arguing with you about it.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
trading for Holliday
First they way overpaid for Holliday. 6 years of Cargon 2 years of Street which was at least 1 B and 1 C+ prospect and a sorta serviceable LH SP who wasn’t really any good for one not cheap year of Holliday. They did this as the market was collapsing and should have realized that other options were available without expending that much in terms of talent.
They also started by being in the wrong cycle of contention when it was very clear that they wouldn’t be ready to contend unless they made major upgrades elsewhere. This forced our hand to have to waste a year of control of Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill. We didn’t get to full evaluate players like Barton, Buck, Gallagher, and Pennington because we were trying to contend.
The A’s didn’t hit the super lotto (shocker I know) so making plans like the were going to was foolish at best and negligent at worst.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions
I see where you're coming from better now
So thanks for that.
I still think the potential Taylor brings is enough of an overall plus that while it doesn’t equal out the rest, it at least gives something to look forward to.
If he flames out, Lurie’s right. Still too soon to say, though.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I like taylor too
but even if hes a good ML OFer we fked it up.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions
What does that have to do with what they got for Holliday?
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
um it was far far far less than we paid for him
we got nothing out of the whole transaction. We actually lost something.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions
You're not adding in that Holliday was a A, maybe A- hitter in the bigs, not a prospect.
The A’s don’t have any of those (not even close), and that’s worth a lot. What other options would have made a team interested in competing so much better? The result was bad not only because Gonzalez is turning out well, and Holliday didn’t hit like Matt Holliday when he was here. The second part should not have reasonably been expected.
That leads to the second point. They indeed ended up in the wrong cycle of contention, but they weren’t insane for thinking they could win a weak division. If Duke had been healthy, and Gio had been healthy and turned in a decent spring training, Cahill would have spent the whole season in the minors, as expected. Neither guy was expected to big a big league pitcher going into the year. The injuries are what forced that result.
Finally, your comment regarding Barton, Buck et al. is true, but not pertinent to the discussion of this trade. The idea of blocking those guys with people like Nomar nad Giambi were separate unfortunate decisions.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Missed one thing
Which is that I don’t think any team in the AL West who entered play last year should have thought that they didn’t have a chance to win that division. It was a very winnable division, at least on paper at the time.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
And one more thing (sorry for the poor editing)
forgot to remove the word “not” from the third sentence in the third paragraph, to wit:
The result was bad not only because Gonzalez is turning out well, and Holliday didn’t hit like Matt Holliday when he was here.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
This is where I think you are really wrong
The problem is betting that if a your ace who always breaks down doesn’t, and your all star third baseman who has to use a walker doesn’t, if two rookies (Gallagher and Gio or Outman) perform which doesn’t usually happen, if Sweeney develops and can hit and play defense (which happened), if Ellis is healthy, if a guy who got sent to the minors for sucking becomes your number two guy, if Dallas Braden isn’t a fifth starter (he wasn’t), and your bullpen is held up by a gimmick pitcher and a guy who has never ever been healthy for a full year in their first full seasons, you might have a shot at contending, then thats a terrible bet.
We made a move which should have been made if we were a piece away, but literally we had a question at literally EVERY CONCEIVABLE POSITION.
Once we had committed to contending we had to go whole hog which included burning cheap team control and blocking player when we shouldn’t have. You cant divorce the two decisions, since Holliday necessitated goin all in. Even if Holliday staid the whole year and hit like Matt Holliday, we are at best a 500 team, which is generous.
The problem with rebuilding is resisting the temptation to try to contend and rebuild while failing to do both. Beane has said this in the past and by his own standards the trade was a stupid one.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:37 PM PDT up reply actions
The first paragraph is a different and better argument
I still don’t think they were insane to think they could contend (the numbers did, too), but that acquiring Holliday couldn’t have helped in any case is the only and best argument against the Holliday trade.
I don’t agree that the rest of the A’s actions from that point followed by necessity. Signing players who were very old and injured for significant money is not the best way to augment a playoff contender.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
I disagree with one key point...
The A’s traded for Holliday in November. The full effects of the economic crash weren’t felt in baseball until the end of December. No one knew the economy was going to tank so bad. So while in hindsight it is obvious that the A’s overpaid to land Holliday that wasn’t so clear at the time.
I won’t waste time defending the baseball side of the first Holliday trade but you’re wrong to bring in the market collapse in to play. Beane could not have known what was coming with the economic downturn; therefore you can’t justifiably criticize him on that point.
And just a reminder… I didn’t like the trade very much either.
The monster at the end of this blog.
yeah this isn't accurate
the USFG bailled out all of our nations largest banking and financial institutions in an attempt to save the global economic system on Oct 3. If Billy Beane didn’t know that there was something horrifically wrong with the economy and that he might want to wait before spending a boat load of players and money on a non cheap underrated superstar, he was paying too much attention to soccer, which is also his fault.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Beane could not have known what was coming to the FA market
Everyone was blindsided.
The monster at the end of this blog.
He should have had an incling
and there was no indication that Beane had to act so early on Holliday.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Besides, at that point it was trade Holliday and get what you can or REALLY basically get nothing...
…when he leaves in the offseason.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
the whole thing was a folly
what youre saying is hey you did a really good job of cleaning that blood of your dashboard. Im saying it was a dumb idea to get in the car drunk.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions
I will say I wouldn't have traded for Holliday in the first place
For some reason they thought they could make a run at the division last year when it didn’t make sense. Their biggest mistake was bringing Gonzalez up too soon then giving up on him too early, but it seems he wasn’t going to fit their intended design for hitters one way or the other. Street was fine as a closer for the most part but had developed some injury concerns and Smith was a take-him-or-leave-him guy to me.
Either way, here we are. I still like Taylor’s potential.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
can't win them all
how about that Gio, Ryno and DLS for Swisher trade. Damn that’s working out.
"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."
Yes that worked out well
Kenny Williams is an idiot, you should pillage his farm
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions
In your eagerness to re-argue
the “the Holliday trades were lousy deals” debate, you have failed to notice that the premise in question here is whether the A’s “got practically nothing for him” and that is false.
If I pay $600K for a house that’s worth $500K, and then six months later I sell it for $300K even though it’s worth $400K, then yes, I totally screwed up on the deal. But it still isn’t true that I got “practically nothing” for it.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
don't give up on Clay Mortenson
"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."
Eh, really, Michael Taylor had BETTER be good
Or he’s right.
www.zekeishungry.com
by thejd44 on May 23, 2010 6:15 PM PDT up reply actions
im not sure hes better than Gonzalez Greggles and Street
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Two of those guys frequently miss baseball games due to injuries.
Not exactly the kind of the commodities the A’s need, since they already possess that in abundance.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
both of them could have been traded when healthy
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Smith could have
Street’s arm has been a question mark for a long time; there’s no way you’re going to hide that deficiency. You’re only going to be able to sell it to a team that’s willing to take a gamble.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
not really look at JJ Putz who was key in acquiring Gutierez for the Ms
he was hurt just as often.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Gutierrez wasn't thought to be as good as he is now when they made that trade.
Nor does a different isolated (and singular) act of stupidity do much to establish what a bad idea the Matt Holliday trade was.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
he was good he just hadn't had the opportunity to show it and it was just the first example that came to mind
and what it means is out there in the darkness Omar Minyia or Drayton Moore will make bad trades.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree with the second part
but it’s not something you can rely on if you have a solid business plan. You need to focus on what you can control. Moreover, Drayton Moore rarely has anything to trade that can be of immediate benefit.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Every year someone over pays for a reliever at the deadline
It happens just like clockworks; its how you know fall is approaching.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions
"Inside knowledge" alert:
The interest in Street was more tepid than you might think.
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
Exactly. He bounced back nicely last year,
but his trade value was “meh” — remember the Brewers scouting him at the deadline and saying “Pass”?
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I'm not saying I liked the Holliday trade,
because I didn’t. But it was because of Gonzalez, not Street. The A’s have a need in CF and I thought Gonzalez was too solid defensively, and too talented, to give up on the way they did.
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
Im not saying that they would have gotten anything spectacular
but I am suggesting that they could have gotten something worthwhile and that when people do the Holliday trade is Cargon for Taylor they missed out on a lot, including prospects from street and team control and AB to see what theyve got from certain players.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Beane had to weigh the possibility that Street may be injured/ineffective between the start of 09 and the trade deadline.
Considering Street’s history, that’s a valid consideration. One more injury and Street would not have any trade value.
You can’t just assume that Street would’ve been easily pawned off at the deadline for good prospects.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on May 23, 2010 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions
This is a good argument
however, the A’s had all winter to trade Street as well as the next two post seasons and three trade deadlines Im thinking at some point two B- prospects would have emerged.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2010 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions
And there are 29 other teams competing to find that sucker
You’re not going to win that derby every year—or even often—which makes it a bad part of a business plan.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
Fortunately for us
Taylor is 24, hurt, and posting a .698 OPS in AAA, so things look great on that front.
we in the hurtin ballplayers binness. and cousin, binness is a boomin.
by walk off bunt on May 23, 2010 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions
He is the prototypical A's hitter
He’ll almost surely be called up when they DFA Chavez
Your first place Oakland A's
by eastcoasta'sfan on May 23, 2010 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Look at it this way:
We traded Street (lost his closer job, blows too many saves) & Smith (only skill is picking off runners on first, awful at pitching) for half a year of Holliday. Knowing our luck, if we kept Holliday he probably would have gotten hurt (lol). Then we traded Carlos Gonzalez for Taylor, Mortensen and Peterson. Not bad.
Another thing: Gonzalez isnt that good. He’s about a 2-3 WAR CF. Thats decent but you guys act like we traded Heyward or something. Its not a big deal, Cargo doesnt know how to get on base and just has good numbers this year thanks to a .370 BABIP and oh look, he’s on the DL now. Sweeney was almost 4 WAR last year, I’d say I’d rather take Sweeney over Cargo, 10 times out of 10.
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
isn't he playing left?
I really don’t mind him being gone. I think he will be OK, but not great, maybe like garret anderson.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
Heh
Thats decent but you guys act like we traded Heyward or something.
Or Andre Ethier. Oh, crap.
At the time, there was no way to know that Andre Ethier would be posting a 200+ OPS+ a couple years later. It was a good trade when you figure in what Bradley brought to the A’s and the uncertainty of prospects.
But man, I’d love to have Ethier hitting third for the A’s right about now.
m*****f***ing c***s***ing peanut butter and jelly!! f*** f*** f***!!!
Lurie is kinda pissing me off
I’ve caught a few of his shows since he went over to the Giants … first of all, he’s absolutely horrific doing a call-in show. He ought to stick with the “feel-good” human interest stories, and the reminiscing about Ted Williams or whomever.
But damn it if he isn’t criticizing the A’s whenever he gets a chance. WTF is it with some guys who feel as if leaving the A’s means you have to jab ‘em when you can?! If I see that old curmudgeon at the yard, I’m gonna tell him to have another scotch and mellow out … let’s see how he likes working for a loser now. He needs to shut his drunk ass up.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Dude Marty Lurie is a great guy
use to play softball with my dad. And honestly if the A’s treated me like they did for him I would be pissed too.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Sorry, my rants are rarely meant to be taken seriously
but explain to me what “they” did to him … and are you agreeing with me that he seems pissed off re: the A’s? Seems like he’s got some sort of vendetta now … I don’t know … but I don’t think I’m imagining it. Every chance he gets, he takes a shot at us.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
um they moved to a station that cancled his show despite him doing all the leg work to get the ads
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, it is
It’s not like it’s the fault of the A’s for trying to get a better radio situation worked out and the station decides it wants to go in another direction with the pregame and postgame shows.
As it is now, I’m not exactly complaining about Townsend replacing Buan, you know?
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Well...
Chris Townsend is criticizing the Giants on his show just as much as Lurie is criticizing the A’s. I seem to remember he used to kiss the Giant’s butts until he made the racial slurs and was fiired by them.
by Flamethrower on May 23, 2010 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah that wasn't him
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
that was larry Krueger, who grew up a Giants fan
"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."
I think it was a guy that made fun of Caribbean players or something like that.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 24, 2010 6:37 AM PDT up reply actions
He referenced swinging at "Caribbean slop"
in reference to several players of said background having Uribe/Sandoval type plate discipline.
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
That wasn't CT. That was Larry Kruger(sp?)
Who said they were “brain dead Carribean hacks swinging at slop” or something to that effect.
SIG SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP. INQUIRE WITHIN.
RE: WTF is it with some guys who feel as if leaving the A’s means you have to jab ‘em when you can?!
It’s easier when the team hasn’t screwed you on the way out the door.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
I asked dfa to explain ... I missed it, somehow -- "what the A's did to Lurie"
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
that is my question
I thought he was an independent producer and KTBR wanted a different lead in, not the A’s.
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
I thought it was a KTRB thing
"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."
not an A's thing
Marty was independent, didnt work for the a’s, sold his own ads. KTRB wanted him and Buan out, A’s had no say.
"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."
I used to see him at the Coliseum all the time.
Always seemed like he was a “fan”. Now, it seems like he’s goin’ overboard in order to convince everyone he’s a Giants guy.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
he's is and always has been a dodger fan
selling out to host an A’s /giants show
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
It's what these radio guys do.
True, it doesn’t seem like the “real” Marty Lurie, but he’s got a job to do, so he’s doing it.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Well, there's "bashing" the other guys ...
Sabean sucks — Beane is over-rated — no one goes to the Coliseum — Giants fans are soft …. all that stuff is fine.
Lurie seems like he’s diggin’ up the most random crap … the Holliday trade — really? How ‘bout Ethier-Bradley while you’re at it? 4 years later. I don’t know, like I said, he seems like that bitter ex-boyfriend/girlfriend who just feels the need to throw out random shit.
I needed a team so I wouldn’t turn into one of the eighty million pink hat-wearing Bud Light-drinking mulleted idiots at Fenway.
Townsend is a Padres fan. He doesn't like the Giants.
So rooting for the A’s to be the better team in the Bay Area is an extension of that.
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2010 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
Plus he's constantly said that growing up in an NL town,
he was never exposed to AL baseball. He wasn’t about to follow a division rival and when he came to the Bay Area in ‘90, the A’s were on their third straight WS appearance. I believe his fandom of the A’s is real.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on May 23, 2010 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
What is Sheets worth??
Now that he is pitching like a ace again. If the A’s are not in it around deadline time what should they ask for him if he is pitching like a ace?
Ive got a piece in the hopper about this.
but the prospects have another two months to change their stock so its too early to tell and the A’s have way different needs that I thought they did at the beggining of the season.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions
you probably thought they'd be all set for hitting, right?
jk
Your first place Oakland A's
by eastcoasta'sfan on May 23, 2010 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions
probabaly ss
but pennington has been solid. He is about where his major league numbers will be 250/350 with abouut 10 homerun pop.
Well, if you've got something going I'll just sit back and let you do all the work!
The monster at the end of this blog.
well i started it in ST
but im thinking that Starlin Castro isn’t available anymore :-P
I was looking at Lee from the Cubs and DeJesus and a Withrow from the Dodgers, which is probably the most likely landing place right now.
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions
That's waaaaayyyyy too much time on your hands!
Thinking of teams for a July fire sale during ST? When do you do your wooing?
The monster at the end of this blog.
Thursdays between 11 and 130, Fridays between 1130 and 2, and Saturday between 12 and 3?
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2010 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
that's proper wooing time.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on May 23, 2010 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions
i was waiting for your reply to that as soon as I wrote it
i was thinking of shinning the LB signal but i didn’t think youd see if from FL
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2010 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions
wenches need wooing, too, blue n fuzzy.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on May 24, 2010 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions
also i hate ST around the second or third week.
so i was really bored of AN too
He's not missing bats and still giving up HRs like they're party favors at Chuck-E-Cheese - mikev
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2010 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions
i'm thinking he could be traded even if we are in it.
"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."
It hasn't stopped them in the past.
Could also be a trade that makes out team better right now, even if he’s still pitching really well.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
That depends on Mazzaro, DiNardo and whoever else at AAA
Anderson-Braden-Gio-Cahill-Mazzaro isnt as good as putting Sheets up front.
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
no dinardo
I watched that guy in AAA get taken for 11 runs. Please no. Mazzaro would be the guy if all the other 4 starters are healthy.
don't forget Outman
"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."
Well, what *I* would ask for him is
10 more wins. Regardless of what our record is.
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
That’s funny.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Did you have fun at the game, kiddo?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Yes! It was the best weekend ever. The senior trip kicked it off and a sweep of the Giants finished it off. It couldn’t have been better, really.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions
It was nice to finally meet you....
Good luck with the last week and half of School and with graduation..
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions
It was nice to meet you as well, man. Thanks for the kind words! Did you end up seeing the Emperor?
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah he walked to his seat like 1 minute after you left..LOL!!
Then he rode over to the Holiday Inn with me, Melissa and Chickenstanley…
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Aw, I should have stayed longer! I listened to the radio show on the way back. I started to lose the reception just as we got about 10 minutes away from my house.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah it was fun....and even though you were spouting about your streak..it worked out in the end...LOL
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s a relief!
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I was worried about you jinxing us young man....LOL!!
And I cant wait for our pictures to be posted on hotguysonline.com………ha ha ha or maybe it is sexybloggers.com…..LOL
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 8:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I should have done a sexier pose!
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Giants fans are so arrogant
Lets get Joe Maddon, we can get him out of Tampa. Riiiiiiight, with that farm system. He ain’t going knowhere.
"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."
uhh his team is on pace to win 118 games right now
surrrreeee hed want to leave that! surrrrreeeeeee
-The president of the "Sign Elijah Dukes" fan club.
If thats the case can we have evan longoria?
What you fail to understand in your joyless myopia is that baseball is the key to life-- the Rosetta Stone, if you will. If you just understood baseball better all your other questions your, your... the, uh... the aliens, the conspiracies they would all, in their way be answered by the baseball gods.
Hey all
This was kind of an overwhelming day but I’ll see if I can order my thoughts somewhat.
The game: I thought we would have a hard time winning when I saw the lineup… I immediately pictured Crisp having mistakenly-amputated limbs reattached by the legendary A’s medical team, but apparently he was just sore after his first few games back, whew [[[mops brow]]]
I felt the manager, taking the argument over the pitch to Uribe to an extreme I dunno I’ve ever seen Geren take a beef with an umpire, changed the tone of the game and played a big part in us winning eventually… it just felt very much like the whole timbre of the intensity went up a notch or two when BG got booted after following the ump all the way down the first base line to the bullpen, screaming in his face cap-to-cap the whole way. The guy behind me (45th birthday boy) yelled “Walk him to his car!!” which I thought was hi-larious.
My goodness the Gnats are awful offensively… they just lack athleticism if you ask me. They can’t seem to advance runners and they really sometimes do look like a team of 9 Rusty Staubs, but without the HR pop, jeez. When you score all of one run in a whole series, well, let’s just say I am glad I’m not a Giants fan. Many a broom was brandished and a good time was had by all not wearing the wrong colors today =)
The postgame: we (wacchampions, Chicken Stanley and their friend, later joined by Berry Jo) got there early and I immediately bought CT a beer and talked with him about the plan: he told me that after Barton’s segment I could have one of my own, very flattering. Perhaps the craziest part was when I expressed my desire to do a tag promo, to be played during the games on commercial breaks, for his show from all of us here at AN… when he responded with enthusiasm to that idea, well I was pretty excited as you’d imagine.
The Barton segment was awesome…. DB is a very nice young guy, kind of unassuming for a pro athlete and to be honest I was surprised how thin and wiry he is in person. After he signed his autographs, I was already on the mic and maybe the best part of everything was that on his way by me he kind of slapped me on the back (unsolicited and I was kinda stunned) and fist-bumped with me, wow! I almost lost my total train of thought at that moment but I recovered LOL
It was kind of a madhouse and for much of my little spot CT just kinda let me go on and on whilst he signed autographs for several pretty ladies who were kind of barking up his tree the whole afternoon, so I was kinda fishing for stuff to say half the time… hopefully it was OK. When it came time for the promo (with a taste of tenor sax beforehand, me holding my mic up to the bell of the lady’s horn who was playing) I was really kind of nervous (and hoarse from so much yelling at the game) but I think I did OK… what did you all think? According to Chris that will be used during the games now and I would expect that we’ll be getting some new pals in here based off of that ongoing publicity. Beats the hell out of the “blogs are lame” one they were running last week, at any rate, right?
Anyway I am a little exhausted but it was an exhilarating day all around… I even won a cute A’s backpack in the raffle giveaway they did, so how can you not be stoked? Now it’s on to Camden Yards for Open Season on Birds, just 2 outta first now and gaining. I think a decent road trip will herald that this team is starting to arrive and is defining itself as a solid division contender, putting more pressure on TX which is awesome.
Great day, one to remember for a long time & certainly every time KTRB plays our sweet, brand spankin’ new promo tag, what an honor.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
You rock, EN!
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
=) thanks N
I should also mention that I met “Crazylegs” the kettle corn vendor that dances, and told him he is the best dancer in Oakland, to which he replied “Just OAKLAND??” So I revised it to “OK, the entire East Bay!” which he approved of LOLOL
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey EN....thanks for going with us..that was a lot of fun!!
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions
a total & complete blast
needless to say you are awesome and we gotta do it again real soon, like the next homestand =)
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I also forgot (how could I forget this?)
That whilst waiting to go on w/CT I got to meet Dick Callahan, just the nicest man =)
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Glad to hear it
Sounded like fun on the radio.
@MAD_Marvin
The FairWeather Channel - Sports Comics and Bandwagon Forecast
by Hit4TheCycle on May 23, 2010 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions
it was a total hoot
after the postgame ended we had this intense sort of round table discussion about San Jose, Oakland, public money, the whole deal… me, CT, a couple of grizzled-looking A’s guys and this architect guy who (get this) was the one who drew up the plans for Mt. Davis in 1994, in addition for the plans to convert the Coli into football-only and for a baseball-only venue to be built in the North part of the lot as well. According to him, Al Davis got millions into his own pocket when that monstrosity was built, more than it cost to build it (ugh).
This was a totally fascinating discussion on a million different levels and I wish I could have got the guy’sd info cuz I would have liked to hear more of the story straight from the horse’s mouth like that.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah that conversation after the show was off the air was fascinating...I could not believe all the facts that architect dude had...WOW!!
And then the crazy lady who kinda butted in with her non sense…LOL
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions
And then the giraffe who was a plumber
but really wanted to get into biochemistry — oh my!
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
ROFL
yes, she was fresh outta her mind… creepy.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah seriously....she was out of her mind...
She litterally broke into the little roundtable discussion we were having and began spewing that the only reason that the A’s don’t have a new stadium in Oakland is because the state of California does not allow smoking indoors…and also when they changed the legal drinking age to 21…that doomed the A’s chances for a new stadium in Oakland..and that anyone over the age of 60 know what she is talking about….it was a big ol WTF???? LOL
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I know...wasnt even worth asking her what she was talking about...LOL
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Great Job, EN.
We just need to be more patient with the new folks so we don’t scare them away. This means don’t accuse them of being trolls just because they make a new post about something we’ve already beaten to death.
I introduced myself to CT after the show because I sent him an email about a mustache promo the A’s should do and he had kinda wondered what it looked like and stuff about the upkeep. Anyway, he liked the idea for the promo and even if it’s not something the A’s themselves would do, he sounded like he wanted to do it for his own show. Told me to email him and remind him. So if you can grow one, you better start!
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2010 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Hey it was nice to see you at the Holiday Inn today....
There is no A in OFFENSE!!
by wacchampions on May 23, 2010 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea! You too!
After Friday’s game we drove directly up to Petaluma so we could help my sister move. On the way back to Fremont today we ended up timing it really well all on accident. We were passing Hegenberger a few minutes after Barton finished up and my wife gave the OK to turn off and head over to the hotel for the CT show.
We got a picture of me and Hunter with Daric and he handed Hunter some vouchers for Plaza Reserved tickets, which was really, really cool. Looks like they can be upgraded to Lower Box for $10, so that’s probably what I’ll do. I also got my Daric Barton 2009 card signed. Talking to CT face to face is good, but seeing my AN friends is the best.
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2010 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions
OMG, he gave you guys tix, so dope
DB seemed to appreciate the crowd, he seemed into it.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Yea, I wasn't sure why he gave them to us, but my wife thinks they were handing them out to families with kids.
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2010 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions
adorable, love that
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions
hopefully it wasn't too disjointed
I kind of made it up on the spot, a spot on the spot LOL
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah, hope that wasn't too ego-ish
I was trying to play off “emperor” so it would have continuity and not just sound like a dumb internet name to the uninitiated who will be hearing it during the games.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions
It rocked, EN.
The only time I could tell you may have been winging it was when you went “…on 860 AM, home of your Oakland Athletics, XTRA Sports.” Otherwise, it sounds like it was rehearsed.
I'm walking out in a force ten gale.
Birds thrown around, bullets for hail.
it was hard doing it in front of all those people
If I do another one in June there will be crowd participation =)
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 1:03 AM PDT up reply actions
We got spirit, yes, we do!
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on May 24, 2010 1:21 AM PDT up reply actions
ooh you're still up?
I just finished my FP article and now I am gonna chill… I am still sort of amped from it all.
Seriously was it OK? It was SO harder in person with all the people… plus CT was signing those chicks’ stuff for 1/2 the time we were talking and I kinda hadda make sh*t up to say cuz he wasn’t really paying total attention, you know? He’s funny cuz he told me he trusts me to take over for long stretches cuz I have broadcast experience.
Call me if you’re up… I was talking w/Chicken Stanley about you all evening and he can’t wait for you to get here. Neither can I!
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions
manana....trying to go to sleep. Sleep won't take me...
You did fine. The whole thing was chaotic from a listening perspective. They had the speakers in the bar, so you could hear the call there, but it was delayed half a second, so every caller sounded like they had their radios on…it was a little scary. You were hoarse, but sounded good.
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on May 24, 2010 1:34 AM PDT up reply actions
no no
I met Rusty on the street in NYC once and told him he was always one of my favorite players. It’s just that the Giants seem to run the bases in that station-to-station style LGO was famous for.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Wahoo.
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
Adrian Cardenas today:
2 for 2 with a grand slam and 5 RBI. Nice to see.
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 this will finally get him going.
The Ultimate Opportunist
by Rated-R Superstar on May 23, 2010 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions
STICK IT, A-ROD!
Douché stricks out to end the game with the tying runs on.
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 rusty old antics of K Rod are different outside of the AL West
@MAD_Marvin
The FairWeather Channel - Sports Comics and Bandwagon Forecast
I just watched that K-Rod vs. A-Rod battle
and I couldn’t settle on which player I loathe more LOL
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions
I can't think of an acceptable outcome to that encounter
other than them both being arrested for steroids trafficking on the field.
"PECOTA can pretty much kiss my ass."-Nico
I was rooting for that!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
how about
flying rally monkeys drop buckets of water on each of them and they just melt away, down to K Rod’s goggles and A Rod’s wallet?
EN & Barton
You sound much different talking to CT than on the phone to be honest and I assume it was from yelling at Gnats fans all game. I will definately try to catch up to the other ANer’s when I get out to another game.
Also it sounds like Barton is a class act on the in person just as he is on tv. Seems like he’s flat out cool and tells everyone about the pressure catching Penny’s ball for the Braden PG. Also the story about handing the kid his necklace was pretty cool as well.
I'm still wondering how he grew up.
He never really answered that.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
I was hoarse, voice was shredded from yelling "No World Ti-tles!" at the SF fans.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2010 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions
A Giants sweep? Didin’t see that that coming.
Who will be my role model, now that my role model is gone?
by Brownie's Year on May 23, 2010 10:22 PM PDT reply actions
lol
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on May 23, 2010 11:32 PM PDT reply actions
oh wow, that's adorable
If Pennington manages 17 HRs, I’ll vow to consume an article of clothing to achieve a humorous effect --Joey C.
Serious AW.
What were they hugging about I wonder? Kurt looks adorable. As usual.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
His little smiling face! Aww!
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
You must still be under the weather.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
heartless.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
You can see a mic in front of them
and a cord passing behind Sheets’ leg, so this must have been during some kind of pre-game ceremony. Diamond vision film of Dallas hugging his grandma, maybe?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
sooooooooooooooo cute.
maybe the pre-game thing with the kid who got hit in the head with a line drive.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Or maybe another cow milking contest?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Anything is possible.
Is Ben trying to milk Kurt?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Man, I really hope that's a cord.
I'm walking out in a force ten gale.
Birds thrown around, bullets for hail.
and not a...tail?
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
Wouldn't it have been after the win?
Suzuki’s mask is still on top of his helmet and all.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
In fact, it was after the game
Caption: OAKLAND, CA – MAY 23: Ben Sheets(notes) #15 of the Oakland Athletics hugs Kurt Suzuki(notes) #8 after the Athletics beat the San Francisco Giants at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on May 23, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Last of the Ninth - Photography
He always does.
And hell, after that performance, who wouldn’t?
I'm walking out in a force ten gale.
Birds thrown around, bullets for hail.
Why was there a microphone on the field after the game?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
I think CSN has started doing the post-game from the field again.
The funny thing about baseball is that people will believe what they want to believe. -Joe Posnanski 8/29/09
More photos
Aside from the usual suspects like Getty and Reuters, a Giants fan provides a gallery of photos via Flickr from 5/22 (and offers up a few kind words about his visit):
"Sorry guys, I’m not going to try and hit (Douglas) Murray anymore. It doesn’t work." - Steve Ott, Dallas Stars.
by SwisherThresher on May 24, 2010 12:49 AM PDT reply actions
Is it wrong
That it’s because of stories like the corner pisser that I love our mausoleum?
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin
by Helloooo 1st on May 24, 2010 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Is it wrong
that I kinda wish he would have peed on the Giants fan?
sock puppets have never successfully defended castles, except when working with squirrels, which would never happen because squirrels know better than to trust sock puppets. -nm
by Leopold Bloom on May 24, 2010 1:29 AM PDT up reply actions
its oinkers like that
that in my lesser moments make me want to bring a Samurai sword to the ballpark instead of the usual broom for them to look at, you know?
I saw probably 1000 Giants jackets in SF today, and not ONE SINGLE ONE of the people wearing them looked like they would know THING ONE about baseball.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Can you really call it a "prison yard" parking lot
when you see dozens of people hanging out to good music and good eats before the game?
by Billy Frijoles on May 24, 2010 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions
As someone who regularly goes to San Quentin as a volunteer teacher in the College Program...
I admit I have no idea what a “prison yard” parking lot is. I’ve been to a number of other California State Prisons, too. The lots all differ from one another. The yards have similarities to one another, but these are not definitive enough to pick out a single thing that one would describe as a quintessential “prison yard.”
A Ballade [for the Angels Fan], by Eustache Deschamps: "We are cowardly, ill-formed and weak / Aged, envious and evil-spoken. / I see only fools and sots / Truly the end is nigh / All goes ill."
I hear ya
Also, The other parking lots I have encountered for stadiums are pretty much the same, including the one that I was in in San Francisco (would have taken less time to walk home than accepting the ride), so I think that is just a dig at oakland being crime ridden, not a description.
PS I like how you qualified your prison experience. As if everybody there isn’t a “volunteer.”
"The ego, the super-ego, and the Ed" - dannycakes
I'm cool you took it that way.
All I meant, though, is that I’m not an employee of the CDCR. Info on the college program is here.
A Ballade [for the Angels Fan], by Eustache Deschamps: "We are cowardly, ill-formed and weak / Aged, envious and evil-spoken. / I see only fools and sots / Truly the end is nigh / All goes ill."
I have a friend who used to do that out here near Philly (until they closed the prison)
Kudos for doing that. That’s really important work, paris7.
BTW, have you heard about Jail Guitar Doors?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
Very cool, thanks for the link. Go Billy Bragg!
A Ballade [for the Angels Fan], by Eustache Deschamps: "We are cowardly, ill-formed and weak / Aged, envious and evil-spoken. / I see only fools and sots / Truly the end is nigh / All goes ill."
you can
if you’re a corporate pig that can’t even use the bathroom without the cell phone company making another billion dollars off your total subjugation they have cleverly disguised for your endless consumption as Freedom.
When I hear a POS like that describe our place like that, I hear the Oakland stereotype shining clear as a bell and I dare say there’s a pronounced RACIAL component to it as well, were we to search beneath the surface of the baseless contempt these morons hold for everyone that isn’t a corporation-worshipping Modern Day Slave like they are.
When I see them with their cell phones, yakking at top shrill volume about how hip they are because they just filled the pockets of another exploitive corporation, it is sometimes all I can do not to grab it from them and insert it in a more, shall we say, appropriate orifice for such useless machinery. When the Giants “fans,” most of whom know the first thing about baseball whatsoever and are PROUD of their ignorance, write stuff like that they really show what it’s all about for them, and it ain’t pretty. As if a POS like the guy that wrote that would have ANY IDEA what a prison yard looks like…. maybe he thinks he does cuz he watched a couple of rap videos once.
When they say that sh*t, what they are really saying is “I am afraid of Oakland because that’s what my corporate masters, without whose permission I dare not go to the bathroom, told me to think on my television set. Aren’t I so smart and autonomous as a human being?”
Or, more succinctly, “Oink!”
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
of course I meant the DO NOT know the first thing about baseball
but you prolly got that, cuz you guys are Athletics fans and therefore your minds, unlike the majority of sheep flashing their fake bling at The Big Phoney these days, are actually functional ;)
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions
it's beyond the weekend sweep for that one
that one is bitter about other stuff, WAY more intense than mere sporting events could cause.
Hello, I'm Vince Cotroneo for the Marmaduke B. Mushmouth School of Public Speaking...
by emperor nobody on May 24, 2010 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Beat it to death
To me, the bunt sometimes makes great sense when trying to add to a lead. Picking up a run here and there is often the difference between winning and losing.
Incredible
The camaraderie at the post game show yesterday was contagious. It really did feel like being w/family.
Cool story: I scored a booth nearest to CT. I sat with a girl on one side of the booth. We ordered some beers/burgers & enjoyed our time. The spot got packed in a hurry. This guy & his girl had nowhere to sit, so they asked if they could sit across from us in the same booth and, of course, we let them.
Well, this dude was amazing. Not only did he buy me a round of beers to thank me for letting him sit with us, but he paid for our whole freaking meal! If this guy is an AN’er — thank you, bro.
A’s fans are some of the best fans in all of sports. Hardcore, loyal & passionate — just like AN.
Wish I was there
Went to the game but had to get back…sounded like a great time on the radio…and the camraderie showed on the airwaves. And Chris Townsend is awesome. Glad that people made it out there…will encourage them to keep doing more of these.
by Billy Frijoles on May 24, 2010 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions
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