Open Thread: Spring Training Plans & Holiday Chat

by baseballgirl on Dec 16, 2011 11:12 AM PST

It's a sloooooow A's news week. I literally have nothing for you that hasn't been rehashed a million times before. Will Gio go or will he stay? How come we can't have nice things like Josh Willingham? Dear Lord, but I'm sick of Pujols in Anaheim already, and the season is still three months away! Who's going to Opening Day to see Felix beat the A's for like the ninetieth billion time? Anyone making the trek to Japan?

But more importantly, let's hear the official Spring Training plans. I would encourage you to go this year; as one poster so succinctly put it in a previous thread: We're going to see a Spring Training team all year; might as well pay the Spring Training ticket prices.

I have it on good authority that at least a dozen people from AN will be at Spring Training on the weekend of March 16-18. Probably some of those people will be dining at Blue Wasabi, the best restaurant of all time. The games are as follows:

Home against Seattle Mariners, Friday, March 16th 7:05PM
Split Squad: Cubs at Home, at Giants, Saturday, March 17th 1:05PM (It's also St. Patrick's Day, so expect a fun night.)
There is also a night game on the Saturday; Giants/Dodgers 7:05PM
At Diamondbacks, Sunday, March 18th, 1:10PM
Home against Diamondbacks, Monday, March 19th, 1:05PM

The A's pack up and fly to Japan later that week.

Seriously, you should go. It's an easy drive from Los Angeles, and an easy flight from the Bay Area. Tickets are on sale now, and I would highly recommend Priceline.com to get the best hotel or rental car for your money that weekend.

So who's in?

And not one person responded to my Christmas inquiry. May I suggest these presents for your loved ones:

What else do you have?

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Comments

Ooh, I like the bar stool.

Pretty!

Baseball is a stupid-making enterprise in that nobody wants to be singled out or say something dumb. —Michael Lewis

by iglew on Dec 16, 2011 11:28 AM PST reply actions

We have them at home...they are great.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Dec 16, 2011 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

not cool to put your arse on the logo however.

the artist formerly known as inbillywetrust

by stm72 on Dec 16, 2011 11:47 AM PST up reply actions

We don't get nice things

because we have to be super-poor before we can be rich. I’m pretty sure that’s how the whole Dickens carol goes. I believe I saw Wolff hand Beane the memo about the coal shortage.

I must say, i do love the number of teams jockeying for Gio. Seems we’ll get a great package out of it.

It's just more exciting with Billy Beane running the team.

by ru155 on Dec 16, 2011 11:30 AM PST reply actions

I'm a season ticket fan so of course I'll be there for Opening Night

by OaklandSi on Dec 16, 2011 11:35 AM PST reply actions

I have a studio apartment, so the barstool doesn't really fit

But the chair looks awesome. Now I want one.

** Rule of Tree ** Pounding the Rock ** Battle of Cali ** Fear the Fin ** Athletics Nation ** Niners Nation **

by RedOscar on Dec 16, 2011 11:40 AM PST reply actions

To console myself about not going to Japan,

I will be in Phoenix for almost an entire week, including the weekend of 3/16-17-18. Looking forward to partying down with my AN family. Also: For the more adventurous palate, don’t miss Bill King’s favorite Phoenix restaurant, Havana Cafe.

Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.

by skigurl on Dec 16, 2011 12:28 PM PST reply actions

I've been dropping hints with my housemates about a set of A's grilling utensils, or an apron.

Not gonna happen. They’re as broke as I am. And you know, as cool as the apron would be, in my mind I’m holding out for one of those aprons that says Who Invited All These Tacky People? Remember those? I don’t know that I’ve seen one since the Carter administration…

Sisko: All right Niners, let's hear some chatter!
Kasidy: Hey batterbatterbatterbatterbatter!
Leeta: Hey batterbatterbatter! Batterbatterbatterbatter!
Worf: DEATH TO THE OPPOSITION!!!

by CmdrKhraanik on Dec 16, 2011 12:31 PM PST reply actions

There was a stadium give-away of A's grilling utensils already.

I have the set, since I went to that particular game. You can probably find some on craigslist or ebay!

"I'm not a peep; I'm a Cadbury egg." --Gaijin_Suketto

by weenmAN on Dec 16, 2011 1:18 PM PST up reply actions

You absolutely can...the apron too. Sometime this Spring, I'm gettin' all that stuff. Hopefully before Opening Day.

I haven’t made it down I-5 for a game in ages. (Heavy Sigh)

Sisko: All right Niners, let's hear some chatter!
Kasidy: Hey batterbatterbatterbatterbatter!
Leeta: Hey batterbatterbatter! Batterbatterbatterbatter!
Worf: DEATH TO THE OPPOSITION!!!

by CmdrKhraanik on Dec 16, 2011 1:41 PM PST up reply actions

speaking of nice things

how come there are no jersey promos this year? Is this not the final promos schedule ? (crosses fingers) Those are my favorite promos and I look forward to them each year. Bobbleheads are nice, but they tend to clutter up my room, but the jerseys I can wear and display. What’s everyone else’s favorite promo?

Falcon Punch!

by falconsfury on Dec 16, 2011 1:15 PM PST reply actions

that link says "More promotions to be added soon", so it is not finalized

my guess is that they are waiting for the roster to finalize itself before announcing giveaways….

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Dec 16, 2011 1:17 PM PST up reply actions

So.... how's that Gio bobblehead going to work out?

"I'm not a peep; I'm a Cadbury egg." --Gaijin_Suketto

by weenmAN on Dec 16, 2011 1:19 PM PST up reply actions

yeah, I was really surprised they announced that one....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Dec 16, 2011 1:19 PM PST up reply actions

It seems to be tempting fate.

Of course, life in the A’s promotions department can’t exactly be fun.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 16, 2011 1:24 PM PST up reply actions

LOL

Forst said WHAT? Beane traded WHO?

!$$#$#%#$%@ have to do this shit all over again !##%$!#$

by Billy Frijoles on Dec 16, 2011 5:39 PM PST up reply actions

Worst case scenario

a little paint, there you go, enjoy your Edgar Gonzalez bobble head

by samenonsense on Dec 16, 2011 8:02 PM PST up reply actions

He could get traded to the Padres, and then start the day of the give-away.

by LoneStranger on Dec 20, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions

Bobbleheads require more lead time, so they kinda had to commit early.

by LoneStranger on Dec 20, 2011 12:11 PM PST up reply actions

No way it's final.

Though I don’t know who we’d get jerseys of. :(

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Dec 16, 2011 1:24 PM PST up reply actions

Adam Rosales? Um, Scott Sizemore?

"He's listed as day to day, but then again, aren't we all?" — Vin Scully

by YonYonson on Dec 16, 2011 1:42 PM PST up reply actions

kids jersey day

With “future A’s sandwich pick”

On the back

by buddahead9 on Dec 16, 2011 6:05 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Since they're celebrating the '72 team, Hunter would be sweet.

by dashman33 on Dec 16, 2011 10:28 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

Hot Pants Day FTW

What’s everyone else’s favorite promo?

Baseball is a stupid-making enterprise in that nobody wants to be singled out or say something dumb. —Michael Lewis

by iglew on Dec 16, 2011 2:35 PM PST up reply actions

BEER and BIKINIS!

"Trying not to rec a "F**k the Giants" post is like trying not to look at boobs."

by Tutu-late on Dec 16, 2011 6:14 PM PST up reply actions

HOT PANTS.

by LoneStranger on Dec 20, 2011 12:12 PM PST up reply actions

Yes, I'm going to Japan!

I already have my flights and hotel. Now I just have to make sure I get tickets to the games! We’re also going to go into Osaka and see some Sumo wrestling! It’ll be a pretty interesting trip.

"I'm not a peep; I'm a Cadbury egg." --Gaijin_Suketto

by weenmAN on Dec 16, 2011 1:20 PM PST reply actions

Also going to Japan...

…vive le frequent flyer miles! My wife and I will be there.

The A’s have been less than forthcoming about ticket info, despite me being a season ticket holder. They have said that a third party will be selling the tickets and they’ll get me information when it’s ready to be released.

by Dr Pez on Dec 16, 2011 1:47 PM PST reply actions

You might want to be in touch with the folks at JapanBall

here — they’re leading an all-inclusive tour to see these games and some Japanese teams, but they also help buy individual baseball (and sumo) tickets.

Scott Hatteberg, English major.

by Englishmajor on Dec 16, 2011 1:57 PM PST up reply actions

I emailed A's ticket services and supposedly got myself on the list

to be able to purchase tickets when they become available.
My gf has also been in touch with the people who run JapanBall about getting us tickets. So, hopefully I’ve got all my bases covered!

"I'm not a peep; I'm a Cadbury egg." --Gaijin_Suketto

by weenmAN on Dec 16, 2011 2:02 PM PST up reply actions

Thanks!

I will contact them as well.

by Dr Pez on Dec 16, 2011 2:04 PM PST up reply actions

Yay, Spring Training!

I bought airfare for March 16-18, and I’ll definitely be at the 3/16 Mariner’s/A’s game, and possibly one more A’s game on the road. Traveling with 2 Giants fans and one each of Dbacks/Dodgers/Angels fans, so the trip will be an exercise in compromise. But I went for the first time last year with the same people and it was so much fun. (Also: Hi, everyone!)

Leslie: It's got a lot of heart.
April: That's what people always say when something sucks.
- Parks & Rec

by svetlanamonsoon on Dec 16, 2011 7:10 PM PST reply actions

I'm definitely in for Arizona

Japan, probably not. Too much flying.
I bought myself a Stomper Pillow Pet recently and I highly recommend it. Snuggly!

Scott Hatteberg, English major.

by Englishmajor on Dec 16, 2011 7:34 PM PST reply actions

It's so soft!

Leslie: It's got a lot of heart.
April: That's what people always say when something sucks.
- Parks & Rec

by svetlanamonsoon on Dec 23, 2011 12:34 AM PST up reply actions

Happy Holidays from Pinstripe Alley!

Follow me on twitter @nyybrandonc

Co-Manager/Writer for Pinstripe Alley, Editor/Writer for Blueshirt Banter

"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball."

"Every day is a great day for hockey."

by Brandon C. on Dec 19, 2011 9:58 PM PST reply actions

Season's Greetings to you as well, Yankee Fan.

Can you feel the love? It’s a Festivus Miracle!

Sisko: All right Niners, let's hear some chatter!
Kasidy: Hey batterbatterbatterbatterbatter!
Leeta: Hey batterbatterbatter! Batterbatterbatterbatter!
Worf: DEATH TO THE OPPOSITION!!!

by CmdrKhraanik on Dec 20, 2011 11:34 AM PST up reply actions