GOG 2011 #00

by colin on Mar 30, 2011 2:57 PM PDT

Hey! It's time for the baseball season and that means that the GOG is back! Actually, I really didn't give it any thought until a couple days ago. We are running out of time until opening day, so let's get started!

What is this GOG that you speak of?

GOG stands for Guess the Outcome Game. The basic idea is that we post some questions at the start of each series, everybody makes their best (or snarkiest) guesses, and then points are awarded if you get things right. The beauty of the game is that anything can happen over a short series, so even the wildest prediction might come true.

A litle GOG history -- The first GOG on AN was run by Alien (pre-SBNation username) and Jjjsixsix all the way back in 2005. Winners were easyraider and Hang Man. In 2006, AsGirl ran it, but I couldn't find any tally of the final scores. Then it was on hiatus for a couple of years until I started it up again for the 2009 season (with some help from nevermoor, doctorK, and micdog2001. The winner that year was nevermoor, and you can find an exhaustive summary of the results at this fANpost. Last year was the debut of GOG by committee plus the self-reporting tool for scores -- the 2010 final results have their own little web page.

To play the GOG, just keep an eye out for these fANposts before each series. Then read the questions and post a comment with your answers. Please try to answer clearly and keep the questions in order, because it will make things easier for grading. I thought about using google docs to make a form that people could fill out, but in the end I decided that it wouldn't really help much and it would just be a pain for everyone to have to follow a link off the site (got to keep those pageviews up for Blez!). Besides being an absurd and unpredictable guessing game (except for nevermoor, who somehow knows all the answers), I find the GOG to be an fun way to preview a series -- who is hot and who is slumping, what are the interesting pitching match-ups, and should Billy in fact FIRE GEREN NOW! If you play along, you'll probably learn a bit about players on other teams and the weird statistical flukes that make every season unique. Ok, time to get started.

GOG 2011 #00 -- I know exactly what will happen this season. Do you?

The first GOG is a bit different from all the ones that will follow. This is your chance to make predictions about the whole 2011 season. It's one thing to post your expectations for the AL West as a comment on some DLD where no one will ever see it after a this week, but here your guess will not only be remembered, it will also be graded at the end of September. So pick well!

Guess Oakland's regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc]
Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position]
Now do the same for all the divisions that we don't care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right]
Which pitcher and which position player are the A's season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct]
Which A's player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct]
Who is the home run leader for the A's? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc]
How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc]
How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc]
Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right]
New guys part 1 -- Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right]
New guys part 2 -- Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right]
How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc]
The Billy Beane Special -- Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess "no one". [3 points if correct]
Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right]
Know your enemies part 1 -- Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc]
Know your enemies part 2 -- Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right]
Know your enemies part 3 -- In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu's totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc]
Who is Oakland's representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless]

This GOG is longer and worth more points that a typical one, because it covers the entire season. So don't miss out! Submit your answers before the A's take the field against the Mariners on Friday night. And be on the lookout for GOG #01, which will cover that series.

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ok, let's get this started

89-73
Oakland, Texas, Seattle, LAA
AL Central = Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago, KC, Cleveland; AL East = Boston, Tampa Bay, NYA, Toronto, Baltimore; NL West = Colorado, SF, San Diego, LAN, Arizona; NL Central = Cincinnati, St Louis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Pittsburgh, Houston; NL East = Philadelphia, Atlanta, Florida, NYN, Washington.
Wild card teams are Tampa Bay and Atlanta.
A’s WAR leaders are Anderson and Crisp(!).
A’s WPA leader is DeJesus.
Home run leader is Willingham with 23.
Only 6 sac bunts from Barton.
Suzuki starts 130 games behind the plate.
Cahill’s ERA is (slightly) above 3.50. His FIP is (slightly) below 4.00.
More appearances for Fuentes. More K’s for Balfour.
DeJesus wins for average, Willingham for HR and RBI.
Carter play in just 15 major league games (september callup).
Breslow is traded at the deadline to some team that is desperate in the bullpen.
The A’s remain in the top 8 by UZR.
110 RBIs for Hamilton.
Yes and yes for Felix — another Cy Young caliber season.
Abreu = 17 HR, 85 BB, 18 SB
Brett Anderson.

by colin on Mar 30, 2011 3:19 PM PDT reply actions

thanks for doing this btw!

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Mar 30, 2011 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Im excited to do this for the 2011 season!

1. 86-76
2. Rangers-Athletics-Angels-Mariners
3. AL Central: Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago, KC, Cleveland. AL East: Boston, NYY, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore. NL West: Colorado, SF, LAD, Arizona, SD. NL Central: Milwaukee, Cincinnati, STL, Chicago, Houston, Pittsburgh. NL East: Atlanta, Philadelphia, Florida, Washington, NYM.
4. AL: Yankees. NL: Philadelphia
5. Gio Gonzalez and Barton
6. Willingham
7. Kouz with 24
8. 2 Sac bunts
9. 133
10. Over ERA/Under FIP
11. Fuentes for both
12. DeJesus-BA, Matsui-RBI, Willingham-HR
13. 27
14. McCarthy traded to like the Yankees.
15. Yes
16. 86 RBis
17. Both Yes
18. 17 HR, 72 BB, 14 SB
19. Gio and Crisp

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Mar 30, 2011 3:42 PM PDT reply actions

ooh, Crisp is a good call for the ASG

I’m hoping for a big season from him and he has some name recognition from playing for the Red Sox. Not that question 19 is worth any points…

by colin on Mar 31, 2011 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions

1. 84-78
2. Texas, Oakland, Angles, Seattle
3. AL Central: Chicago, Minnesota, KC, Detroit, Cleveland. AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, TB, Toronto, Baltimore. NL West: SF, LAD, Colorado, Arizona, SD. NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, Cubs, Houston, Pittsburgh. NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals.
4. Yankees, Brewers
5. Gio and Dejesus
6. Crisp
7. Matsui, 25
8. 4
9. 135
10. yes (3.08), yes (4.12)
11. Fuentes (appearances) , Fuentes (K’s)
12. Dejesus for Average, Matsui for HR and RBI’s
13. Carter will play in 31 games.
14. Wuertz and Sweeney traded (package)
15. yes
16. 119
17. yes, yes
18. Abreu – 15 HR, 81 BB, 10 SB
19. Cahill

by mpotter14 on Mar 30, 2011 3:44 PM PDT reply actions

Oh my GOG!!

82-80
rangers, a’s, angels, mariners
CENTRAL -AL: tigers, twins, sox, royals, indians/ NL:brewers, reds, cards, cubs, pirates, astros EAST – AL: Sox, yankees, jays, rays, O’s/ NL: Phils, braves, nationals, marlins, mets NL WEST – Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, D-backs
Yanks, Giants
Gio/Crisp
Crisp
WIllingham/23
5
135
No/no
balfour/ fuentes
Willingham
62
Zeigler
yes
108
yes/yes
17/ 82/20
Crisp

Why buy good luggage? You only use it when you travel. - Yogi Berra

by SoCal As Fan on Mar 30, 2011 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

1. 88-74
2. A’s, Rangers, Mariners, Angels
3. AL Central: Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Royals. AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles. NL West: Rockies, Dodgers, Padres, Giants, D-Backs. NL Central: Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs, Pirates, Astros. NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals.
4. Yankees, Braves
5. Anderson, Barton
6. DeJesus
7. Willingham
8. Three sac bunts.
9. 125
10. No, Yes
11. Fuentes has more appearances, Balfour has more strikeouts.
12. DeJesus, Willingham, Willingham
13. 50
14. Wuertz
15. Yes
16. 105
17. Yes and yes.
18. 9/40/16
19. Anderson

by harenshair on Mar 30, 2011 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

the GOGfather is back :-)

Yay! No time now but I will fill this out later.

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

by micdog2001 on Mar 30, 2011 4:54 PM PDT reply actions

Worth a shot

1. 87-75
2. A’s, Rangers, Angels, Mariners
3. AL East: BOS, NYY, TBR, TOR, BAL; AL Central: MIN, CHW, DET, KC, CLE; NL East: PHI, ATL, FLA, NYM, WAS; NL Central: CIN, MIL, STL, CHC, PIT, HOU; NL West: COL, SF, LA, SD, ARZ.
4. NYY, ATL
5. Anderson, Barton
6. Anderson
7. Willingham, 20
8. 2
9. 145
10. No, No
11. Balfour, Balfour
12. DeJesus, Willingham, Willingham
13. 60
14. No one
15. Yes
16. 90
17. Yes, No
18. 7, 70, 17
19. Anderson

"Juuuuust a bit outside" - Harry Doyle

by ArunisArun on Mar 30, 2011 4:59 PM PDT reply actions

dwishinsky 2011 guesses

1. 92-70
2. OAK-TEX-LAA-SEA
3. ALE: BOS-NYY-TB-TOR-BAL, ALC: CWS-MIN-DET-KC-CLE, NLE: PHI-ATL-FLA-WSH-NYM, NLC: CIN-MIL-CHC-STL-PIT-HOU, NLW: COL – SF – SD – LA – AZ
4. NYY and SF
5. Gio Gonzalez, Daric Barton
6. Coco Crisp
7. Kouzmanoff, 23
8. 2
9. 134
10. No, No.
11. Balfour, Balfour
12. DeJesus, Kouzmanoff, Willingham
13. 36
14. Jerry Blevins
15. Yes
16. 94
17. Yes, Yes
18. 13, 64, 13
19. Gio Gonzalez

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by dwishinsky on Mar 30, 2011 5:22 PM PDT reply actions

BASEBALL SEASON!!!!!!!

   1. Record [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 86-76
   2. AL West [3 points for each team in the correct position] Rangers, A’s, Angels, Mariners
   3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays
AL Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians, Royals
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nats
NL Central: Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs, Pirates, Astros
NL West: Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Padres, DBacks

   4. Wildcards [3 points for each right] Yanks, Braves
   5. fWAR leaders? [3 points for each correct] Gio, Barton
   6. Highest WPA [3 points if correct] Willingham
   7. HR leader/how many? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham/21
   8. Daric Barton bunts [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 4
   9. Zuki GS? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 126
  10. Cahill ERA < 3.50? FIP < 4.00? [2 points for each right] No/No
  11. Fuentes v. Balfour: more G/K? [2 points for each right] Balfour/Balfour
  12. Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham: AVG/OBP/SLG [2 points for each right] DeJesus/Willingham/Willingham
  13. Chris Carter: G [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 73
  14. Someone on 25 man traded [3 points if correct] No one
  15. Oakland in top 8 UZR? [2 points if right] Yes
  16. Josh Hamilton RBI [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 113
  17. Felix: K/BB > 3? HR/9 < 0.75? [2 points for each right] Yes, Yes
  18. Abreu HR/BB/SB [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 18/84/20
  19. A’s All Star [0 points because that game is pointless] Gio

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Mar 30, 2011 5:29 PM PDT reply actions

Correction: 12 is BA/HR/RBI

not BA/OBP/SLG

"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton

by vignette17 on Mar 30, 2011 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I hope I can actually stay with these through the entire season this time ;)

   1. 84-78
   2. Rangers, A’s, Mariners, Angels
   3. ALC: White Sox, Tigers, Twins, Royals, Indians; ALE: Red Sox, Rays, Orioles, Yankees, Blue Jays; NLW: Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks; NLC: Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Astros; NLE: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals
   4. Rays and Braves
   5. Gio Gonzalez, Daric Barton
   6. Gio
   7. Willingham, 22
   8. 3
   9. 145
  10. No, Yes
  11. Balfour, Balfour
  12. DeJesus, Willingham, Willingham
  13. 50
  14. Wuertz
  15. No
  16. 110
  17. Yes, Yes
  18. 15/80/15
  19. Gio

"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."

by lenscrafters on Mar 30, 2011 6:05 PM PDT reply actions

It is indeed a chore....we should post about the funny things that we did to be sure we kept up!!

AND posted on time!

Randy Jackson: "Did you eat a lot of paint chips when you were young?"
Idol Contestant: [Nods]

by Berry Jo on Mar 30, 2011 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Here goes:

1) 86-76
2) Rangers/A’s/Angels/Mariners
3)
AL East: Red Sox/Yankees/Rays/Blue Jays Orioles
AL Central: Twins/White Sox/Tigers/Royals/Indians
NL West: Rockies/Giants/Padres/Dodgers/Diamondbacks
NL East: Phillies/Braves/Mets/Marlins/Nationals
NL Central: Brewers/Cardinals/Reds/Cubs/Pirates/Astros
4) Rays and Braves
5) Anderson and Barton
6) Crisp
7) Matsui, 22
8) 1.
9) 130
10) Yes, No.
11) Balfour, Balfour
12) Average: DeJesus, Home Runs: Matsui, RBI: Matsui
13) 75
14) Adam LaRoche
15) Yes
16) 110
17) Yes, Yes.
18) 18/85/20
19) Anderson

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by Rebuilding Season on Mar 30, 2011 6:07 PM PDT reply actions

Woo, GOG!

Hey colin, let me know if you want me to help out in any way. I like making them, but I know that new series can sneak up fast.

1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] – 88-74
2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position] A’s, Rangers, Angels, Mariners
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position] Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Royals, Indians; Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Jays, Orioles; Giants (ugh), Dodgers, Rockies, Padres, Diamondbacks; Cardinals, Reds, Brewers, Cubs, Astros, Pirates; Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Nationals, Mets
4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right] Rays, Braves
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Anderson, Barton
6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Crisp
7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham, 24
8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 3
9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 132
10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] yes, yes
11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Fuentes, Balfour
12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] DeJesus, Willingham, DeJesus
13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 40
14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess “no one”. [3 points if correct] Kouzmanoff
15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] yes
16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 80
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] yes, yes
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 17, 90, 19
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless] Anderson

"Hey anyone can join in...as long as they talk about me." - Mr. Bed
"If aliens were going to communicate with Earth, they'd contact you first." - my GF

by cuppingmaster on Mar 30, 2011 8:43 PM PDT reply actions

You have no idea how happy this makes me to have back again!

1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 92-50
2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position] A’s, Texas, Seattle, Anaheim
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
AL Central: Minnesota, Detroit, White Sox, Cleveland, Kansas City
AL East: Boston, Toronto, NYY, Tampa Bay, Baltimore
NL West: Rockies, Giants, Padres, Dodgers, D-Backs
NL Central: Reds, Cards, Milwaukee, Cubs, Astros, Pirates
NL East: Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Mets, Nationals
4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right] Toronto, Giants
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Brett Anderson, Josh Willingham
6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Barton
7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham with 28
8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 3
9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 132
10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] Yes, yes
11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Balfour, Balfour
12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] DeJesus, Willingham, Willingham
13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 75
14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess “no one”. [3 points if correct] Mike Wuertz
15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] Yes
16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 72, he gets injured and misses 50 games
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] Yes, yes
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 18 HR, 65 BB, 17 SB
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless] I’ll follow Joel Sherman’s prediction that Gio, Cahill and Anderson will all go.

All I can say about stats is…

SCOTT BROSIUS!!

by stranahanahan on Mar 30, 2011 8:44 PM PDT reply actions

92-50? Is there going to be a strike, or some cancellations?

Your 2011 Athletics: Halfway like a mama bear protecting her young,
and halfway like a vampire biting into a series of defenseless necks.

by Gaijin_Suketto on Mar 30, 2011 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Whoops! Yeah, my math sucks...

Thanks for the catch.
I meant 112-50.
Ha! Really 92-70…

All I can say about stats is…

SCOTT BROSIUS!!

by stranahanahan on Mar 30, 2011 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions

That's some gutsy calling.

"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."

by thewhizkid on Mar 31, 2011 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Let's go Baseball!

1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 88-74
2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position] A’s, Texas, Los Angeles, Seattle
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
AL Central: White Sox, Twins, Tigers, Royals, Cleveland
AL East: Boston, Tampa Bay, NYY, Toronto, Baltimore
NL West: Rockies, Giants, Padres, Dodgers, D-Backs
NL Central: Reds, Milwaukee, Cards, Pirates, Cubs, Astros
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals
4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right] Twins, Braves
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Gio Gonzalez, Daric Barton
6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Barton
7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham with 20
8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 2
9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 140
10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] Yes, yes
11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Balfour, Balfour
12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] DeJesus, Willingham, Matsui
13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 80
14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess "no one". [3 points if correct] Andrew Bailey
15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] Yes
16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 104
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] Yes, yes
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 22 HR, 70 BB, 12 SB
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless] Brett Anderson

WHAT!??!?!?!?!?!?!

by true torture on Mar 30, 2011 8:57 PM PDT reply actions

Might as well give it a shot

1. 87-75
2. Rangers, A’s, Angels, Mariners
3. AL Central – Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Royals
AL East – Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles
NL West – Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Padres, D-Backs
NL Central – Reds, Cards, Brewers, Cubs, Pirates
NL East – Braves, Phils, Marlins, Mets, Nats
4. Yankees, Phillies
5. Anderson, Barton
6. Barton
7. Willingham, 22
8. 4
9. 125
10. Yes, No
11. Fuentes, Balfour
12. DeJesus, Willingham, Matsui
13. 70
14. Wuertz
15. Yes
16.100
17. Yes, Yes
18. 20 HR, 80 BB, 15 SB
19. Anderson, Gio

Bring Dan Haren back to Oakland!

by X-Pac on Mar 30, 2011 9:01 PM PDT reply actions

1. 93-69
2. A’s, Rangers, Angels, Mariners
3. AL CENTRAL- White Sox, Twins, Tigers, Royals, Indians
     AL EAST- Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles
     NL WEST- Giants, Rockies, Padres, Dodgers, Diamondbacks
     NL CENTRAL- Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Astros
     NL EAST- Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Nationals, Mets
4. Rays and Braves
5. Gio Gonzalez and Cliff Pennington
6. David DeJesus
7. Hideki Matsui, 23
8. 2
9. 126
10. yes, yes
11. Balfour, Balfour
12. DeJesus= AVG, Matsui= HR, Willingham= RBI
13. Carter plays 47 games
14. Brandon McCarthy will be traded midseason
15. yes
16. Josh Hamilton will have 88 RBIs this year
17. no
18. Abreu will have 17HR,70BB,17SB
19. A’s all-star representatives will be Gio Gonzalez and David DeJesus.

Your 2011 Athletics: Halfway like a mama bear protecting her young,
and halfway like a vampire biting into a series of defenseless necks.

by Gaijin_Suketto on Mar 30, 2011 9:19 PM PDT reply actions

Nice! Love this, Colin. Nice to have you back.

1. 86-76
2. Rangers, Athletics, Angels, Mariners
3. AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays
AL Central: Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Royals
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals
NL Central: Cardinals, Brewers, Reds, Cubs, Pirates, Astros
NL West: Giants, Dodgers, Rockies, Padres, D’Backs
4. Yankees, Braves
5. Gio Gonzalez, Daric Barton
6. Trevor Cahill
7. Willingham, 20
8. Colin, I hate you. 6
9. 140
10. Yes, No
11. Fuentes, Balfour
12. DeJesus AVG, Willingham HR, Willingham RBI
13. 50
14. no one!
15. yes
16. 100
17. yes, no
18. 17 HR, 70 BB, 20 SB
19. Gio!

by danmerqury on Mar 30, 2011 9:26 PM PDT reply actions

I ♥ GOGs

1. Regular Season Record for 2011: 90 – 72 [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc]
2. Predict the final AL West rankings: A’s, Rangers, Seattle, Angels [3 points for each team in the correct position]
3. All the divisions: AL East (as much as it pains me to type this) – Boston, Yankees, Toronto, Rays, Tampa, Baltimore [2 points for each team in the correct position],
AL Central: Chicago White Sox, Minnesota, Detroit, Cleveland, KC
NL West: NO REPEATS!!! San Diego, Colorado, SF, AZ, Dodgers
NL East: Philly, Atlanta, Mets, Florida, Washington
NL Central: St. Louis, Houston, Cinci, Cubbies, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh
4. Wild Card AL: Toronto and NL: San Diego. [3 points for each right]
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the WAR leaders? Gio and Barton [3 points for each correct]
6. Which A’s player highest cumulative WPA – Daric Barton [3 points if correct]
7. Home run leader: Matsui, HR = 21 [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc]
8. Sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? 6 [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc]
9. Suzuki starts = 135 [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc]
10. Trevor Cahill ERA under 3.50? YES FIP under 4.00? YES [2 points for each right]
11. Relief appearances – Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? Balfour [2 points for each right]
12. A’s Triple Crown winner: (batting average, home runs, runs batted in) DeJesus (BA), Matsu (HR) , or DeJesus (RBI) [2 points for each right]
13. Chris Carter in The Show: 36 [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc]
14. The Billy Beane Special – Who gets traded mid-season = La Roche [3 points if correct]
15. Will they crack the top 8 this year? Sure…[2 points if right]
16. Know your enemies part 1 — How many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? 87 [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc]
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? Yes (K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? Yes (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right]
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s HR = 22 BB = 85 SB = 21 [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc]
19. 2011 All Star Game = Gio and Suzuki AND MARK ELLIS (who needs to get some MLB ♥ [0 points because that game is pointless]

Randy Jackson: "Did you eat a lot of paint chips when you were young?"
Idol Contestant: [Nods]

by Berry Jo on Mar 30, 2011 9:32 PM PDT reply actions

lets see....

1) 89-73
2) Texas, Oakland, LA, Seattle
3) Detroit, Minnesota, Chicago, KC, Cleveland
      Boston, Tampa, Toront, NYY, Baltimore
      Colorado, SD, SF, LA, AZ
      Milwakee, CHI, STL, Hou, Cin, Pit
      Phi, Atl, Fla, Wash, NYM
4 Tampa, Atlanta
5) Gio, Kouz
6) DeJesus
7) Matsui
8) 5
9) 135
10) No, no
11) Balfour, Balfour
12) AVE= DeJesus, HR= Matsui, RBI= Willingham
13) (ouch, 1 AB for pinch hit is a game played) 40
14) Fuentes
15) Yes
16) 111
17) Yes, Yes
18) HR= 26, BB= 78, SB= 16
19) Gio

by gratefuldude on Mar 31, 2011 12:15 AM PDT reply actions

Hello all my friends! I hope you've had a nice winter/spring!

Colin, my heart took a leap of joy when I saw this post go up. As vignette, doctorK, Berry Jo, cuppingmaster, danmerqury, and others can tell you, this is my favorite part of AN! I’m glad to see so many folks on board here at the start.

1. Record [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 87-75 
2. AL West [3 points for each team in the correct position] A’s, Angels, Rangers, Mariners 
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position] 
AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Orioles, Blue Jays 
AL Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians, Royals
  NL East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Marlins, Nats
  NL Central: Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs, Astros, Pirates 
NL West: Rockies, Padres, Giants, Dodgers, DBacks
4. Wildcards [3 points for each right] Yanks, Braves 
5. fWAR leaders? [3 points for each correct] Gio, Barton 
6. Highest WPA [3 points if correct] Gio 
7. HR leader/how many? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Matsui/21 
8. Daric Barton bunts [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 2 
9. Zuki GS? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 138 
10. Cahill ERA < 3.50? FIP < 4.00? [2 points for each right] Yes/No 
11. Fuentes v. Balfour: more G/K? [2 points for each right] Balfour/Balfour 
12. Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham: AVG/HR/RBI [2 points for each right] DeJesus/Matsui/Matsui 
13. Chris Carter: G [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 22
14. Someone on 25 man traded [3 points if correct] No one 
15. Oakland in top 8 UZR? [2 points if right] Yes 
16. Josh Hamilton RBI [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 103 
17. Felix: K/BB > 3? HR/9 < 0.75? [2 points for each right] Yes, Yes 
18. Abreu HR/BB/SB [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 15/78/22 
19. A’s All Star [0 points because that game is pointless] Anderson

"Honestly, the more I teach, the more I find myself in favor of medication. I don't think kids should take any, though." - Nico

by paris7 on Mar 31, 2011 5:10 AM PDT reply actions

paris7!!!!!!!

Happy Spring….Happy Opening Day……Happy GOGs

Randy Jackson: "Did you eat a lot of paint chips when you were young?"
Idol Contestant: [Nods]

by Berry Jo on Mar 31, 2011 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions

I still need a couple of recs to get in the recommended section

You all can unrec it once we hit the deadline for entries.

by colin on Mar 31, 2011 6:13 AM PDT reply actions

Looking forward to defending my title!

1. 91-71
2. From first to last: A’s, Angels, Rangers, Mariners
3. AL Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians, Royals
AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles
NL West: Dodgers, Giants, Rockies, Padres, Dbacks
NL Central: Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Cubs, Astros, Pirates
NL: East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Nationals, Marlins
4. AL: Yankees NL: Braves
5. Pitcher: Gio Position: Pennington
6. Anderson
7. Matsui, 19
8. 2
9. 112
10. Yes, no
11. Balfour, Balfour
12. BA: DeJesus, HR: Matsui RBI: Matsui
13. 45
14. no one
15. Yes
16. 110
17. Yes, no
18. 18 HR, 95 BB, 19 SB
19. Gio

"Everybody in the building is standing except for people in a wheelchair." - Doug Woog

"It’s like the lost burrito of Atlantis." - jeepers

by Where's My Burrito? on Mar 31, 2011 7:08 AM PDT reply actions

Thank you for taking charge of this again!

   1. 89-73
   2. A’s, Angels, Rangers, Mariners
   3.
AL Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Royals, Indians
AL East: Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles
NL West: Giants, Rockies, Padres, Dodgers, Diamondbacks
NL Central: Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Reds, Astros, Pirates
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Nationals, Marlins
   4. Wild card: AL – Rays, NL – Rockies
   5. Pitcher WAR: Anderson, Position player WAR: Barton
   6. WPA: Barton
   7. Matsui with 22
   8. Barton has 6 sac bunts
   9. 138 GS for Zooks
  10. Yes, No
  11. Balfour, Balfour
  12. DeJesus BA, Matsui HR, Willingham RBI
  13. 44 games for Carter
  14. LaRoche
  15. Yes
  16. 136 RBI for Hamilton
  17. Yes on the K/BB, No on the HR
  18. 22 HR, 75 BB, 16 SB
  19. Gio

by oblique on Mar 31, 2011 7:59 AM PDT reply actions

Yes!

   1. 87-75
   2. A’s, angels, Rangers, Mariners
   3. AL Central: Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Royals, Indians
AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles
NL West: Rockies, Dodgers, Giants, Padres, Diamondbacks
NL Central: Brewers, Cardinals, Reds, Cubs,Astros, Pirates
NL East: Phillies, Braves, Nationals, Mets, Marlins
   4. Yankees, Braves
   5. WAR: Gio and Barton
   6. WPA: Willingham
   7. Home run leader: Willingham, 25
   8. Sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton: 3
   9. Suzuki starts at catcher: 142
  10. ERA under 3.5 No, FIP under 4:yes
  11. Fuentes appears more, Balfour strikes out more
  12. BA: DeJesus HR: Willingham RBI: Matsui
  13. 75 games
  14. DeJesus is traded mid-year
  15.Yes
  16. Hamilton gets 105 RBIs
  17. Yes. Yes. Felix rules
  18. 18 HR, 85 BB, and 18 SB
  19. Gio goes to the ASG

Solar Panels - PVPower.com

by SLOtown on Mar 31, 2011 8:49 AM PDT reply actions

hrm.

1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 89-73
2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position]
A’s, Rangers, Slegna, M’s
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
Central – Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Royals
East – Sux, Spanks, Rays, Jays, O’s
NLW – Rockies, Dodgers, Gnats, Pads, Dbacks
NLC – Cards, Reds, Cubs, Brewers, Astros, Pirates
NLE – Phils, Braves, Marlins, Nats, Mets
4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right] Reds, Yankees
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Anderson, Barton
6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Barton
7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham, 28
8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] ZERO
9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 142
10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] Yes, Yes
11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Fuentes appearances, Balfour strikeouts
12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] AVG – DDJ, HR – Willingham, RBI – Matsui
13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 58
14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess “no one”. [3 points if correct] Brian Fuentes
15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] No
16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 113
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] Yes, Yes
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 17 hr, 78 bb, 18 sb
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless] Cahill

Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.

by mikev on Mar 31, 2011 9:14 AM PDT reply actions

Wooo!

1. 91-71

2. A’s, Rangers, LA, M’s

3. AL Central: MIN, CWS, DET, CLE,KC
AL East: BOS, TB, TOR, NYY, BAL
NL West: COL, SD, SF, LA, AZ
NL Central: CIN, MIL, STL, CHC, HOU, PIT
NL East: ATL, PHI, FL, NYM, WAS

4. TEX / MIL

5. Coco / Gio

6. Suzuki

7. Willingham / 22

8. 7

9. 115

10. Yes / Yes

11. Appearances: Fuentes / k’s: Balfour

12. AVG: Willingham, HR: Matsui, RBI: DeJesus

13. 40

14. Ziegler

15. Yes

16. 98

17. Yes / Yes

18. 16 HR / 70 BB / 20 SB

19. Matsui

by GoAs on Mar 31, 2011 9:34 AM PDT reply actions

Here we go...

1. 87-75
2. Oakland, Texas, Angels, Seattle
3. AL Central: Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, KC, Cleveland. AL East: Red Sox, Rays, NYY, Toronto, Baltimore. NL West: Rockies, SF, LAD, SD, D-backs. NL Central: Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Houston, Pittsburgh. NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals.
4. Rays and Giants
5. Gio and Barton
6. Crisp
7. Willingham, 23
8. 6
9. 139
10. No, Yes
11. Balfour (appearances) , Fuentes (K’s)
12. Dejesus for Average, Willingham for HR and RBI’s
13. Carter will play in 47games.
14. Wuertz
15. Yes
16. 113
17. Yes, Yes
18. Abreu – 16 HR, 87 BB, 12 SB
19. Gio

by AinAkron on Mar 31, 2011 10:07 AM PDT reply actions

I'll work on getting the site set up for this season

Hopefully this weekend.

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

by nevermoor on Mar 31, 2011 10:08 AM PDT reply actions

cool

I’ll probably write some scripts to make plots and stuff, so I might keep my own record of the scores for that purpose.

by colin on Mar 31, 2011 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Ah, sounds like you expect to have more time this year

If you want to do that I certainly don’t need to run a parallel service.

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

by nevermoor on Mar 31, 2011 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions

GOGdamn it's good to be back

1. 85-77
2. Rangers, A’s, LAAA, M’s
3. Central – Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Indians, Royals
East – Sox, NYY, Rays, Jays, O’s
NLW – Rockies, SF, Dodgers, Pads, Dbacks
NLC – Cards, Brewers, Reds, Cubs, Pirates, Astros
NLE – Phils, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nats
4. Braves, Yankees
5. Gio, Suzuki
6. Gio
7. Matsui, 23
8. 2
9. 139
10. Yes, No
11. Both Balfour
12. DDJ on AVG, Matsui on others
13. 20
14. Willingham
15. Yes
16. 103
17. Yes to both
18. 12 HR, 73 BB, and 8 SB
19. Anderson/Gio/Matsui

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

by nevermoor on Mar 31, 2011 10:18 AM PDT reply actions

I hope that I will be pleasantly surprised...

1. 80-82
2. Texas, LAA, Oakland, Seattle
3. AL Central = Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, KC, Cleveland; AL East = Boston, Tampa Bay, Toronto, NYA, Baltimore; NL West = Colorado, SF, LAN, San Diego, Arizona; NL Central = St Louis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Houston Pittsburgh; NL East = Atlanta, Philadelphia, Florida, NYN, Washington.
4. Detroit, Philadelphia
5. Gio, Daric
6. Daric
7. Matsui – 22
8. 3
9. 120
10. No, no.
11. Fuentes, Fuentes
12. DeJesus, Matsui, Matsui
13. 55
14. Kouz
15. Yes
16. 115
17. Yes, No
18. 25, 87, 15
19. Gio

by PDXAthleticsfan on Mar 31, 2011 10:25 AM PDT reply actions

My lame try

1. Record [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 93-69
2. AL West [3 points for each team in the correct position] A’s, Rangers, Angels, Mariners
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
AL East: Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays, Orioles
  AL Central: Twins, Tigers, White Sox, Royals, Indians
  NL East: Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Nats, Mets
  NL Central: Brewers, Reds, Cardinals, Cubs, Pirates, Astros
  NL West: Rockies, Giants, Dodgers, Padres, DBacks
4. Wildcards [3 points for each right] Yanks, Braves
5. fWAR leaders? [3 points for each correct] Gio, Barton
6. Highest WPA [3 points if correct] Willingham
7. HR leader/how many? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham /26
8. Daric Barton bunts [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 6
9. Zuki GS? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 143
10. Cahill ERA < 3.50? FIP < 4.00? [2 points for each right] No/No
11. Fuentes v. Balfour: more G/K? [2 points for each right] Balfour/Balfour
12. Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham: AVG/OBP/SLG [2 points for each right] DeJesus/Willingham/Willingham
13. Chris Carter: G [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 68
14. Someone on 25 man traded [3 points if correct] Matsui
15. Oakland in top 8 UZR? [2 points if right] Yes
16. Josh Hamilton RBI [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 92
17. Felix: K/BB > 3? HR/9 < 0.75? [2 points for each right] Yes, Yes
18. Abreu HR/BB/SB [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 24/90/16
19. A’s All Star [0 points because that game is pointless] Anderson/Gio

"Like I said, it’s like me giving you a high-five and chest bump after you hit for the cycle against the kid in the wheelchair." Vacafan on May 14, 2010

by adragon on Mar 31, 2011 10:54 AM PDT reply actions

Yay for Opening Night almost

   1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 90-63 (1-game playoff)
   2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position] Rangers/A’s/Angels/Mariners
   3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position] East= Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Jays, O’s Central= Twins, White Sox, Detroit, KC, Cleveland. East= Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Nationals, Mets. Central= Cards, Reds, Cubs, Brewers, Pirates, Astros West= Colorado, San Diego, Giants (goodbye bandwagon fans), Dodgers, D’Backs
   4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right] Yankees, Padres
   5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Barton/Gio
   6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Barton
   7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Willingham, 22
   8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc]4
   9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 145
  10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] no/yes
  11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Fuentes/Balfour
  12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] DeJesus/Willingham/Willingham
  13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 62
  14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess “no one”. [3 points if correct] ummmmm Fuentes?
  15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] yes
  16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 105
  17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] yes/yes
  18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc]
18/80/20
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless]
Stomper

by buddahead9 on Mar 31, 2011 11:05 AM PDT reply actions

i mean 90-73

by buddahead9 on Mar 31, 2011 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions

wheeeeeeee

1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] – 91-71
2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position] A’s, Rangers, Angels, Mariners
3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Indians, Royals;
Yankees, Red Sox, Rays, Jays, Orioles;
Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, Padres;
Cubs, Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Pirates, Astros;
Phillies, Braves, Nationals, Mets, Marlins
4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right] Red Sox, Reds
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Anderson, Barton
6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Gio
7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Carter, 25
8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 1
9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 116
10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] no, no
11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Balfour, Fuentes
12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] DeJesus, Willingham, Matsui
13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 93
14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess "no one". [3 points if correct] Matsui
15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] yes
16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 101
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] yes, no
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 14, 75, 17
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless] Anderson

by shudiddy on Mar 31, 2011 12:31 PM PDT reply actions

Here we go

1. 87-75
2. Oakland, Texas, Seattle, Anaheim
3. AL Central: Detroit, Minnesota, Chicago, Kansas City, Cleveland
       AL East: Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, Blue Jays, Orioles.
       NL West: Padres, Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, D-Backs.
      NL Central; Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Astros, Pirates
       NL East: Phillies, Braves, Mets, Marlins, Nationals
4. Rays. Atlanta
5. Gio; Barton
6. Anderson, Barton
7. Kouzmanoff, 24
8. 2
9. 126
10. Yes; Yes
11. Balfour; Balfour
12. DeJesus, Matsui, Dejesus
13. 35
14. Wuertz
15. Yes
16. 107
17. Yes; Yes
18. 16 HR; 55 BB; 12 SB
19. Cahill

by longtimeasfan on Mar 31, 2011 1:14 PM PDT reply actions

Hooray!

   1. 87-75
   2. Oakland, Texas, LAA, Seattle
   3. AL Central: Chicago, Minnesota, Detroit, Cleveland, Kansas City
       AL East: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Toronto
       NL West: Colorado, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Arizona
       NL Central: Milwaukee, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Chicago, Houston, Pittsburgh
       NL East: Philly, Atlanta, Florida, New York, Washington
   4. New York, Atlanta
   5. Gio and Barton
   6. Gio
   7. Matsui, 22
   8. 5
   9. 116
  10. No, No
  11. Balfour, Balfour
  12. DeJesus, Matsui, Matsui
  13. 33
  14. Wuertz
  15. Yes
  16. 97
  17. Yes, Yes
  18. 18, 81, 14
  19. Gio

by UrgentMirth on Mar 31, 2011 1:51 PM PDT reply actions

   1. 88-74
   2. AL West: OAK, LAA, TEX, SEA
   3. AL Central: CHI, DET, MIN, CLE, KC
       AL East: BOS, NYY, TB, TOR, BAL
       NL West: COL, SF, LA, SD, ARI
       NL Central: CIN, MIL, STL, PIT, HOU
       NL East: ATL, PHI, FL, WAS, NYM
   4. AL: NYY NL: SF
   5. Pitcher: Gio Gonzales
       Hitter: Daric Barton
   6. Kurt Suzuki
   7. Kouzmanoff: 25
   8. Sac bunts: 1
   9. 133
  10. Yes; Yes
  11. Balfour; Balfour
  12. BA: DeJesus
         HR: Matsui
         RBI: Matsui
  13. 99
  14. Willingham
  15. Yes
  16. 103
  17. Yes; No
  18. 20; 77; 13
  19. K. Suzuki & Gio

by A'sBowlingLeague on Mar 31, 2011 1:58 PM PDT reply actions

1. 86-76
2. Oakland/Texas/Anaheim/Seatte
3. ALC: Det, Minn, Chi, KC, CLev
    ALE: Bos, NYY, Tor, TB, Balt
    NLW: Col, SF, LA, SD, Zona
    NLC: Cin, Milw, StL, Pitt, Hou
    NLE: Atl, Phil, NYM, Fla, Wash
4. NYY & Phily
5. Brett Anderson & Daric Barton
6. Coco Crisp
7. J Will, 24
8. 7
9. 127
10. Yes, No.
11. Fuentes more IP, Balfour more K
12. BA: Of Jesus, HR: J Will RBI: J Will
13. 63
14. Wuertz
15. Yes
16. 113
17. No, Yes
18. HR: 23, BB: 80, SB: 16
19. Coco

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Mar 31, 2011 2:07 PM PDT reply actions

colin is the GOG-god

1. 86-76
2. Texas, A’s, Angels, M’s
3. AL-Central: Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Royals, Indians
    AL-East: Red Sox, Rays, Yankees, O’s
    NL-West: Rockies, Padres, Gnats, D-Backs, Dodgers
    NL-Central: Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Astros, Pirates
    NL-East: Braves, Phillies, Marlins, Nationals, Mutts
4. AL – Rays, NL – Phillies
5. Pitcher – Anderson, position player – Barton
6. Barton
7. Matsui with 24
8. 5, how many sacrifice bunts should he have = 0.
9. 132
10. No, no
11. Fuentes x2
12. Matsui across the board
13. 45
14. Conor Jackson
15. Yes
16. 112
17. Yes on the strickouts, no on the HR rate.
18. 18 HR, 77 RBI, 19 SB
19. Brett Anderson

Now there's nothing left to say, so let's go drink beer.

by doctorK on Mar 31, 2011 9:45 PM PDT reply actions

All Year Long!

GOG 2011 #00 — I know exactly what will happen this season. Do you?
The first GOG is a bit different from all the ones that will follow. This is your chance to make predictions about the whole 2011 season.

   1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. 85-77
   2. Predict the final AL West rankings Texas, A’s, Angels, Mariners
   3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about
AL East: Boston, New York, Tampa, Baltimore, Toronto
AL Central: White Sox, Twins, Detroit, KC, Indians
NL West: San Diego, SF, Colorado, Dodgers, Ariz
NL East: Philly, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Washington
NL Central: Reds, Cardinals, Brewers, Cubs, Houston, Pirates
   4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. A’s, Cardinals
   5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? Cahill, Pennington
   6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? Crisp
   7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? Barton, 25
   8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? 3
   9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? 120
  10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? Yes, No
  11. New guys — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? Balfour, Fuentes
  12. New guys — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? BA: DeJesus, HR: Matsui, RBI: DeJesus
  13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? 40
  14. Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess “no one”. Conor Jackson
  15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9. Will they crack the top 8 this year? Yes
  16. Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? 100
  17. Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? Yes, No
  18. In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. 15 HRs, 90 BBs, 20 SBs
  19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? Dallas Braden!

"We're not the doormat anymore" —Dallas Braden, 4/22/10

by streetfan on Mar 31, 2011 10:11 PM PDT reply actions

it's now micGOG2011

1. Guess Oakland’s regular season record for 2011. [5 points if exactly right, 4 points if within one win, etc] 83-79
2. Predict the final AL West rankings (not the win totals for every team, just the order of finishing). [3 points for each team in the correct position]
A’s, Angels, Rangers, Mariners3. Now do the same for all the divisions that we don’t care about [2 points for each team in the correct position]
Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Blue Jays,Orioles
Twins, White Sox, Tigers, Indians, Royals
Giants, Rockies, Dodgers, Padres, Diamondbacks
Reds, Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs, Astros, Pirates
Phillies, Braves, Marlins, Mets, Nationals
4. Name the Wild Card teams from the AL and NL. [3 points for each right]
Yankees and Braves
5. Which pitcher and which position player are the A’s season leaders for (fangraphs) WAR? [3 points for each correct] Brett Anderson and Coco Crisp
6. Which A’s player (pitcher or position player) has the highest cumulative Win Probability Added (WPA)? [3 points if correct] Daric Barton
7. Who is the home run leader for the A’s? How many home runs does that player hit? [3 points if you get the player right. 3 points if you get the number of HR exactly, 2 points if within one, etc] Matsui – 23 HR
8. How many sacrifice bunts from Daric Barton? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within one, etc] 1
9. How many games does Suzuki start at catcher? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within two, etc] 134
10. Does Trevor Cahill put up an ERA under 3.50? How about a FIP under 4.00? [2 points for each right] Yes, and No
11. New guys part 1 — Who has more relief appearances, Fuentes or Balfour? Who has more strikeouts? [2 points for each right] Fuentes more appearances. Balfour more K’s
12. New guys part 2 — Who finishes highest in each of the Triple Crown categories (batting average, home runs, runs batted in), Matsui, DeJesus, or Willingham? [2 points for each right] DJ – AVG, Matsui RBI and HR
13. How many games does Chris Carter play in the Majors? [4 points if you get it exactly right, 3 points if within two, etc] 61 games
14. The Billy Beane Special — Name one player who starts out on the 25 man roster but gets traded mid-season. You are allowed to guess “no one”. [3 points if correct] no one
15. Last year, Oakland finished fifth in the Majors with a team UZR of +38.9 (behind Cincinnati, San Diego, SF, and Arizona). Will they crack the top 8 this year? [2 points if right] yes
16. Know your enemies part 1 — Coming off an MVP season, how many RBIs does Josh Hamilton rack up in 2011? [3 points if exactly right, 2 points if within four, etc] 106
17. Know your enemies part 2 — Does Felix Hernandez continue to strike out more than three times as many hitters as he walks? (his K/BB was 3.31 in 2010) Does his rate of home runs allowed per 9 innings remain below 0.75? (it was 0.61 in 2010) [2 points for each right] Yes and yes
18. Know your enemies part 3 — In his first season as a DH, predict Bobby Abreu’s totals for home runs, walks, and stolen bases. His 2010 totals were 20 HR, 87 BB, and 24 SB. [For HR and SB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within one, etc. For BB, it is 3 points for getting the answer exactly, 2 points if within four, etc] 18 HR, 75 BB, 19 SB
19. Who is Oakland’s representative to the 2011 All Star Game? [0 points because that game is pointless] Coco Crisp

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

by micdog2001 on Mar 31, 2011 11:23 PM PDT reply actions

I hope none of my family members get jailed this year and mess up my GOG score

missed to many due to that last year.

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

by micdog2001 on Mar 31, 2011 11:25 PM PDT reply actions

1. 96-66
2. A’s, Rangers, slegnA, Mariners
3. ALE- NYY, TB, BOS, TOR, BAL
    ALC- MIN, DET, CHW, KC, CLE
    NLE- ATL, PHIL, NYM, FL, WAS
    NLC- CIN, STL, CHC, MIL, PIT, HOU
    NLW- COL, LA, SF, SD, ARI
4. AL- DET, NL-STL
5. Pitcher- Gio, Position- Willingham
6. Ellis
7. Willingham- 21
8. 8
9. 142
10. Yes, Yes
11. Balfour, Balfour
12. Matsui, Willingham, Matsui
13. 42
14. Ryan Sweeney
15. Yes
16. 89
17. Yes, No
18. 21 HR, 93 BB, 20 SB
19. Gio

by twinkle toes on Apr 1, 2011 1:37 AM PDT reply actions

I'll give it a shot

1. 83-79

2. Rangers, A’s, Angels, M’s

3. AL Central: MIN, CWS, DET, KC, CLE
AL East: BOS, NYY, TB, TOR, BAL
NL West: COL, SF, SD, LA, AZ
NL Central: CIN, STL, MIL, CHC, HOU, PIT
NL East: PHI, ATL, FL, NYM, WAS

4. NYY / ATL

5. Gio, Barton

6. DeJesus

7. Willingham, 20

8. 6

9. 123

10. Yes, No

11. App: Balfour, K: Fuentes

12. AVG: DeJesus, HR: Willingham, RBI: Willingham

13. 36

14. Breslow

15. Yes

16. 103

17. Yes, No

18. 19 HR / 75 BB / 17 SB

19. Gio

by bamboobanga on Apr 1, 2011 2:57 AM PDT reply actions

danbot for the win!

The A’s can cut and run, or they can wipe the blood from their face and rise, eyes ablaze and fists cocked.

by Leopold Bloom on Apr 1, 2011 4:12 AM PDT reply actions

One of these days, I'm going to put terrible answers on purpose.

Just to fuck with you.

by danmerqury on Apr 1, 2011 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

my COG maiden voyage

1. 85 – 77
2. TEX – OAK – LAA – SEA
3. AL CEN – CHI – MIN – DET – KC – CLE
AL EAST – BOS – NYY – TB – TOR – BAL
NL WEST – COL – SF – LAD – SD – ARI
NL CEN – CIN – MIL – STL – CHI – PIT – HOU
NL EAST – ATL – PHI – WSH – FLA – NYM
4. AL WLD – NYY
NL WLD – PHI
5. Barton / Gio
6. Gio
7. Kouz – 23
8. 6
9. 128
10. no / yes
11. Balfour / Balfour
12. DeJesus / Willingham / Willingham
13. 60
14. Crisp
15. yes
16. 95
17. yes / yes
18. 17 / 84 / 19
19. Gio

by my_cat_max on Apr 1, 2011 3:23 PM PDT reply actions

just checking in!

if i get a mention on AN, i need to make sure not all my posts are at M&G.

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Apr 1, 2011 5:33 PM PDT reply actions

New guy stepping in!

Who knew that you had to wait 24 hours to get activation from this site!?!? I know I am late but I was really excited to start this year and participate in the GOG’s. Full time lurker for the past year and a half and finally stepping up and getting an account to chime in!

1. 88-74
2. AL West- OAK, TEX, LAA, SEA
3. AL Central – CWS, MIN, DET, CLE, KC
AL East – BOS, TOR, NYY, TB, BALT
NL West- COL, SF, LAD, SD, ARI
NL Central- CIN, MIL, STL, CHC, PIT, HOU
NL East- ATL, PHI, FLA, NYM, WSH
4. AL Wildcard: TEX; NL Wildcard: PHI
5. Gio Gonzalez/Daric Barton
6. Gio Gonzalez
7. Josh Willingham (22)
8. 7
9. 136
10. Yes/Yes
11.Balfour/Balfour
12. David DeJesus/ Josh Willingham/ Josh Willingham
13. 41
14. No- one
15. Yes
16. 104
17. No/No
18. 21/81/16
19. Gio Gonzalez