Smoked in the 8th: Angels Rally Off Struggling 'Pen to Waste Outman's Stellar Return, 4-1
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 10:23 PM PDT
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Another night, another dazzling starting effort wasted. How long can this go on?
One baseball offense
If found, please return
c/o Oakland Athletics
7000 Coliseum Way
Oakland, CA 94621
It just gets worse and more redundant, doesn't it? There is not much to say about this game, except that you got 7 killer innings from Josh Outman -- who looked more than sharp in his return -- and then it was "guess who?" for the 8th and the loss (Fuentes is now 1-7 and must be questioning if the 10 million dollars is worth this by now). Geren should just get it over with and get a physical chain by which to jerk Fuentes around. A 3-run 8th off of the beleaguered Fuentes and then Michael Wuertz, and it's welcome to your 6th straight loss and what is beginning to feel like a hopeless freefall. Fuentes has now taken the loss in the A's last 4 games, and walked off the mound looking at Bob Geren like the guy just got released from the local leper colony.
This face about sums it up, Ryan. The A's right now, especially with the bats, are like when you open the fridge and smell rotting food in there.
The A's had tons of baserunners once again but failed to muster any sort of urgency on the offensive side, playing with all the inspiration of a defeated WWI brigade trapped in a foxhole and surrounded on all sides. Well, either that or a sleeping puddy tat, I'm not sure. Outside of Coco scoring on a Hideki Matsui sac fly in the third, the Athletics offensive attack was as invisible as the sun in that Police song. Any more of a disappearing act and you will need infrared goggles to even see our bats. All it took to blow up a tie 1-1 game in the 8th was a leadoff walk to Erick Aybar by Fuentes, a couple of hits off Wuertz and a few stolen bases mixed in for this game to go the way of all flesh.
There has to be an invisible sun
that gives us hope when the whole day's done
I suppose you could say that the air went out of the tires tonight in the top of the 7th, when Torii Hunter managed to throw out Andy LaRoche on a Coco Crisp two-out knock from right field on a throw that must have bounced 12 times before it got to the catcher, but it doesn't matter. If you can't score, you can't really win. CoJax played very good D at 3rd (his first start there in ten million years), and Outman looked almost as good as he possibly could have looked, but it doesn't matter... the way the A's swing the bats and hit with RISP, the silver linings are just window dressing around another poor display that just makes you want to look away. Sigh.
I'd write more, but you get the idea.
{{YAWWWWNNSTRRRRETCH}} Join Dan M. tomorrow night for the Guillermo Moscoso show at 7pm... our old pal Danny Haren and his sub-2 ERA take the ball for the other team. I hope it's a better result because the view from last place is getting seriously depressing and forlorn.
Current Series
Angels lead the series 1-0
| Mon 05/23 | WP: Scott Downs (2 - 1) SV: Jordan Walden LP: Brian Fuentes (1 - 7) |
1 - 4 loss |
|
Oakland Athletics Tuesday, May 24, 2011, 7:05 PM PDT Guillermo Moscoso vs Dan Haren Mostly clear. Winds blowing out to left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 70. |
||
| Wed 05/25 | 7:05 PM PDT | |
| Thu 05/26 | 12:35 PM PDT | |
426 comments
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Comments
Well, you're partially right
But it should have been 2009.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
Bring Bailey off DL for Wednesday
DFA Fuentes. I could care less if he has any trade value. Show some balls and eat that contract.
I don't think we can completely blame Fuentes
He’s been mismanaged, overused, underused. His expressions say it all: I give up.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
he didn't even hand the ball to Geren
he handed it to Suzuki and walked off like a zombie.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions
Oooh, I missed that - major diss!
If anyone can screen scrape the shot of him in the bullpen and post it, it should get him DFAd.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
I wasn't able to watch the game...
but I heard CT talking about that incident on A’s Talk. Is there any possible way someone has a link to footage of that? Cus I would LOVE to see it.
Like everyone else, I’m extremely frustrated with Fuentes and his sucktitude. But I almost feel bad for him at this point with the way Geren is using him.
God I can’t stand Geren.
You know you are big-time when people chant your name while you pee. - 67MARQUEZ
by bakerbeachboy on May 23, 2011 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Just saw your post of it Flash.
Thanks for that! Wow, I’d love to be a fly on the wall of the A’s clubhouse right now.
You know you are big-time when people chant your name while you pee. - 67MARQUEZ
by bakerbeachboy on May 24, 2011 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions
An overly generous summary
I give you credit for not just stringing together a series of expletives. Has any team ever mutinied? From all outward appearances, Geren’s lost control of the team…if he ever really had it. One wonders if folks like Willingham, DeJesus and Fuentes are all counting the days until July 31 and who could blame them.
On a good day, as a diehard fan, you have to start thinking about watching innings 1-7 to see a good starting pitcher and turning the game off.
I am forced to compare this club to some of the worst companies I’ve worked for where everyone hated the boss and tried to find ways to subvert him. Eventually someone finally cries foul and is squashed like a bug. I can’t look at this club from any angle and find a way to convince myself that management is inspiring the workers. Yeah, I know they’re paid a zillion dollars but human nature is human nature. You can’t work well for someone you don’t respect.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
Good if they did mutiny against him
he deserves to have all the players dislike him.
indeed, Kev
it’s getting impossible to not see that a wholesale shakeup must happen.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions
This is all coming to a head soon.
For the first time, I really think Geren will be gone very soon. Best man and all, I really believe he will be gone. There really is no other way to go if you are the GM.
I really hope so
And the clubhouse could use a good mutiny. Might wake some people up.
by OaklandSi on May 23, 2011 10:31 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
There needs to be a few things thrown around
all this pansy ass positive managing is a joke.
Joel Skinner anyone?
Let’s start a write in campaign. Who’s the best bench coach in the majors? What’s Joe Torre’s phone number? Anyone got a shovel and Billy Martin’s address?
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
Joel will be acting manager.
Emperor, et al, you read it here first.
by robertmelvin on May 23, 2011 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions
I don't think you'd want Skinner as manager.
He’s the brainiac who’s probably responsible for our “no doubles” defense.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on May 23, 2011 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions
OK, that leaves Torre and Martin
Red Schoendienst? Pete Rose?
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
Id rather have Geren than Torre
Who works for MLB and won’t be managing anytime soon.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
No I don't necessarily want him,
but anything to get Billy to make a move.
by robertmelvin on May 23, 2011 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I have to agree
This situation is nuts.
There is an evening coming in/Across the fields, one never seen before,/That lights no lamps. -- Philip Larkin, from "Going"
by Ray of Lite on May 23, 2011 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Don't be foolish
The day Bozo the Clown Bob gets Fire is the day I WON lottery, he will never ever get the boot as long as billy is still the GM.
And this team will be handicapped to death as long as Beane is GM
because of this and his ego.
I feel like Randy Quaid
in Major League II, when he has lost all hope.
“See? I told ya. Bring out the tarp. Cover the field. I cant watch this anymore. Its over. Turn the lights out. Bring in the bull dozers and turn this place into a parking lot”
When the As are greeted to 3,000 yawning fans on Friday...
Beane may have to make a move. Because then it’ll be hitting his pocketbook.
Nah, 'fraid it will take more than that.
It will require a media embarrassment of Wolfe for force Billy’s hand…or an empty stadium for a month.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
18 games scoring fewer than 3 runs
Last in the majors in HRs. Lost a game to every team in the AL West. Fangraphs has an article calling the A’s and Mariners the same team. Except the A’s are a game and a half behind them in the standings. The A’s top two prospects are injured with no sign of returning. Oh and it’s Haren vs Moscoso tomorrow.
I’m not sure there’s been a worse time to be an A’s fan in my time as one.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
This team reminds me of the '10 Mariners.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on May 23, 2011 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Nah, our pitching is way better.
No team has ever been so on point with pitching and so terrible in every other facet of the game.
From fangraphs 2011 A's and M's:
SEA: 2.78 BB/9, 7.26 K/9, 0.55 HR/9, 44.6% GB%, .290 BABIP, 5.8% HR/FB, 3.10 FIP, 3.50 xFIP
OAK: 2.97 BB/9, 7.11 K/9, 0.55 HR/9, 49.4% GB%, .288 BABIP, 6.5% HR/FB, 3.18 FIP, 3.45 xFIPBoth pitching staffs have accumulated +7.7 WAR which puts them in a tie for first place in the American League. In both scenarios, the starting rotation has done the bulk of the good work, with both teams receiving quality performances from every member of their rotation.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Right, this has nothing to do with the 2010 Mariners though.
Which is what lenscrafters was talking about.
I was responding more to the second part of your post
The Mariners are going through the same crap we are. So there is a team who has been “so on point with pitching and so terrible in every other facet.”
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
Dead ball era team... sounds right.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions
FUENTES FTW!!!
Brian Fuentes rips into Bob Geren: “Unorthodox managing. I thought it was a NL thing. But tonight was pretty unbelievable.” #Athletics
He’s BEGGING to be DFA’d.
That would be great
He has earned respect with calling that bastard out.
Good one Fuentes, you may do us a favor tonight. Fuck Geren
I've been WAITING for one of the players to lay into Geren
THANK YOU BRIAN FUENTES EVEN IF YOU’VE STUNK.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Fuentes is a hero
He grew up an A’s fan and he still loves the A’s. He’s willing to take one for the team and rip Geren just so Geren can be fired and the A’s can be a better team. Fuentes is a fan for life!
by TBRMKane on May 23, 2011 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Did he really grow up an A's fan?
You know you are big-time when people chant your name while you pee. - 67MARQUEZ
by bakerbeachboy on May 24, 2011 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Be nice if he punched Geren in the nose for good measure
and said, You are BoBo the clown and here your oversized red broken nose LOL
Same here.
I'm beginning to believe that Bud Selig wants to die of old age before he has to make a decision regarding Oakland vs San Jose.
Even more
When Fuentes got call in 8th inning in 1-1 game today: “I thought he misspoke. I thought it was a mistake.”
you're on fire.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
oh my god
this is so awesome. of course he’ll be the one who goes but it’s awesome to see somebody actually speak out for a change. we need one of our big 3 to do the same — we know they’re not going anywhere
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
he's begging to be treated like a usual relief pitcher.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
If Bob's seriously lost the confidence and trust of his players, publicly, there's really no way Billy can keep him on board.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on May 23, 2011 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Is this like that moment in Ghostbusters where the wind picks up and the clouds move into the city to the Empire State Building?
And the people start to gather at it’s base and talk to each other about what horrible things might be happening?
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2011 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm thinking when Geren's days here are over it's going to look like this
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I'm torn.
I’m with CT in that I hate openly advocating for someone to lose their job, but at the same time, I really dislike having him as our manager, and he’ll still get paid even if he’s fired.
by Rebuilding Season on May 23, 2011 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
When have we ever said, "wow, Geren really pulled the right moves to win that game!"?
I don’t remember. Either he lets te players play and they win in spite of him, or he pulls a ridiculous way to loss! Now we have a player who is publicly calling him out!
He has had te best starting pitching in the bigs for two consecutive seasons and cannot break the .500 plane. And constantly we ask, “why didn’t he do this?”
Sports is a meritocracy. If Geren can’t merit wins, he needs to go. He’s needed to go many moons ago and asking for him to turn his keys in is not only right, but logical.
Green and Gold Lantern Corps
by oaklandSMASH on May 23, 2011 11:32 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Teaching Fuentes a lesson
And Bobby Best Man can’t even do it right without it being at the detriment to the team as a whole.
Do something, Beane! This team as constructed needs to be shaken up.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on May 23, 2011 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions
(orders Fuentes57 jersey)
Help the A's help Japan. www.oaklandathletics.com/japan
by Englishmajor on May 23, 2011 10:48 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
No way.
Bailey comes back and the team goes on a tear. 25-5 in June.
"I'm not bad, I'm just drawn that way." -Jessica Rabbit
by A'sfansince1970 on May 23, 2011 10:36 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
4 days with 1 earned run form out starter
and 4 losses.
starters ERA last 5 games is under 2
and all 5 are losses. Simply stunning.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions
I'm just gunna say it,
i still like Fuentes. He needs a vacation in Hawaii, but i like him. Especially with him speaking up against Geren. Love that actually.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I agree K
Fuentes could still be a valuable piece as a LOOGY, after Bob Geren in driven out to the desert and left there.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
*is driven
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Can we trade Geren to the Rangers?
Or even better, the Giants. Like a poison pill.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
I've said it before and I'll say it again
Fuentes, like Blevins, are not bad pitchers. Geren just has no freaking idea on how to use them properly and so they start looking like terrible pitchers.
Geren
I believe Geren hears the fans cries for him to be fired.So he spites us by throwing Fuentes back in the fire.Its like Ill show u whose boss.Honest Assesment!!!
I would imagine
we’ve seen the last of Fuentes. He does not appear to be holding back. Check out @JohnSheaHey for live feed.
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
Jane Lee is updating, too
Fuentes, on how Geren manages him: “Pretty poorly.” How much communication? “Zero.”
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Remember when Macha was canned because he didn't communicate with the team?
I guess it’s hard to fire your best man.
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
by franks a lot on May 23, 2011 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
this is incredible
and he is 100% correct. unfortunately he’s also 100% gone
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
+1
You know you are big-time when people chant your name while you pee. - 67MARQUEZ
by bakerbeachboy on May 24, 2011 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions
Geren is trolling the shit out of us
He basically knows he can do whatever he wants and Billy will not fire him
by HeavyHitters510 on May 23, 2011 10:40 PM PDT reply actions
.
John Shea
Ranking Geren with his other managers, Fuentes said, “It’s a pretty drastic difference.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography
That's the best one.
I wish this was being televised. Finally someone is calling out that worthless sack Geren.
Might as well Jump! - Van Halen
You could see this coming
Fuentes had a look of barely contained fury when he left the mound tonight. I had a feeling he was going to blow.
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions
according to JohnShea
When Fuentes got call in 8th inning in 1-1 game today: "I thought he misspoke. I thought it was a mistake."
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
sorry, this was posted earlier. my bad
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
The fact that Fuentes is calling out Bob makes this a pretty big deal.
He’s not a journeyman player, a rookie, or someone making league minimum. He’s one of the veterans on the team making one of the highest salaries. If he’s calling out Bob, he can’t just be ignored of DFA’d, he probably has a lot of credibility in the clubhouse.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on May 23, 2011 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Caller is wonking at Wolfe
Wolfe tried to spend the money but no one want so to come. I don’t think it is Wolfe’s fault.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
So stupid.
I think it was LoneStranger that posted a graph that the payroll has INCREASED since Wolff has become owner. gosh.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
here
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
Well guess what we use to have cost controlled team talent and didn't have to spend.
Also there is this thing called inflation which was not taken into account for and is pretty steep in baseball, in the 5% range so were really not spending.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions
Doesn't matter.
If they didn’t want a payroll that high, they would have traded people away.
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Inflation dude... its real.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions
one year up and then back down ... big whoop. They haven't kept pace with inflation after that
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I didn't say it's not real.
Doesn’t change the fact that if Fisher/Wolff didn’t want to spend it, it wouldn’t have been spent.
by LoneStranger on May 23, 2011 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions
yeah it does, because they are paying less for their club every year.
theyre not spending on the draft either
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions
They've set the record for a 7th rounder and got Stassi
And have spent overslot quite a few times on lesser names the last few years. The only reason they aren’t spending on the draft is that they haven’t had the picks.
Blame Beane if you want, but you can’t lay the lack of draft spending on ownership.
They’ve also been one of the top spenders in the international market.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
They are last in the division on draft spending.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2011 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions
Again, it's the draft picks
The Mariners had the #2 pick. The Angels have had a ton of picks. The Rangers have had more picks. It’s not like the A’s are picking Matt Bushes to save money. They’ve spent above slot in most cases.
So if you want to blame someone, it’s solely Beane and not at all Wolff.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
They could also go over slot in a more significant way.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2011 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions
To an extent
But most extremely overslot picks happen in the first four rounds. There’s a reason Brett Hunter’s 1 million or so is a record in the seventh round. The guys who will sign if you throw in a little bit more are taken by the 4th or 5th. You just don’t see top 100 picks sign past then.
OK, so how about the A’s go crazy and offer a kid 3 million when he’s a second round talent who’s strongly committed to college? Maybe you actually get a big time talent with a lottery of a pick, but it has three dangerous side effects: the team is no longer getting a big surplus on their pick, it sets precedent and surplus on future picks decreases, and it could get the A’s in a bit of trouble with Selig*.
*Normally, I would give a rat’s about Bud, but I am slightly worried about the “c” word with the irrational part of my brain.
The A’s have drafted well the past couple of years. Their problem is simply the lack of picks and their own mediocrity and its resulting 10-15 pick.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
all 3 of them should go
I won’t lose any sleep over that. Even if the caller is a tool
Was Reztips the one who railed against Oakland all the time?
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
You have to ask
Oakland A’s is baseballin on a buget, you don’t have to be a genius to know. wolff will only signed player way pass their prime on a cheap buget. Remember the names of Mike Piazza, Mike Sweeney, Jason Giambi, and we got lucky on Frank Thomas. I believe he was signed for only 500,000. Wolff is still living in the 70’s era, he still believe in Lee Majors in the 6 million dollar man thats why Josh and David is 6 million each. You might say he has made big offer but to other free agents but no one wants to play here. wake me up when someone sign for more than 10+ million, until then he will be label as a CHEAP ASS OWNER.
IF you dont think Wolff is cheap than why don't you prove it, your turn to try Flashfire.
You might be the only one in this world that doesn’t think he is cheap, well good for you.
The burden of proof is on you
All you’re doing is throwing out junk excuses.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
They are not excuses they are fact I prove my case you prove nothing.
You can’t even say one thing to support your argument, cause you have no case.
Hehehehehe
Melissa Lockard
Somewhere Ken Macha is laughing at this idea that he was let go for being a poor communicator.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on May 23, 2011 10:46 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
Hooooooly shit Fuentes. I love you.
Please let this work. Geren has no right coaching this (or any) team.
I gave a Problem Solving speech for my Final today in Communication Studies. My problem? Bob Geren. My solution? Fire Bob Geren.
Got an A.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
Some other players need to get Fuentes' back
by OaklandSi on May 23, 2011 10:47 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Maybe they're scared that nobody else will want them if they get DFA'd
by duballers23 on May 23, 2011 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, but they likely won't be regular starters
by duballers23 on May 23, 2011 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions
We are a contending team, actually.
Just one who happens to have the worst possible manager imaginable. Manny Acta would have had this team in 1st long ago…
There is no evidence to support either the subject line or the body of your comment.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions
hold on
8882669653
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
oh i thought i had the new one.
thanks
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
You know Geren isn't the worse manager in the world
Wuertz and Balfour were probably the right guys to be put in the positions they’ve been in the last couple of days. He’s stuck with Barton in the two spot. He does have an affinity to sticking to set bullpen roles and batter-pitcher histories.
But if he’s lost the respect of the clubhouse, and he has, he needs to be let go. This team needs a Jeremy Giambi/John Mabry moment. If firing Geren can do it, it should be done.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
by vignette17 on May 23, 2011 10:48 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Barton's still the A's second best hitter
Getting him a lot of PAs is a great idea.
"Loyal? I'm the most loyal player money can buy." - Don Sutton
The problem is right now he's nowhere near what he was last year and he looks like he's pressing
He’s had some bad luck, sure, but he could benefit from being lower in the order at least for a short time if it helps him focus on getting back to what he was doing last year.
Problem is, there’s really nobody else better off in the 2-spot.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
that's not saying much
and I’d hardly qualify it as a great idea. A great idea would be trading for a hitter that’s worth their salt in a major league lineup. That’s not Barton, nor really, save Coco, anyone else in this lineup.
by oakballnack on May 24, 2011 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with all of this.
"We were shit, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."
by lenscrafters on May 23, 2011 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions
Hire Rickey Now.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
“Just a lack of communication. I don’t think anyone knows which direction he’s headed.” – Brian Fuentes on #Athletics manager Bob Geren
Wowwww. This is pretty awesome.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
im gonna repost this pic i made a week back
by sourstuff on May 23, 2011 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Geren would use Comic Sans.
"As the tag line of my favorite dirty joke would have it: 'Keep your hat on. We could wind up miles from here.'" ~Kurt Vonnegut, Hocus Pocus
Too bad we can't Larry Davis Bob Geren by kicking him upstairs with an imaginary promotion
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
You can pitch tomorrow if we are behind
and you can fire off on that POS all you want Brian
wow...
There’s just no communication. Two games, on the road, bring the closer in a tied game, with no previous discussions of doing so. And then, tonight, in the seventh inning, I get up. I haven’t stretched, I haven’t prepared myself. If there was some communication beforehand I would be ready to come into the game – which I was, when I came into the game, I was ready. Just lack of communication. I don’t think anybody really knows which direction he’s headed.
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
omg...
you’re awesome
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
IF Geren does get fired
Big Worm might make a good manager…
Kiper+Fosse=Mute
by CorpseOfChavez on May 23, 2011 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions
the only thing that bothers me is that he's complaining about being mistreated as a "closer"
He seems to think he shouldn’t be used in non-save situations unless Geren has consulted him first?
Nico on CT's show? After these messages
I am Ray Fosse's infatuations with Clay Wood and high-definition television.
So I wrote my first real fanpost advocating for Josh Outman to be in the rotation in 08 and have been a huge advocate of him here but
I have to disagree that any start with more BB than K’s qualifies as stellar.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 10:59 PM PDT reply actions
Disagree all you want. He hasn't pitched in almost 2 years and held the Angels to 1 run.
Official Athletics Nation Rotating Tagline Editor - Pam liked my old sig better.
My thoughtful watermelon is easily mistook for an early American catapult.
If nothing else, he did a lot better than the majority of us were expecting for his first start
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I was expecting 1in less IP and more 1 R
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I think it's stellar
to pitch seven innings in your first major league start since TJ, even it was mainly luck. Like when you ace a test you didn’t study for, I still call my performance stellar.
Hey, Bobo is shitting fingers
Interesting that no quotes seem to be forthcoming from him – he must have locked himself in his office.
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions
The problems Fuentes has had on the mound notwithstanding...
…it’s kind of shitty that all of this is happening as he pitches for the team he grew up a fan of. It HAD to be while Geren’s here as the manager.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Wow, that last caller was going nuts.
by Rebuilding Season on May 23, 2011 11:09 PM PDT reply actions
Some.
His closing rant about Mortensen was random, and there was a lot of conspiracy theory in there, but at least people are passionate.
by Rebuilding Season on May 23, 2011 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Jesse flipped out, good for him
This woman is awful…
Oakland Athletics * St. Bonaventure Bonnies * Green Bay Packers * Buffalo Sabres * New York Knicks
by RyanFromBonas on May 23, 2011 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions
and made a bunch of crappy points.
Of course you trade Wallace for Taylor. Wallace cant play the field and he has questions about his stick.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
"THAT NATIVES. ARE RESTLESS."
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
Nothing a few scotches wouldn't have fixed.
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
I want to see these videos.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
Back from the carnage
"Once you go Bed....everything else is dead." - Bed
"So you're saying we should skin the Rangers and wear them as uniforms? I’m down." - Kyli
I actually thought Fuentes was used in the right place
I just think no one told him he wasn’t the closer anymore
"Once you go Bed....everything else is dead." - Bed
"So you're saying we should skin the Rangers and wear them as uniforms? I’m down." - Kyli
yup
"Once you go Bed....everything else is dead." - Bed
"So you're saying we should skin the Rangers and wear them as uniforms? I’m down." - Kyli
by cuppingmaster on May 23, 2011 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Right, but he pitched last night and we have so many rested guys.
If he didn’t pitch Fuentes tonight and used him as a LOOGY tomorrow, none of this happens.
Exactly
Fuentes is dead one with lack of communication. Jackass Geren pulled this intentionally. He cost us the game because of the fact he pulled this stunt and it got into his own players head. How could Fuentes go out there with a clear mind and focus after Geren pulled that crap
This rules for so many reasons, here are three.
1. We are still in the race, and have shown we have the pitching talent to go far. We can’t do anything about the hitting short of trading for someone, but no one really wants to go down that route yet.
2. We need something, ANYTHING to get some excitement around here. We have lost a great deal of games due to poor management techniques that may or may not be screwing with our offense….getting rid of Geren is paramount at this stage of the game. Making a trade or DFAing the crappy hitters are another way, but Geren is more important.
3. Fuentes is being paid $10MM….no way in hell do we eat that. If we do in favor of keeping Geren, the entire fanbase will pretty much order a hit out on him. This is going to get good….
In what world are we still in this race?
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Is that the same world where Texas just got Hamilton and Cruz and we lost 60% of our rotation and are starting pitching castoffs from Texas?
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
It's the world where I feel fantastic . . . in the split second before Manny Pacquiao's fist hits my face
There is an evening coming in/Across the fields, one never seen before,/That lights no lamps. -- Philip Larkin, from "Going"
by Ray of Lite on May 23, 2011 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions
We still have the best 1-12 pitching staff in MLB.
Just need like, TWO hitters to start hitting and we will be right back in it. Coco is one….
i agree. It is only May! We are definitely still in this.
My mannerism a prism/ And it should shine
Light it if you would/ Be so kind, right now'd
Be A' Good Time
by DaRubiesSLOKingsA's on May 23, 2011 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions
The one where we're a couple games back in the division
"Some field has fences, and sometime, the field cant hold a player, but most of the time, a field cant hold Domingo"
http://www.domingobeisbol.com/
In a world where you
IGNORE what logic tells you will likely happen in the future based on what has transpired thus far, and in a world where Hamilton and Cruz’s home runs don’t count. That world, silly!
by oakballnack on May 23, 2011 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Well I thought theyd be shitty before the year started too so meh.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
you and the universe
by that, I meant “Destiny”
by oakballnack on May 23, 2011 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions
.
John Shea
Fuentes said it’s not just him when it comes to Geren: “I don’t think anybody knows what direction he’s headed.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography
All he needs is ONE more player to make a statement on him and its an official mutiny.
Can’t wait!!!
I'd love to see Balfour jump in...
Just for the profanity aspect of it.
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Uh oh. Throwing others under the bus, too.
I like it.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
entire exchange with reporters and Fuentes... good times!
Fuentes’ communication with reporters following tonight’s game:
What did you think of the situation you were placed in tonight?
Fuentes: It’s surprising yet not surprising all at the same time.
How do you feel with the way the manager has handled you as a reliever?
Fuentes: Pretty poorly.
How much communication do you have with him?
Fuentes: Zero.
Why is it pretty poorly?
Fuentes: There’s just no communication. Two games, on the road, bring the closer in a tied game, with no previous discussions of doing so. And then, tonight, in the seventh inning, I get up. I haven’t stretched, I haven’t prepared myself. If there was some communication beforehand I would be ready to come into the game – which I was, when I came into the game, I was ready. Just lack of communication. I don’t think anybody really knows which direction he’s headed.
How much different is this compared to past managers?
Fuentes: It’s a pretty drastic difference.
What goes through your mind when the phone rings in the seventh tonight?
Fuentes: I thought he misspoke. I thought it was some sort of miscommunication, but he said, ‘No, you’re up,’ so I got up and cranked it up. You can’t try to guess along with them. Very unpredictable.
At the beginning of the season, did he tell you that you were the closer?
Fuentes: Yes, from get go, I’ve been closing.
In regards to communication, is that something that oughta change?
Fuentes: It should. It’s not my decision. I can’t predict the future. If he decides to take that step, then there will be communication. If not, I’ll make sure I’m ready from the first.
Does there need to be a "clear the air" meeting?
Fuentes: Some people might think so. At this point I have nothing to say.
Has this been boiling up or is it just recent?
Fuentes: Just recent, really. I think the games in San Francisco were some unorthodox managing. I thought it was maybe the National league thing, that maybe that had something to do with it, but tonight was pretty unbelievable.
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 11:14 PM PDT reply actions
This is on Jane Lee's blog and really shouldn't be copy/pasted in full here, especially without a link given
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on May 23, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Meh, it looks like public enough to me.
Jane added zero to it, so I don’t care, and wonder why you do.
it's ok in a comment
wouldn’t make a fanpost of it all by itself, but a comment is ok
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions
it's a transcript, right?
"Caring about stuff binds us to the other people that care about stuff, and that creates the communities that makes life worth living."
here's the link, for attribution sake
she’s quoting an exchange with many reporters, not just her
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions
People have always been asked not to post full articles or transcripts as far as I know
Rather, to take a part of it and link to the rest.
It’s standard protocol, and I don’t think it matters if it’s a fanpost or a comment.
Just something we’ve been careful with.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
by Flashfire on May 23, 2011 11:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Maybe it IS a little different if it's a scoop one person got
But I know they’ve asked us to link back to them and not just do straight copy/pastes.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I think you are
A transcript of what was asked is ok. If you actually quoted, word for word Jane’s article then yes. But since this a transcript of the questions being asked post game I dont think he needs to attribute it to anyone.
Not true. Someone took the time to type it in.
Now, I’m sure others had access to the same interview and typed it in as well, but since none of us did, we still need to attribute where we got it.
by LoneStranger on May 24, 2011 1:27 AM PDT up reply actions
What if he heard it on tv and transcribed it?
Does he have to attribute it to himself? this is ridiculous. You mean to tell me if I see something on tv, and thus write it down then I have to attribute it to someone? The question here isnt that anyways…someone just assumed it was from Jane’s article…without reading her article apparently
Basically, the idea is that someone else put the effort into transcribing it.
So give them the credit. It’s not hard.
by LoneStranger on May 24, 2011 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions
If you transcribed it from TV, you could say you did
And I did see Lee’s transcript before it got copied here. At that moment it was the only one that was probably up.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
we always want links
that’s why the stories and blogs go up, so people will click on the links and we’ll continue to be employed. Jane took the time to put it up so people would go to MLB.com, not some other site.
Always, always link. Enough of us lurk here working for large media outlets with lots of lawyers that caution should always be used if information is obtained from a media outlet. I’m sure Jane was going to the trouble so people would go there. Link!!
Oh, Lost...
"Life is a horizontal fall" -Jean Cocteau
by King Richard on May 24, 2011 12:44 AM PDT up reply actions
LOL
"Once you go Bed....everything else is dead." - Bed
"So you're saying we should skin the Rangers and wear them as uniforms? I’m down." - Kyli
by cuppingmaster on May 23, 2011 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Is this show called "How Not to Manage a Ballgame"
Hey dad, I got this guy's autograph, Rollie
Fingers. Who's he?
Well, MLB Network was pretty cool while it was around
This would mean the end to it if #FireBobGeren was hired
Nope
just the new telepathic communication method #FireBobGeren has developed to let players know their new role
by HRH on May 23, 2011 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
lmao
Fuentes to reporters: “He didn’t even explain what my role on the team is.” Geren to reporters: “That’s not true. He didn’t receive the energy I sent to his mind while he was sitting in the bullpen. I can’t help if a player isn’t willing to invite my energy.”
by duballers23 on May 23, 2011 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions
During a contract holdout with Oakland in the early 1990s, Henderson said, "If they want to pay me like Mike Gallego, I’ll play like Gallego."
by Man Bear Pig on May 23, 2011 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions
to be fair
a 1-7 relief pitcher ripping on someone else is like Brett Ratner calling another movie “bad.”
And who better than a 1-7 relief pitcher.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
agreed
I just think someone with a little more seniority and recent success would have more credence, instead of our McG.
who? boy scout Mark Ellis? No. The right guy did it and the guy is speaking nothing
but what the fans have been saying since Geren’s gotten here. I’m glad somebody’s finally said something. Doesn’t matter to me who it was. I also don’t think anybody in that locker room disagrees with him. That Giants series epitomized the weirdness that is Geren decision making
by kbailey3131 on May 23, 2011 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Ellis, Suzuki or Braden have to step up and get Fuentes' back.
I think it would help if some of the guys that are not only veterans but also longer with the team talk about the issues brought up by Fuentes.
Uh uh. His teammates will hang him out to dry. They don't want to be Halsey'd.
"Nah, you look like Elijah Wood." - danmerqury
I wouldn't say it's completely the fault of Fuentes
He’s struggled lately but a lot of that has to do with how he’s been used.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
Totally agree.
He’s not a closer. At all. He’s a loogy and that’s that.
Unfortunately, Geren thinks he’s Eck.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
No, Geren thinks he is "closer"
and by “closer” I mean “guy I pitch every time there’s a game being played”.
Bob Geren is mentally handicapped. I truly believe it to be so.
I've said it before
The A’s would have been better served if Fuentes had struggled right out of the gate. With Geren’s birdbrained learning curve, we can now look forward to another week or two (when hopefully Bailey will be back and closing) of this bullshit.
by oakballnack on May 23, 2011 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions
so I've heard
I hope you’re right. I’ve learned, however, with this organization to NEVER take anything for granted when it comes to players’ health.
by oakballnack on May 23, 2011 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions
let's also temper our excitment for bailey
and not place the weight of the world on his balky forearm/elbow.
one thing is for sure
he’s one hell of a bitter 1-7 pitcher.
He’s definitely been misused. At the same time, I’m pretty sure he’d object to being used the way most of us think he should be used (as a LOOGY), also. Especially after, for some dumb ass reason, Geren told him he’d be the closer from the beginning of the year.
by oakballnack on May 23, 2011 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Pitcher W-L record is utterly worthless though.
There isn’t a less logical singular player statistic in any professional sport on earth. Its been dated and useless since relief pitching became the norm and all SPs didn’t complete their games.
actually
it’s been dated and useless since pretty much it’s inception, considering it’s largely out of a pitcher’s control, even if he does throw a complete game.
by oakballnack on May 23, 2011 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed, you still need hitting, umpires etc
Such a menacingly dumb stat. Please lead by example and never use it. :)
yes
to be clear, I was referencing the original post to which I was replying.
to be fair
a 1-7 relief pitcher ripping on someone else is like Brett Ratner calling another movie "bad."
by sourstuff on May 23, 2011 11:23 PM PDT
it is a useless “vanity” stat, I share your disdain for it.
by oakballnack on May 24, 2011 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions
It's useful to the pitcher come contract negotiation time.
I'm beginning to believe that Bud Selig wants to die of old age before he has to make a decision regarding Oakland vs San Jose.
He probably shouldn't have been used at all tonight
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Does 7 meltdowns against only 8 shutdowns sound better?
The 7 meltdowns lead the majors together with Thornton.
what are the break downs if earned and un earned?
what were weak hits verses hard hit? how many came after being used too much?
it is never illuminating.
Put a bird on it
He scored a direct, wonderfully vicious hit
when he compared Bobo unfavorably to previous managers – because one of those previous managers is going to be in the opposing dugout for the next 3 games. Man, that’s got to sting.
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions
plus, and don't quote me on this
but my sources tell me Brian Fuentes went into Geren’s office and broke his crayons.
by sourstuff on May 23, 2011 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
let's hope. It seemed pretty clear to me as the statements started leaking out on Twitter
somebody’s not going to be here much longer…or somebody shouldn’t be here much longer…let me put it that way…
by kbailey3131 on May 23, 2011 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions
This team is officially dysfunctional
A manager who doesn’t have the respect of his players, A GM who can’t draft or trade for offense and can only tolerate a manager who bows down to him daily. An owner who won’t pay for talent. A tiny fan base. A crumby stadium. Great starting pitching, though.
troll much?
We have been offering mountains of cash to about 5 big name FAs a year and they take LESS money to play elsewhere. Beane+Wolff are doing all they can other than firing Geren.
If by far less you mean 30+ million dollars more.
Is there any poster who has a greater disregard for the truth than you?
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions
You are, apparently.
Furcal, Beltre, Berkman all say hi. I never even wrote “far less”.
Flagged for trolling/name besmirching.
Furcal got more money in LA. Beltre got more money in both Boston and Texas. Berkman got to play the field which he will turn into a bigger contract next year.
Try flagging me for truthiness… its more accurate.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2011 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions
Not spending any money?
How about players not accepting massive contract offers?
Ch’mon, now.
I would dance and be merry, life would be a ding-a-derry, if Bob Geren had a brain.
name one player who we offered the most money to that turned us down.
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 23, 2011 11:55 PM PDT up reply actions
see above
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2011 12:03 AM PDT up reply actions
and thank God for it
Pennington is a more valuable SS than Scutaro
by oakballnack on May 24, 2011 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Didn't he sign for less guaranteed money in Boston?
The A’s were the only team offering him more than one year then but he wanted the one year deal to reestablish value, which he did. Texas, however, offered him more money and years, But the A’s did show a willingness to pony up a large amount of money, some one was just willing to offer him more. And it just so happened that team had just been to the WS and the A’s were, and are, a .500 team.
During a contract holdout with Oakland in the early 1990s, Henderson said, "If they want to pay me like Mike Gallego, I’ll play like Gallego."
by Man Bear Pig on May 24, 2011 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Many feel he would not have signed with the A's even if they did offer the most money.
I'm beginning to believe that Bud Selig wants to die of old age before he has to make a decision regarding Oakland vs San Jose.
Scutaro's value is in utility, not a single position.
I'm beginning to believe that Bud Selig wants to die of old age before he has to make a decision regarding Oakland vs San Jose.
well if 6.25 mil a year
is the going rate for a utility player who bats around .260 with little to no power, average plate discipline, and plays acceptable (at best) defense, then I’d call that a gross market inefficiency. I can tell you, having lived in Boston at the time he was acquired, the Red Sox fan base certainly thought they were getting a stud SS who would be productive offensively. Not quite the case. I think it’s a good thing we didn’t sign Scutaro for that type of money. I like the guy, but he wasn’t the solution to our problem.
Would you take less than 5% more to play for a team that never gave you a shot and played Bobby Fucking Crosby over you and then traded you to save a million dollars when someone who is likely to be actually good will give you basically the same deal?
You don't need a religion, you have the A's. - My girlfriend
by designatedforassignment on May 24, 2011 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions
How come nobody is talking about the pitching coach?
Wouldn’t the pitching coach have a lot to do with how and when the relievers are used, or is it really all Geren’s decision?
Hi ho.
So, what you're saying is, Geren's head is up his ass.
There is an evening coming in/Across the fields, one never seen before,/That lights no lamps. -- Philip Larkin, from "Going"
by Ray of Lite on May 23, 2011 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Everyone has just been on edge since Macho Man died
we will endure.
by sourstuff on May 23, 2011 11:39 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Yes. :(
His brother said he had a heart attack while driving in Florida, and he crashed.
by LoneStranger on May 24, 2011 7:29 AM PDT up reply actions
Alternative reality result:
The alternative reality for tonight was not that the A’s win, but that they instead lose in extra innings again. They were not going to score another run, and may never score again. So, losing in 9 innings was a smart move; it saved the bullpen from further abuse.
Hi ho.
Check this out
David Feldman
Brian Fuentes this season: In 11 Save Opps: 1-1 Rec, 9 Saves, 2.92 ERA. In other 12 games: 0-6 Rec, 8.00 ERA.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I'm not sure what this is supposed to tell us
"Once you go Bed....everything else is dead." - Bed
"So you're saying we should skin the Rangers and wear them as uniforms? I’m down." - Kyli
by cuppingmaster on May 24, 2011 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions
In the light of Fuentes' complaints, including Sunday, about being used out of the closers' role.
It’s intriguing how ‘unprepared’, because ineffective, he seems in those non-closing opportunities.
Adoptive father of Jose Casilla.
13 K/5 BB in save situations
1 K/ 1 BB with the lead in non-save situations
1 K/ 3 BB when the A’s are down or tied when entering
Adoptive father of Jose Casilla.
This is already splashed across sfgate.com
Tomorrow should be fun.
by coffee roaster on May 23, 2011 11:52 PM PDT reply actions
The way Geren abuses Fuentes
kind of reminds me of this song
"If we start getting into that sh*t, we might as well get out the plastic sheeting and have an orgy." --Gaijin Suketto
by emperor nobody on May 23, 2011 11:54 PM PDT reply actions
Fuentes stated it pretty clearly...
Every pitcher has a process by which they get themselves mentally and physically ready for a game. I suspect this is no different than how a position player gets ready, or even how Ray Fosse or Ken Korach gets ready, or any actor on a stage. Part of the preparation means understanding one’s role in the process. It could be as simple as Geren saying, “hey, I may need you in the 7th inning as a LOOGY” or “You’re my closer if we’re going nine.” It doesn’t matter what the role is, or how it’s expressed. When you change the rules, you take someone out of their game.
It’s not as if those rules are written in stone - but if Fuentes knew he’d come in a tie game tonight, his entire thought mode would have been different. He doesn’t need to be the closer. All he needs to be is someone who knows approximately when he might be working. He’s saying that none of the guys ever know because Geren never communicates with any of them.
by richwol1 on May 24, 2011 12:08 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Fuentes
While he undoubtedly has a higher opinion of his own abilities than most A’s fans do, Fuentes also signed with a team that had an established closer. So he knew that, once Bailey returned, he would not be the closer.
What I really didn’t like about tonight’s game is the sense that Geren either didn’t know what he was planning to do, or just didn’t care if he messed with a relief pitcher’s physical and emotional preparations for entering a game. That seems like managerial malpractice, which is worse than the garden variety stupidity that Geren does too often.
The thing is if you're not being used as the closer...
…you probably have a general idea of when you need to start getting loose in case you’re told to warm up. These guys don’t just hop off the bench and get on the bullpen mound without loosening up first. If Fuentes is expecting that he’s going to be kept aside until the 9th he’s going to start getting ready around a certain time.
It may not sound like much of an excuse to some, but there’s definitely a routine involved.
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I hate to defend Fuentes but look at his numbers...
when used in his role, closer, and compare them to when he is not, it is staggering.
Geren has a hand in every facet of the team that is struggling, the only thing he has done correctly is know when Gio, Anderson and Cahill are suppose to pitch. Although my guess is Romanick has to remind him from time to time.
During a contract holdout with Oakland in the early 1990s, Henderson said, "If they want to pay me like Mike Gallego, I’ll play like Gallego."
by Man Bear Pig on May 24, 2011 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions
His home and away splits are
pretty dramatic too – he’s definitely benefited from playing in the Colosieum, where the majority of his saves have come. It’s not as though he’s been lights out as a closer either. He’s had quite a bit of luck, and he’s still blown a couple of save opportunities. He’s given up 3 ER in 7 low leverage innings vs. 7 ER in 10 high leverage innings. He may have been misused by Geren, but had Geren continued to only pitch Fuentes in Save situations, his numbers would have eventually looked just as ugly, especially considering he continues to walk more batters in higher leverage situations. He just happened to have a nice little run at the beginning of the season. That said, you can’t argue with the apparent communication breakdown. Despite not getting the job done on the field, he deserves, at the least, to get a status update from his skipper.
Shoot, this is a lot more interesting than the game
It’s time, by the way, for Billy Beane to start taking some heat.
Best Man Bob was a bad idea from the beginning, without my knowing his managerial skills, simply because of his role as Beane’s close friend. All would have been forgiven if Geren had turned out to be a good manager, able to get the most out of the talent he’s given.
Alas, as EN outlined, it’s evolved into the worst sort of cronyism, feeding a suspicion that Beane is, at best, not as highly motivated as he used to be.
Beane’s usual MO in situations like this is to dump the player, quickly and quietly. Fuentes will be a little more difficult to unload, because of his contract. And his criticisms, while focused on his own dealings with Geren, shed an unflattering light on the manager – and the general manager/part-owner who has kept him around.
I somehow doubt that Fuentes is the only player who has communications beefs with Geren.
by bear88 on May 24, 2011 12:17 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Yay, I was able to go pull up the game on MLB.tv
by Flashfire on May 24, 2011 12:19 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs
Three pictures say an awful lot
Fuentes effectively gave Geren the finger. That’s just a show of contempt.
I'd of gained a few ounces of respect
for him if he had! Wow, I never saw that Washington clip before – that’s pretty awesome.
What’s even more awesome is that Sexson his a Grand Slam as a Yankee….and promptly fell off the face of baseball…
by oakballnack on May 24, 2011 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I still resent the fact that Beane let Wash go
So many great A’s players have raved about Wash and what he contributed to the team. The poor guy interviewed for the A’s managerial gig a few times and each time he was turned down it made me sick. I wonder if Billy Beane will ever respect the impact that managers have on the game. I’m so fucking sick of watching lame duck managers.
I'am happy for Wash, he has a better opportunity with Texas
he’d go crazy here in Oakland with the way BB and company run this train wreak.
I am happy for him too
and I totally agree with what you said. I’m afraid that no legitimate manager will ever come to Oakland because of the way Beane would lord over them.
yes, for instance
I didn’t realize “SpeeDee” was a sponsor of the A’s telecasts. Nice!
by oakballnack on May 24, 2011 12:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I wonder if Bobo even knew he was being dissed.
"I thought it was going in," Warriors center Chris Hunter said. "It looked like the invisible man tipped it away at the last second."
"He's chicken curry right now. He'll become beef curry a little later on."
-Keith Smart
This is great
Thank you. This might be a record of the moment when Bobo started heading for the door.
Being called a poet as a rock ’n’ roll musician is like being called a physicist as a baseball player. It might have some application but it’s pretty remote. - Richard Hell
by fridaynightfan on May 24, 2011 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions
My spirit hurts.
This wasn’t supposed to turn into another rebuilding season! The A’s need to really lock it up, especially with the heralded return of both Hamilton and Cruz to TX, of course both hitting HRs in their first game back.
"Yeah, all I could find was Triple-Sec and rootbeer...What?! You mean you had tequila the whole time?!"
For all of the entertaining drama
It’s easy to forget that Texas is a decidedly better team. Firing Geren won’t change that.
by bear88 on May 24, 2011 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Curious about tomorrow (er, today)
Options
A) Meet and say polite things, however insincere
B) Cold war, with no followup
C) Fuentes banished to long relief, or worse
D) Another player joins the criticism
E) Geren fired
The chance of E is pretty much zero, at least right away. That’s where the Best Man Bob thing helps. My best guess is B, at least for the time being. This is where the A’s media invisibility helps them. Nobody who isn’t a fan of the team really cares.
Here's just another example of Geren being Geren
He already said yesterday:
“I can use anybody late in the game. It’s been that way. Everybody knows that.”
Except he’s been using Balfour as the 8th inning guy and Fuentes as the closer, which Fuentes has said he was told he’d be going into the season.
Now tonight Fuentes warms up in the 7th and starts the 8th, and there’s this:
Geren, who was addressed before Fuentes’ briefing with reporters but not after, said he used the lefty in the seventh because the upcoming at-bats for Angels hitters Erick Aybar and Bobby Abreu were “perfect for a left-hander.”
“You figure you go with him for a couple guys,” Geren said. “If he gets them both out, maybe let him try to finish the inning. If not, you have your right-hander for Hunter.”
Normally that’s how I think most of us would have wanted Fuentes to be used – as a situational pitcher. But all of a sudden, without any conversation had with Fuentes even if it was something like, “Hey, with Blevins gone we need you to be ready before the 9th in case I need to go with a lefty.” Naturally Bobo doesn’t communicate that.
Of course, this is the same guy who’s talked about only wanting to use certain people for one inning only to go back on that right away. He did it last year as well with at least one pitcher (Bailey, I think).
Last of the Ninth - Photography
I'm tired and I butchered part of that second to last paragraph, but you get the idea
And we have Geren saying “Everybody knows” blah, and Fuentes saying he doesn’t communicate anything.
Things that make you go “Hmmmm.”
Last of the Ninth - Photography
we also shouldn't forget the time
geren said Fuentes said he was ready to pitch after a blown save loss calling on fuentes for a third day in a row.
Put a bird on it
Normally a food situation for Fuentes
But no one can pitch every day.
by steeraw on May 24, 2011 6:13 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Normally a good situation for Fuentes
But no one can pitch every day.
by steeraw on May 24, 2011 6:13 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
The bad
Fuentes: major league lead in losses
the good: at least he has some cojones
last week – first place
this week – last place
well at least it took a while for the annual May swoon
I’ve been overwhelmed and I’ve been underwhelmed. Can I ever just be whelmed?
Oh Boy
This just keeps on getting worse. The loss is bad. But Geren is even worse. Why put Fuentes in for the fourth consecutive game, especially if it’s not a save situation? That’s just absurd.
Fuentes doesn’t like Geren; you can tell. It’s gotten worse and worse, and it was so evident last night it was amazing. Wasn’t even subtle. He hands the ball to Zook and walks off without a second glance at Bob. That doesn’t bode well.
Still, great outing by Outman. Hopefully Moscoso can do the same. Offense silent as usual. I wish Matsui could have done more than hit a sac fly when he had the bases loaded. That’s just disappointing.
Was listening to “A’s talk”, and i agree with Chris. You don’t want to totally slander the manager, but things are just getting bad.
I’m feeling melancholy, almost depressed about this year. It just isn’t getting any easier, is it? Every year starts with new hope, and this season seemed good with our great pitching and improved offense. Well, it hasn’t worked. The O is terrible, and the bullpen has fallen apart. It’s sad.
The manager absolutely needs to be slandered.
CT won’t do it because he is afraid. He has to be thinking it though. Sad thing is it will probably take a sweep by the angels. I hope they lose every game until Geren is fired. I think it is the only thing that will force BB to act.
by steeraw on May 24, 2011 6:10 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
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