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Game 161 Open Thread

Maya_papi_tiny by Tyler Bleszinski on in News

Barry Zito with an 11-11 record and a 4.54 ERA versus Kelvim Escobar with an 11-12 record and a 3.86 ERA.

I'm opening this early because I'm going to the game tomorrow and I won't have time to do it later.

Well, after an ass-whuppin' by the Angels tonight, our season comes down to Barry Zito.  I love Zito but this scares me because Z has been Mr. Yo-Yo this year, up and down and up and down.  And the A's are going to be tight tomorrow with the season on the line.

This could be the end of the road for 2004. But I'm hoping that the team bounces back as it has when press so many other times this year.

Do they have one more miracle in the bag?

We shall see.  I'll see you at the park.

GO A'S!!!  

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Plenty of hope
Honestly, would you rather lose 10-0 or have the bullpen blow a lead and lose by one?

I didn't like Friday's matchup going into it.  Mulder has been, for whatever reason, a lousy pitcher for the past month.  We'll find out why eventually, but I didn't think we had much of a chance unless Colon stunk up the joint.  He didn't.  

As for today's game, Zito may get whacked around.  But he is more likely to turn in one of his typical second-half performances - pretty good, but he will give up a few runs on a few mistakes.  Then we'll get to the part about when to pull him.  Remember, we should have Harden available out of the bullpen - an asset we shouldn't hesitate to use.

The bigger question looming over Saturday's game is the offense.  The A's have had success against Escobar this year, including a week ago Friday.  This will be Escobar's second consecutive start on three days rest.

But we've gotta score some runs.  It would be awfully nice if we could get Durazo back for tomorrow's game, but I am not optimistic since he couldn't play Friday.  It would also be nice if Miller was healthy enough to call the game.  (Note: the blown umpire's call was, in part, due to Melhuse's failure to block the plate.  The runner was out, but looked safe.)

The rules of playing the Angels still apply.  You've got to have the lead before the seventh inning.  The Angels got to rest their key bullpen guys tonight, which will be an advantage for them during the next two days.

But if we can pull out a win today, I like our chances on Sunday, with Hudson against Washburn on three days rest.  If that game matters, I'll be there.

by bear88 on Oct 1, 2004 11:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Durazo's status
Larry Davis said Durazo will play in today's game, according to Urban's notes column.

It doesn't sound like Miller will play, though.

by bear88 on Oct 1, 2004 11:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Mulder has been, for whatever reason, a lousy...
I can't help to feel the BIG 3 are really missing Rick Peterson about this time...
Cheers, -Dave The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. --Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

by strivan21 on Oct 2, 2004 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions  

the first line of the comments...
forsaw the end of this game.  Evil or physic bear88?

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Tomorrow
I had a feeling things would shake out in Game 1 the way they did. I thought Colon would pitch pretty well and, honestly, who didn't think Mulder was going to suck? The important thing is that we still have a shot.  We've got Zito and Hudson going against Escobar and Washburn (both on three days rest). I was not surprised we lost tonight. I will be surprised if we lose either of the next two.

by jmoney on Oct 2, 2004 12:04 AM PDT reply actions  

Plenty of hope
If we do lose one of the next 2 games, I don't think we will, but if we do...who takes the fall? Beane or Macha? Or does Beane have to make more significant changes. Clearly the big 3 have struggled down the stretch and Zito hasn't been the same since his cy young win. I think its time to move one of them for another solid hitter. We need an upgrade at second base, and behind the plate imo. Miller is a good catcher but we need offensive. Any thoughts?

by Mike @ Athletics Nation on Oct 2, 2004 12:19 AM PDT reply actions  

the season
nobody takes the fall if the a's lose, because it was a pretty decent season.  it came down to the final weekend, what more can you ask for.  

beane made some good moves and some bad moves.  which is to be expected, he has to take more risks than gms who have lots of money.  so kielty and rhodes didn't work out: miller, durazo, crosby, harden, kotsay, and scutaro did.  that's not bad.

as far as starting mulder is concerned, i think the a's had to start him.  yes, he's had a terrible second half, but he's mulder.  blanton has barely pitched in the majors.  plus, this isn't fantasy baseball, you can't just bench your ace whenever you have a hunch he won't do well.    
and all this talk of him being injured is just silly.  lots of baseball players go into massive slumps.  people are acting like beane is more secretive than kim jong il.

i don't think the a's will make the playoffs, but they still might.  any team can win two games in a row.  

given the lack of offense, starters need to be out of there if there's a 2-3 run deficit, no matter what the situation.  

by xbhaskarx on Oct 2, 2004 12:50 AM PDT reply actions  

the problem
let me just add that i think macha should go, but not because of any particularly bad moves he's made today:  
mulder should have started, and blanton shouldn't have been pulled any sooner than he was.  
the only problem tonight was hatteberg batting cleanup when he should have had the night off, but dan johnson wouldn't have changed the end result.

the bigger problem with the team is the fact that nobody besides harden, kotsay, and byrnes plays with any real fire (maybe hudson and crosby).  i think it's beyond lack of leadership from macha or the big name players.  
i think most of the guys who have been on the team for a few years are starting to give up, they just don't think they can get past the yankees or the red sox, even if they do make the playoffs.  

and getting there will only get harder as the angels will continue to spend money and the rangers have a core of very talented young players.  

towards the end of the season, the a's look old, tired, and injured, and they're convinced that they're not going anywhere.  
i'd compare them to the sacramento kings, for whom disappointing playoff losses are also a regular occurrence.  unlike the kings, the a's should dump their webber/divac/christie equivalents while they still have some value on the market.

maybe the a's need to make some big trades and start over with fresh faces.  

by xbhaskarx on Oct 2, 2004 1:09 AM PDT reply actions  

definitely some good points
I think moneyball only gets you so far ~ its great for what it does... I mean we're ahead of a LOT of other teams.. but it only takes so much to  get to 95%... that other 5% takes what Beane is unwilling to spend!!

So just out of curiosity.. would you (anyone ranting about Macha) want Art Howe back?? or just RIck Petersen??

by zito fan on Oct 2, 2004 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions  

Money
what...Beane...is...unwilling...to...spend!!

This is the least informed quote I've ever read on this site. Since when did Beane get control of Schott's wallet? If you want to blame Schott for not spending enough money that's your perogative, but please do not imply that Beane has millions of Schott's money sitting in a bank account somewhere gathering dust.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions  

not what i'm saying
it's not beane's fault, or the fault of the owners.
if beane and moneyball only get you so far, it's to the playoffs four years in a row and within two games of the playoffs with two to play in the fifth year.  

maybe the problem is that people's standards are too high.  

even with beane and great starting pitching, the a's can't make the playoffs every year.  one game behind anaheim at this point ain't bad.

by xbhaskarx on Oct 2, 2004 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions  

ditto
thats what i'm saying too...

by zito fan on Oct 2, 2004 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions  

not saying Beane's
hoarding cash in a cold basement somewhere...

by zito fan on Oct 2, 2004 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions  

Than what
are you trying to say with the quote "Beane is unwilling to pay?" Perhaps you mis-spoke, or maybe English isn't your first language, but your original statement is ludicrious.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions  

wow
as much as my quote about Beane may be the most uninformed thing you've seen on AN,
yours is the RUDEST.

I just meant the A's organization doesn't spend big money like many other teams that have clinched playoff spots already ~ to clear things up for everyone else...

by zito fan on Oct 2, 2004 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

Obviously
you've missed some of the truly choice statements that have been made in the past.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

btw
i think your title should be "Then what"... perhaps you mis-spoke or english is not your first language

by zito fan on Oct 2, 2004 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

merely
an air of pretentiousness that obviously missed its mark. Much like your Beane statement.

My bad.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just F------- Win!
Barry Zito needs to get a lot of sleep tonight and Alyssa needs to make sure he eats his breakfast.
Shut up Joe Morgan!

by treble1313 on Oct 2, 2004 1:29 AM PDT reply actions  

Just F----------- Hit!
The Offense needs to wake the hell up too.

by secret ASian man on Oct 2, 2004 1:56 AM PDT reply actions  

The Big Three
Last night I went to work at 4 p.m., and on my way out the door, as a good luck charm, I grabbed a 25-cent player photo I picked up on an April trip to the Coliseum.  Choose a player, the sales girl had said, and I chose Mark Mulder.  
I think I chose him because I had a sense that he could be even better than he actually was.  The struggles he's having now are so remarkable because of how far he has fallen.

While at the start of this season, based on their previous accomplishments, Hudson seemed to be the ace of the Big Three, Mulder seemed to have the upside, more so than Zito, that might allow him to become the even-better ace.  His special ability was to retire three batters with seven or eight pitches, to zip through an entire lineup without breaking a sweat, and to record a complete game shutout in an hour and fifty-eight minutes.  That ability caught my fancy, and made me think that if this guy could just put together an entire year of these performances, he'd be the best pitcher in baseball.  

So we're all gritting our teeth in nervousness about the next two games, hoping that the A's streak of losing in Game 5 of the ALDS ends not this weekend with a loss, but next weekend with a series WIN.  But the regular season, where we follow the individual statistics of our favorite players, is coming to an end, and there's nobody on the A's whose stats we're following with anticipation.  Offensively, that's because Tejada's gone and Chavez was injured.  
But as far as pitchers go, that's because it's been a rough one for the Big Three--Mulder's disappearance is only the latest bummer.   So here's hoping that next year, around this time, we are excitedly meeting up at the Coliseum for Zito's last start, cheering for him to join Hudson and Mulder as 20-game winners, because that's what they're supposed to be, right?  Three aces!  What baseball experts seem to forget when they refer to them as the Big Three ("all of whom could be aces on most teams") is that these guys are young, and while they've shown ace potential, we A's fans still have to bite our knuckles for fear that any one of them, or all of them, will lose what they had during their hot streaks in level off into mediocrity, which they've also all shown streaks of.  
Oh say it ain't so!  Let them be the aces we want them to be, so we can enjoy checking the papers day after day to tally up their wins, innings, and strikeouts, and to admire their miniscule ERAs.  And if that happens, A's fans, if they become the three aces the media touts them as, I think Mulder's their ace.  

P.S. Since we don't have great numbers from this year to pour over, here's an opportunity for a bit of nostalgia; numbers from the Big Three in years past, starting for each with his breakthrough season, thus editing out Zito's 7-4 and Mulder's 9-10 in 2000, and Hudson's 11-2 in 1999.

Mulder 01   21-8  3.45
Mulder 02   19-7  3.47
Mulder 03   15-9  3.13
Mulder 04   17-8  4.43
Average       17-8  3.63

Hudson00  20-6  4.14
Hudson01  18-9  3.37
Hudson02  15-9  2.98
Hudson03  16-7  2.70
Hudson04  12-5  3.33
Average     16-7 3.27

Zito01  17-8  3.49
Zito02  23-5  2.75
Zito03  14-12 3.30
Zito04  11-11 4.47
Average 16-7  3.47

by rubin sierra on Oct 2, 2004 3:14 AM PDT reply actions  

Durazo's in for Saturday....
...according the the Official A's site.

And thank the baseball gods for that.  5 runs and 11 measly hits in the last 3 games.  

Come on, guys!   Hang a picture of Miggy in an A's jersey in the dugout to remind yourself of what a player with fire can in his belly can do to get a whole team going.

by As Exile in Atlanta on Oct 2, 2004 5:26 AM PDT reply actions  

Zito
I like Zito in this must win; he has a lot of sucess in his memory bank of being the stopper. What he needs is to not get killed by the couple of mistake pitches that every pitcher makes every time they go out there. When you have power midgets hitting home runs off of you to win games, that's just plain bad luck as much as anything else.
I think four runs could win this game for us but how we get four runs the way we're hitting is another story. Hatteberg looks like he did last year late, like he's 150 years old. It seems like the worse his funk gets, the more careful and defensive he takes his at bats. He needs to try and pull the ball, these little weak shots to left ain't working.
This no money bullshit really sucks; we'd had this put away if we could have afforded somebody for these last two months.
We at least have baseball itself going for us. Anything can happen until they get the 27th. out.
I'll be at work.
Please, Go A's

by steve g on Oct 2, 2004 5:29 AM PDT reply actions  

Good luck Oakland
I'm going to watch the game if I can. Hopefully we'll get the "Good" Zito today. But you don't have to be Joe Morgan to know that we need to do better than 4 hits to win this game.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 7:01 AM PDT reply actions  

This is it,
win or go home.  I for one vote for win, but we'll just have to wait and see.  In the spirit of incurable optimism, I see a 3-1 A's victory behind a vintage Barry Zito performance (and by vintage I obviously mean not this year).  Regardless, it has been a great season and I will spend the winter eagerly anticipating 2005 whatever the outcome of this season.  Good luck A's, Let's go OAK-LAND!

by Doug on Oct 2, 2004 7:13 AM PDT reply actions  

Thanks!
Thanks Blez for AN and always being the positive voice...
Well things can only get better is my perspective ~ and I think that the performance of guys like Crosby and Harden give us hope for the future regardless of what happens with Moneyball, Billy Beane, etc...

Zito has been a lot better and despite his ups and downs, I think more reliable than Mulder recently ~ ups and downs are better than just downs!!
I heard that his parents come for a lot of his big starts at home, so maybe his mom will make him a great breakfast and he will kick a** today!!
More than pitching, esp with Harden available in the pen, I'm pretty worried about the offense (or lack thereof)...

For the second to last time until we clinch ~
Go A's!!!!!!!!!!

by zito fan on Oct 2, 2004 7:41 AM PDT reply actions  

Howe/Peterson
Sure, I'd love Art Howe back. And then I'd love to plunge spikes into my eyeballs.

Peterson is another story. I'd take him back in a heartbeat. Is there any word yet on what the Mets are actually doing with him? Is he getting fired with Howe? Or are they going to do what the A's did when they hired Macha: "Glad to have you aboard, Ken. Here's your pitching coach, Rick."

by jrbh on Oct 2, 2004 7:57 AM PDT reply actions  

Peterson
All I've heard is second hand information from Urban's AN interview, but it sounds like both Hudson and Mulder (specifically) were chaffing under Peterson. If that's the case than how do you bring him back over the objections of the pitchers?

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

Peterson
Don't you think Mulder might sing a slightly different tune now?  So he didn't like what he felt was Peterson's overly hands-on approach (which can feel intrusive), but one thing everyone acknowledges is that Peterson knows just about everything there is to know about pitching mechanics.  It's really difficult to picture Peterson allowing Mulder to get himself so massively screwed up.

Better to chafe a bit under Peterson than to stink on ice under a friendly coach.

by Faust on Oct 2, 2004 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions  

Peterson
I doubt Peterson would come back, but I think our pitching staff's current state would make it very possible for Beane to justify him coming back. And even if Mulder and Rick don't get along, I think all the pitchers would agree that it doesn't matter, the results do. I think Mulder would be willing to accept it if Peterson could find a way to repair whatever problems he's having. The pitching staff has the fire to probably accept some annoyance and frustration in exchange for a better chance at a ring.

by Kyli on Oct 2, 2004 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions  

Peterson's family is still in New Jersey
and unless that whole line of reasoning was an incredible coverup, Peterson actually wants to live near his family, which rules out a move back to the West Coast, at least for a few years (I think he has kids in high school).  So I don't think it's worth worrying about -- we're not getting Peterson back.

by Nick on Oct 2, 2004 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions  

I have cleared
out the Arthur Rhodes shrine completely and in its place is one bare candle to be lit at game time with yellowed scrap of paper at its base with a Z on it.

The Tibetan monks were in town a week ago uuummmm....ding.

Tribal-Bobo

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 8:04 AM PDT reply actions  

While I haven't been lately...
What I saw at the coliseum last night absolutely the sorest site in baseball.  A stadium that traditionally holds only sparse crowds packs in 47,000 for the most important game this season, and the A's proceed to stink up the joint.  I haven't been back to the coliseum for almost 2 years now, but I know before it seemed like big crowds attracted the most disheartening losses.  I'd like to see the A's records playing in front 45,000+ at home and on the road.  

But back to the game at hand.  Perhaps some future suggestions here:

  1.  Fire Macha, let Wash run the team.  At least we'd be aggressive.
  2.  Fire Macha.
  3.  Do something with Hatteberg - I say make Swisher the everyday 1B.  The guy's good, but I think it's another one of those overvaluations, kinda like Mark Ellis.  
  4.  Speaking of Ellis, trade him.  Scutaro's more than proven himself, and despite the gaffes last night, he's at least as good a defender, if not better.
I don't know though, as someone said before, statistics dictate the A's should pass through their funk pretty soon.  It's hard to suck as long, and as bad as they have with their team.  I hope we come out swinging this afternoon, and I certainly hope McLemore or someone else is ripping everyone a new one after last night's utter debacle and embarassment.  After all, since Mac isn't playing so much, he's probably got nothing better to do.  If we can somehow pull this one off (somehow), I do like our chances Sunday with Washburn and Hudson - we have the upper hand there.  At least if we do that, then Harden leads off game 1 of the playoffs.  

But must get there first.  GO A'S!!  BEAT L.A.!

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 8:51 AM PDT reply actions  

It ain't over so quit acting like it is
You know who you are.

We've come this far and it's no time for saying who should be fired or hired or traded or sent down or let go.  We need a win plain and simple.  Let's get to Sunday and go all in with Huddy.

Go Barry!  Go A's!!!!

by Dwayne Murphy on Oct 2, 2004 9:07 AM PDT reply actions  

TV... and Moneyball
Here in Baltimore, I have 14 - fourteen! - college football games available on TV today.  And 2 (two) baseball games:  Fox offers Bosox at Orioles, and WGN has the cheek to broadcast the Chisox at KC, blech.  (I didn't spring for Extra Innings because I don't have the self-discipline to keep from watching it all the time, thus turning my life into even more of a mess than it is; and I don't think MLB TV would would so well on my 6-year-old iMac without a broadband connection.)  At least I'll be able to watch my Cal Bears play while listening to the A's game, but I'd rather be watching baseball.

As for Moneyball, the term has come to stand for a bunch of different things, but at bottom it's all about being smart with what you have.  For the A's it's not really an option:  They can be smart on a low budget and achieve some amazing results the last few years, or they can be stupid on a low budget and be the Brewers.  The idea that they could or should junk the Moneyball approach and spend a gazillion dollars isn't on the table.

Unfortunately, in this world, money generally triumphs in the end.  Anaheim's best two pitchers and its best two hitters all came in one free agent buying orgy this past winter.  Without those guys, they'd be nowhere, nowhere at all.  Meanwhile, they Athletics lost a couple primo free agents.  That's a pretty damn powerful rip tide to struggle against.

by Faust on Oct 2, 2004 9:10 AM PDT reply actions  

Go Bears
7-0 and looking good
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Be there
Hey, you all..get out to the park today..and support these guys...what more can we ask for but this?
Last night was hugely disappointing - today it is all on the line.
Blez- love this site and our A's fans (we wouldn't rant and rave if we didn't care so much).. if I knew where your seats were I'd come by and say thanks myself...
See ya at the game.
GO A's!

by LongTimeFan on Oct 2, 2004 9:38 AM PDT reply actions  

Scutaro's gaffes
Bah.

First gaffe: The guy was out at the plate. Bad call.

Second gaffe: I've probably watched 1700 baseball games in my life, and I've probably seen the double play 4000 times, and I've seen the second baseman completely ghost tag the base probably 2000 times, and I have never seen the guy called safe for it, ever, in my entire life, until last night.

It's like the NBA referees, come playoff time and they start calling traveling time. It's like they feel they have to step it up to, when in reality they're just taking a power trip and trying to over control the game.

I don't think there's any pressure on Zito. Say Mulder threw a comlete game with 1 run last night. A's still lose, because they didn't score a single !*@#@ run. The bat's need to come alive.

I really thought they came to play last night, in the first inning, and then they blow Chavez's call at second, and then they blow Scoot's call at home, and then Kotsay drops that ball, and they were dead emotionally. Hopefully there will be a better start tonight.

PS Whoever said Macha was wrong and Dan Johnson should have made the start last night over Hatteburg is insane. 3 game's left, need 2 of 3 to make the playoffs, ok lets start the guy with 0 career major league experience. Great plan.

by RichardP on Oct 2, 2004 10:23 AM PDT reply actions  

maybe i'm insane
but hatteberg has one rbi in the last 16 games.  he has four hits in the last 14 games.  that's 4/48 for a ba of .083.

yes, dan johnson has no major league experience, but he can probably hit .083, and hatteberg just might need a day off.

by xbhaskarx on Oct 2, 2004 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions  

Still have faith
but feeling pessimistic.  Traditionally, though not as badly as this year, Mulder hasn't done well in big games.  I didn't expect 10-0 last night, but I didn't (for obvious reasons) have a lot of hope.  Zito has been a big game pitcher for us and today could very well go our way.  Tomorrow?  Gotta love Hudson.  

I hate losing as much as anyone but this season could finally be a wakeup call for ownership and management.  Beane is smart enough to realize when something has gone wrong and take steps to correct it.  Even if we make it to the postseason, something is desperately wrong with our team right now. The team knows it, and the fans can speculate but aren't in on it.  Wait and see I guess.

On an unrelated and happier note, check out the Phoenix Desert Dogs lineup for the Fall League, a couple of prominent names on there from the Oakland organization...
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/events/afl/y2004/index.jsp?content=roster_desertdogs

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 12:01 PM PDT reply actions  

Do you realize...
That if the Angels win today or tomorrow (Heaven forbid), that it will be their first division win since 1986?? That's 18 years ago! Granted the Angels have won a World Championship as a wild card, but since '86, the A's have won 7 AL West Division titles! So, I don't want to hear about payrolls or how small market teams can't win. The fact remains that the A's can finish in first one game up after the final out on Sunday. It's about the players on the field. Yes, it would be nice to have a $200 Million payroll, but players still have to produce.

Even if the A's don't make it today, look at their future: Crosby, Swisher, Blanton, Lehr, Garcia. If they can do next year what they did this year without the 27 blown saves, I'll take it in a heartbeat!

Now I am tired of being pissed the last three weeks, but I going to stick with these players to the bitter end. I'm also with all you awesome fans out there who have also stuck with these guys over the last 160 games.

We're the Oakland A's, dammit! Refuse to lose!

by Coach Cleats on Oct 2, 2004 12:03 PM PDT reply actions  

Great, I am stuck with
the Giants and Dodgers on Fox.  Have to resort to mlb if it is not blacked out.
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 1:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Me and Bill King due to the blackout
while watching the Cal Bears (bear88!) take on Oregon State and flipping to the Dodger/Giant game....will have my hands full this afternoon.
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 1:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Touchdown Bears!
Cal drove down the field right away.  That shut up the Corvallis crowd.  It's hard to follow the Bears today, as I'm only watching during the commercials.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Beavers tied the game
An almost-interception, followed by a breakaway touchdown run.  Drat.  7-7.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Can we stay focused?
All due respect... who gives a shit?

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

How is this a national telecast
The announcers are STILL biased, and these guys are different.

Alright Barry, 2 K's.  Keep it up!

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 1:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Too many pitches
as usual for Zito in the first.  But a zero.  I don't recall him throwing a curveball.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Command
I only have gamecast...Is anybody watching this game how was his command?

by shawzy on Oct 2, 2004 1:20 PM PDT reply actions  

Command
He was missing high.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Phoenix here
and praying right with you Tokyo.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 1:22 PM PDT reply actions  

Chavez
240 with two homers for the month of September ... that sounds about right.  At least he worked a walk.  Here's Durazo ... I bet he hits a flyout and throws his bat as soon as he sees it's gonna be a flyout.  

by rubin sierra on Oct 2, 2004 1:25 PM PDT reply actions  

Atrocious hitting
What happened to this team down the stretch hitting wise, these are the avg's of today's lineups in sept with homers and rbi's...uggggggggly

Kotsay .353 3-7
Byrnes .266 1-7
Chavez .243 2-11
Durazo .315 1-11
Dye    .269 3-9
Hatteberg .202 1-7
Miller .191 0-7
Crosby .212 5-14
Scoot  .213 1=5

by shawzy on Oct 2, 2004 1:28 PM PDT reply actions  

MLB Extra Innings
I have MLB Extra Innings, and not only is today's game not on, it looks like tomorrow's isn't either.  WTF?  Is that rediculous or what?  Why am I paying so much money to NOT get the most important games of the year?

Those of you who also have it, am I wrong about tomorrow??

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 1:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Not sure about that
but I will be travelling at the mercy of airport updates if tomorrows game matters (it better).  and that stoopid eckstein got on base, rats.
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Late-season errors
We've talked about the pitching meltdown.  We've talked about the failure to hit with runners in scoring position.  But in September and October, the failure to make defensive plays has been critical.

Giving away outs is damaging even if Zito gets out of the inning unscathed, because it forces him to throw more pitches.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Depth?
Maybe it's because of the lack of depth and everybody is worn out.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

agreed
And fucking Molina has worked a full count.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

I forgot what year it was
But yes, it does seem like we sleep on the field defensively during big games.  I think it was 2001 when Menechino booted one to start the game and it led to a big Yankee inning.  

And I swear, Eckstein has to have a ten year old's arm.  It seems like he barely gets it over to first.

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

oh that familiar sinking feeling in the stomach
My heart is with Zito right now; let these dropped balls not come back to haunt him... these ten-pitch at-bats must drive him crazy ...

okay that was a better second inning than yesterday.  btw three outs left in the Cubs' season (down 8-6 and facing Smoltz) ... and the Cal Bears are up 14-7 three minutes into the game

by rubin sierra on Oct 2, 2004 1:38 PM PDT reply actions  

Pitch Count
They've managed to make Barry throw 40 pitches in two innings without even getting a runner to second.    But as long as he's hanging eggs on the board that's fine.  I'll take what I can get.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 1:39 PM PDT reply actions  

Isn't there some other blog
you guys can post Bears scores?

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 1:40 PM PDT reply actions  

On The Other Hand...
They only made Escobar throw 14 in two innings.  We need to tire him out!!

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 1:41 PM PDT reply actions  

34 pitches
for Escobar through 2 innings

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

gross
What inning do you think we'll get our first hit..6th, 7th, never

by shawzy on Oct 2, 2004 1:47 PM PDT reply actions  

You know what
Fuck the pitch count. If he's still throwing well, let him throw 200 today.

by RichardP on Oct 2, 2004 1:49 PM PDT reply actions  

the cubs lost 8-6
that eliminates them ... may the A's not follow in their wake ...

by rubin sierra on Oct 2, 2004 1:51 PM PDT reply actions  

cut off...again....
we're getting Giants-Dodgers in phoenix...and from what i've read, having extra innings wouldn't help....

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 1:52 PM PDT reply actions  

Extra Innings and Fox don't mix...
Hi...First time caller, long time listener...

I get the MLB Extra Innings, and they never have games when Fox is doing their Game of the Week. So I'm in the same boat here in North Carolina. We were given Braves-Cubs...

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 2, 2004 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Stupid...
...because they have the ability to blackout on a regional basis.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

fuck "fuck the pitch count"
You need to take a guy out before he gives up the game, not right after - see Harden on wednesday, or several big-name pitchers in the playoffs last year.

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 1:53 PM PDT reply actions  

bobble!!!!???
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 1:54 PM PDT reply actions  

defense
It's like the A's are trying to find a way to loose.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 1:54 PM PDT reply actions  

no one's wearing shades
Miller, Hatteberg, I don't think Dye was wearing any either.  

I can't survive there without shades, and I'm not shagging flies.  

Knocks on the A's dugout... hellooooo, anyone home?

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

defense
That might explain Miller's miss, but definitely not Crosby's bobble, and probably not Hatty's.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

A's defense is killing us
We're giving away out after out.  Miller's play was difficult with the netting.  Crosby looked like he had a tough hop.  Hatteberg has no excuse.

And Zito's pitch count continues to rise...

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 1:54 PM PDT reply actions  

Hmmm...
Anyone else think that if Hatteberg got pulled for someone after that bobble, it'd be justified? :P

by Trocmagic on Oct 2, 2004 1:55 PM PDT reply actions  

Fabulous!
Three goose eggs.  Keep it up, Barry!

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 1:58 PM PDT reply actions  

Hate to ask
but also in Phoenix with LA/SF and no MLB.  What happened with Hatteberg?  Got a brief flash of "Hatteberg's fielding error" and then it was the middle of the 3rd.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 2:00 PM PDT reply actions  

miller
King and Korach just said that the ball Miller "missed" was actually behind the screen.

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 2:00 PM PDT reply actions  

Seems unlikely
The TV replay really, really made it look like it glanced off of Miller's glove, so I don't know where they are getting this from.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

I don't know
The TV replay made it look like it ticked off his glove.

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

What? The A's half inning is already over?
Clearly, we couldn't have gotten the hit, so you must be talking about the halos.

by sfodoug on Oct 2, 2004 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

Kotsay! Byrnsie!
Now that's more like it!

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 2:04 PM PDT reply actions  

fucking blackout
Fox isn't showing the game, at least not in New York, but it's still blacked out for mlb.tv.

I have to relay on gameday and athletics nation to figure out what's going on.

LET'S GO OAKLAND!

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 2:05 PM PDT reply actions  

YEAH!
Did you see Byrnes slide crazily into first?  I love it!

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 2:05 PM PDT reply actions  

Whooooooooooooooooo!
Chavvy bases-clearing double!

Take that, Angels fans in the stands! :)

by Trocmagic on Oct 2, 2004 2:05 PM PDT reply actions  

YES fucking A finally
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 2:05 PM PDT reply actions  

That's what a team leader does
Good for Chavvy!  Those are three solid hits.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 2:06 PM PDT reply actions  

HELL YES
Maybe the rest of the team is exhaling like I am now and will keep fucking going.....

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 2:06 PM PDT reply actions  

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
This one hit makes up for Chavy's lousy september.

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 2:07 PM PDT reply actions  

maybe that kid Chavez
isn't that bad after all.  Byrnes is diving everywhere!  Oh keep the good luck coming; keep it coming keep it coming keep it coming

by rubin sierra on Oct 2, 2004 2:12 PM PDT reply actions  

The problem
Zito is good for six innings max at this pace.  And given the number of pitches he's been throwing, the sixth inning might be dicey.

The issue with Zito isn't that he needs rest.  The issue is that he can suddenly lose effectiveness at around 100 pitches.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 2:13 PM PDT reply actions  

Vlad
At least Zito is facing him with nobody on.  This guy is SCARY.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 2:14 PM PDT reply actions  

zito
Yeah, at this point 6 innings is all I'm hoping for.

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 2:15 PM PDT reply actions  

On the other hand...
Kelvim Escobar's apparently on the same pace (58 pitches through three) to leave by the sixth...if not sooner.

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 2, 2004 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Zito
If Zito only goes five I don't care as long as Macha knows when to pull him.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 2:16 PM PDT reply actions  

You're right
The key is knowing when his expiration date has expired.  Sometimes, it's obvious.  Other times, like Monday's game (which I attended), it's not as clear.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

Live TV Guys...
How hard was that shot to Byrnes?

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 2:17 PM PDT reply actions  

sounded better
than it looked.  But not exactly a lazy liner either.

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

great inning
Nice, short, shutdown inning against the heart of the angels lineup.

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 2:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Barry looks a little more confident
than the 1st.  I think he'll go through 6 today.  

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 2:30 PM PDT reply actions  

That...
Was a beautiful inning!

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 2:31 PM PDT reply actions  

Zito in a groove
He's good for six, maybe seven.  But the key thing is to flexible.  He could sail along, or could start having trouble - and Macha will need to move quickly.

Our inability to score any more runs isn't helpful.  We need to stay in the lead.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 2:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Anybody Know...
IF we make the playoffs do we play Tuesday or Wednesday?  Wednesday would be great, the fellas could use the rest.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 2:36 PM PDT reply actions  

tuesday
I that one of th NLDS's starts wed, all the other series start tues

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

playoffs
The tentative schedule is for 3 of the series to start tuesday, and 1 to start wednesday. There's a decent chance that one of the NL races will require a tie-breaker game on monday, so it's very likely that both AL series will start tuesday.

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 2:38 PM PDT reply actions  

Playoff schedule
I found on the Twins' Web site that they will either host the Red Sox or go to Yankee Stadium Tuesday and Wednesday -- so that's one series down...

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 2, 2004 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

keep it up
keep it up, keep it up, keep it up...

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 2:40 PM PDT reply actions  

Oh Boy...
Vlad up with a man on...  ::chews fingernails::

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 2:51 PM PDT reply actions  

i heard bill king in the background
from my deck and i knew it was bad news.  story of the season unless we can fix it NOW.

jeebus help us.  zito shake it off and get back in the groove.

THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 2:53 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah but throw it in the dirt
and he golfs the fuckin' thing out anyway.  He's just too damn good.  

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 2:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

zito
I would still classify it as a good effort by Zito.  6IP only 3 hits, 2 runs.  So he gave up a HR to Vlad -- the way Vlad is hitting these days everybody is.  The real issue here is the A's bats -- they need to find a way to score or we are sunk.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 2:55 PM PDT reply actions  

Ironically enough
the neighbor just pulled up in her driveway and was playing REM's "Everybody Hurts" WAY too loud.  Fuckin' figures.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 2:56 PM PDT reply actions  

Vlad
he's good, and i know he swings at anything, but you'd think the gameplan going into today's game is just don't let Vlad beat us.  

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 2:56 PM PDT reply actions  

Forget vlad's HR, it's already on the board
Escobar is tired and on short rest; this inning is our best chance to score.

COME ON OFFENSE!

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 2:59 PM PDT reply actions  

It's important for the A's to get something done
off Escobar this inning.

The Angels pen is rested, and if it's a tie game going into the 7th, I think the odds of winning tilt in Anaheim's favor.

by GrapeApe on Oct 2, 2004 3:00 PM PDT reply actions  

pen
i'm on the east coast and can't see the game...only gamecast... is someone warming up in the pen for oakland?

by pseudokiwi on Oct 2, 2004 3:01 PM PDT reply actions  

yessss!!!!!! miller!!!!!
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 3:02 PM PDT reply actions  

Damian Miller comes through
just before it becomes a game dominated by the Angels bullpen.

Anderson makes that play a couple of years ago.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:02 PM PDT reply actions  

boy howdy
i want to see the replay of that slide by dye.
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 3:03 PM PDT reply actions  

and that was a SLIDE
from Dye!  It was MUCH closer than I thought it would be.

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 3:03 PM PDT reply actions  

insurance runs
please, please, please, please, please

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:05 PM PDT reply actions  

Scooter!
YES!

Thank you for granting my wish!

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

You be the manager
Who pitches the Top of the 7th, 8th and 9th?

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:06 PM PDT reply actions  

Two shots at a run
against Donnelly.  Miller on second base.  A 3-2 lead isn't enough.

Zito, I assume, is good for one more inning.  Anderson leads off.  Zito has only given up a Guerrero home run, which is no shame.  But, again, Macha needs to be ready with the bullpen.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:06 PM PDT reply actions  

yep agree
zito starts and pen must be ready, Brad/Rincon, the usual suspects

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions  

Scutaro
I'll be damned!

Take that, Donnelly!

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:08 PM PDT reply actions  

Scooter!
Snoop Doggy... Dooggggg!

Gawd I wish I was at the Coliseum

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 3:09 PM PDT reply actions  

Bye bye
I wish more Angels would retire on one pitch! :)

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Yes!!!
God, what a game so far!  I was feeling pretty dejected after Vlad's homer, but man, the guys bounced back in a big way.  That was both absolutely impressive and just incredibly fun to watch.  The Miller and Scutaro we know and love are still there and I can't imagine us not being glad to see them.

Go A's!!!

by Wes7 on Oct 2, 2004 3:12 PM PDT reply actions  

so
The offense has done it's job.  We could have hoped for more than four runs, but we can't be unhappy with it.  

Hopefully we can get one more inning out of Z, and then our season is in the hands of the bullpen.

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:12 PM PDT reply actions  

Just heard Bowa's been fired.
Would you want him in Oakland?

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:12 PM PDT reply actions  

RE: Bowa
Nah, I think out of all the clubs that Bowa would be a wrong fit for, the A's are number one.  Granted they don't have nearly the frat-boy, party-happy atmosphere that they did back in 1999 and 2000, but I still can't see Bowa's rigidness blending well with our clubhouse.  I think Billy would agree with me too, the last thing the A's need is a high and mighty disciplinarian.

I too still think we could do better than Macha though....

by Wes7 on Oct 2, 2004 3:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

LET RICH HARDEN PITCH
ALREADY.
The A's will come through this year i Promise.

by RaYRaY on Oct 2, 2004 3:13 PM PDT reply actions  

Bowa
No. Hell no. Are you kidding?

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 3:15 PM PDT reply actions  

Yes.
Yes I am.  Jeez.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

we get a break
by having Riggs in there instead of Guillen

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 3:15 PM PDT reply actions  

Good god no
I went to college in Philadelphia, and I've seen as much of Bowa as I ever want to see.  He's a terrible manager.  His players hate him, and talented young players consistantly underpreform for him, or else he drivers them away. (ie Scott Rolen)

Easily the worst manager in baseball.  I wouldn't wish him on my worst enemy.  (well, I would wish him on the Yankees.)

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:16 PM PDT reply actions  

Thank you Barry!
That was a nice game.  Now Macha needs to take him out.  I say Harden for an inning followed by Dotel.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:16 PM PDT reply actions  

A nice, easy inning
I think Zito starts the eighth.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:16 PM PDT reply actions  

114 pitches
I saw pull him.  Why not have Harden pitch the 8th and 9th?

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

son of a bitch
my gamecast just updated.  I thought Zito was at 104 pitches.  Yeah, you're right.  Probably better get him out.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not just yet...
I think we should see if the A's can expand the lead, otherwise get him stirring. If they do here in the 7th, I say try anything to save Harden for tomorrow.

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Oct 2, 2004 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Dotel
I'm afraid of what's looming in the ninth for him

by shawzy on Oct 2, 2004 3:17 PM PDT reply actions  

Dotel has been quite good in Oakland
not that those splits mean more than your gut for this week.  

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 3:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Mecir is up in the pen
Is this good or bad?  I'm conflicted about Mecir.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Let Barry in the 8th
If he gets a couple of quick outs, leave him in.  A walk or someone on base... yank.  Then pray to the almighty God of baseball Dotel can finish the game.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Dotel has tendinitis
Dotel has low-grade tendinitis in his throwing arm, and the A's have stated that they won't use him for more than one inning at a time.  So it would have to be somebody else in the 8th.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Mecir: bad
I would rather use Rincon, Bradford, Dotel and Harden before Mecir.

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:20 PM PDT reply actions  

Mecir in the bullpen
I know what you're all gonna say.  I do think Zito should start the inning.  

I would rather avoid using Harden if possible.  Ideally, I would save him for tomorrow if he's needed then.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:20 PM PDT reply actions  

Dotel
Isn't he limitted to one inning because of elbow problems?

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:20 PM PDT reply actions  

Yes
He can pitch one inning.  That's it.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Re: Harden
If Harden pitches in relief tomorrow, can he start on tuesday?  Obviously winning today and tomorrow is more imporant, but I'm curious what the A's plan for the rotation is if we do win.

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:25 PM PDT reply actions  

Harden
If Harden pitches today or tomorrow, I assume he won't start Tuesday.  It would be Redman's game.

But none of that matters.  If we don't win these next two games, there is no game on Tuesday.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeesh
Which Mecir will we get? Please let it be the good Mecir and not his evil twin.

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:27 PM PDT reply actions  

mecir: no bunts
c'mon, end of a large contract... let it end well

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 3:28 PM PDT reply actions  

Linus can't watch!

My cat can't bear to watch this game.

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:30 PM PDT reply actions  

oh that's great!
i just came back on....omg, that was me last night!

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

THAT...
...was huge!!  Keep it going, Mecir, come on!

by Wes7 on Oct 2, 2004 3:31 PM PDT reply actions  

bullpen
This just about encapsulates our season.  The bullpen always seems to make it a lot more exciting that I would like.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:32 PM PDT reply actions  

gulp.
white. knuckle. time.

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 3:32 PM PDT reply actions  

Yeah, I spoke too soon
Sorry all.  Perhaps I should wait for the inning to end before making such pronouncements.

by Wes7 on Oct 2, 2004 3:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Guerrero looming
He's on deck.

Rincon will face Erstad.  

But if he gets him out, what do you do?  Pitch to Guerrero, who would be the go-ahead run?  Walk the bases loaded?  Blecch.

Of course, Rincon might walk Erstad.  And then we're really screwed.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:33 PM PDT reply actions  

Has anyone noticed
Mecir is horrible?

by GrapeApe on Oct 2, 2004 3:34 PM PDT reply actions  

has anyone noticed
that the rest of them do too?  

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

DAMN IT
God the A's have just KILLED me this year.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Well, the Guerrero problem is solved
Walk him.

I don't know who pitches to Glaus.  (Anderson is on deck.)

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:35 PM PDT reply actions  

jesus
why didnt anyone discuss bringing in Harden?

seasons over.

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 3:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Fitting
That just typifies the entire season.

by Jeff in Seattle on Oct 2, 2004 3:36 PM PDT reply actions  

If they win...
If the A's win, this will be one of the best games they've ever played. Should they lose, however....

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:36 PM PDT reply actions  

Gawd
had to go to the office and i see on yahoo that mercir is in and there were two runners on with one out....i don't want to know....hide, cringe.

by alaska A working hard on Oct 2, 2004 3:36 PM PDT reply actions  

I go back to what I said before
Zito should have started the inning.  I hate to agree with the FOX announcers, but they're right.

Bradford in to face Glaus.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:36 PM PDT reply actions  

No, the season isn't over
It's a tie-fucking game, for fuck's sake.

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:36 PM PDT reply actions  

Hopefully
I hope they A's win it in the bottom of the ninth. It'll kill me if they let this one slip away.

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

oh and btw
I blame the loss of this season on the horrible bullpen, the bullpen all sucks

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 3:37 PM PDT reply actions  

the bullpen had to blow this game
That's exactly how the season should end

by shawzy on Oct 2, 2004 3:37 PM PDT reply actions  

GAH!!!
Jesus H. Christ, what the hell is this?!?!?  Yes, it's fitting, it's painfully, terribly, depressingly fitting.  I couldn't agree more, aconley, the A's have killed us all this year.  

by Wes7 on Oct 2, 2004 3:38 PM PDT reply actions  

AAAUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH
i've been kind of hiding because i just couldn't face these late innings....

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:40 PM PDT reply actions  

why
I'm guessing they're going with Dotel now because it's the angels 2 best hitters other than vlad. Even if he can't go 2 innings, it's probably a good call.

by andeux on Oct 2, 2004 3:40 PM PDT reply actions  

Well, we can at least expect a bullpen shakeup
in the offseason. Here's to hopefully having a better 'pen in 2005.

by Kelly on Oct 2, 2004 3:40 PM PDT reply actions  

Bring Harden in for extra innings.
If we make it that far.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:41 PM PDT reply actions  

Dotel now
Because he's the best pitcher in the pen, and the season is on the line.

by prospero on Oct 2, 2004 3:41 PM PDT reply actions  

paralyzed at the office staring blankly at screen
afraid to go home and have to look at the results but may make a dash.

by alaska A working hard on Oct 2, 2004 3:42 PM PDT reply actions  

I feel like someone punched me
right in my fucking stomach.  Wasn't it around this time last year I was feeling like this?????

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:42 PM PDT reply actions  

well
I cannot express how much I LOATHE the A's bullpen.  If it weren't for the bullpen we would likely have 100 wins.  

Oh and coincidently Natheniel, the game is over and so is the season.\

Why the hell was zito pulled in one of his best starts in the season?

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 3:43 PM PDT reply actions  

Fuck this fucking game
Yeah.  That's it for me.  Looking forward to the Fall League.  

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 3:43 PM PDT reply actions  

Crash Davis lives! *lol*
I remember that line from Bull Durham....and my feelings exactly.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah, and like Crash Davis
I'll be coming back to the ballpark like the whipped little bitch that I am.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 3, 2004 5:57 AM PDT up reply actions  

Yeah
Its 5-4 now. Angels got 3 runs in the top of the 8th. :(

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes
Anderson hit a single to right field.  Runner on second scored.

5-4 Angels.  Bottom of the eighth.  K-Rod in the game, pitching to Dye to start the inning.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hate to harp on it
Zito is your best clutch pitcher.  He's dealing.

Yes, he's thrown a lot of pitches and is prone to breaking down late in games.  But he didn't have much trouble in the sixth and seventh innings.

Do you really have more confidence in anyone in that bullpen?

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 3:45 PM PDT reply actions  

zip
zero, nado, zilch, nill with that pen....harden would have been a better choice if ANY.   they keep doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results and it ends up the same 90% or more of the time.

by alaska A working hard on Oct 2, 2004 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

with K-Rod and Percival....
....the A's won't score again if they played til next Tuesday.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Sigh.
Yup, exactly how the season would have to end.  Mind you it's not over yet, but you can really feel the momentum switch in this game.

The biggest problem this year was definitely the bullpen.  Lately it's been the offense, with some help from the starting pitching, but looking over the year as a whole the bullpen was the most consistent problem.  If they had converted the number of save opportunities that even a mediocre bullpen should have, the A's would have clinched a long time ago.  

The funny thing is that the bullpen was pretty good last year, even ignoring Foulke (the traitor).  But this year even Chad Bradford, who I had all the faith in the world in last year, is shaky.  What happened?  Is Curt Young gone at the end of the year?

Come on guys -- you can pull it out!

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Ken Macha
should be fired immediately following the last out.

by GrapeApe on Oct 2, 2004 3:46 PM PDT reply actions  

runs
the bottom of the order is going to have to produce

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 3:46 PM PDT reply actions  

oh god, it's 5-4?!?!?!
thought it was merely tied.....put a tag on their toe and close the door

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:46 PM PDT reply actions  

I Totally Agree
Even though the bullpen thing is not all his fault.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 3:46 PM PDT reply actions  

Curt Young
definitely is the scapegoat on this one

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 3:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Yes
I have been wondering if Rick Peterson's departure has been one of the issues with the collapse of the Big Three.

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

this is the '64 Phillies all over again.....
...dated reference lost on younger bloggers...lol

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Let's not get carried away
We blew a three-game lead in nine games.  That's not quite the same thing as the Phillies' epic collapse.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 4:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Macha
If you fire with Ken Macha, who do you replace him with? Keep in mind that for all of Macha's perceived flaws, the A's have done a remarkable job given their payroll. If you fire Macha, be sure that you have someone better you can replace him with.

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:47 PM PDT reply actions  

9th?
who will pitch the 9th for the A's?  Or will Dotel go 2 innings

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 3:47 PM PDT reply actions  

Hatty
Earlier this year I would have felt good with Hatty coming to the plate...  How the mighty have fallen.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 3:48 PM PDT reply actions  

Strike Out
How fitting that he struck out. :(

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

on ESPN.com, they just said
"does anyone know the Heimlich manuever, because the A's are choking away their season"

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:50 PM PDT reply actions  

i am going
home...hope something happens...it's along commute of about 5 minutes but I don't want to turn on the pc and look.

by alaska A working hard on Oct 2, 2004 3:52 PM PDT reply actions  

If the A's score...
You're forbidden from watching another A's game again! ;)

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

5 months til spring training.....
...at least I've got that to look forward to

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 3:53 PM PDT reply actions  

McMillion
Well McMillon is 2 for 3 against K-rod. Miller was 0 for 4.

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 3:54 PM PDT reply actions  

nice
dye just stole second!

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 3:56 PM PDT reply actions  

does Crosby's game winners in the past few games
make up for all the K's this season?  He's really been a rally killer.

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 3:59 PM PDT reply actions  

and those errors...
BUT, he IS just a rook.  Damn good rook.

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 4:00 PM PDT reply actions  

Macha
is incompetent as a manager.  Period.

by goldenhammer on Oct 2, 2004 4:00 PM PDT reply actions  

I am starting not to blame Macha...
You can't blame this guy for going to a bullpen that is nothing but crap. What choice does he have? Maybe Zito told Macha he was gassed. We just don't know, and to make matters worse, when the bullpen does up, Macha looks like an idiot.

by Coach Cleats on Oct 2, 2004 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Scutaro for me...
I don't have the numbers, but he's been clutch... :P

by Trocmagic on Oct 2, 2004 4:05 PM PDT reply actions  

well
the A's are down to 3 outs =(

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 4:06 PM PDT reply actions  

yeah, but....
i'm much more optimistic with percival than i am with k-rod....there is hope...

by goldenhammer on Oct 2, 2004 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Chavy will be 4th...
hope he gets a chance to bat

by ben @ Athletics Nation on Oct 2, 2004 4:06 PM PDT reply actions  

this is painful just to read about.....
...can't imagine watching it.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:07 PM PDT reply actions  

trust me
you don't want to see it.  I wish I could just turn it off, but I have some sick curiosity to see what the outcome is.  

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

At this point
It's better to just end our misery now, than be swept by the Sox or Yankees

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:07 PM PDT reply actions  

point well taken....
....it would be quick and dirty.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

reality
even if the A's did make the playoffs, with the status of the Mulder, the bullpen and our hitting, we'd probably get swept by NY or the Sox.  

Having said this, I'm glad Percival is coming in for KRod.  Go A's!!!

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 4:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Zeet
Zito is truly a big game pitcher. Really a pity none of the bullpen guys are.

by Kyli on Oct 2, 2004 4:08 PM PDT reply actions  

I'm glad I am only watching on Gameday
I couldn't take seeing them celebrating on our field. :-(

by Kelly on Oct 2, 2004 4:09 PM PDT reply actions  

Don't Forget...
Playoff games are more revenue for the team.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 4:11 PM PDT reply actions  

oh
28th blown save of the season... that's insane.  Its surprising they even held on to first place that long.

Angels win

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 4:13 PM PDT reply actions  

Here's to bigger and better things
Next year. I'll at least enjoy seeing Bobby Crosby crowned ROY.

by Kelly on Oct 2, 2004 4:13 PM PDT reply actions  

A Great Zen Master would say
Make peace.  I threw the remote across the room.  

Oh well, this is less painful anyways.  At least Percy didn't make a "suck it" motion to the dugout.

Sadly, this is our only consolation

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:14 PM PDT reply actions  

28 blown saves? that's insane!
and it finally caught them in the final week

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:14 PM PDT reply actions  

Deserving Loss
It was a fitting way to finish the season and 2004 will be known as the Blown Save year.

by Coach Cleats on Oct 2, 2004 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

shit.
shit.

shit.

shit.

As much as I hate to say this, A's were flawed this year, so many things that could have changed it around... but ultimately... team not good enough.

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 4:15 PM PDT reply actions  

i defecate on the Rally Monkey....
...spitting somehow seems inadequate

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:15 PM PDT reply actions  

Now that
the Rally Monkey wears plenty of expensive clothes, he wins the West on what the payroll gets him - a bullpen.  

I piss him after you.

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

sp or rp?
is it better to have strong starters or a strong bullpen?

by oakfan808 on Oct 2, 2004 4:15 PM PDT reply actions  

Starters pitch 200 innings/yr, relievers pitch 70
I believe 200 is greater than 70.

This isn't about starters OR relievers.  It's about a team that believes that it cannot win.

by floyd on Oct 2, 2004 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

By My Count...
Even being VERY conservative, the bullpen cost us ten games compared to last year's version, which would be 100 wins and an easy clinch.

by Zephyron on Oct 2, 2004 4:15 PM PDT reply actions  

I'm wondering
what Chavez will say afterwards. Is he still going to be nonchalant?

by ben @ Athletics Nation on Oct 2, 2004 4:16 PM PDT reply actions  

Chavez will say...
"It's just baseball, it's not life or death, and we will be ready to play on March 5th."

by Coach Cleats on Oct 2, 2004 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

What else can he say?
I mean, he's not going to let loose a string of swear words.

I guess Mecir's not returning after this year...

by Trocmagic on Oct 2, 2004 4:18 PM PDT reply actions  

It all started....
...when Beane anointed Rhodes as the closer in spring training. It all fell apart during that disastrous interleague trip in mid-June (5 losses in 6 games in St. Louis and Chicago). That exposed all the bullpen's flaws and Beane couldn't pull a rabbit out of his hat this time...only a Dotel.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh well
Billy Beane will do something to fix things ... hopefully he will get Howe back and get rid of Kurt Young blehch

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 4:19 PM PDT reply actions  

The bullpen
Anyone want to bet that the bullpen isn't going to get re-vamped next year?

Anyone?

Just got home to see the final out. That's the way it goes sometimes.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 4:19 PM PDT reply actions  

Who to root for in the postseason?
Now I have to decide who to root for in the post season -- assuming that my heart isn't so broken that I can't root for anyone.  

Definitely not the Yankees.  I would like to see the Red Sox win in the abstract, but not as long as they have Derek Lowe and Pedro (a great pitcher, but a jackass).  I may have to root for Minnesota, simply because they aren't the only team left in the AL who didn't buy their way into the playoffs this year.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 4:20 PM PDT reply actions  

Definitely Minnesota
I hate the Yankees, and the Red Sox, and it will be hard to root for the Angels. They are a damn good team though, you have to admit.

I will be rooting for the NL no matter what in the World Series. Unless it's those pricks across the Bay.

by Kelly on Oct 2, 2004 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

A's are done...
Baseball season is over for me. I probably won't even watch a game of the post-season.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Me too
I am so disappointed that I don't want to watch or read about baseball for about three months.

by floyd on Oct 2, 2004 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Minnesota
They appear to be the only evil-free choice.  

For the NL, I'm hoping the Dodgers make it.  But the Cardinals may just be too good.

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Dodgers
I know I know it goes against everything I've believed in since 1988 but I just watched the end of that game... man what a finish.  And to see Steve Finley hit that home run was even sweeter because I've been watching for several years in AZ.  BUT... The Dodgers are managed by Paul DePodesta and therefore still a booger flicked in Joe Morgan's general direction.  For that reason alone, root for them.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

Let's go N-L! *clap clap clapclapclap*
Of the AL teams, Minnesota's the only one I'm rooting for. With the lack of AJ, I can finally root for them.

But in the end... Let's go NL! I like the Cardinals and Atlanta. I can easily root for the Dodgers and the Giants. Houston's the only one I'm not rooting for so I think the NL will be getting my attention.

by Kyli on Oct 2, 2004 4:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

Cards then Twins then Yankees
There's no way I'll ever root for the Red Sox or the Angels. Hopefully the Cards'll make it. If not I'm cheering for the Twins, and lastly the Yankees, just to annoy the Sox fans. :)

by limecat on Oct 2, 2004 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nobody!! stomp-stomp (twins)
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

Guys to keep in the 'pen
Keepers: Lehr, Dotel (still iffy though), Bradford

Toss: Hammond, Rincon, Mecir, Rhodes

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:21 PM PDT reply actions  

I believe Mecir is retiring
As much as he's made me mad in late innings, I still admire him as a person.

by Kelly on Oct 2, 2004 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

keep in the bullpen
Yes, Mecir is expected to retire.
If Billy Beane can find a way to trade Rhodes, he should immediately be inducted into the hall of fame.  Who in the world is going to want him after his year?
Keep the Duke -- he's been great this year.
I don't know why you want to toss Hammond -- I though he came on pretty strong in the second half.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 4:25 PM PDT up reply actions  

Yes, keep Duke.
Hammond reminds me of Mike Magnante - he looked like his knees would give out at any given moment.  

by cuppingmaster on Oct 2, 2004 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

almost went to the game today
but am glad I didn't, would have been that much more painful in person, like last year.

biggest questions heading to offseason:

  1. Macha?
  2. what is up with Mulder?
  3. What is the correlation with Curt Young?
  4. the pen, Rhodes is expensive damaged goods, Rincon and Bradford are signed, Garcia and Street and Lehr are serious gambles, with upside.  Duchshshsh is a good trade chit, but keepable.
  5. Ellis back at 2B?
  6. Durazo$$$? Hatteberg is adequate, but no more than that.
  7. Catcher.  Is Melheuse able to start?  Miller amenable to coming back cheap?
  8. Our bench options sucked this year, Menachino, McMillon, Karros... McClemore did well in role, but not good enough to be first PH on good team, Edwards, Watson, Koonce, Johnson good enough to be cheap options.
  9. sign Huddy?
  10. I assume Scutaro comes back as 4th infielder.
  11. Redman enough of a trade value to get something? Or trade a big three, or keep all with Blanton and Duch as insurance(and Rheinecker as emergency)
  12. Byrnes is a great 4th outfielder but only an adequate starting corner... and with Swisher going to take rookie knocks... is that enough?
  13. What will the budget be?

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 4:28 PM PDT reply actions  

The reality
The Angels are better.

We thought we had better starters, but that didn't play out over the last month.  They have a superior bullpen, a better starting lineup, a smarter manager, and came through in the clutch.  In some ways, it's amazing the race was so close.

The A's have survived a massive talent exodus and still remained good enough to make the playoffs.  But these last departures - Tejada and Foulke - were too much.  Four teams qualify for the playoffs in the American League.  We're fifth.

That's where we belong.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 4:30 PM PDT reply actions  

You're absolutely right.....
....Beane was able to rent a closer each year for three years, but he couldn't pull it off for a fourth.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

just barely
our starters are better though,

the A's lineup was not too bad this year, not demonstrably worse than the Halos'.  They had better reserve players to fill in for injuries. And the A's hitting with RISP sucked, which makes it seem like a bigger difference than it really is.  Two giant holes like they have do a lot to offset a Vlad.

Their bullpen is great, ours had a couple very good stretches which made them look better stat-wise than they really were.

Their manager is much better, that sure seemed to matter this year.  Macha just glowers and acts like this isn't all a big deal.
 

by jakarta on Oct 2, 2004 4:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Mecir
How could he bring in Mecir ? What was going thru his mind ?

by 30YearAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 4:30 PM PDT reply actions  

(some) of your questions, answered!
  1. Macha is dead and gone, kind of like MC Hammer.
  2. Mulder is hurt! I don't care what he says!
  3. Find a real closer. Find all change under sofa cushions in Beane's office.
  4. Yes, Ellis would help.
  5. Would be great to get Miller back. Stout defense, surprising production w/the stick.
  6. Sign Huddy, for God's sake! Otherwise you're looking at a patch job like this year's bullpen.
  7. See sofa-cushion reference under #4.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:33 PM PDT reply actions  

3 points:
  1. It hurts that Jermaine Dye's last game as an A is tommorow.
  2. I'm glad Jim Mercir's career is over.
  3. That is the worst bullpen managing since Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS.

by GrapeApe on Oct 2, 2004 4:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Working w/material given...
...maybe the bullpen could have been handled better, but you can't make chicken salad out of chicken feathers.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Giants vs. Dodgers: tight game
It's the 9th, bases loaded, 1 out, 3-2 Giants.  I hope the Dodgers win and the Astros take the wild card.  It would hurt to see those
pricks (the Giants) in the playoffs with the A's eliminated.

by aconley on Oct 2, 2004 4:36 PM PDT reply actions  

I wish I...
..had something to say, but I just can't find the words to describe how much I loathe Ken Caca right now...oh wait, that was perfect.

The whole world knew Zito still had some left, and they also knew that Mecir sucks. I can't even imagine how much mouth-watering was going on in the Angels dugout when they saw him come in.

In a do-or-die situation like that, what are you saving Harden for? Tomorrow? As soon as Mecir was in, I knew there was no tomorrow. Nice job Macha. Nice fucking job ass clown.

It's over. The last five seasons were a complete waste. Just like spending a couple hundred bucks at a strip club, we're left with complete unsatisfaction. The A's are that one dancer that looks hot on stage, but when you turn the lights on she has 3 lbs of make-up hiding her disgusting skin disorder.

The oppurtunity for greatness has passed this team by. More stars will be leaving while our competitors will be spending their post-season profits on superstars. Attendance will continue to drop, and my beloved A's will be no more.

I feel so much more than the division title was lost today, so painfully much more.

by Force on Oct 2, 2004 4:42 PM PDT reply actions  

Great strip-club reference, except....
...it's like spending 200 bones and thinking the stripper will go home with you.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

It does feel like the end of an era
I certainly hope I'm wrong, but it has that feel to it.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Giants lose on grand slam
I think the Giants' loss is more gut-wrenching than ours.  But they're still alive - barely.  We're dead.

by bear88 on Oct 2, 2004 4:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Worst-case scenario
(Dateline 2009) "The A's played their final game in Oakland tonight before 3,741 fans, losing to Seattle 10-2. Ichiro went 5-for-5, topping 200 singles for the sixth consecutive year. The A's will move to Las Vegas for the 2010 season, playing in 41,000-seat Circus Circus Ballpark."

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:48 PM PDT reply actions  

Buffalo Bills...
...the A's are now the Buffalo Bills of modern-era baseball. The world will always remember this team choking away 4 ALDS's, and now a last 3-games-of-the-season playoff to the Angels.

We will always remember them as "the woulda-shoulda-coulda's".  

by Force on Oct 2, 2004 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

What did you feel in your gut?
When you heard the name "Mecir' mentioned as the reliever coming in? I almost got sick. Did all of you feel that way - was anyone confident that Mecir would hold this lead?

How could they be so stupid on the A's bench?

by 30YearAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 4:49 PM PDT reply actions  

I felt the same.
I started to feel a little ill when I saw him warming up. I wish he'd proven me wrong.

by Kyli on Oct 2, 2004 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

I could have screamed . . .
when Macha took Zito out.  Even if it had been necessary to take Zito out, I would have used Harden before using the bullpen. I still cannot believe he pulled Zito regardless of the pitch count. Did someone forget to tell Macha that this was a do-or-die game?

by Pepper on Oct 2, 2004 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

MECIR THROWS LIKE A GIRL
Everytime Mecir is called in, I have a nervous breakdown.  He's not getting the job done.  HECK, none of the relievers are getting the job done or have gotten it done this season!  What's up?  Is the pitching coach to blame?  Or has Oakland Pitching suddenly lost all it's gold?

by Steph20 on Oct 2, 2004 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

shudder with a WHY???
THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm rooting for the Dodgers
to piss off everyone who questioned DePodesta this year.  They just won the West with one of his trades.

by TravelingAsFan on Oct 2, 2004 4:49 PM PDT reply actions  

me too
Dodgers are my 2nd favorite team - if the A's aren't going to the postseason, then the whole gay bay isnt going dammit!

by rickeytime on Oct 2, 2004 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

Finley must be ecstatic....
...that the Snakes dealt him in August. Instead of 111 losses, he wins a division. Plus the lucky bastard gets to go home to Del Mar. It's hell at the top, isn't it?

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:52 PM PDT reply actions  

Here's to college football. Go Bears.
Thanks Mecir.  You really made my day, now the Angel will spend even MORE money on their team.  Getting to the playoffs will only be harder now for our beloved A's.

by secret ASian man on Oct 2, 2004 4:54 PM PDT reply actions  

Just saw the A's-Angels highlights.....
...game winning hit on that little bleeder just past 2nd base. Plus F-Rod striking out the side in the 8th on just filthy curves.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:54 PM PDT reply actions  

Whaddaya mean go Bears? Go Sun Devils! *lol*
....actually saw Cal in the Insight Bowl last year. Very impressive.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:55 PM PDT reply actions  

5 months till the games....
...and I'll be there, as much as possible.

by bakedzito on Oct 2, 2004 4:59 PM PDT reply actions  

I didn't think I would be home until tomorrow
but instead, I came home to this. Strangely, I don't feel that deepressed. Sure, I would've liked the A's in the playoffs but now they don't have to worry about getting out of the first round.

I have many questions and can't wait for answers. Is Mulder really hurt? Will they sign Huddy? What will happen to Dye? Macha? Young?

Look at good parts of the season:

Crosby- Sometimes he amazed me.
Harden- Damn. Wow. Wait till he really matures.
Kotsay- Bravo, Billy, bravo.
Miller- Sure, I still think about Ramon, but his D was killer.
Scutaro- I heart Scooter. I hope he's with the club next year, even if it's only so we can play Marco...Scutaro.
AN- You people have kept me sane and I love you guys. Some had me constantly laughing. Others impressed me with his or her outstanding ability to write. Oh, the good times! I love the site, Blez!

Here's to next season!

by Jennifer on Oct 2, 2004 5:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Thanks A's
It was a great season, and I enjoyed it. Sure, we could have locked up the division weeks ago, but it just wasn't meant to happen.

We still have a young core, I hope the Big Three/Five straighten themselves out for next year and give the Angels and Rangers a run for their money next season.

Billy will learn what needs to be learned, and adjust accordingly, we'll be fine, it's not the end of the world. :-)

Bleeding Green 'n Gold,

- T

by Tom @ Athletics Nation on Oct 2, 2004 5:22 PM PDT reply actions  

Macha had his chances...
...and failed many times. Let's move on to the next guy.

by Force on Oct 2, 2004 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Doesn't MLB
have a rule teams can't announce firings/personnel changes during the playoffs?

by Jennifer on Oct 2, 2004 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

I believe you are correct
I believe you're correct, which explains why Bowa was fired today.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

by scareduck on Oct 2, 2004 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

Silver linings?
Jennifer, I guess you can go on your mystery trip after all.

And I don't have to use up any vacation days to stay home and watch afternoon playoff games, or to recover from late night gut-wringers.

Still a very sad day, though  I expected better from this team going into the year.

by Faust on Oct 2, 2004 5:39 PM PDT reply actions  

Zito
I don't think you can fault Macha for taking Zito out there.  Wasn't it just five days ago that Zito was sailing along with no trouble, Macha left him in to start another inning despite a high pitch count, Zito abruptly gave up a game-breaking bomb, and Macha was ripped to shreds on AN for not taking him out in time?  Today Zito was sailing along but had a high pitch count after 7, Macha this time went to the pen, and was again ripped to shreds on AN, this time for NOT leaving Zito in.

I don't particularly think Macha is either an asset or a detriment to the team, but in any case his choice wasn't really the problem here.  The problem is that too often this year, including in the 8th inning today, there really weren't any good choices, only an array of substandard options each of which stood an excellent chance of blowing up in his face.

by Faust on Oct 2, 2004 5:53 PM PDT reply actions  

The errors
The thing that killed us tonight, besides the lack of Harden in relief on what presumably was his day to throw anyway, was the two early errors.

Zito had to throw 14 extra pitches because of those errors. Without those 14 extra pitches, he's good to go in the eighth and I think we win that game.

by jrbh on Oct 2, 2004 5:59 PM PDT reply actions  

my post
i was writing the same thing before yours went through.  obviously i completely agree!

by xbhaskarx on Oct 2, 2004 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

some thoughts
the foul ball was behind the screen, it wasn't miller's fault he didn't catch it.

i think the crosby and hatteberg errors cost zito about 14 pitches, even if they didn't result in any runs.  meaning he would have started the eighth inning and not mecir.  thanks, guys.

crosby went 0-4 with three strikeouts and hatteberg, mr. hardest guy to strike out, went 0-4 with two strikeouts.  i've been saying for two days the guy needs a day off.  starting johnson doesn't seem quite so "insane" now, RichardP...

crosby is a rookie, he can be forgiven.  hatteberg should be traded while his value is high following a career year.

the crowd (or at least everybody within fifty feet of me in the left field bleachers) was booing mecir when he walked to the mound.  maybe one of those people should replace macha.  

i'm fine with ron washington as manager, but will he buy into billy beane's system?  he doesn't seem to in moneyball...

we were down only one run with one out, and the season was in the hands of kotsay and byrnes, two players who try their hardest every night.  we should be fine with that.

the a's will play their first completely meaningless game in many years tomorrow.  so let's not get too negative, most franchises would kill to be where the a's are.  

trading any of the big three would be a bad idea given their contracts and what they're capable of.  trade redman, he pitches well elsewhere.  

now that pierzynski isn't a twin, it's time to root for a dodgers-twins world series.  with our buddy depodesta winning, of course...

it's time for the blanton, swisher, johnson, jairo garcia, houston street era to begin in oakland.  

by xbhaskarx on Oct 2, 2004 6:23 PM PDT reply actions  

Hatty
I think you may be on to something with the "trade Hatty" idea. He could be included as part of a package deal.

by grover on Oct 2, 2004 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

but, the errors did result in runs
X....X- Only it was in later innings. Not only did the errors keep Zito out of the 8th, but they gave the extra at bats that brought Vlad up with a guy on and that absolutely clutch player, Erstad up to drive in the two. Sequence altering, I call it. Errors and walks.
When the boos started, Macha should have changed his mind. Nobody could have gotten ready listening to that crap.
Real good points you made.

by steve g on Oct 2, 2004 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Congratulations to A's
... from an Angels fan.  It was a hard-fought season.  I'm sure Billy will get you what you need next year.
The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

by scareduck on Oct 2, 2004 6:42 PM PDT reply actions  

My Favorite Macha Moves
In addition to the obvious Mecir moves, how about his lineup moves? For weeks, he's been running McLemore out there - in the 2 hol no less!- even though he time and time again fucks up. Then, he pulls Scooty- one of the only A's I trust up there right now- in the 9th to pinch hit. It's absolutely unexplainable. Not to mention pinch hitting in the 8th w/ McMillon. The guy has like 4 at bats in the second half...you think he's going to do ANYTHING but strike out vs. K-Rod????

I will say this: for as much as I hate Mecir, I really felt bad for him. Getting booed the minute he got up in the pen was tough to watch. I really hope he gets in tomorrow so that he can at least end his career not getting booed off the mound.

by Tony on Oct 2, 2004 6:42 PM PDT reply actions  

Tough one
This was a tough one to take.  Zito was awesome and the bullpen blew it.  That's the story of this years A's.  One of the many.  I can't believe it came to an end like this.  I kept believing in this team and hoping for the best even when they showed no signs of playing like a team that deserves to be in the playoffs.

I really feel bad for the players and all the fans.  What could have been... SIGH
Anyways, I'm so glad we have AN to chat about our A's.  I love this place so much because its filled with people who share my passion for the A's.

Thank you guys so much!  Looking forward to next season.

GO A's!!!

by AsGirl on Oct 2, 2004 7:09 PM PDT reply actions  

Sigh...
5 years running, the A's rip my heart out in October and do a little woulda-coulda-shoulda dance on it.  Alas...

I will be going to the game tomorrow and will be cheering my team on regardless of the fact that it's simply an exhibition.  As sad as I am tonight, I'm still proud to be an Oakland A's fan, and want the team to know their efforts have been appreciated this year.  We were just one or two (or 20-some-odd) saves short this year.

by sfodoug on Oct 2, 2004 8:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Tonignt in Jungle Land
(A bit to get off my chest)

Last night I was surrounded by unruly kids and their yokel parents at the fireworks playpen in section 231! Biggest game of the season to date and one is surrounded by the modern reality of "It's all about the kids." My buddy and his two sons were there with me. We were going to duct tape some kids. In the meantime, in that 2nd inning from where we were sitting above left field it looked like Kotsay and Burns were out of position for the balls that got by them. I try not to rag on Macha because he has been successful. But please explain to me why, at the first sign that the kid was running out of gas, that he did not go out and get Blanton? Thank God for those fireworks.

Then game today. Better seats, 110. I invited two girls from the bar to join my buddy and me for the game. One of the women was performing in this karaoke contest I was judging. When I told her that I had just come back from the Coliseum she told me what a huge A's fan she was, how she lived over near the zoo, and popped into the stadium as often as she could to watch a game. She was very excited and greatful when I told her she could have my two extra tickets. Even though we were in a red swirl, we were screaming and praying for our A's. There was so much to scream and cheer about today. It felt really good.

Then Macha took out Zito - understandable move given past history. But he brought in the dreded Mecir. Yes, I felt badly for Jim getting booed as he walked to the mound. Although I believe that the boos were as much for Macha for making the move that is worse than starting Mulder on Friday night. But, I'm sorry, the man has had a crap season. A title game is no time to start making "kinder, gentler, feel good" moves. I was bug eyed and gasping at the announcement. I was in a genuine stunned funk from that moment on. And when the Angels tied it up I knew that if Mecir had had to be the choice for that moment, we were in trouble. What a hopeless feeling to watch it all slip away in a brilliant summation of the whole season. The failed bullpen. We made an amazing run on fumes. The holes finally rent the fabric.

Last gloriously, valiantly sad site: I could see across the diamond into the A's dugout. If they seemed to lose their spirit over the last month and a half, they found it in that last half inning. No one was sitting. Everyone, including Barry, was willing their fellow on. One more walk, one more hit, one more run and we can make this go until we win it. The big four were all standing, squatting, kneeling together. All the young guys, and the guys new to the team were radiating desperately hopeful vibes. But, like the Alamo, this wasn't going to happen. The sweet five year run ended today. I am still choked up about it even though I knew all along that this could not end well with the injuries and no bullpen.

I watched the A's dugout, then turned away from the field because I did not want to see those lobsters celebrating on our field. I had seen that after game 4 with Cinncinati in 1990, and could not bear to watch it again. I love my team too much to watch SoCal celebrating and all the Disneylanders congregating above their dugout to wish them well.

I got on BART to start the long journey back to the western end of SF. What to play on my discman? I chose Bruce Springsteen and Jungle Land. It conveys the ecstacy of the start of things, the energy of the campaign, and the bravado of going for it all. Then it ends with the demise of the dream, and the loneliness of the end. Perfect summation as the train pulled away from Coliseum Station.

There is next year. But there is no obvious fire like Giambi, protected and encouraged by a guardian stud like McGuire to stir the stew. Think back. Champions are made by more than just the capabilities of the players. That is very important, but I think we can all agree that the A's have been winning as much because there was someone in the clubhouse that would not let individualism and sulking take hold. That person had a core around him. They had spokes, and it became a team energy. The Yankees are the only one among the victors this year who seem to be winning without it. When you make up your Christmas wish list, wish for someone like that.

A new bullpen
A new, aggessive, non-Billybal hitter who is good
A Barry Zito who continually finds what he found out there today
An Eric Chavez who finally finds his fire and will not ever let losing be an option
A Bobby Crosby who just keeps getting better and finer (Nice play out there today)
A year when Mark Mulder does not strain his back lifting weights, fracture his hip pushing off of poorly prepared mounds at enemy parks, or have a bout of "you just lost it, man - case closed"
A year when the bullpen stops blowing leads in games pitched by Tim Hudson so Huddy can be seen by everyone as the tremendous pitcher he is
A year when Ken Macha learns to make lemonade and scrambled eggs with what he is given

There are so many more things that I want, but I won't bore you anymore. Suffice it to say that I don't think that this needed to happen. This end is hard to live with. But that's the way it goes.

by ABest on Oct 2, 2004 8:43 PM PDT reply actions  

Macha
No doubt about it I am bitter tonight. I was at the game and could not believe Macha even had Mecir (0-5) warming up, let alone bringing him in for a game that meant the season. I started the year in Phoenix and it ended today in Oakland. I've been going to the Coliseum for 34 years and to witness the letdown caused by the manager is incredible. No Macha doesn't touch a baseball, field it or hit it, but he does set the tone and tempo of a ballclub as manager. He, better than any of us fans, should have intimate knowledge of his staff and team. Macha does not possess any of this inside knowledge of his team. Harsh but true, he mismanaged the pen all year long.  Cost us the fans October baseball which we are used to and have come to demand out of our club.
With that said it is very obvious the team needs new leadership at manager and pitching coach. Both Macha and Young need to be replaced Monday morning. Tough but true.
Morada Mudshark

by Morada Mudshark on Oct 2, 2004 9:01 PM PDT reply actions  

was at the game tonight
section 126, row 10, seat 12.  

zito baffles me. 6th inning comes and goes, A's are up 2-0 and he has a 1 hitter.  WTF?! nevermind the fact that he's thrown 100 pitches...watching the game, he looked like he was getting roughed up the way he was struggling.  it's just never easy with zito.  he'll get a guy to 0-2 or 1-2 and then throw two pitches that are nowhwere near the strike zone.  curveball bounces 3 feet in front of the plate or spins out of control high and away OR fastball up and in or up and away.  never just a change-up just outside the strike zone or fastball off the plate a bit inside.  it's always so far out of the zone it doesn't even cross the batters mind to chase.

when mecir came into the game, the a's fans instantly were nervous.  no one had any confidence that the game was going to be over easily.  my question is this...rincon was warm. why not bring HIM in to face figgins? i mean, he IS your lefty out of the pen...why not use him to face lefties?

on my way out of the game, i was pretty dejected.  and then i saw something that made me smile...bobby crosby fighting through traffic in his cadillac escalade with spinning rims with his window down, signing autographs while he waited for traffic to move.  good job rook.  i'll send a letter to the guys so they don't fine you for those hideous rims.

here's a parting shot for ya'll...chavez hitting the 2 run double to give the A's the early lead.  here's to next year.

http://www.grandtheftblogger.com

by jester1176 on Oct 2, 2004 9:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Yes
disappointing for sure.  But a hell of a ride none the less.  More so with this blog as I finally got really into A's baseball this year and felt part of something I knew was out there but never could experience.  Bless Blez.

Aggrivating to fall basically two games short of the playoffs and we all knew there were plenty of games to be had if we had...a better bullpen etc. etc.  And all those little things the beset us seemingly more than normal this year.

It was team effort,players, management, general management and owners included that us so close and let us all down in the end with the ending being shorter than usual this year.

Will miss the daily games but will no doubt poke my head into A-Nation regularly to keep track of team rumors, happenings etc and comment on the playoffs and series.

May try to head down this spring for to catch the team in Phoenix.  Maybe a some of us can meet down there.  Food for thought.

At least this was not as sharply excrutiatingly painful as last October's fiasco (just agonizing as there is a difference)...that was a doozy and sent me into a tailspin.  No cutting up of my A's cap after today's game. Just a solemn shrug of acceptance given the trend lately.

Looking foward to what Billy B. does this fall and winter.

 

THIS IS IT GO A's and ZITO LET IT FLOW!

by ak_A on Oct 2, 2004 9:25 PM PDT reply actions  

I live in Phoenix ...
Would love to have more people to watch the pre-season with in 2005.

by Arkons on Oct 2, 2004 10:09 PM PDT reply actions  

Just wait till next year!
C'mon lovers of all things green and gold! You know BB will retool for next year and the bullpen will not blow 28 saves. No more Jermaine Dye money holding us by the throat. It was a great year and go Twinkies!
Look forward to meeting up with everybody in AZ in March. Blez, you rock! Way to bring so many faithful A's fans together! And don't blame Macha. He'll learn and hopefully have a better pen to work with next year. Same with Kurt Young. Sweet dreams of a better Angels like pen in 2005!
GO A's!

by mitche82865 on Oct 2, 2004 10:17 PM PDT reply actions  

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