Kennedy, Cruz and Yabu? 10-4, Over.

Ellis for King of the World!

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 21, 2005 5:23 PM PDT reply actions

I 2nd this notion.

Street is a friggin physical marvel... -Mychael Urban

by rookieoftheyear on Sep 21, 2005 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

To the Minnesota Twins

Good riddance, see you next year.

by Hit4TheCycle on Sep 21, 2005 5:24 PM PDT reply actions

HERE HERE (sips)

I hope your off season sucks and your pitching prospects decide to pursue a career in trout fishing.

by eamb on Sep 21, 2005 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions

let me be the first to say

I really dislike Cuddyer, or as the folks at http://www.bat-girl.com say, "cuddy-bear". Nothing personal, all A's killers qualify for the distinction. Grrr, cuddy-bear, grrr.

by eamb on Sep 21, 2005 5:25 PM PDT reply actions

last night and todays game

i was at both. wow what a difference

by smasfan on Sep 21, 2005 5:30 PM PDT reply actions

Coliseum "filled" with less than 15k?

They must have been very large people.

Heard Chavvy moaning about attendance on KNBR this morning. Come on folks, go to a week(day/night) game. Turn off your TIVO and get your butt in a seat. I missed today but was there Mon and Tues; will be there for three more (unless we go to the playoffs).

Listened to part of the game on the radio... don't know why but A's seemed destined to lose this one.

by Brian in 317 on Sep 21, 2005 5:32 PM PDT reply actions

attendance

i was at last night and todays. todays seems like there were more than last night

by smasfan on Sep 21, 2005 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions

"Filled?"

14,000 fans---well, ok, it was day game. But a few nights ago, only about 15,000 fans came to a night game. In the middle of a pennant race? What is going on here? Can Oakland only get excited about the Raiders?

Chavez is always getting knocked for seeing the negative---but this is a negative anybody can see!

This team has come a long way---a very long way---against all kinds of odds---injuries, inexperience, bad vibes of all kinds, the disappearance of our DH. I call it an heroic season, no matter what happens. People who live in Oakland should see it that way--and let the team know it by putting some tushies in the seats.

"One never knows, do one?"----pianist/singer/philosopher Fats Waller

by Buck18 on Sep 21, 2005 7:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm from Oakland :)

been to the games many many times and will be there again either this friday or saturday but for sure will be there next week to see the A's against LAAAAAA. Go A's!

by gilaASfan on Sep 21, 2005 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions

For the purpose of clarity...

I should indicate that I was not impressed by the small crowd. I brought up the low number in contrast to the fact the A's are in the middle of a tight pennant race.

Friday night games (such as that vs. Texas coming up) have also typically been "light". I'd expect that's part of why the A's have added the free car giveaways on Friday nights to try and get fans to go. We'll see if more than 25,000 or so can make it.

by louismg on Sep 21, 2005 7:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Despite the Attendence

I remember ESPN Sportsnation did a little ranking system and while the A's had one of the lowest attendence, they had the highest "bang for the buck".

They seem like a great revenue team, they have their fair share of fans outside of Oakland the Bay Area...

by Hit4TheCycle on Sep 21, 2005 5:39 PM PDT reply actions

Fan outside of Cali

don't help much, can't go to games, not much stuff to buy.

"Remember the time you stole my bat? And you lied and said I never had a bat. Then why did I have the donut Jason? Why did I have the donut?"-Adam Milhouse

by pbruins92 on Sep 21, 2005 7:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm a Fan Outside of Cali...

...And I've probably gone to more games than half of AN. I flew out to Oakland for 3 Games, and I buy merchandise...

Attendance figures like these get under my skin. I don't understand how people in the Bay Area can't get off their asses and go to the games. It's ridiculous.

We'll trade you the Colorado Rockies for the Oakland A's????

Let's Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 22, 2005 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Anyone else worried about the Duke? :(

Street is a friggin physical marvel... -Mychael Urban

by rookieoftheyear on Sep 21, 2005 5:39 PM PDT reply actions

Isn't he dead?

by Jennifer on Sep 21, 2005 5:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh!

Maybe Blanton ate him instead of Yabu and that's why Yabu has been pitching?

Street is a friggin physical marvel... -Mychael Urban

by rookieoftheyear on Sep 21, 2005 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Saving him for a rainy day?

One of the sportscasters remarked last night about letting Duchscherer and Street take it easy unless they were really needed. How bad does it have to get before Duchscherer is put in?

I would have thought he had an injury except he was allowed to pitch to one or two batters in a game a week or so ago. Am I missing something?

by Jean on Sep 21, 2005 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions

6-3

Wasn't the game 6-3 after 5 innings. It would have been nice to keep it at a 3-Run Game, giving the boys a chance to gets ome runs back.

Let's Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 22, 2005 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions

cruz and yabu

whats with them hitting batters. they both did it again today

by smasfan on Sep 21, 2005 5:42 PM PDT reply actions

From what I've heard

they both lack something called "control".

by eamb on Sep 21, 2005 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Hitting batters

Yabu really did nail his guy. I figure if you're going to hit him, we should hear it, and we did. When Cruz "hit" Bartlett, it may have just ruffled his uniform. The fans mocked him... "Awww... does your uniform hurt, are you going to be OK?"

by louismg on Sep 21, 2005 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions

grrrrr.

i'm not ready to give up on cruz (YET), he could mature into a quality pitcher.

however, yabu is done. bye bye.

by greendatitiz on Sep 21, 2005 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

relief pitchers

when flores and garcia came in they werent bad but compared to rest i guess thats not saying much lol

by smasfan on Sep 21, 2005 5:46 PM PDT reply actions

Garcia Pitched Very Well

And the fans who were there applauded his efforts. It was a great "relief" after what we were subjected to.

by louismg on Sep 21, 2005 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Here's what Kotsay had to say:

A's center fielder Mark Kotsay became defensive when someone suggested Oakland didn't exhibit the kind of energy most would expect in the middle of a late-season pennant race.

"We didn't come out flat," Kotsay said. "They came out and swung the bats well. How can a team come out flat when we know what's on the line? It's Sept. 21 and we're 1 1/2 games out. They jumped out on us and never let up. They kept their foot on our neck and never let us breathe."

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/09/21/sports/s154036D74.DTL&type=as

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Sep 21, 2005 5:47 PM PDT reply actions

Anyone see that

Wheaties commercial with the Vin Scully call of the Kirk Gibson home run in the World Series?

Haunting.

by Hit4TheCycle on Sep 21, 2005 6:00 PM PDT reply actions

It's Blez's fault.

He went to the game. Very clearly a jinx.

by atomopawn on Sep 21, 2005 6:01 PM PDT reply actions

even more clearly ...

... it's the fault of the other 14,999 people who were there! If only everyone would listen to reztips and just stay away from the Coliseum and Oakland in general, the curse would be lifted!

put down the stick, and quit swearing -- MobiusKlein

by monkeyball on Sep 21, 2005 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions

hahahahahaha!

by Jean on Sep 21, 2005 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions

we also felt the lack of intensity &

energy in my section. I think what that feeling was, however, was Kennedy taking so much between pitches, and then less than 60% of his pitches being strikes. I had a sense the infield and the crowd were about to fall asleep. And then on top of that, the Twins were just consistently pounding us--they scored in every inning but one between the 2nd and the 8th. generally a bad game--Ellis, Kendall and Jairo being exceptions.

she was never able to watch me play because the games were too late back home, and now she's got front-row seats to every game.. Swish re: his grandmother

by alamedaman on Sep 21, 2005 6:14 PM PDT reply actions

Brad Hennessy Homers for the Giants

I wonder if any of the A's pitchers can homer...

Blanton could be the second coming of Ruth.

by Hit4TheCycle on Sep 21, 2005 6:25 PM PDT reply actions

Isn't that his second this season?

I think he had a 3 run homer earlier in the year and won the game 3-2 or something.

*cough*takenoteskendall*cough*

"I was the ugliest girl I've ever seen." - Noah Lowry

by Melody on Sep 21, 2005 8:03 PM PDT up reply actions

i thought it was 2-1 or something?

i think i heard part of the postgame on that show, or maybe it was a winexp graph that read something like (Hennessey: +1.25 All other Giants -.75)

I bet Danny Haren could homer.

Hell is sold out... but some people are re-selling their tickets on Stub-Hub.com, or you can just sit on Mt. Davis. - McFood

by Jjjsixsix on Sep 21, 2005 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

The Twins announcers

were downright giddy that the Twins scored in 5 straight innings. Heck, they were giddy when they scored in two straight innings. I guess when your team has scored fewer runs than the Royals (or only a few more) you get really excited when they hit double digits. And they couldn't stop talking about all the foul territory at the Coliseum. Get over it, people. The first 73,827,463 mentions were enough.

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 21, 2005 6:32 PM PDT reply actions

Wait a sec

You mean to tell me that the Twins announcers were implicitly criticizing by pointing out the unique configurations of our stadium?

put down the stick, and quit swearing -- MobiusKlein

by monkeyball on Sep 21, 2005 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Ha!

Well, they did say, about a high pop fly, "and that'll be in the stands... unless it hits the speakers..." <ba-dum ching!> They got on my nerves more today than the past 2 games. But we also lost today. Coincidence? Hmmm...

"A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings." -Earl Wilson

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 21, 2005 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions

we simply lost

no point in getting upset, we lost to a team that is above .500. Obviously a sweep would have been ideal but let's hope Anaheim loses tonight or tomorrow and then we can gain a game or two on them over the weekend.

by Pucking Insane on Sep 21, 2005 6:34 PM PDT reply actions

You're not gonna feel

a lot of "energy" when you fall behind right away. I don't care if there were 100,000 there.

Yup, we just got beat today. Let's just root hard for Texas tonight, and see what happens.

And please, please, please stop with the whining about attendance. It is what it is. Been this way since '68 -- when will it stop being "a story?" It's like complaining about lifeboats on the Titanic .... just as old, and just as pointless.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Sep 21, 2005 7:37 PM PDT reply actions

True maybe...

But there really should have been more life boats ;-\

by eamb on Sep 21, 2005 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Titanic Nation

oaktoon: This is the finest, sturdiest, sleekest, most amazing oceangoing vessel ever crafted by the hands of man!

saint: Someone please take the wheel from Macha. He's steering directly for the icebergs! He's trying to hit them!

reztips: That's what you get for trying to put a boat in the North Atlantic. No one wants to be in the North Atlantic. It's a watery grave. With really low property values. Now, the Bermuda Triangle -- there's a region of the Atlantic to sail a ship through!

Sharon: That purser is really cute.

Jennifer: Let's take him down to steerage and lock him in my cabin.

oaktoon: Oh my god!!! This is the leakiest, most bilge-filled rustbucket ever to set sail! We're all going to drown!!!

monkeyball: The man who runs this shipping line has proved again and again that he only maintains enough lifeboats for 21 out of every 25 passengers.

louismg: [thought bubble coming from Keiichi Yabu's head] "Gee, I wonder if there's room for me in that lifeboat."

Blez: Calm down. There's room enough for everyone in the lifeboats. Except for ... you, you, and ... you.

oaktoon: No one builds lifeboats like Billy Beane. My god, these are the best lifeboats I've ever seen! We're saved!

ohad: I stayed up late to welcome the boat at the dock, but no one showed up. What happened?

Jennifer: <evil laugh> Take this lifeboat to the enchanted isle of Asslantis!

elcroata: My statistical charts indicate that if we choose right now to go to Asslantis, our likelihood of all drowning is 97.465%. If, however, we choose to pick up the plover's egg, we have a 55% chance of moving out of the cave. On the other hand, if we choose to turn left, we have to GO TO PAGE 34.

oaktoon: AAAAIIGGHHHH!!! WE'RE ALL GOING TO DROWN!!! I KNEW IT!!!

put down the stick, and quit swearing -- MobiusKlein

by monkeyball on Sep 21, 2005 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

1st class

I love it!

Especially Ohad's "line".

by atomopawn on Sep 21, 2005 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions

ROFFFFFFFL

you need your own comic strip.

"I was the ugliest girl I've ever seen." - Noah Lowry

by Melody on Sep 21, 2005 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions

HAHAHAHAHA.

but what does baby winexp think?

Hell is sold out... but some people are re-selling their tickets on Stub-Hub.com, or you can just sit on Mt. Davis. - McFood

by Jjjsixsix on Sep 21, 2005 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Asslantis?

Brilliant. My god, if you build it, the ass will come. This I know.

by Apricot on Sep 21, 2005 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Did somebody say Yabu?

by louismg on Sep 21, 2005 8:46 PM PDT up reply actions

That can't be me.

I would never say such a thing.

"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Sep 21, 2005 8:56 PM PDT up reply actions

And that, my friends,

<ding!>

is a quote-of-the-month nominee!

Capturing perfectly the "color, humor, and personality" of this motley crew at AN.

Let us not continue to debate how many Angels can be dashed on the head of a pin. Let's just get to it while the gettin' is good.

by Checkswing HR on Sep 21, 2005 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I hate you.

by Jennifer on Sep 22, 2005 6:46 AM PDT up reply actions

(Standing O> Bravo! Bra-VO!

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 22, 2005 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Am I the only one?

Am I the only one who does not see a problem with there being about 15k at the park today? As a matter of fact I am a little surprised there were that many!

Don't people work? Most people who can afford to go to games in the first place have JOBS! Now, I am not one of those people, currently, but I was there on Monday and Tuesday. The only reason I was not at the game today was because the people who would normally go with me were WORKING!!

Why is it that the concept of low attendance on a Wednesday afternoon is baffling some people? Now, I may be generalizing a bit, but I live in Fremont, and getting to a game during the week is an adventure. When I was working and wanted to go to a game during the week, I had to plan way in advance. I worked in Silicon Valley, as do many A's Fans. I would have to leave work a little early just to make it on time!

I think this simple concept is a huge reason why attendance is low. A lot of people who work in Silicon Valley just can't get to the games on time and don't find it worth it to leave early to GO to a game when they can just TiVo it and catch up when they get home. And it is MUCH less worth it to take a whole day off work to go to a game when they can have GameDay running on their computer at work and still get paid!

Now, don't get me wrong! I am one of the die hards. I have season tickets and I will do what it takes to go to as many games as humanly possible during the last 10 home games of the season. But I can totally see why the attendance is so low on a Wednesday Afternoon! In fact I am really surprised it was even that high! But this is just my view on it (and the opinions of other Silicon Valley based A's fans).

"We play our best ball when we're goofing around and having a good time" ~Bobby Crosby

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 21, 2005 8:10 PM PDT reply actions

7-Million People

Aren't there about 7-Million People in the Bay Area?
How many fans will be in attendance for a day game at the Angels v. Texas game? My guess is 35,000 People.

Bay Area Baseball Fans, in general, are a joke. I should know, I lived there for 27 years.

Let's Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 22, 2005 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions

Many People Work Staggered Hours

In fact, the Chicago Cubs got sterling attendance even with poor teams when they played only day games. To claim that a week DAY game is the reason for the pathetic attendance is utter tripe. The A's won't schedule most of their week day games if they believed people couldn't show up...

For McFood and others who call my commentary on this subject redundant, there are plenty of other AN members who find the question of attendance relevant as it will have definitive bearing both on a new stadium and upon whether the A's ultimately stay or leave. So stop with the nonsense that I'm the only one who cares about this most pertinent of subjects.

There is no other word for attendance other than "APPALLING" on what for many people is a virtually "free day" at the ballpark and a virtually "free lunch"--$2 to get in (and most people know that you can sit almost anywhere given the lousy attendance) and $1 for a hot dog.

In sum, the residents of the East Bay are so uninterested in their exciting, young, contending team that the A's can't even f***g give the game away! Oakland is nothing short of a joke when it comes to its citizenry caring about their baseball team and when it comes to assisting the building of a new stadium, you can bet your boots that the local pols have noticed.

So for those of us who want to keep the A's in the region, let's hope this team can find its way to San Jose...

by reztips on Sep 21, 2005 8:39 PM PDT reply actions

I have to take work off to go to games. I work on

the peninsula. I work from 8:30 to 7pm. I have to take days off to go to games. I'm using my vacation to go to all four Angels games. I'm really surprised that we drew less than 15000 today. I hope that this weekend series is packed. I expect that the Angels series will be a sellout.

by Testy1212 on Sep 21, 2005 9:17 PM PDT reply actions

Lets Go TECK-SAS!

TEX 4
LAAAAA 2
top 6 2-out
(pitching change)

Lackey was lacking. He's gone. Ugh, that was bad.

Remember kids, give a larbage, pick up your garbage! -- Gary the No Trash Cougar

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 21, 2005 9:18 PM PDT reply actions

I'm so heartless,

I said, why does one of Texas's few half-good pitchers have to get hit in the head with a line drive? Then I realized that I hadn't given a thought to poor K-Loe.

Let us not continue to debate how many Angels can be dashed on the head of a pin. Let's just get to it while the gettin' is good.

by Checkswing HR on Sep 21, 2005 9:22 PM PDT reply actions

Did anyone else catch....

"Lou Pinnella will not be returning to Tampa Bay next year? Hmmmmmmmmmm........very interesting.

I know Billy Beane will probably not even give Sweet Lou an interview but I am dreaming of Pinnella in the Green N Gold next year.....

or Ron Washington.....

or Jim Leyland

or Reggie Jackson

or.....(little lambs jumping over the fence....)

by mrod on Sep 21, 2005 9:39 PM PDT reply actions

My dream for next year??

Wash as head manager. Talk about a dream...

by anomaly_kat on Sep 21, 2005 9:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Texas is up 5-2 now. I hope they can close it out

and win tomorrows game. I hope it's at least tied with Anaheim when they meet next Monday.

by Testy1212 on Sep 21, 2005 9:44 PM PDT reply actions

I'm not sure how Tampa will be with a lame duck

coach.

by Testy1212 on Sep 21, 2005 9:45 PM PDT reply actions

Blez should almost start two open game threads....

When the $%#& heads are playing so we can throw bad mojo their way.

by AthleticsMojo on Sep 21, 2005 10:06 PM PDT reply actions

OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD>>>>>

Texas blew their lead.... Buttheads up 5

by AthleticsMojo on Sep 21, 2005 10:13 PM PDT reply actions

Our pitching today...

seems about as bad as Texas' everyday! Well...I may get to put a focus on the trout rod this weekend and watch the news wearily. Looks like time round up a good season and move into fall activities.

by baseballbill on Sep 21, 2005 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions

make that 6-5

I hate those guys so much.. now I'll have to endure looking at K-Rod's gloating ass

Come on Texas.

by AthleticsMojo on Sep 21, 2005 10:15 PM PDT reply actions

Jeez

wut happened to Texas? did they get vladded?

by snobum on Sep 21, 2005 10:20 PM PDT reply actions

we might have to pull something out of...

our rear ends to win the west. If the Angels win tomorrow, we'll have to pull off atleast 8 of the last 10 games (including sweep of LAA) to win this thing, considering the Angles are playing the Devil Rays in the OC this weekend...Freakin Rangers can't help us at all...goddamnit...hopefully they come back tonight against K-Rod in te 9th...watching the game down here in LA is pissing me off...i almost tore apart my dorm room.

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:29 PM PDT reply actions

LETS GO

MATTHEWS!

Remember kids, give a larbage, pick up your garbage! -- Gary the No Trash Cougar

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 21, 2005 10:40 PM PDT reply actions

Esteban German SIGHTING!

Help your old boys out and score will you?

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:41 PM PDT reply actions

What a pathetic AB by Matthews

What a bitch

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 10:44 PM PDT reply actions

Man, MY juuust missed that

Got a great pitch to hit and had a great swing at it.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

MY K's...Damn.

German stole 2nd tho...Man, Id walk Teix since German stole 2nd.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 10:46 PM PDT reply actions

Let's go TEXIERA!

we NEED THIS GAME

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:47 PM PDT reply actions

DUDE i can't spell

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:47 PM PDT reply actions

German at third on the WP...

Man, Cmon Teix

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 10:48 PM PDT reply actions

ONE MORE WILD PITCH! or...

since this is K-Rod..maybe he'll just drop the ball

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:48 PM PDT reply actions

texas loses

dammit.

Remember kids, give a larbage, pick up your garbage! -- Gary the No Trash Cougar

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 21, 2005 10:50 PM PDT reply actions

DAMNIT!

the a's are kinda screwed. We need to go 8-2 to win the west i think...man...it doesn't look good...

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:50 PM PDT reply actions

Game Over.....2.5 back...

On life support.....The Angels are on fire.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 10:50 PM PDT reply actions

This sucks...we need this wekend to be big...

Gotta be within 2 games so 3 of 4 (damn hard as it is) gets a tie.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 10:51 PM PDT reply actions

Fucking-A Texas blows a 3 run lead against Angels

Showwalker manages his way out of a win and causes the Rangers to lose. What the fuck was he doing bringing in CJ Wilson and a rookie Feldman.

by Testy1212 on Sep 21, 2005 10:52 PM PDT reply actions

Well, of course,

he was a bit short-handed since he didn't have Rogers going tomorrow because he had to rest him so he could face the A's and miss the Angels, who always miss Felix Hernandez and the Yankees are first place and $&$##)#* THINGS ARE NOT WORKING OUT RIGHT NOW, PEOPLE!!!

Nico

by Nico on Sep 21, 2005 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Yea, but the Yankees in first...

Means those bastard Red Sox are in second. I am a huge yankee fan the next 12 games...I do NOT want Boston in the playoffs.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions

You guys I can't take this. I feel like te A's

layed an egg and the Angels pull a Rabbit out of their asses. Texas didn't help us at all. With 7 outs to get Texas fucks up the lead.

by Testy1212 on Sep 21, 2005 10:53 PM PDT reply actions

we need to be within 1 to have a chance...

because a sweep of LAA is near impossible...if we are within two...and come out of the series with the angles back 1...we might need to sweep in seattle...either way...TEXAS NEEDS TO SALVAGE A GAME TOMORROW...and also this weekend is going to be huge...hopefully the D-Rays will play well for Lou's farewell tour out of Tampa

by rsur5 on Sep 21, 2005 10:55 PM PDT reply actions

Hard ...

... en.

H
a
r
d
e
n

Har har hardy har Harden ...

Harden of Eden ...

It's getting harder and harder without Harden ...

We need (fill in the blanks): H_r_e_!!!

"It's easier to stay in last place than it is to stay in first." ... Bill James

by Edwinwinwin on Sep 21, 2005 11:00 PM PDT reply actions

What was Showalter doing walking Guerrero to load

the bases. Single by Benji Molina wins the game. Showalter hands it to them on a silver platter.

by Testy1212 on Sep 21, 2005 11:10 PM PDT reply actions

Dont let Vlad beat you...

I would have done the same thing...its freaking jose molina.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree 100% with Showalter walking Vlad

I would've done the same thing and take my chances with Kotchman. Buck went to Shouse, Scioscia countered with Jose Molina and just got lucky.

by baseballnut020 on Sep 22, 2005 12:02 AM PDT up reply actions

It was NOT Benjie

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Sep 21, 2005 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Another attempt at words of wisdom

"If you want something done right, you gotta do it yourself."

"I was the ugliest girl I've ever seen." - Noah Lowry

by Melody on Sep 21, 2005 11:14 PM PDT reply actions

warning: negative post

we around here think we will not make the playoffs this year ... they're just not shooting on all cylinders, playing with missing limbs, bad backs, etc. and pretty much have to win everything from here on out to make it. doesn't mean we wont be rooting for them like mad, but today was a bad losssssss ..... plus the Seattle series will be nasty .... the mariners are playing well right now ....

by babylabash on Sep 21, 2005 11:38 PM PDT reply actions

This day in history...

On 9/22/2004, Oakland was leading the AL West and the Angels were 2.5 games behind with 11 left to play. On 9/23/2004, the Angels had an off day while Oakland lost their game to Texas. That put the Angels at a two game deficit, with 10 games remaining.

Bottom line? It ain't over till the fat lady sings.

"I was the ugliest girl I've ever seen." - Noah Lowry

by Melody on Sep 22, 2005 12:09 AM PDT up reply actions

NICE

Let's Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 22, 2005 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions

ok point taken .... but ...

the angels were on a roll at that point ... the a's are not ... but anything can happen with this team, so I'll go your way and wait for the fat lady to sing. Go A's!

by babylabash on Sep 22, 2005 12:48 AM PDT reply actions

We won 3 in a row before trotting out our

hit and miss 5th starter.

It ain't near over yet.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 22, 2005 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Exactly, McFood

The bad news: We may need to go 8-2 to make the playoffs.

The good news: The A's go 8-2 (as well as 2-8) as often as any team in baseball.

Nico

by Nico on Sep 22, 2005 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions

8-2 might not be good enough

if Nico we go 3-1 vs. anaheim, that means that we are 87-69 with 6 other games to play and they are 87-78 with 7 other games to play.

Our 5-1 will make a playoff if they go 5-2. Win the division if they go 4-3. Be out of luck if they go 6-1.

DRays don't play well on road. Texas is in full laydown mode. I can't see the Angels going only 4-3 in those 7 non-A's games. 5-2 seems much more likely.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 22, 2005 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Pitching woes!!

I am extremely worried. I don't see Joe Kennedy winning a game for us this year - I don't se Wild Juan doing it either. Who is Yabu??

What I mean is this: We have 4 good/great starters and 3 guys all throwing bp or plunking guys. It looks like we can't afford to just concede 2 games by starting Kennedy/Cruz, so I think good old Ken needs to come up with something better! And here it is:

Start DUKE!!! I haven't heard about him being hurt, but he's just been nowhere near our games since friday. Anyone else got that idea??

I think we need to shake up that no. 5 spot.... And thank goodness for Captain Kirk!!!

"Everything they do, they do it right." ~ Pudge

by anAfromfaraway on Sep 22, 2005 5:07 AM PDT reply actions

Now you've heard about it:

Duke is hurt. Unavailable in the Twins series due to back spasms.

Key stat often overlooked: The A's lead the league in travel miles. Hard on the back if you're Kotsay, Duke, etc.. Selig conspiracy theorists, unite...

Nico

by Nico on Sep 22, 2005 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Bad loss, but

you've got a fill-in starter on the mound, so it's hard to expect a great performance. What pisses me off more is that the offense rolled over against a rookie pitcher.

Wasn't someone arguing on here a couple of weeks ago that the team really isn't missing Harden?

by boilerdan on Sep 22, 2005 7:51 AM PDT reply actions

harden's injuries

cost this team at least 2 and probably more like 3 games. Crosby's have had a similar impact.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 22, 2005 8:39 AM PDT up reply actions

A's stands for almost

Looks like another wasted year. Everyone is now a year closer to leaving. We'll have another exciting and interesting year next season - that ends with us almost doing something. I've never seen a team in any sport have so much promise and never get over the hump. I guess it's better to go you with a whimper than flame out in some horrific fashion like we did against the Red Sox or the Yankees.

by As89 on Sep 22, 2005 8:43 AM PDT reply actions

And the award for

least appreciative post missing the point of an entire amazing season goes to...

Nico

by Nico on Sep 22, 2005 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions

2005

84+ Wins in 2005 = Success

Let's Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 22, 2005 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Someone... anyone...

...please make a case for Juan Cruz? I want to be convinced, and I'm very open-minded (a nearly blank, fresh baseball-appreciation slate). I've heard other players refer to Cruz's "live arm" and I know he was stellar while in AAA... but I would honestly like to know what his major league upside is, because I'm just not getting it. Why should I not start to hyperventilate (and not in a good way) as soon as I see him get up in the bullpen? Has he been good for the A's as many innings as he's been bad/shaky, and I'm just remembering the bad/shaky parts? Is it really just the fault of "the difference between starting in AAA and relieving in the bigs"?

Honest, I'm not just trying to complain, I really want to know what it is that I'm missing... because Tim Hudson was one of my favorite players, so I'd really like to see any potential in Cruz that I'm missing so far. (and my mental jury has barely begun deliberations on Meyer & Thomas)

by Poppy on Sep 22, 2005 9:25 AM PDT reply actions

I Can't

Thought he might be ready to start. But yesterday convinced me that is not so.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Sep 22, 2005 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

I understand...

...that preparation as a starting pitcher is far different from preparation as a reliever, who doesn't know how often or even IF he's going to be used from one day to the next. Why, then, did he work as a starter for Sacto, then come back to Oakland as a reliever? If his relief work was unreliable before he got sent down, isn't that what he should have been working on in AAA? Joe Kennedy can go (mostly) seamlessly from relief work to starting work, and presumably back to relief (as Kirk Saarloos also has) -- is that a mindset issue where Cruz falls short?

by Poppy on Sep 22, 2005 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions

In order to judge him as a starter:

He first has to start a game.

I mean he was stretched out before ST, then was shifted back to the pen.

He was sent down and stretched out again.

Then moved back to the pen.

All the while, no starts. I just don't get it.

I figured that a two headed monster at the 5 spot would work well.

The two games I wanted Cruz to start were the Ranger and Twin games.

I know that I am not psychic. They just made sense.

Preperation for games as each a starter and reliever are completely different. So are strategies. I wonder how Zito would be coming out of the pen?

So, like I said, before you judge him as a starter, you'd first have to see him start.

Pick up Payton's Option...P...P...P...Please?

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 22, 2005 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions

I think...

we should be fresh going into the weekend series with the Rangers, considering that the A's are now probably over the btich that is "jet lag".

They are home for their next seven and we as fans need to get out and support them, pump them up for those last seven. It is crucial to have that support going for them because believe it or not it "does give them an edge".

If the offense gives our starting pitching enough support each game then there is no reason why we cannot take 6 out of the next seven, or dare I say.....the next seven in a row. Look what Texas's starting pitching did to the Angels offense the first two games.....Had it been the Rangers could have held a lead for once they would be playing a tie breaker today for the series and the first game went to the last out as well. My point being that we kill Texas(minus The Gambler....punk ass!)and the Angels are very beatable (minus Porky Pig Colon....I smell bacon!"

Really, I remember the team running out of gas last year and that should not be the case now. A day off and some re-charging of the batteries will do the team some good. Here's to stickin it to 'em the next........10!

by mrod on Sep 22, 2005 9:51 AM PDT reply actions

Here's how it will play out...

The Halos lose tonight to Young and the Rangers and we're 2 out. We excorsise a demon and get the Kenny Monkey off our back. Sweep of the Rangers. The D-Rays come alive in Anaheim and win two of three for the departing Sweet Lou. Tied going into our four game series. We take 3 and are up two going to Seattle. Win 2 of three and the division by 2+ games. Be optimistic, don't be a downer after one bad loss by our #5 scrapheap starter. Go A's! They will bounce back and the LAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Angels are due for a slump.

by A'sfansince1970 on Sep 22, 2005 10:19 AM PDT reply actions

The Angels realllllllly need to lose tonight.

by Pucking Insane on Sep 22, 2005 10:22 AM PDT reply actions

Let's try to keep it positive

The Rangers Reeeaaalllyyy need to win tonight.

by tresselfan on Sep 22, 2005 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Where are the Rangers big bats?

I think they only come out against the A's.

Sniff, Sniff. "Who Fongpay?"

by Fongpay on Sep 22, 2005 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

They left 'em in Arlington

by baseballnut020 on Sep 22, 2005 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorry plucky never-say-die pollyanna's...

Gagging for SIX straight years in or very near the playoffs is NOT sucess. It's failure. It sucks but it's the truth. Were the Buffalo Bills of the 90's a sucess? I guess to some they were. I'm one of those wierd old school sports fans that thinks winning is important. I guess I'm one of those baseball throwbacks for whom having players that are "cute" or "have cool hair" isn't important - winning is. There's still time for the A's to not flail, actually getting into the playoffs with this team and the injuries they've had, I would consider a sucess. Falling apart down the stretch when you've been in it for months is not sucess. This isn't Europe where finishing 4th in the EPL is considered a sucessful year. This is America and winning isn't everything - it's the only thing.

by As89 on Sep 22, 2005 2:16 PM PDT reply actions

So, you haven't enjoyed baseball since '89?

Sucks to be you.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 22, 2005 2:51 PM PDT up reply actions

It's not that I don't enjoy baseball...

I just don't feel like the season was a big sucess when my team loses games that it should have won. No one said anything about not enjoying the season, I just don't feel all happy when my team has a disappointing end.

by As89 on Sep 22, 2005 3:16 PM PDT reply actions

No one is happy when we lose.

But there were a lot of great moments this year, and a lot of promise for future improvement. It's ok to be happy about those things.

"HRs by second basemen are sexy. They're rare and exotic." -Kyli

by McFood on Sep 22, 2005 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

what team are you looking at?

Very few of the A's have "disappointing ends."

put down the stick, and quit swearing -- MobiusKlein

by monkeyball on Sep 22, 2005 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I am almost xross

the bridge toward a more comfortable acceptance of this season for what it was. A very good one, with highs and lows as all seasons do, but this one boy-howdy had some crazy spikes. A great ride. Still not over and I hope things can still fall into place but I ain't counting on it.

So Baseball Gods, surprise me!

Lets take care of business and make the playoffs.

by ak_A on Sep 23, 2005 8:49 AM PDT reply actions