The Day After

by baseballgirl on Oct 15, 2006 10:11 AM PDT in News

Congratulations to the 2006 Oakland Athletics. I really mean that. Despite the way it all ended; with more of a whimper than a bang, they managed to do something that no Oakland team has been able to do in fourteen years; be one of the four best teams in baseball at the end of a season. That is something to be proud of; and something to celebrate, even if baseball's greatest prize still hangs just out of reach.

But let's be honest. It still hurts. With any great love, there is great risk of heartbreak, and I don't think any of us have really recovered yet. Part of being a fan and falling in love with a team, while investing six solid months in them day in and day out, is the inevitable sense of loss that comes when the relationship is finished. And aside from the December game of musical baseball players at the Winter Meetings, our relationship with the 2006 Oakland Athletics is finished. Our hearts will heal; we'll start to form a relationship with the 2007 A's, and maybe when the wound is not so fresh, we'll look back at this season of successes with warmth and fondness.

For me, the difference this year is the lack of a villain. In the past, we have been knocked out of the playoffs by the slim margin of one final game, which was lost to the evil teams of New York, Boston, and the worst opponent of all--ourselves. This year, it's impossible to point to one play, to one player, and even to one game as the deciding factor in our demise. We flat got beat by Detroit, a wonderful success story in itself, and I really do wish them the best. The Tigers are good for baseball, and it's nice to see some important games being played in a city not named New York. They don't have an obnoxious catch-phrase attached to them (see: The Idiots Who Cowboy Up, or The Piranhas, The Best Lineup Ever, or my favorite, The Perfect Small Ball Squad), they don't have a large payroll; they don't have annoying announcers, they don't really have a superstar, and more than likely, they're going to win the whole thing. And if I had to pick a winner not named the Athletics, they would definitely be in the top five.

And no, for what it's worth, that doesn't make me feel any better right now, but it certainly will make next year easier to tolerate.

Regarding our boys, I want to thank each and every one of them for an exciting, dramatic, incredible season, which will not be soon forgotten, and I want to make special mention of three players who surprised me in the playoffs. First, I think Jay Payton was one of the most underrated postseason players this year. He hit in just about every game; he swung at quality pitches, and he did his part offensively just about every single chance he got. Second, you all know how much I love Milton Bradley, but I don't think anyone can argue that he truly left it all out there on the field yesterday. I have never seen a player try as hard as Milton did to push us further. If it was up to him (and his performance backed this up), we would be playing next week. The third is Huston Street, who I have been so hard on, and for good reason, but I have no argument against him being a big-game pitcher in yesterday's game, despite the walk-off. He deserved better, and for the first time in about three months, I have reason to believe that he'll get another chance.

There's some good hope for 2007. Lots to talk about, and as you all know, AN will be running strong all through the off-season. Mourn the A's, have a good cry, but when you're ready to take on 2007, let's all meet back here for another go-around. And a special thanks to Blez, for creating a community that I consider my family, so much so that I left a birthday party to go say my final goodbyes to the 2006 season on AN last night.

Take heart ANers, the rollercoaster has merely docked in its station temporarily. You know as well as I do, that we'll all climb back in, buckle our seatbelts, and get ready for another ride. And somehow, we wouldn't have it any other way.

And if you're ready for 2007 to start right now, see Nico's post below for a better summary than I can give!

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!

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I'm going to the coliseum today

to greet the team bus bringing back our 2006 Oakland A's, and thank them for a wonderful season.

by OaklandSi on Oct 15, 2006 10:14 AM PDT reply actions

Great Post BBG

AN is lucky to have you (really, you left your own birthday party to get back here? Not to mention the leaving your luggage incident? That's about as hardcore as it gets.)

Your insightful and in-depth analysis and your ability to rally the troops on the fan-side is shows a determination that the Gamer would be impressed by if he knew. It'll take a little time to get over this sweep ... I think a week a moping will be the minimum ... thankfully, I have the Bears, both Cal (alum) and Chicago (half my fantasy team) to help me get over the pain ... at least until Cal loses, breaking my heart again like they somehow do every year. If I can't have the A's in the World Series, the only thing I want more is my school in the Rose Bowl.

Anyhoo, thanks for everything BBG, in due time, we'll stop thinking about what might/could have been and look forward to what 2007 will bring (less injuries for starters, I hope).

by Rickeyfan on Oct 15, 2006 10:17 AM PDT reply actions

crying

sobbing

sniffle

by Snuffaluffagus on Oct 15, 2006 10:19 AM PDT reply actions

Crappy birthday to you :-(

Hope you enjoyed it anyway!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 10:26 AM PDT reply actions

well said

Nico articulated good reasons to hope for next year, and BBG articulated well the reasons I am not bitter, merely sad. This is in sharp contrast to the last six years, when evil Goliath was victorious because scrappy David forgot how to use his slingshot at crucial moments.

by Apricot on Oct 15, 2006 10:32 AM PDT reply actions

If you're looking for a villian

I'll be the bad guy. It suits my tempermant and personality.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 15, 2006 10:42 AM PDT reply actions

CANCEL SESAME STREET NOW!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Grovers

What I think of when I hear the name "Grover":

1st: AN's very own Grover (really!)

2nd: Grover Cleveland (the president)

3rd: Mike Hargrove (they call him Grover on LL)

4th: that Sesame Street monster.

In fact, I'd almost forgotten all about number 4.

P.S. Fun fact: The president went by his middle name. His full name was Stephen Grover Cleveland. (Same as John Calvin Coolidge and Thomas Woodrow Wilson.)

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Oct 15, 2006 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Great Commentaries

by you, BBG, Nico, and Blez. Thanks for leading the AN community and creating a home for so many diverse opiners, data-miners, and yes, whiners!

I'm sad but have been around long enough to know that there's always next year.

I still can't understand why Detroit was so hungry and Oakland -- with the notable exception of Bradley -- just wasn't. That's why Bradley was the only one crying in the locker room yesterday (at least that's what I gather from the Chronicle). He really put it out on the table during this series.

How come the Tigers got to have heroes in Inge and Gomez? Let alone Polanco, whose middle name is "hungry."

Why, oh why, weren't our guys more hungry?????

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 10:54 AM PDT reply actions

There's an Applebees joke

in there somewhere--give me a moment to digest your comment and I'll come up with it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Applebees

Wasn't Talladega Nights funny? But outside of the "hunger" metaphor, please tell me the connection to the restaurant, or the associated jokes. Sorry if I caused any indigestion.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions

This season, the A's had multiple

incidents of food poisoning that traced back to meals at Applebees. Then someone posted a diary in which many AN users reported true horror stories of meals eaten there--or of "behind the scenes" experiences working in the kitchen.

Suffice it to say, not my restaurant of choice.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Applebees: Here we go

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2006/7/7/184241/9193

Disclaimer: Do not read this diary just after eating.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks

and I'll wait for an empty gut before reading

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Applebees sound like the place

to avoid--just like the plague.

by Salvatore on Oct 15, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Denny's

hasn't seen my face in 20 years. I was up all night barfing after eating what looked like the only safe meal on the dinner -- okay, I was on the road -- menu, grilled chicken. Yechhhhhhh.

I recall going to a Chi-chi's when they first opened and really enjoying my meal. The food was not microwaved -- it was their opening weekend in the mall near where I lived. But a month or so later I returned and the meal was definitely zapped. I gave them two more chances, but each time the enchiladas came straight from the microwave.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, since I'm not Steve"Psycho" Lyons

with a network broadcating job I guess I can tell you this...As you know a lot of immigrants from third world--like countries work in these kitchens and their personsal hygiene isn't exactly like that of your grandmother.

by Salvatore on Oct 15, 2006 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Lyons was fired

temporarily anyway, thanks to his remarks toward Pinella. So much for a broadcasting job!
That dumbass.

by wolffpackdavid on Oct 15, 2006 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I wondered why

he wasn't there for Saturday's game. I had no idea he was fired.

(For others who didn't know, here's the link to the news story I googled up.)

The offending comment doesn't seem like such a big deal to me. I remember the comment on Friday and I figured the wallet was referring back to Piniella's line about not expecting Scutaro to be a star just because he was hot in Minnesota. So in that sense the firing seems a little unfair to me.

On the other hand, I think Steve Lyons has consistently been an annoying and tiresome doofus, so that is more than enough reason to be glad that he's gone.

(As opposed to a likable and entertaining doofus. That would be Eric Byrnes....)

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Oct 15, 2006 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions

he has a history of such remarks

including making fun of Shawn Green's decision not to play ball on Yom Kippur (he's Jewish), and making fun of a Detroit fan who wore a strange looking contraption to see the game (the man is nearly blind).

by OaklandSi on Oct 15, 2006 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh yeah, Swisher

had that food poisoning experience, I remember now (but hadn't been a regular reader of AN at that time).

To what extent did the Slusser article on Swisher's partying cause him to cool off at mid-season? Of course, it may be just another example of post hoc ergo propter hoc (after this, therefore on account of this) thinking (which I've never been guilty of using in my life), but Swish DID seem to cool off a lot after that article. He and Chavvy were so hot back in April and early May.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

<in the voice of Kieth Jackson>

I went over to Milton Bradley's house the other day, his mama was cooking up a mess of flapjacks. She brought out 15 for Milton, he said, "Mama, take back five of them flapjacks--I gotta HOUNGRY the Detroit Tigers."

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 15, 2006 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Keith Jackson

Are you trying to get him fired, too?

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions

You know what?

Screw Keith Jackson. He refuses to even announce my bowl games now, so he's dead to me.

Oh Nelly! Here comes Kot-ZAY chuggin' along the back 90! I think he may try for home!

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 19, 2006 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Anybody else here afraid that the Angels...

might go after Polanco after this season is over? Adam Kennedy is on his way out. That would be a nightmare!

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 15, 2006 11:27 AM PDT reply actions

Howie Kendrick will be the Angels'

second baseman. That is his regular position. He was playing out of position at 1B.

by OaklandSi on Oct 15, 2006 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Angels

will be super tough next season. Once they remember how to catch the ball, they'll be murder.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Here's a bad thought....

A's trade for A-Rod (they'll have to give up a front-line starter +), and sign Z to replace the traded pitcher.

by BleacherDave on Oct 15, 2006 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions

I think my loyalties

might explode if I had to see A-Rod in the gold and green. It makes my brain itch to think of it.

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 15, 2006 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions

polanco

Polanco is signed with Detroit through 2009.

by Kurt Mensching on Oct 16, 2006 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions

Come welcome the A's home

The A's charter plane is scheduled to arrive at Oakland International Airport between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. PT this afternoon, if you're not doing anything fans are encouraged to welcome the team home

by ahr2006 on Oct 15, 2006 11:33 AM PDT reply actions

see the diary

we've decided to welcome them at the coliseum, because of doubts about whether we'd be allowed to get close enough to welcome the plane, which will be landing in the North field (private charters, etc.)

by OaklandSi on Oct 15, 2006 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions

cool

at what time in the coliseum

by ahr2006 on Oct 15, 2006 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions

it was really nice

I updated my diary to give a brief account. I hope some of those who took photos will post them.

by OaklandSi on Oct 15, 2006 4:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Welcoming A's Back Home

My son has a baseball game, or else I'd be there. In case his game is rained out, however, maybe we'll get over to the Coliseum. Any event planned?

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

wow...

posts like these and members like you just make it so clear we are the best fans in MLB. I loved the part about the trendy catchphrases...I hace been transplanted to the East Coast (Boston) and have to hear from the locals how their loyalties are so much more real than elsewhere...not trendy. Your catchphrase example illustrates how much more like Orange County these fans are than those of the East Bay.
I am already excited about 2007, although pretty blue today.
Thanks to BBG, Nico and Blez for this site...its made being an A's fan all the more exciting.

tdwclark

by tdwclark on Oct 15, 2006 11:34 AM PDT reply actions

This thought just

popped into my mind, so I had to share it...

This A's post-season wound up being truly in Bill King's image: There was a real "Holy Toledo!" series--but no interleague play.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 11:37 AM PDT reply actions

lol

True, very true....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Oct 15, 2006 1:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Can't mourn the 2006 A's yet..

kinda hanging on to all the joys of the season, and just don't want to let go of it..just like that.
Lots of great moments and memories..and AN will be a great place to savor those over the winter as we look forward to next season.
Really was a quite a year and what I do mourn is that our postseason ended yesterday.
The winter won't be quite so long though. AN will see to that.
Congratulations to our 2006 AL West Champions !

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Oct 15, 2006 11:51 AM PDT reply actions

It was a great season

Assuredly one of the best we've enjoyed in Oakland recently. Nothing to be ashamed of.

Really, it's much easier to take the loss knowing we were beat, unlike, say, many of our first round exits of a few years ago.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Oct 15, 2006 12:04 PM PDT reply actions

Very good point

about getting beat. It was excruciating to watch ALDS v. Boston, 2003 Game 3 (eg.s, Tejada non-baserunning, Byrnes' non-plate-touching, etc.) and then discover that a) Hudson hurt his hand in a Boston barroom brawl at midnight 36 hours before his starting time, and b) that no curfew had been in effect (because, as an Athletics agent later told me: "you can't put a curfew on a millionaire").

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions

This is a team to BUILD UPON...

Do you hear me Billy? BUILD BUILD BUILD !

RE-SIGN THE BIG HURT !

by Carlos1118 on Oct 15, 2006 12:22 PM PDT reply actions

I'd go with

Blow up! Destroy! Tear asunder!

by mikeA on Oct 15, 2006 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

me too

by BleacherDave on Oct 15, 2006 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Bleacher Dave...

Let me ask you something since I highly respect and value your opinion--as a longtime fellow Oakland A's fan. I wrote yesterday that I would like to see Dave Stewart as GM of the Oakland A's, and, not suprisingly someone responded saying that that would be ridiculious. Do you think Stewart, with his backgound, would do the Oakland A's well or not? Thank you.

by Salvatore on Oct 15, 2006 2:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I'd love to see Stew as GM....

certainly my sentimental favorite. However, given his track record, I wouldn't fire BB to do so.

by BleacherDave on Oct 15, 2006 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Guess that makes only two of us now

on planet AN who like Stew as GM. And, I would like to see another local hero, Stew's homey, and another world champion, Rickey Henderson, in some capacity along with Dave Stewart to get the A's really rockin and roll'in into an aggresive exciting team once again. Thanks for the feedback Bleacher Dave--God bless.

by Salvatore on Oct 15, 2006 3:57 PM PDT up reply actions

hulk smash! hulk destroy!

i mean...milton smash! milton destroy!

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 15, 2006 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for a good year A's

Time to go to work Billy.

Go A's in '07.

"The Matt Watson/Chiba Lotte Marines Fan Club"-Through Sept 13th: GMS:61,AVG:.282,OBP:.366,SLG:.429, doubles:11, homers:5, RBI:20

by bigelephant on Oct 15, 2006 12:32 PM PDT reply actions

No more game threads?

What is a body to do? I guess absurd guessing of which prized free agents are coming our way is something. Off-season, here I come with as many with me as can follow!

"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Oct 15, 2006 12:54 PM PDT reply actions

what's a body to do?

How about the TSP reports that have been sitting on your desk for the last two weeks!

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 15, 2006 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Bring on the cactus league

I'd be perfectly happy to have a 2007 as good as this 2006 season.

by kvn on Oct 15, 2006 1:16 PM PDT reply actions

Wow, what an incredible year.

Who would have thought we would have missed Ellis' bat so much in the ALCS? I remember berating him earlier in the season and another poster coming to his defense. It struck me as a little strange because the other party seemed to have a personal emotional investment in Mark's play. I tried to be as careful as possible as not to "hurt" (her?) in any personal fashion. But reflecting on the ALCS caused me to think that our team was carefully constructed, and any major loss in a short series was going to impact the entire team significantly. Either that or our pitchers just refused to throw strikes! Anyway, I have a new found level of respect for our second baseman. I am left wondering what will happen to Scutaro in the off season. Will Crosby come back healthy and whole? Will Marco finally suffer a season banished to the bench? What WILL our rotation look like in 2007?

The rest of you may have other sports to occupy your time until March....but not so for me. I will watch the reamining baseball season play out, I will hope the best for the Tigers because they earned it, but once the last out has been recorded in the WS, I will begin the long, cold, lonely winter watch. As incredible as it sounds, the regular season for football will be half over when the finishing touches are put on the MLB season. Hockey never interested me, basketball is despicable, and football I can only tolerate in small doses. Mainly when the playoffs begin. And really, only then because Spring is tantilizingly close. And that can only mean one thing. SPRING TRAINING 2007!!

One last hurrah..."Here we go Oakland, Here we go!"

Thanks for the ride. I had a blast.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 15, 2006 1:46 PM PDT reply actions

Happy 96th Birthday to John Wooden

First class gentleman.

by Salvatore on Oct 15, 2006 2:00 PM PDT reply actions

i just want to say...

Milton Bradley has won me over with his performance in this postseason. I've been on the A's case for not showing that swagger, that desire to win, the drive to win, as much as Milton Bradley has. I think Milt represents everything you want in a leader. Yes, that's right i said it. a leader. He's not like Chavy, who, with all do respect, doesn't seem to ever give a damn. Milt would've broken both of his legs to have won this series for his team and his teammates. He was tearing up after the game, because he had put it all out there on the line this entire year. I hope to see him in the green and gold for a LONG time.

by rsur5 on Oct 15, 2006 3:33 PM PDT reply actions

"Milton would have broken

both of his legs to have won this series for his team and his teammates."

And Chavy played with a torn tendon to give the A's a hope of competing (or did you want to see Jimenez, Scutaro, and Melhuse, or Jimenez, Scutaro, and Bocachica, on the infield?)

Both have heart. Both are leaders. There are many ways to lead. Now that we know exactly how deep a sacrifice Chavez made for the ALCS, can't people give him his due as a leader?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 4:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Sad thing is

Macha would have played Brabley with two broken legs before giving Kielty any playing time.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 15, 2006 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Varieties of Leadership Experience

Chavvy certainly leads by example, on the field and (maybe not as much this year, but usually) at the plate. He is extraordinarily talented with glove and bat. His teammates certainly admire him and are loyal to him.

He's not the kind of leader, as far as I've ever heard or seen (anyway), who shows much passion, such as in cheering on his teammates on the steps of the dugout (a la Miggy). I really would have liked to hear the famous speech Chavvy gave on the bus a year ago last spring, when he upbraided some of his teammates for not behaving or thinking like professional ballplayers. That certainly showed leadership, but it's the only time I've heard of when he stepped forward like that.

It's well known that he is prone to indiscreet remarks, which is not the sign of a very effective leader. Although a first-rate professional in every aspect of his own playing, his remarks convey a laissez-faire insouciance about the state of the team.

My own hope would be to see someone (including Chavvy) step forward more often, not only to do things like wave on teammates from the steps of the dugout, but also to (know how to) coax a teammate back in line when necessary.

(I was so proud of Macha when he bearhugged and lifted Bradley out of harm's, er, ump's way a few weeks ago. I was sorry Thomas didn't do that work -- he was heading to his next at bat when Milton got upset. I didn't know Macha had that in him -- and am sure glad he did.)

To conclude: Chavvy has the kind of leadership that first-rate talent provides by virtue of possessing and continually demonstrating first-rate talent. He doesn't provide the kind of captain's leadership that explicitly inspires teammates to play beyond expectations or that explicitly reminds teammates to refocus on what they should be about.

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 15, 2006 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Frank Thomas

Will he be back?

UC Davis Athletics KDVS 90.3FM www.kdvs.org/streams.cfm

by Hit4TheCycle on Oct 15, 2006 4:09 PM PDT reply actions

I'd like to think

he has some unfinished business and might be sentimental toward the A's after taking a chance with him and having a great year. That said, it wouldn't surprise me a bit to see Billy make the shrewd decision to not re-sign him.

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 15, 2006 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

as he came out of F lot today

he told us fans that he definitely wanted to be back, and he thought they could get it done. He also told us that "you fans have been great all season."

He must've sat there for 15 minutes signing autographs and shaking hands.

by OaklandSi on Oct 15, 2006 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Early Christmas list for 2007:

Carl Crawford, or
Gary Mathews, Jr. or
(who else is a first-to-third threat as a leadoff hitter???)

"Even I don't believe half the things I say . . ." Barry Bonds to New York press corps, 2004

by millbraeforAsfan on Oct 15, 2006 5:54 PM PDT reply actions

Dave Roberts

FA OF from SD.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 15, 2006 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Reyes

on the Mets...

UC Davis Athletics KDVS 90.3FM www.kdvs.org/streams.cfm

by Hit4TheCycle on Oct 15, 2006 6:08 PM PDT up reply actions

<drool>

Basic conversion formula: Crosby x 18,000 = Reyes.

Pass on Roberts, though. Mediocre batting average, no power, weak arm, a base stealing threat who doesn't get on quite enough to do anything about it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Mets should do that conversion

just for fun.

Can you imagine? 18,000 Bobby Crosbys?

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Oct 15, 2006 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Its so hard to describe

The way that I feel now that everything is said and done. I mostly am sad, as the realization sets in that the summers over and the winters about to begin. The sun is gone, and the rain is here. The off season is such a weird time, especially here on AN, because things get talked to death, and baseball is discussed constantly, yet it doesn't get played for months. Oh well... I guess all I can do is accept it, dig in, and get ready for a long winter. I just feel really bummed now, that as I think about all the great memories, I realize that they are all in the past, and the 2006 season is truly finished for the Oakland Athletics.

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Oct 15, 2006 7:18 PM PDT reply actions

Bye

I'll miss reading Baseballgirl. Dern.

I'll be around next year, of course. You ever need anything up here, you know...

by paradox on Oct 15, 2006 7:35 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks for everything this year

BBG. Your contributions to the site are some of the best and you, Nico and Louis are just awesome. Some of the funniest writers (and comicteers ;-) I've ever had the privilege of knowing.

You're also some of the best sports fans ever and just wonderfully talented writers. Best of all, I consider you all great friends.

Thanks for all you do and once again, A's in 07!

by Tyler Bleszinski on Oct 15, 2006 8:16 PM PDT reply actions

The best and most popular sports blog ever...

You-all should be put on the cover of Sports Illustrated--even PC World. Hell ya, you guys are so cool they ought to even put you on the cover of The Rolling Stone.

by Salvatore on Oct 15, 2006 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions

I dunno--I have a feeling

that if AN made the cover of Sports Illustrated, my next few posts would be really flat and I wouldn't quite know why...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 15, 2006 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions

I heard there's a curse.

(Books Yankees and Angels for next 52 covers)

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Oct 16, 2006 12:30 AM PDT up reply actions

It was a great year for us,

no matter how it ended, we finally got through the "horrible" ALDS, we got a lot young talent and some veterans to keep, 2007 will be even better. I'm waiting to see the Bean's Moves for next year, maybe he can sign Mulder to a Frank-Thomas Deal, I know he'll do something good.

Thanks God Dominican Winter Baseball is starting on Oct. 18, my other beloved team, Tigres Del Licey, will help me erase the pain very soon and give a lot to be happy about, they're great.

Thanks AN and ANers, it was a great year, with my big green and gold family, I'll be around.

LET'S GO OAKLAND!!!

VAMOS LICEY!!!!

"We've got a whole new team with a lot of smart, experienced veterans. It's time to create some new history." -Ron Washington.

by haroldMD on Oct 15, 2006 8:58 PM PDT reply actions

Why can't they televise them?

I would gladly make them my second favorite team to stave off the winter withdrawls.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 15, 2006 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions

they televise them,

but only on espn for latin america.

Getting ready for 2007!!

by haroldMD on Oct 16, 2006 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Now your tempting me to

engage in further skulduggery with my satellite company. You would think they would figure out a way to market this type of stuff to potential viewers. I'll pay, they damn well know that.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Oct 16, 2006 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Great Season!

Although the season came to a tough and abrupt ending, 2006 still was a terrific year, and should leave us all looking forward to an even better 2007! Pick you head up, Huston; re-sign with us, Frank and Barry: heal, Mark, Bobby, and Milton; and get it all together again, Ken!

See you in 2007!!

by VaOaklandAsFan on Oct 16, 2006 7:14 AM PDT reply actions