DLD 10/23/2006 -- Kenny Rogers, cheater?

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 8:02 AM PDT

Ken Rosenthal gives a good recap of what happened. And ends with a snarky comment about Rogers.

At 41 years, 11 months and 12 days, Rogers became the oldest starting pitcher to win a World Series game. He is just the second pitcher to make three starts without allowing a run in a single postseason; Christy Mathewson had three complete-game shutouts against the A's in the 1905 Series.

"I'm no Christy Mathewson, that's for sure," Rogers said.

The validity of that statement, at least, was confirmed by FOXSports.com.

According to well-placed sources, Christy washed his hands.

Jayson Stark wonders why Rogers was so defensive

So Marquez never mentioned that humongous clump of dirt? "No."

All righty then. So that's the end of it. Right? A clump of dirt happened to appear on his pitching hand, and he wiped it off, and then went back to being Sandy Koufax.

Or maybe not.

Because his own manager, Mr. Jim Leyland, said the umpires "made Kenny wash his hands." And Steve Palermo, an MLB umpiring supervisor, reported that Marquez "asked Kenny to remove that dirt, so there wouldn't be any question as far as that controversy."

Great. Took care of that controversy stuff in no time flat, didn't they? Cleared it right up.

So this should be the point where we should be moving on to talk about Rogers' sensational evening on the old pitcher's mound, right? Nope. Sorry. Not quite yet.

Because if Rogers was so darned innocent, how come he was trying so hard to deny everything except his pitch count?

ESPN says that Rogers had a similar substace on his hand when he pitched against the A's, and provides the opinions of some former pitchers.

"I've heard [pine tar] is used for the grip," former Cy Young winner Rick Sutcliffe told ESPN The Magazine's Amy K. Nelson. "But that's what the rosin bag is supposed to be used for. When it's hot out and you're sweating, the rosin bag is there to help give you more grip, the same effect, and give it a tacky substance. But tonight the rosin bag isn't going to be much help with the cold weather.

"The pine tar, I'm told, can give the ball more rotation. It's useless for the fastball, but with the breaking pitches it can help with the movement and spin."

A former major league pitcher offered his take on what a foreign substance can do to alter a pitcher's performance.

"When your hands get cold, you can't put spin on the ball, because the ball slips out of your hands," the pitcher said. "It also changes your release point. It changes the release point because the ball wants to come out of your hands sooner so it makes the ball go high, with less spin. So it's higher in the strike zone, or not even a strike, and with less movement. But once you use something that's a little stickier, like pine tar or chewing tobacco and gum, or hair gel, anything that makes your hand look sticky or feel sticky, it brings your release point back to normal. It also puts the same spin on the ball because you have a better grip.

"The problem is there's different substances that don't have a color to them and also don't wear off after awhile. Because when you throw more than 10-15 pitches in an inning, certain things start to wear away, and all of a sudden you're throwing your most important pitches with your least amount of stuff."

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Comments

Cheater? Sure.

I have no doubt it was pine tar. I noticed it when he was doing it against the A's, and lamented that Macha should have tried to get him tossed. LaRussa and Macha deserve more blame than Rogers does--the manager gets paid to point these things out to umpires.

Then again, maybe Todd Jones is right (from Stark's article above), and it was just a case of a little gravy with your Roaster:

So with all this mystery swirling and hurting so many of our heads, Todd Jones, media-friendly guy that he is, attempted to clear all this up.

"It could have been anything on his hand," Jones said. "It could have been chocolate cake."

Chocolate cake, huh? Oh, of course. He probably just never wiped the cake off his hands because he was steamed that it wasn't served a la mode. But wait, we protested. Was chocolate cake even being served Sunday in the Tigers' food spread?

"Well, no," Jones confessed. "But there was steak and gravy. So the gravy could have been on there."

Yeah, sure. And probably a few mashed potato shreds, too. No way Rogers would have noticed that, either, of course.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 8:06 AM PDT reply actions

Wrong link.

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/10/13/154028/52/371#371

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I heard...

the cameraman went in for a better angle, but Kenny pushed him away.

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

by louismg on Oct 23, 2006 8:09 AM PDT reply actions

With a chair?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Oct 23, 2006 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

"Ain't cheating unless you get caught"

has to be the most bullshit adage ever. Of course it's cheating, even if you don't get caught. One's values are reflected in what they do when other people aren't watching

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 8:09 AM PDT reply actions

Not that I disagree with you about the ethics

of the situation, but if you aren't caught, how do other people know that you were cheating?

The issue with Rogers is that he WAS caught.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 8:14 AM PDT up reply actions

The argument I see propagated

(on other websites) is that Rogers wasn't "caught" -- in the meaningful sense, by the umps -- until after the first inning. Therefore, not cheating. Horse----.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Agreed.

But the fact that neither Macha nor LaRussa formally challenged the umps to do something about it allowed them to use this "out":

However, at the bottom of the 'penalties' section is the following disclaimer:
Rules 8.02(a)(2) through 8.02(a)(6) Comment: If a pitcher violates either Rule 8.02(a)(2) or Rule 8.02(a)(3) and, in the judgment of the umpire, the pitcher did not intend, by his act, to alter the characteristics of a pitched ball, then the umpire may, in his discretion, warn the pitcher in lieu of applying the penalty.

In other words, since Macha and LaRussa didn't ask for him to be inspected when it was visible, the umps were still able to think that whatever was on his hand got there by accident, and wasn't placed there on purpose to alter the flight of the ball.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions

that's just stupid

i wonder if the steroids testing section has a similar comment.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions

If there's a needle sticking out of your ass

and in the league's discretion, it was just there for decoration, the league can simply warn the player to take the needle out of his ass.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Fire Macha now !!!!11!!!

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Sal, look...

Those kinds of things are what's said by idiots when they don't have anything interesting or logical to say and feel that they must... absolutely must say something to inject themselves in the conversation. (A note: Boring and trite turns of phrase make me very mad, because people should be better at communicating their thoughts. Boring and trite turns of phrase that are 1. totally wrong, 2. really ignorant, 3. bigoted or 4. particularly overused raise my ire even more than usual. Remember that kids: predictability is lame, so lame!)

by hunter on Oct 23, 2006 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Um...

/Those kinds of things are what's said by idiots when they don't have anything interesting or logical to say and feel that they must... absolutely must say something to inject themselves in the conversation. /

So, sportswriters, I guess.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Hey!

I resemble that remark!

"One thing about ground balls. They don't go out of the ball park." - Tim McCarver

Off The Record

by JLaff on Oct 23, 2006 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions

idiot comments

add "If you arent cheating, then you arent trying" to that list. My old hockey coach used to tell that to us.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Oct 23, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

gads--I have NEVER understood that one

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 23, 2006 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions

Commissioner Simpson

Look at the photo at ESPN.com. Rogers had the same substance on his hand against the A's in the ALCS. No doubt. The rules call for an immediate ejection and a 10-game suspension.

Hello? Bud? About those rules and the integrity of the game...

At least now we know who is REALLY running baseball, and as suspected all along it is not Bud Selig: it is the OJ Simpson jury. "Evidence, what evidence?" Either that or Homer Simpson, "doh!"

by conniemack on Oct 23, 2006 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions

<poops in sal's pants when he's not looking>

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Lookout Landing has a hilarious

take on this, complete with pictures.

I think it was shit.

Seriously, bear me with me here.

When they asked him about it, he seemed very embarrassed and pussy footed around the question. When both managers were asked, they refused to comment. And also, during the game after the announcers commented about it, Pudge wispered in his ear and Kenny ran into the dugout and came back out with clean hands a new pair of pants.

Now observe these two pictures. First, a closeup of the hand and the substance.

Now look at his pants in this picture. Notice where the substance is.

Kenny Rogers literally shit himself during game 2 of the World Series.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 8:25 AM PDT reply actions

Wow.

Just... wow.

Now I wish I had watched the game.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions

That would explain everything

except why he didn't wash his hands...

by Zonis on Oct 23, 2006 8:38 AM PDT up reply actions

that was me

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Look at the pic on the front page of ESPN.com

there's no way that's dirt.

"I guess more players lick themselves than are ever licked by an opposing team." ~ Connie Mack

by Flyin As on Oct 23, 2006 8:42 AM PDT reply actions

substance in question pictured here

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 8:45 AM PDT reply actions

Looks like Comerica Park

forgot to order extra TP.

"I guess more players lick themselves than are ever licked by an opposing team." ~ Connie Mack

by Flyin As on Oct 23, 2006 8:51 AM PDT up reply actions

ESPN showed

video of his hands in the ALDS and ALCS, and he had the same stuff on there.

in the video, not only did he touch his fingertips to the orange-brown area of his palm while blowing on his hands, he also repeatedly touched both the front and the back of his cap. a few people have made the comment that he pitched just as well after washing his hands, but he could have had it in other less obvious places as well.

as far as the opposing manager being responsible for catching cheaters, you can blame torre and macha, but not leyland. he said after the game that his players told him the ball was moving funny and he told the umpire to check rogers. the umps told him to wash off the substance when they should have inspected him, and thrown him out of the game and suspended him for 10 days if he was cheating. clearly the umps screwed up.

if LL is right and it was shit, would that be legal? can they ban shit when moises alou is allowed to piss on his hands?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 8:52 AM PDT reply actions

i meant larussa, not leyland

even if larussa just told the umpires to have rogers wash his hands, shouldn't the umpires have checked rogers either way?
surely it's up to the umpires to determine if a player is cheating and to enforce whatever punishment is in the rulebook, not to do what the opposing manager wants.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Read the thread at LL :)

Well, $#!+ is a foreign substance. There is nothing in the rules there say you can't treat your hands in a "substance" that dries off to "harden" them.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions

"foreign"?

I think that #$%@ is the very definition of a gross domestic product.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 1:49 PM PDT up reply actions

RIP Nelson de la Rosa

AKA Pedro's lil' Buddy

(Hat tip - Deadspin)

"One thing about ground balls. They don't go out of the ball park." - Tim McCarver

Off The Record

by JLaff on Oct 23, 2006 9:01 AM PDT reply actions

Paging Dr. Buckley to the bullpen, stat!

Late at night in road trip hotel rooms, Brandon Buckley has obtained his bachelor's degree, and is looking for more. Ya know, because Billy ain't paying market rates for a bullpen catcher.

Buckley, 29, completed his bachelor's degree in sports coaching last month after studying for two years through an online program, even as he logged some 100,000 travel miles with the team. He did the bulk of his studying in hotel rooms between midnight and 3 a.m. after lugging textbooks, computer and printer on road trips to cities from Los Angeles to Boston...

"I became bullpen catcher for the A's, and it became very clear to me early on that going back and finishing school and getting a degree was going to be important to my being able to pay the bills," he said. Buckley isn't stopping with his bachelor's degree, however. He's already signed up to begin working on a master's degree in education through National University, which offers a combination of online coursework and classroom instruction at a campus in San Jose. His first class is today. He hasn't ruled out going for a Ph.D., either.

I threw that horseshoe into the weeds to see what luck can bring

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Oct 23, 2006 9:05 AM PDT reply actions

wow, that's awesome

congrats to brandon!! =D

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 9:08 AM PDT up reply actions

He lugged a printer around with him???

My god, they don't have Kinko's in Kansas City? And he couldn't submit his coursework on-line? And a B.A. in "Sports Coaching?" Did they just make that up? Is he going to get his PhD going to be in "Catching," writing his dissertation on "Blocking Balls in the Dirt: A Historical Survey 1979-1983?"

OK, that's enough snark out of me. I apologize.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions

There's a Kinko's about 5 miles

from the team hotel in KC, but it's only open until 11 PM during the week and 6 PM on the weekends.

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions

that's the 24 hour kinkos

the regular one closes at noon

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Aw, c'mon.

There's tons of reasons to print things out, even while submitting coursework online. Some people prefer to edit copies of their work by hand rather than on the computer before submission. Maybe he wanted to have printouts to read on the bus or at the stadium or hell, in the bullpen, without lugging around the laptop.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 23, 2006 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Now we know why he needs the Volvo wagon

"I had to turn my weaknesses into my strengths." -- Milton Bradley, October 6, 2006

by Englishmajor on Oct 23, 2006 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Awwww, congrats to Buckley!

That is absolutely awesome... I love it when guys involved with the game find a way to revive their education.

And going for a masters? Damn, that's wonderful.

The comment about his desire to be a bullpen coach, though... Could it be that I was right when I said BUCKLEY FOR MANAGER?

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 23, 2006 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Why can't I be this gracious?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Maybe you just need more hugs.

...Or liquor. Both work.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 23, 2006 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Often in tandom...

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Probably the same reason...

...that Billy can't find an extra $10k to help the kid get an education.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Oct 23, 2006 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Marty Lurie

Did the best interview with him this year talking alot about him working on his degree. He sounded very intelligent and I really admired his efforts at continuing his education. After that interview, I really became a member of the Brandon Buckley fan club! Good job!

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 23, 2006 12:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Can someone explain the pine tar rules to me?

How is Kenny Rogers different from Brendan Donnelly, who was suspended, not just made to wash his hands? Or Joe Blanton, who must be within the rules, because his gross hat would be a dead giveaway.

I'm pine tar ignorant.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Oct 23, 2006 9:09 AM PDT reply actions

ask George Brett

by Zonis on Oct 23, 2006 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Did anyone catch his post-game interview?

Chrsit, what an asshole.

"Having a vote for 'most clutch' baseball player is like having a vote for 'most real' monster." - Ken Tremendous

by ArakSOT on Oct 23, 2006 9:13 AM PDT reply actions

Totally agree.

Jessu, would it kill him to smile?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 9:15 AM PDT up reply actions

I thought you said that was enough snark

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions

I lied.

Hey, look, a picture of you.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Another one!

of Jennifer from that awesome site

"One thing about ground balls. They don't go out of the ball park." - Tim McCarver

Off The Record

by JLaff on Oct 23, 2006 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions

<sob>

http://www.girlalive.com/images/052203/cookie.jpg

http://www.girlalive.com/images/052703/weasels.jpg

http://www.girlalive.com/images/060903/coup.jpg

"...I say let's get the boys together again and take another shot."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions

"I guess it's just me then"

"Having a vote for 'most clutch' baseball player is like having a vote for 'most real' monster." - Ken Tremendous

by ArakSOT on Oct 23, 2006 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions

My favorite part:

Before he threw his first pitch this October, he had allowed 20 earned runs in 20 1/3 career postseason innings. Three starts later, in his new Motor City incarnation, he has allowed zero runs in 23 innings.

There has been no real compelling explanation for why he's been able to do that, either. But he's definitely doing a lot more primal screaming now than he ever did -- after every single out.

"He scares me sometimes," said first baseman Sean Casey. "I get ground balls over there, and he's yapping. When we're turning two, he's yelling, "TURNIT, TURNIT, TURNIT, TURNIT.' I'm like, 'Man, you're going to have a heart attack out there. Take it easy.' "

That crazy, rage-fueled yelling scares me more than pine tar.

Ho hum. Just another day for the OAKLAND ATHLETICS OF AWESOME! ~Kyli

by baseballgirl on Oct 23, 2006 9:37 AM PDT reply actions

tar rage

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Kenny needs some Progenitorivox

The opinions expressed in this song are not necessarily those of SquabbMerlCo or its subsidiaries. Progenitorivox is not available, anywhere. Offer void in Wisconsin. Any resemblance to actual drugs, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any unauthorized use of your judgment in the application of Progenitorivox is strictly prohibited. Progenitorivox may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of Major League Baseball. Progenitorivox may cause drowsiness or restlessness in lab animals. Do not resume sexual activity while operating heavy machinery without consulting your physician. For erections lasting longer than four hours, insert your own joke here. If you experience psychotic episodes, you're crazy. If death occurs, discontinue use of Progenitorivox immediately. If symptoms persist, consult your physician. All sales final. Batteries not included.

by Zonis on Oct 23, 2006 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

I bet he's all hopped up on goofballs.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 23, 2006 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Anybody remember

when Kenny Rogers was a relief pitcher for Texas in the late '80s/early '90s? I was a brand-new baseball fan at the time, but I clearly remember that he would take a 360-degree walk around the mound after EVERY PITCH. So this "newfound" emotion isn't quite so new to him. Unless I am thoroughly addled and have him confused with someone else.

"Put me down and I'll walk off the field." -- Bradley to Macha, 9/06

by skigurl on Oct 23, 2006 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions

phillies sign jamie moyer to a 2-year extension

for $10.5 million.

link

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 9:54 AM PDT reply actions

It's nice that he'll have that money to bridge...

the gap until Social Security kicks in.

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 23, 2006 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Moyer gets to bat, which means

2007 Kendall vs. Moyer HR Derby.

My money's on the crafty lefty. ;)

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 23, 2006 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions

<Brian Sabean throws chair>

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Maybe it's the hat?

Uni Watch/ESPN's Paul Lukas notices that the Gambler is wearing a different cap than his teammates.

The BP cap has a black underbill, instead of the Tigers' usual light gray. Now ask yourself, if you wanted to take a foreign substance out to the mound with you, wouldn't it be easier to hide it against a black background than a gray one? Far be it from Uni Watch to accuse the Gambler of taking cards from the bottom of the deck, but you have to admit it's an interesting coincidence at the very least. Uni Watch's suggestion: Make Rogers wear a 5950 like everyone else, and then let's see who holds 'em and who folds 'em.

Rogers with the black underbill

Normal, grey underbill

What do you think?

"One thing about ground balls. They don't go out of the ball park." - Tim McCarver

Off The Record

by JLaff on Oct 23, 2006 9:56 AM PDT reply actions

I was listening to Rome

on the way to the bank a little while back, and apparently past teammates of his have said he used to choose dark uniforms for his starts (like the green jerseys A's pitchers can choose for road starts) because they work better for hiding foreign substances.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions

the guy goes to the bill of his cap

before every pitch, in every game. He even looks like he's glomming something off of there, it isn't a readjustive tug of the cap, it's more like a caress of the inner bill, which we now notice in black and not the same as everyone else's. I have wondered forever, particularly as he was dominating us year after year after year, why no one's ever said something until now.

I'm afraid the Gambler is Gaylord Perry with only slightly less of a Southern accent.

next A's manager: Diego Chavez *CHANGE DIEGO NOW!!!!*

by emperor nobody on Oct 23, 2006 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions

yep

Its just like Brendan Donnelly, a known cheater. I think he STILL cheats. Early this year when I watched him pitch he would rub his hand on his pant leg before every pitch. His pants were dirty with the same shit looking substance.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch" - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Oct 23, 2006 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

It appears that

Donnelly is also a black hatter

"One thing about ground balls. They don't go out of the ball park." - Tim McCarver

Off The Record

by JLaff on Oct 23, 2006 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Used to be the Black Sox scandal

Now it's the black hats that are "tarnishing" baseball, pun intended.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital

by Cutthemullet on Oct 23, 2006 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions

There it is.

That's why he continued being lights out.

No question, Kenny Rogers cheated in the World Series. Book it.

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Oct 23, 2006 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Not only the WS, but the ALCS too.

what a fuck.

"There's not a moment of peace and quiet in this damn clubhouse." ~~ Nick Swisher

by luvsthecurveball on Oct 23, 2006 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions

and he touches the bill of his hat

basically every pitch

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Oct 23, 2006 10:19 AM PDT up reply actions

I think he hid the foregin substance

in his pants.

by Zonis on Oct 23, 2006 9:57 AM PDT reply actions

The announcers spotted it, too.

Remember after Rogers finished the eighth inning and came out, and the announcers said something about how weird it was that he was shaking hands with people in the dugout - and he still had his glove on?

The announcers spotted it; they just didn't know what they were seeing at the time.

by Christopher on Oct 23, 2006 10:00 AM PDT reply actions

i forgot about that

kenny rogers is one shady dude.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 10:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Couldn't they test the balls used in the game?

I would think if Rogers was schmearing, there'd be literally dozens of pieces of evidence out there - any ball that he used. Foul tips, balls tossed to fans, balls kept after the game.

Isn't this stuff supposed to be kept for just such a scenario?

"It's time to blow this team up." - Oaktoon, July 2006

by Ozzz on Oct 23, 2006 10:12 AM PDT reply actions

rogers in the ALCS

bastard.

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 10:30 AM PDT reply actions

based on that photo

the a's should be in the world series, that way macha could have a job for another week and earn some of the remaining $2mil he's getting.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Not sure if you were being serious or snarky

But even if Rogers was on steroids and was putting every substance known to man on that ball, we still wouldn't have won the series.

"One thing about ground balls. They don't go out of the ball park." - Tim McCarver

Off The Record

by JLaff on Oct 23, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

This is just too much Kenny Rogers.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 10:36 AM PDT reply actions

Want more?

Watch the movie "Six Pack"

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Oct 23, 2006 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions

Kenny Rogers has a sex tape?

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Pine tar as personal lubricant....?

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Oct 23, 2006 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

i sick of this fucking crap. i am no longer

watching the world series. if baseball wants to ignore shit like this then fine. the game is being ruined by people like kenny rogers.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Oct 23, 2006 10:41 AM PDT reply actions

How 'bout La Russa ignoring it?

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions

How about green eggs and ham?

Where is your sig line quote from?

For the grammar nazia: From where is your sig line quote?

"...sometimes I can't tell the difference between baseball and magic."- salb918 "Ellie plowed into him like an evil, pink unicorn."-ArakSOT

by McFood on Oct 23, 2006 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

It's from "The Office"

Last week's ep. The entire quote:

"I lost Ed Truck and... it feels like somebody took my heart and dropped it into a bucket of boiling tears. And at the same time somebody else is hitting my soul in the crotch with a frozen sledgehammer. And then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief-bone. And I'm crying and nobody can hear me because I am terribly, terribly... terribly alone."

That's how I felt about the ALCS.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions

I almost started crying from laughing

when Ryan said he lost his brother Mustafa.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 23, 2006 11:13 AM PDT up reply actions

def.

Ryan the Temp is becoming sneaky funny...

And I don't care if he's not a temp anymore, he will always be Ryan the Temp. Gotta get rid of the girl though...

by SeanR on Oct 23, 2006 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

He was on a morning show here last week

Dude is also a writer on the show. Pretty funny.

by easyraider on Oct 23, 2006 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I heard he was originally talking about the Sixth

Sense but everyone was laughing so hard they had to cut it and go with the Lion King take.

"I had this uncle in Philadelphia who was a child psychologist..."

by easyraider on Oct 23, 2006 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

"I'd tell the whole story,

but it'd take about an hour and a half."

"He's the heart and soul of the green and gold."

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 23, 2006 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions

the whole thing is horrible. i honestly

believe that someone told LaRussa not to not say anything about it. the owners and selig don't want a cheating scandal, so they are just ignoring it. rogers is screwing over his teammates, larussa is screwing over his players and baseball is screwing over the fans.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Oct 23, 2006 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

What's interesting is that

it is TLR who has instituteed a media blackout on his team. Leyland has done no such thing with the Tigers.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions

some higher up is telling larussa and the

cardinals to keep quiet.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Oct 23, 2006 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

that's a possibility

but it's only one of many.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions

oooh-- conspiracy theories!

...and I thought it was just the "mid-west sports bias" thing again.

so it comes down to this...

by SF Geoff on Oct 23, 2006 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

no, i'm saying

a conspiracy is just one of the many possibilities.
personally, i doubt it was a conspiracy.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions

but there IS a mid-west bias

most events are on at a reasonable hour in the midwest, but are three hours early or late on the coasts.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Are the higher up's situated on a grassy knoll?

Hope Floats...I hate Sandra Bullock

by franks a lot on Oct 23, 2006 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

If you like conspiracy theories,

maybe TLR's pitchers are also using foreign substances?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

maybe they are. i don't know, but

rogers was caught with it and it's a joke that baseball refuses to do anything about it.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Oct 23, 2006 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions

if Julian Tavarez was still a Cardinal...

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital

by Cutthemullet on Oct 23, 2006 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions

SI has lots more pictures of the Roaster

from the WS and the ALCS, for those who are turned on by the idea of Kenny Rogers sex tapes ;)

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 11:01 AM PDT reply actions

now i'm pissed at everybody.

that's so f'ing obvious, how come nobody noticed it until now?

a few more scandals like this and i may stop following baseball. well, probably not, but i'll be really bitter.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Oct 23, 2006 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions

the emperor is indeed naked

"Having a vote for 'most clutch' baseball player is like having a vote for 'most real' monster." - Ken Tremendous

by ArakSOT on Oct 23, 2006 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

I noticed.

HIRE JEEPERS NOW! </shameless self-promotion>

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Of all people

Todd Jones should know that it wasn't "chocolate cake" or "gravy" on Kenny's hand:

I pitched in Denver for two years, and at a mile above sea level, I used pine tar every time I pitched at home. My thinking was that I was more than 5,000 feet in the air and was entitled to at least do that much. I never thought one thing about it. Was it cheating? My numbers say no, given that my career ERA at Coors Field is 7.64 in 59 games. It's very dry in Denver, and that makes the baseball slippery. I needed the tar to hold onto the ball. I didn't want the ball to slip and hit a hitter. At least, that was my thinking. I never considered it cheating; I was breaking even.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 12:09 PM PDT reply actions

<puts on chest waders>

Entitled? That is a load of crap.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions

But it's for the safety of the hitters!

WON'T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE HITTERS?!?!?!

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions

And the worst thing

is quite a few consider this and similar arguments like this valid. A poster on BBTF argued that using pine tar in the cold weather in Detroit was only "fair", since the cold makes it harder to grip the ball.

Many other people have also argued that because this has always been "part of the game", it is acceptable.

Great find; It's interesting that he can blatantly state this and be unpunished. Unlike Barry Lamar Bonds, he doesn't state that he didn't knowingly cheat.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

all's fair

So should the hitters be allowed to use corked bats or even aluminum bats in cold weather since the cold air takes some distance out of long hits?

Green eyes come from yellow flecks of fatty pigment on a dark background. Some men think a green-eyed woman is exotic. The truth is she's got fat eyes.

by Furious George on Oct 23, 2006 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Yuck.

"My thinking was that I was more than 5,000 feet in the air and was entitled to at least do that much."

Your "thinking" is wrong. Todd Jones just fell below AJ Pierzynski in my pantheon of baseball players to dislike.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 12:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Playing Todd Jones in the movie of his life:

Michael Cudlitz.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Oh yeah

Band of Brothers Dude. I can see it.

by easyraider on Oct 23, 2006 4:16 PM PDT up reply actions

"My thinking was

that since Stan Conte was hovering so close to me and acting so concerned, I was entitled to at least one clean shot to the nuts."

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 23, 2006 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Strangely enough

I don't know if Pierzynski cracks my top 5 (or bottom 5, I guess) in the players to be disliked list. It's not exactly a ringing endorsement, but there are a lot of hate-able players out there.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Oct 23, 2006 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Excellent find, jeepers

Another key quote from Jones' article:

Now that I've told you how to scuff, the question becomes: How much can players get away with in their own clubhouses? It's funny; pine tar is no big deal to players. Everybody uses pine tar. Catchers put in on their shinguards. Infielders put it in the pockets of their gloves so the ball will stick in there. It's almost a basic part of the game. Sandpaper and Vaseline, however, are looked at as cheating. They give pitchers too much of an advantage.

He's kinda making pine tar sound like a lefty's right foot crossing behind his left knee on a pick-off throw to first: technically it's a balk, but everyone does it so what are you gonna do?

Maybe lots of pitchers are pine-tarring. But I'm pretty sure they're not standing out there with a big blob of it on the pitching hand game after game.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 23, 2006 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Some offtopic sports news

Michael Schumacher, greatest ever Formula 1 driver has retired.

Schumacher finished fourth at Interlagos but, in doing so, the most successful racer in the history of the sport demonstrated that winning is not everything.
The 37-year-old German's charge through the field from last place will live longer in the memory than many of the record 91 victories that he has celebrated over the past 16 years.
This was a drive almost designed to show off his true fighting qualities, a performance with gritted teeth and sheer determination to go out with all guns blazing after circumstances had conspired against him.
It was entirely fitting that the last overtaking manoeuvre of his extraordinary career should be to force his way past the man who replaces him at Ferrari next year, McLaren's Kimi Raikkonen.
Had it not been for a fuel pressure problem in qualifying that left him 10th on the grid and a puncture early in the race, Schumacher would have been spraying the champagne on top of the podium one last time.
Instead he finished the last race of his career off the podium, but still the talk of the afternoon.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 12:13 PM PDT reply actions

I misssed the game

Did they talk about Rogers's hand much during the Fox telecast?

Friends don't let friends read HalosHeaven

by BruceBochte on Oct 23, 2006 12:44 PM PDT reply actions

A's receive permission to interview Black.

Which Bud will win? Black, or Geren?

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 12:46 PM PDT reply actions

OT- THUNDERBUTT!!!

Okay, so I'm back watching LOST... only to find out it's going on a 13 week break? WHY?!?!

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 12:51 PM PDT reply actions

so that they can further confuse plot lines

without you really blaming them for doing so. They can make it as completly non-sensical and confusing as they like and we'll just blame our confusion on the haitus.

I'm considering dumping that show from my list of things to watch. It's getting too needlessly violent and I find myself sitting there thinking "do I really want to spend my free time watching people get abused?"

Has anyone been watching Heroes? Is it really any good?--it keeps getting raves.

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 23, 2006 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

Heroes

It's quite solid so far. It's confusing at times as to where it's going, but it keeps me interested and is at least something unique on tv. And NBC is following the Lost model by integrating stuff on their website with it. They're doing a brief graphic novel of each week's episode but it includes additional information you don't see on tv.

by 415goas on Oct 23, 2006 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions

I haven't started S3 of Lost yet.

I've got those eps to watch tonight. I had to stop watching because I couldn't just watch the it. I needed to get online to find this and blahblahblah.

My co-workers enjoy Heroes. They said it got better after the first ep.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Just started watching Heroes...

and it's a'ight.

Still interesting characters and premise; we'll see how they bring it all together but they should really do themselves a favor and keep their storylines to a season maximum. Then start a new one next season with the same or new characters and villains.

Otherwise, it may be doomed to become Lost and I've already expressed my opinion about that show in the Unpopular Opinions diary.

Pumpkin

by Ice Cream on Oct 23, 2006 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I like Heroes

It's different.

I also kind of like Jericho.

Nice to have a couple decent new shows. Kind of getting burned out on all the other stuff.

by easyraider on Oct 23, 2006 4:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I've been watching Heroes

I think it's pretty good... it keeps me entertained and I can't always predict what is going to happen... but like people here I'm not sure how it would be a long running show with these particular characters in this seasons storyline. I guess we'll find out. It definitely has potential to be amazing, but I could also see it crashing and burning (though really, it's like that with every show...)

"I never saw a hooligan I did like. They're like left-handed pitchers, they all have a screw loose somewhere." - The Asphalt Jungle

by drmmerchk on Oct 23, 2006 5:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Too bad violence is an issue

otherwise I'd suggest "Battlestar Galactica". It's not always violent, but it can get very dark very quick. No violence on "Studio 60".

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

by grover on Oct 23, 2006 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Heroes

it's getting better and better every week!

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions

WHA...?

When? It's not on this week?

"Having a vote for 'most clutch' baseball player is like having a vote for 'most real' monster." - Ken Tremendous

by ArakSOT on Oct 23, 2006 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions

<sigh>

I thought you knew this stuff. How do I know this, I've been gone almost a year? I think I read something about Lost fans bitching about reruns, so the PTB decided to do a 7 week "mini" block of eps in the fall, followed by a 13 week break. The remaining episode order will run after the break without repeats.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Um?

http://www.thetailsection.com/lost_news/the_new_lost_schedule_abcs_bes.php

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't care for either option

Just entertain me, dammit

"Having a vote for 'most clutch' baseball player is like having a vote for 'most real' monster." - Ken Tremendous

by ArakSOT on Oct 23, 2006 2:03 PM PDT up reply actions

<plays accordian>

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 2:04 PM PDT up reply actions

<calls shop steward>

Hey, my contract only calls for dancing to crank organs.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions

They are doing it due to public demand.

They took a ton of heat last year for repeats during the season. This way they have 6 now, then off 13 weeks and then on every week with new episodes every single week the rest of the day. I actually think it is much better than 2 new, 2 repeat crap they were doing last year.

Apparently due to location issues, their show takes longer to shoot than most shows, hence the problem with a new episode every week.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 23, 2006 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Question

If they had found that Rogers had been cheating, and was infact using something on his hand to assist in his pitching, what would the consequences be? Would it just be him who gets punished, or would the team/management/coaches be held responsible in some way? And what would that mean for all the previous games that he pitched with the substance on his hand?

Also, to me, the biggest issue here is that if he was cheating and this one thing was actually caught, what other forms of cheating are going on in the Tiger's dug out? I am not saying the whole team is guilty by association, but it does make me wonder!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 23, 2006 1:02 PM PDT reply actions

If they find it on him during the game

they toss Rogers, and then he'll probably be suspended (during the season, it would be 10 to 14 days for a first offense).

AFAIK, nothing happens to the manager or coaches during the game, though obviously the Commission can suspend a manager if he thinks he's involved.

Nothing will happen regarding past games. They're over, he got away with it, move on.

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 23, 2006 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks!

They kept saying, "He's cheating! He's Cheating!" But they never said what would happen if he really did cheat. Thanks for clearing that up for me!

"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 23, 2006 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions

new mychael's mailbag today

besides all the macha firing stuff i don't want to hear about anymore, there was this question:

I'm already sick of all the Macha talk. Good luck to him, but let's move on. Frank Thomas, Jay Payton and Barry Zito are the team's only free agents. Who stays, who goes, and why? --Phil R. (Richmond, Calif.)

Thomas stays because he loves it here and the team loves -- and can afford -- him. Payton goes because I think he'll be offered more elsewhere, and the A's have other outfield options. Zito goes because he's already gone, presumably to the bank.

mailbag link

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 1:18 PM PDT reply actions

I thought Kennedy was a FA too

by Zonis on Oct 23, 2006 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Arb-eligible, not an FA.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Payton will be offered more elsewhere?

Where? What are the A's other options other than Milton? Does he know whether Beane is planning on trading or signing some other players.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Swisher, for one.

You could put him in LF and play Dan Johnson at first base.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Can Dan Johnson hit

enough to play any position other SS?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions

Definitely an open question.

But he'll be $7M cheaper than Payton.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 23, 2006 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't get me wrong,

I'm NOT a Payton fan; What I hope Billy Beane does is go after maybe Kenny Lofton; or maybe Cliff Floyd , who has said that he is willing to play on a Frank Thomas like contract. Or try to trade for Ryan Langerhans.

Or pick up Carlos Pena to platoon with DJ.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Sheffield

Put him in left. Rotate Swisher out there when Kotsay or Bradley get injured.

by mikedaviswhereareyou on Oct 23, 2006 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions

shef

won't he command more than payton?

by elfgirl on Oct 24, 2006 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions

Carlos Pena

cant platoon with DJ, they ae both left handed hitters.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 23, 2006 2:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Instead of a lefty-righty platoon,

have a bad-worse platoon. Pioneer, baby!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, Pena won't

cost you anything really.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Platoon was the wrong word

What I meant was compete, or "go with the hot hand", I guess.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmmmmm...

"....Here's Larry Bowa, folks. How ya like me now?"

I think I've heard that before...

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Urban gets all his good

ideas from me. "Aces" was a total ripoff of my book, "Los Tres Mikes: The Final Season on the Mound with Bad LOOGYs." Mine was a compelling look at the espirit du corps that allowed Mike Holtz, Mike Magnante, and Mike Magnante to suck so hard in 2002.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 1:50 PM PDT up reply actions

(Venafro)

"Having a vote for 'most clutch' baseball player is like having a vote for 'most real' monster." - Ken Tremendous

by ArakSOT on Oct 23, 2006 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Right

Also would have accepted Bowie.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 1:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Mike Magnante is such a tired act.

Just like Brandon Buckley.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 23, 2006 2:06 PM PDT up reply actions

He got his PhD in

nuclear physics by studying late nights on road trips.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions

or Betty Buckley, tired cabaret act

by Ray of Lite on Oct 23, 2006 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Bob Mondavi, tired cabernet act

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I really wish we had a pitcher named Ike.

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions

For the presidential joke

or the candy joke?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 23, 2006 2:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Candy

"...and then a third guy walks in and starts punching me in the grief bone."

by Jennifer on Oct 23, 2006 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions

We had plenty of guys named Chad.

So, you sad about Ed Truck too?

"He's the heart and soul of the green and gold."

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 23, 2006 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

What's Up, Tiger Lily?

Apparently, the secret recipe for egg salad contains Listeria.

Pumpkin

by Ice Cream on Oct 23, 2006 1:30 PM PDT reply actions

Bottom Line on Kenny:

He cheated...The substance was also on his thumb and fingers.

He lied...He said that he removed the substance himself without being told.

He is a miserable person...How can he enjoy his streak when he knows he a is a lying cheat?

He should be suspended...There is enough photo evidence for that.

he cheated against the A's and Yanks as well...I want my money back!!!

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 23, 2006 2:23 PM PDT reply actions

as the saying goes ...

... ya pays yer dime, ya gets ta see the monkey dance.

(My shop steward says I'm entitled to one nonsequitur every shift.)

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions

In non-kenny related news I saw

Dan Haren in the Walnut Creek Safeway yesterday. He bought chocolate milk apples and lunch meat....interesting...

"No matter what I talk about, it always gets back to baseball." ~Connie Mack

by AinOz on Oct 23, 2006 3:52 PM PDT reply actions

chocolate, milk, apples, and lunch meat?

or chocolate milk, apples, and lunch meat?

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Or milk chocolate apples

Like the ones Droste makes at Christmastime?

"I had to turn my weaknesses into my strengths." -- Milton Bradley, October 6, 2006

by Englishmajor on Oct 23, 2006 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Link?

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Oct 23, 2006 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

no, lunch meat

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 4:12 PM PDT up reply actions

like grab-some-pine-meat lunch meat?

Pumpkin

by Ice Cream on Oct 23, 2006 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions

a body meat a body/coming thro' the rye?

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 4:26 PM PDT up reply actions

dunno what kind but he's so tall

that he had to lean over really far to talk to the lady at the deli. He wore his sunglasses the whole time and rode on his cart down one aisle!

"No matter what I talk about, it always gets back to baseball." ~Connie Mack

by AinOz on Oct 23, 2006 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions

My cousin has a friend that works at a Safeway

that saw Bobby Crosby. The only thing that he could remember Crosby buying was cucumbers.

"I thought about maybe tackling Ordonez as he went around the bases..." -Huston Street

by suprjo on Oct 23, 2006 4:29 PM PDT up reply actions

That's hot.

"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 23, 2006 4:30 PM PDT up reply actions

For whom and for what?

by easyraider on Oct 23, 2006 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Your guess is as good as mine

Crosby bought other stuff too, but for some reason, my cousin's friend only remembered the cucumbers. Maybe he was making a salad?

"I thought about maybe tackling Ordonez as he went around the bases..." -Huston Street

by suprjo on Oct 23, 2006 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Would be fitting

for "Bunnies"

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Oct 23, 2006 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

maybe

He was gearing up for a juice fast/cleanse in an attempt to get healthy.

by elfgirl on Oct 24, 2006 1:17 AM PDT up reply actions

puffy eyes

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Oct 24, 2006 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions

New Korean MLB Comics

I went looking in hopes of a Macha Fired episode. Instead, it's the cartoon adventures of Placido Polanco, but as always, well-drawn and making one long to know hangul.

http://news.naver.com/sports/index.nhn?category=mlb&menu=cartoon&mode=view&seq=304&o ffice_id=223&article_id=0000000149

"I had to turn my weaknesses into my strengths." -- Milton Bradley, October 6, 2006

by Englishmajor on Oct 23, 2006 4:10 PM PDT reply actions

ALCS Preview one ...

http://news.naver.com/sports/index.nhn?category=mlb&menu=cartoon&mode=view&seq=301&o ffice_id=223&article_id=0000000147

by Zonis on Oct 23, 2006 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions

on today's theme, miscreance and its consequences

"It's my understanding that she's been told not to do it again."

But, really: "Savage-Rumbaugh"?

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 4:21 PM PDT reply actions

Oh, the irony!

You just can't trust the apes at the Great Ape Trust anymore.

Pumpkin

by Ice Cream on Oct 23, 2006 4:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Grape Ape, Grape Ape

Some are sabermetricians.

by andeux on Oct 23, 2006 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions

A's release d'angelo jimenez!

press release

by gotgreen on Oct 23, 2006 4:43 PM PDT reply actions

and somewhere in the A's minor-league system ...

... another middle infielder fractures something.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 23, 2006 4:50 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

the A's aren't the Warriors. Injuries only happen during the season.

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 23, 2006 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions

My sources tell me

there was a "disconnect" between Scutaro and Jiminez-- Jiminez wouldn't talk to Scoot even during those infield pitching change meetings-- so Scutaro went straight up to Beane and told him that he didn't think Jiminez had his back. You have to be able to trust your double play partner (right, Ellis?), so Billy got rid of D'Angelo. Later, an upset Jiminez said that his ears were always open if anybody wanted to talk, and some people did take advantage of that. It wasn't his fault that Scutaro wasn't one of them.

And then AN went mad.

"He's the heart and soul of the green and gold."

by whiteshoes40 on Oct 23, 2006 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions

That's gold, Jerry, gold!

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Oct 23, 2006 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions

QOTM!!

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

by Jjjsixsix on Oct 23, 2006 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Cheating is fundamental baseball.

In a sport where so much relies on finesse and pinpoint accuracy in hitting and pitching, cheating seems to be a logical way to be competitive. All the pitchers do the pine tar thing especially during cold weather. But Rogers and the umps confirmed that it was just dirt from the bullpen mound because it had been a wet all day and during warmups. Despite all this hallybaloo, Rogers still went 8 scoreless. He may have gotten into the hitter's minds a little bit with that mud hand but it was gone after the first inning and that was it. Even Rogers isn't going to take a gamble with that sort of gimmick during the World Series.

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 23, 2006 5:35 PM PDT reply actions

Cheating is fundamental baseball

Then you don't have a problem with corked bats? With the use of AAS?

Don't get me wrong, I'm not naive; I'm well aware that cheating in sports, is as old as admiring athlete's butts and as old as sports itself. But if an athlete is caught cheating, he should be sanctioned according to the rules.

Why did he have the same "dirt" in the ALCS?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 23, 2006 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions

If you really believe that was dirt

I have some swampland in Florida I'd like to sell you.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 24, 2006 7:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Detroit's Playoffs Tainted

This post-season for Detroit will now go down with the what ifs, referring to Rogers cheating. He has won 3 games thus far by cheating and who knows what is to come.

MLB check his glove!!

If Detroit wins, put an asterisk by it.

by Bend It Like Zito on Oct 23, 2006 8:38 PM PDT reply actions

Just like the Dallas Stars...

& their 1999 NHL Stanley Cup

forever tainted because of a blantant 'non-call' ---> foot in the crease = no goal

Yet,in sudden death overtime of game 6 vs the Buffalo Sabres.....

& the 'No Goal' controversy continues

by SwisherThresher on Oct 23, 2006 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions

but on the bright side...

this year's Sabres are but one win away from tying the NHL record for most consecutive wins at the start of a season. This despite Janne Ninimaa's guarantee that Montreal would beat them tonight...a little early in the season for that, one would think. Still, made the victory that much more satisfying. And apparently the nation is hopping on the bandwagon, because the Sabres' new (hideous, in my opinion) jersey is currently #1 in sales nationally for the league. I wonder which players' specifically are the most popular, because the Sabres are kind of like the A's in that they're a very very solid team top to bottom, but lack for superstars.

So, after all that, are you a fan too, or just a neutral defender of the integrity of sport, heh...and yeah, I'll never forget watching that final game in 99 finish up around 2 AM, then mourning during the first 15 minutes or so of the post-game show...then having about 5 minutes of hope when the hosts were suddenly alerted to the fact that Hull's goal should have been disallowed...then returning to mourning upon realizing that it was too late to change the ruling.

"We don't want haddock and chips, we want cod. In cod we trust." --Ghostigital

by Cutthemullet on Oct 23, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions