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Around SBN: Celtics Need To Get In The Zone

Ellis Breaks Finger

Maya_papi_tiny by Tyler Bleszinski on in News

The A's looked like they might finally be turning the corner on their injury problems...apparently not.

While many might not think that Ellis is that big of a loss, it's bigger than you think.  Ellis was a huge part of the A's August run with a .387 OBP and .534 slugging percentage.  But the bigger loss is on the defensive side of the ball where Ellis is a nearly flawless player.  The A's are slowly losing defensive prowess through the middle of their infield and quickly.  Crosby doesn't appear like he's going to be coming back until 2007.

D'Angelo Jimenez is a big drop off defensively.  Maybe there's something that can be done that Ellis can play through the fracture, but I really doubt it.  This reminds me of the day in 2005 when Kielty hit a walk-off home run against K-Rod and the A's found out that Crosby was out for the year.  You can't call it a devastating loss offensively losing your ninth-place hitter, but you can't really underestimate Ellis and his defense.

Damn you, injury bug.

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Perspective?
Horrible news involves death by gunfire.
Tsunamis.

This is just bad news.

by MobiusKlein on Oct 4, 2006 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

it's horrible news
when we're talking about baseball, and about the A's, which is the subject of this website, remember?

by OaklandSi on Oct 5, 2006 2:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

horrible news indeed
With both Crosby and Ellis out our D up the middle (one of our advantages over every other team in the playoffs) suffers big time.  I would have MUCH rather lost this game than lose Ellis.  

And I feel really bad for Mark.  He's been through so much.  To miss out on this now is going to be very hard for him to take.

by Brian in 317 on Oct 5, 2006 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions  

What?
You would rather have lost this game?
"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 5, 2006 8:59 AM PDT up reply actions  

Here's the argument
Even with splitting 1-1 in the Dome, the A's would have the upper hand and would have a much better than 50% chance of winning the ALDS.  And having MaEl intact would make a huge, huge difference in the rest of the postseason.

I'm not sure if I agree with this position, but it isn't crazy -- basically, you're trading a somewhat smaller chance of winning in the first round for a greater chance of winning in the ALCS and WS.  And note that Ellis' injury makes the team less likely to win any other game(s) in this series.

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

by Nick on Oct 5, 2006 9:09 AM PDT up reply actions  

Screw that, I'll take the win.
"...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 5, 2006 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

wasn't Chavvy out for like 6 weeks
a few years back with the same injury after getting hit by a pitch from Damaso Marte?

Bummer.

by miguel on Oct 4, 2006 4:34 PM PDT reply actions  

Chavy's injury was worse.
He broke his hand, not his finger.

While this is sad, because Ellis deserves to be a part of these playoffs, we can definitely survive this injury.  D'Angelo Jimenez is a pretty good hitter, with sock in his bat.  Has good wheels, too.  It's quite possible that he could catch fire and put up the exact kind of numbers Ellis did in September.  

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

BUT:
How many errors will he make?
"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hopefully, none.
He's not Ellis with the glove, but nobody else in the AL is.  Besides, Swisher plays second base, too :-).
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 4:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

To quote
George Costanza, "Why must there always be a problem?"
"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Oct 4, 2006 4:35 PM PDT reply actions  

Damn it.
I wonder how bad the break is?
"Mom, I know you don't like baseball but I want to take you to a Giants game and see a real penant contender..." - 2006 Giants Radio Commerical

by What Would Rickey Do on Oct 4, 2006 4:36 PM PDT reply actions  

Crosby walked around the mall
with his girlfriend for THREE HOURS!!!!

Now his back feels worse!!!

Give me Jimmy Rollins NOW!!!!!!!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 4:38 PM PDT reply actions  

no shit...
gimme a freakin break
tdwclark

by tdwclark on Oct 4, 2006 4:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

Give Crosby a break
All everyone ever seems to do is rag on a player while he's down, i.e. Jason Kendall.  Cros will get back out there eventually, and will someday hit that bases-loaded jack to beat the Yankees/Angels/whoever I hate that year, and we'll love him again.

As for Elly... man, I kinda wish we had Ginter on the roster in time for using him in the playoffs.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Crosby needs to be a Philly:
Oh wait she already is!!!!
"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

crosby does not get a break..
cept for every bone.  lol.  seriously.  we let go of a guy named miggy, who in my opinion is a great deal at 12 million a year, and we never even get to play the guy.  getting over him.  big time.
"If a tie is like kissing your sister, losing is like kissing your grandmother with all her teeth out." - George Brett

by burnone on Oct 4, 2006 5:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pretty harsh for a ROTY
And if we have Miggy right now, we don't have about 4 of our current contributors.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

no way, man
this guy is in the prime of his athletic career and he's as fragile as glass.  if he's producing, fine...but he doesnt.   even when he's in, his ABs suck.  I feel the same about Chavez.  These guys are franchise players and they are horrid at the palte.  If I did my job as unprofessionally as they did, there would be repercussions.  
There is no question they are both great defensive players, and in Chavez' case (as proven today)a stellar player.  But Crosby has declined in the field and is a non-issue at SS....
tdwclark

by tdwclark on Oct 4, 2006 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

He said a FEW Hours!!!
That is ATLEAST 3!!! If Not 5!!!
"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 5:03 PM PDT up reply actions  

Honestly...
If you had a bad back and your team was in the middle of the playoff dogfight and your teammates were counting on you to make it back for the next series, would you walk around a mall for three hours?

by lenscrafters on Oct 4, 2006 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

C'mon now.
He was walking around the mall.  It's not like he was skiing or skydiving or running laps in the outfield a la El Duque.

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

What kind of man
walks with his girlfriend for 3 hours at the mall?!?!
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 4, 2006 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Skydiving probably isn't as bad on any part
if your body as walking on a hard surface repeatedy for 3 hours. Ask a runner if they'd rather run on asphalt or concrete.

by hunter on Oct 4, 2006 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

The landings are pretty intense
You can easily break your legs if you land slightly wrong or come in too fast. The proper speed is supposed to be about the same as jumping off the roof of a one-story building.
When the lights...go down...in the city...

by senork on Oct 4, 2006 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

walking around on concrete
and, if you are shopping, you are no doubt standing still, are back killers for the kind of injury he has.  I have the same issue and doing this seemingly innocent activity can lock me up so that I cannot move for a few days.  I mean it is floor time and I have to crawl cause I cannot get up.  Dumb move on his part.
Baseball is life. . . at least that is what my sweatshirt says.

by 0R0H0E on Oct 4, 2006 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

Don't forget...
he probably carried around some shopping bags.
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

He was carrying
A-Rod's purse.
There. Anyone else's character we should assassinate?
Some are sabermetricians.

by andeux on Oct 4, 2006 5:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

and IM'ing Mark Foley
but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 4, 2006 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

That was retarded!!!
He is getting paid and living the life...He is a scrub washup/woulda coulda shoulda been somebody on the Waterfront loser!!!

You don't go walking around the mall for three hours with your WIFE during the post season!!! Let alone your f'ing GF!!!!!

I wonder what Kotsay and Kendall think about this. Let alone Frank, who shows up 4 hours early to get treatment EVERY F'ING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Come on, folks
let's think about this. If "a few" hours of walking around the mall made it difficult for him to move, he was nowhere near ready to play a few hours of baseball, let alone two weeks of baseball.

One game, two violent swings, and he would have been done. Not to mention his timing would be terrible, both offensively and defensively.

He didn't jeopardize anything by going to the mall...

by Dog Days on Oct 4, 2006 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

umm Seriously
When you have a bad back and it is trying to get better, one of the things you are suuposed to do as rehab is walk!!!

I would risk a wager that he was actually walking around the mall for 3 hours on purpose!

"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Oct 4, 2006 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

I second that!
As a sufferer from both periodic strain and ruptured disk related back pain, the Rx is often to walk in an environment like a Mall.  The floors are usually smooth, clean and well lit (although I can't speak for the ones in Hankeyland.)
I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan.

by guyn216 on Oct 4, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

Indeed
Walking around is usually actually less stressful on a back injury than just sitting in a chair; if Crosby can't walk without aggravating the injury, then there is no chance he can play.
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 4, 2006 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Absolutely ridiculous
Giving up a guy in his 3rd year (and, really, he's basically played only 2) is ignorant.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

The A's have already announced
he won't play the rest of the year.  He has the entire off-season to get healthy.  This is a non-issue.  The rest of the team isn't counting on him coming back this year.  He hasn't even started any rotational exercises.  To think he may come back before the end of the month is not feasible.
For my part, I'm more comfortable with Scoot at short right now anyway.  

by IndianaAsfan on Oct 4, 2006 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

THE CURSE OF THE RALLY BABY!!!
but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

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

Give Crosby and epidural
Old man Randy Johnson just got one and he will make it out to the mound.

Someone needs to get a thorough Jimenez and Bocachica scouting report.

by DKNJ on Oct 4, 2006 4:44 PM PDT reply actions  

Can Bocachica play 2nd?
Mike Rouse would've been neat now. Not too confident on Jimenez...At least Scutaro is holding the fort, offensively and defensively as Crosby's sub.

by arch on Oct 4, 2006 4:46 PM PDT reply actions  

Bocachica
came up as a shortstop when the Expos first drafted him but I doubt he's played any infield the last few years

by Peter in Montreal on Oct 4, 2006 5:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

he's played a bit at third
this year, but mostly in the outfield

by OaklandSi on Oct 4, 2006 5:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

This Totally Sucks!
I'm a roller coaster of A's emotions all year long, but every game I go to (and I go to most of them) Ellis does everything right (and Chavvy looks like a total head case in important situations.)  Ellis and Chavvy are the two constants - just as they have been again in Games 1 and 2.  

As far as I'm concerned the A's just saw their MVP go down.  This totally sucks!  Jimenez/Scutaro up the middle?  Instead of Jeter/Cano?  Oh, man ...

People will point to his defense, but look at the second half offense.  They guy was a machine, line drives all over the yard.

Trying to stay calm... So I looked up Jimenez's defense on ESPN.  Seems he played somewhat less than 16 full games at second base this year and made 4 errors.  Ellis made 2 all year.  Trying not to lose it...

by solotar on Oct 4, 2006 4:48 PM PDT reply actions  

This is the worse news.
Reminds me of when Dye broke his leg. Why can't things ever go right?

by IM4Oakgal on Oct 4, 2006 4:49 PM PDT reply actions  

When Dye Broke his Leg..We Lost!!!
We won this game!! -RPP
"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

You did cheer me up
with that comment saint. Thanks!

by IM4Oakgal on Oct 4, 2006 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Dye's injury was far worse in all ways.
Both in terms of what happened (which is top three in my all-time most stomach-wrenching injuries seen live), and the impact on the team.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

Seeing it live was bad enough
But I can still hear that horrible sound. I'm sure everyone who was there can too.
"The theme of the day is murky." -- Ken Macha, August 11, 2006

by Englishmajor on Oct 4, 2006 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

they need to find a way to get crosby
back out there, and they need to call up keith ginter.
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 4, 2006 4:49 PM PDT reply actions  

Pretty sure they can't use Ginter
My understanding is that you need to have every guy you may use in the postseason on your active roster by a certain date (early Sept., I think), and Ginter wasn't up there (off the top of my head, Brown, Bocachica, Jiminez, and Windsor were the main call-ups).  So I'm pretty sure we're stuck.  Which is crappy, because Ginter has passable D with good power against righties.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

We believe that Ginter IS eligible
As discussed in these comments in the other diary.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 4, 2006 5:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

'Kay, so I look like a horse's ass
Still... the way Beane has pretty much relegated Ginter to baseball purgatory, I wonder if they'll make the fuss to appeal to MLB.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Not a "horse's ass" at all
The specific rules on postseason eligibility do not seem to be available to the public.

The bigger problem may be if Ginter is lying on a beach in Tahiti, having left his cell phone at home.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 4, 2006 5:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

On a Rivercat salary...
...he's probably lying on a beach in Stockton.
"You can throw your cocks if I don't care!" - Iggy Pop

by AlamedaAphid on Oct 4, 2006 5:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

he's making an MLB
salary, even if he was a Rivercat. Several millions per year, if I recall correctly.

by OaklandSi on Oct 4, 2006 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

Somewhere around two, I think.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Actually
just over 1 million this year, plus some incentives that he presumably didn't earn playing in the minors.
Some are sabermetricians.

by andeux on Oct 4, 2006 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

what about that other catcher?
can melhuse play second? he certainly won't be doing much catching and his bat gets hot sometimes

by gpeppler on Oct 4, 2006 4:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Melhuse
He's the emergency 3rd baseman, which doesn't necessarily scream confidence to me, but it means he's at least athletic enough to play fringe-level 3rd.  That could possibly translate to fringe-level play at 2nd, but I doubt it.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

there is a better chance
that Scutaro plays 2nd, Chavez plays 3rd and Melhuse plays 3rd. imo
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 4, 2006 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Chavez plays ss..
but u knew what i meant
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 4, 2006 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

That does sound like the better move
I do remember Chavez saying he'd probably crap himself if he ever had to play SS.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:06 PM PDT up reply actions  

Chavez
at short is a terrible idea with his balky hamstring.  He's so bad at the plate right now he needs to be left at 3rd.  Forcing him into a new position means he would be thinking too much at the plate AND in the field.  Let him play his gold glove 3rd base and maybe his hitting comes around.
Jimenez at 2nd is not a worse move than Melhuse at 3rd anyway.  With Chavy at 3rd, Scoot at SS, and Jimenez at 2nd, we weakend the defense at one position.  With Melhuse at 3rd, Chavez at SS, and Scoot at 2nd, we weaken the defense at all three positions.

by IndianaAsfan on Oct 4, 2006 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

from espn:
"I asked him how he was doing, he said, 'Get somebody ready for defense,' " A's manager Ken Macha said. "That's probably not a good sign."

SHIT.

by mhoffman on Oct 4, 2006 4:52 PM PDT reply actions  

We will be OK...
Jimenez is a professional and will do just fine.
Ellis will be missed, but this is playoff time where people you didn't expect to step, step up big time...a la Mark Lemke circa 1991.
That's my call, except we win as opposed to Lemke's Braves.
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 4, 2006 4:56 PM PDT reply actions  

yes
Jimenez is very capable of going on a tear offensively, and let's hope he doesn't hurt us defensively.  Collectively, Scutaro and Jimenez will be as bad defensively as Jeter and Cano.  Let's hope Scutaro and Jimenez hit like them (so far so good with Scutaro).  
Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 4, 2006 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

It will be FINE!!
I am going to remain positive. This isn't as bad as it sounds. It sucks, but we will survive.

How many times have the guys said this is a TOTAL TEAM EFFORT!! No one guy has been the star, no one guy is the hero, therefore, no one guy will be the downfall!

Sure, we may lose a few steps defensively, and a little something offensively, but this team has an amazing ability to pick eachother up. We will do it again now! I am sure of it!!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 4, 2006 4:57 PM PDT reply actions  

Bocacchia
 For what it's worth,Bocacchia did come up as a second baseman. I checked Baseball Reference.

by Babitts on Oct 4, 2006 4:57 PM PDT reply actions  

We have to hold the fort
until the ALCS . . . then HOPEFULLY, Crosby can play short and Scutaro can move over to 2nd.
I see all the rumors about "the mall," etc.  What is the latest on Crosby -- it's hard for me to understand how one is able to walk around (this is not a rant against Crosby) yet not even close to coming back to play?  Seems like it wouldn't be such a stretch -- no pun intended.
VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Oct 4, 2006 5:00 PM PDT reply actions  

How about this
Do you think you could play baseball to the best of your ability with a cast on your leg, even though you can walk around just fine? Do you think an obese person could play in the Majors even if they can walk around just fine?

Anyway, Crosby CAN'T walk around fine. If his back is hurting him after just walking around, he's not ready to play.

When the lights...go down...in the city...

by senork on Oct 4, 2006 5:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

The last 500 people
I saw with their leg in a cast, OR obese . . . did not walk around "just fine."  They walked with a limp or a gimp or they just kind of waddled -- what the hell are you talking about??!!
VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Oct 4, 2006 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

There is a HUGE
difference between normal everyday walking and playing competitive sport. If Crosby can't walk around without injuring himself, he's not playing anytime soon.
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 4, 2006 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

Crosby will not play this year
People need to stop hoping for this.  His back has been bad for, what, 6 or 7 weeks now?  He's not going to wake up suddenly and find that he's physically ready to play post-season baseball, especially when he'll have had absolutely no live game action since the Toronto series in August.  Your sacroiliac joint -- that's what BoCro sprained, according to the A's -- carries a tremendous amount of force on every single step you take -- it's virtually impossible to rest it without being totally immobile.  At least, everything I've read about it and what I've personally experienced has taught me that.

I've mentioned in other diaries my somewhat pointless suggestion that Crosby needs to see a chiropractor or osteopath to get his spine and sacroiliac joint adjusted.  That's not a professional opinion, just my own personal experience of having a chronically tweaky SI joint.  If he went and did that tomorrow, and everything worked out great, he might feel okay in a week or two.  But I doubt very much he'll see a chiropractor or DO.

BoCro is no more an option for the A's than Walt Weiss at this point.  Just pray nothing happens to Scoot, or we'll be playing our 5th-string middle infielder, whoever the hell that is!

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

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 5:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Injuries.......
Just another day in the life of the 2006 Oakland Athletics... it would be more devastating if the A's were down 2-0. I forgot to mention in my diary that the bench depth is one reason for the success of this year's club. Did all of you think it would be this easy?!?!?!

Not me.

by SanRockinRamonAsFan on Oct 4, 2006 5:04 PM PDT reply actions  

Jimenez Scouting Report
If'n y'all are interested, here's the scouting on switch-hitting D'Angelo Jimenez.

From StatsInc (courtesy of Fox Sports):

Hitting
All of Jimenez' home runs last year came batting from the left side, where he hit 37 points higher than from the right. The disparity has caused some consideration for him to give up switch-hitting. He sometimes will think longball too much early in the count and often overswings, which is a big reason for a too-high strikeout total. However, Jimenez has extra-base pop to all fields and can pull a fastball low in the strike zone for power. In addition to adding muscle, Jimenez' knowledge of the strike zone also has improved, as reflected in a walk total that was second only to Adam Dunn on the Reds.

Baserunning & Defense
With above-average speed and quick acceleration, Jimenez has become a genuine basestealing threat. He at times can be overly aggressive and will make some mistakes on the bases. He came a long way defensively last year at second base, showing good range and a much-improved ability to turn the double play. He has a strong, accurate arm and good hands.

From Sportsnet.ca:

Assets
He can hit for average with a quick bat and knock the ball out of the park more often than most middle infielders. And with all that, he's also a switch hitter. On the bases, he can steal and leg out a triple. In the field, he has good range and a relaxed, soft touch.

Flaws
While he certainly has the speed to steal, he must learn how to read pitchers better and pick his spots to become a legitimate threat. He has trouble hitting breaking balls.

His overall outlook is as a "good middle infielder," but he sounds like your classic AAAA-player to me.  Here's hoping I'm wrong.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:05 PM PDT reply actions  

Thanks Joey
Don't forget, this is D'Angelo Jimenez -- not Antonio Perez. Jimenez was a solid shortstop prospect and had a big year at the plate with the Reds last year (or the year before.)

Will he be as good on defense as Ellis? No. But this isn't the end of the world. It's not like if Frank Thomas went down.

That said, we've all got to feel horrible for Mark Ellis. He's came back from such a horrible injury, had a record-setting year in the field and he deserved to play in what could be a magical post season run.  

by Eck on Oct 4, 2006 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

Had two good years for the Reds
  1. .273/.349/.415, 146 games, 14HR, 67RBI, 11SB, 66/89 BB/K.
  2. .270/.364./.394, 152 games, 12HR, 67RBI, 13SB, 82/99 BB/K.
He actually split 2003 with the White Sox and Reds about evenly.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 5:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

Time for Melhuse
to play 3rd. Put Chavy at Short. He would be awesome.
More ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/ | Archive

by louismg on Oct 4, 2006 5:05 PM PDT reply actions  

If he would be awesome at SS
why haven't the A's ever moved him there before?  It's not like Crosby has been a bastion of health the last three years.
Chavez would not have the needed range with his hamstring/glute issues.

by IndianaAsfan on Oct 4, 2006 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

since it was mentiond a thousand times on ESPN
i know that terrell owens broke a finger, had surgery to put some metal in there, and was catching passes like a week later.  is that not an option?
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 4, 2006 5:06 PM PDT reply actions  

It's the index finger on his throwing hand
Don't know how anyone could grip a baseball (or a bat) with a cast/splint on a finger.

by calgbear on Oct 4, 2006 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

"Catching"
Ellis would have to be able to throw those rockets to 1st. Big difference.

But I have no medical background, so it's just my logic there.

by Kaiser99 on Oct 4, 2006 5:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Nice
Ellis and his bionic finger will be the bloody sock of this team.
"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch." - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Oct 4, 2006 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

YES.
BIONIC MA-EL!!! i love it.
"Christine, you smell like beer." "No, I smell like playoff baseball, b****!"

by poetwee on Oct 4, 2006 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

huh?
you want Terrell Owens to play shortstop for us?

by rickeyrocks on Oct 4, 2006 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

a big plus
to this awful news is the workout day tomorrow at the Coliseum.  Jimenez at least has a full day to take ball after ball and practice the DP turn with Marco.  Not that that's any consolation whatsoever, and I feel rotten that Mark is likely lost for the duration, but we do have tomorrow to work Jimenez out and at least make sure he is marginally ready for Friday.
1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Oct 4, 2006 5:08 PM PDT reply actions  

Injured fingers...
2 years ago, I dislocated (and chipped a bone in) my ring finger on my right hand (throwing hand) and was throwing and hitting within a couple days (granted it was softball).  

I had a hard splint on the finger.  Couldn't really bend it--didn't really need to.  

I haven't read which of the three bones was fractured for Ellis, but that could make a difference too.

I'm just saying given that I'm sure he has better resources available to him, it's not unrealistic that he could be back for the next series at some point (if we make it.)

Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Oct 4, 2006 5:11 PM PDT reply actions  

That's good news
but your index finger on your throwing hand is a lot more important than your ring finger.  Unless you want to throw nothing but changeups!  And a hardball, being smaller, demands a lot more flexing of the fingers to grip properly.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

by monkeyball on Oct 4, 2006 5:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Agreed
Those points are givens (at least to me).  My only point is that I for one would not be surprised if Ellis was back soon.

I also wouldn't be surprised if we don't see him until 2007.

Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Oct 4, 2006 6:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

The difference is
that you put little to no pressure on your ring finger when you throw a baseball.  Your index finger, however, is the main source of pressure, and the last finger to leave the ball.  HUGE difference b/w softball and the major league baseball playoffs.

by IndianaAsfan on Oct 4, 2006 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

Brantley just said A's sweep
Twins can't come back. What was Zito's quote again?
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 5:16 PM PDT reply actions  

Watching SportsCenter...
And they're really sticking it to Milton Bradley.  Like, excessively.  Any word on what he was pissy about?

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:17 PM PDT reply actions  

People calling for Melhuse at 3rd are absolutely,
positively ridiculous.

So you're saying you'd rather have a backup and 2 regulars ALL switch positions than 1 backup play ihs regular position??? In what world does that make one iota of sense? for those of you that don't follow ball outside the A's, Jimenez was once a major prospect wth the Yankees. He's bounced around a few teams since then, due just as much to effort and attitude as to talent. The guy can play a little. He might not be as consistently solid as Ellis, but he''s not a stiff, either.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Oct 4, 2006 5:19 PM PDT reply actions  

You're right
I don't know if anyone was seriously suggesting it, more just kicking ideas around.

Jimenez, skills-wise, looks like an upgrade at the bat.  I'm just worried that he hasn't seen big-league pitching consistently, and now he's going to see (conceivably) some of the best.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thank you
for being the voice of logic.   People are hitting the panic button big time.  We'll be fine.
"I try to figure this team out, and if I could, I'd be a genius," Mark Ellis

by Little Lebowski Urban Achievers on Oct 4, 2006 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's going to be okay!!!!
Just another dip in the fantastic rollercoaster of our season. It REALLY WILL be okay.

We hold a 2-0 lead, and WHEN we win on Friday, the rollercoaster will be back on the upswing!

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 4, 2006 5:20 PM PDT reply actions  

It might be ok
but Mark has been a really big part of this team. I don't like the prospect of facing the Yankees without him. Unicorns are good luck you know.

by IM4Oakgal on Oct 4, 2006 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Haren is going to get 27 strikeouts anyway
Given the twins propensity to hit grounders to Scutaro and his subsequent success today, will they really shuffle the infield around? I think given the infield's success so far, management will want to make as few changes as possible and only move multiple people around Jimenez proves himself totally incompitent at second.

by panchopunch on Oct 4, 2006 5:21 PM PDT reply actions  

Silver lining!
I'd say we just found our new ace starter -- all MaEl needs is a little operation...

Seriously, I feel terrible about Ellis, but I feel worse for Ellis.  He fought so hard to come back from his horrible shoulder injury, and now he gets hurt in another (A's postseason) freak injury -- fricking 96 mph fastball with incredible movement!

* that picture, in case you don't know, is of the right hand and forearm of Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, one of the greatest pitchers of the dead-ball era, ace starter of the last Cubs team to win the World Series, and victim of a childhood farming accident that mangled his hand, but gave him an unhittable sinker.

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

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 5:21 PM PDT reply actions  

I would have guessed it was Fosse's hand
but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 4, 2006 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

LOL
I didn't notice the missing index finger.... I was too disturbed by the middle finger.
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 5:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

All I can say about it is...
good thing Todd Marinovich's dad never saw this picture when Todd was a kid.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 5:30 PM PDT up reply actions  

I feel bad for him too
He's one of my favorite defensive players because he just gets.it.done.
"Christine, you smell like beer." "No, I smell like playoff baseball, b****!"

by poetwee on Oct 4, 2006 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

This is horrible...why can't we catch a break....
while it's not as bad as the mets (imagine their angst! losing their top two pitchers) this is just devastating news. I got home, read this blog and it took the wind out of my sails. Why now? How come we can't catch a break? Remember Jermaine Dye? It's that same, sinking feeling. We cannot replace him, period. He is automatic. He is mini-clutch. He is our middle. The middle is soooo vital. Our only prayer is D'Angelo can "man" up and fill these gargantuan shoes.

Go A's!!!!!!!!

by since72 on Oct 4, 2006 5:26 PM PDT reply actions  

since72, you crazy punster
"why can't we catch a break," indeed.

by Bixby23 on Oct 4, 2006 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions  

Did BBTN just say
Byrnes has an interesting taste in men?
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 5:30 PM PDT reply actions  

Seriously
They used it as an outro-to-commercial-break with the promise that they'd elaborate when they came back.  And then they didn't...

BTW, I love seeing Byrnesy on ESPN.  If he can't be on the team, I at least want to see him set people like Jeff Brantley straight about the A's.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Okay.
I thought that was what I heard... <shudders> I just wanted to make sure.
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 5:42 PM PDT up reply actions  

Except
I haven't heard him DEFEND the A's once today! He even said this morning that the Twins would win today. Then went on to bitch about how they traded him away and that is why he is "sitting here with you and not playing with them."

The man was a born broadcaster, and I can totally see him doing that as a full time gig, but really, I thought like you, that we would finally have an A's supporter on ESPN and he failed. Bad Byrnesy!!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 4, 2006 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

He hasn't been all that bad
He's had good things to say about individual players, and he's said that the A's will play solid baseball.

But he's talking too much about the 0-fer in clinching games.  He needs to stop that.  Like, now.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions  

Aren't They Still o'fer ...
... because BYRNES didn't touch the plate!?!?!?!??!

Idiot!

by Eck on Oct 4, 2006 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ha
Yeah, he's been saying "I was part of some of those A's teams that made mistakes in the playoffs," but he never says "I never touched home."

On the upside, Wells just said the A's need to get credit for winning these games.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

He actually made a pretty good
point just now about the corner OFers backing up the ITPHR play.
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

Uh oh
Here it comes: man-crush!

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

We him Traded to the Rockies!
I'd be pissy too.
"I try to figure this team out, and if I could, I'd be a genius," Mark Ellis

by Little Lebowski Urban Achievers on Oct 4, 2006 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

now he may have changed his tone...
but he did mention the "untouched plate" incident early this morning when he was commentating. I was surprised that he was the one to bring it up. I can't help it, I'm still a Byrnes fan... Just not a fan of that Devil Ray's-esque tie of his.

by Jonny Oklnd on Oct 4, 2006 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

I will give him a few of points
  1. He is honest: "I have been known to make a few not so bright plays myself!" - When talking about Hunter and Kotsay's ITPHR.
  2. He is a thinker: He brought up some good stuff about the corner outfielders not backing up on that play, something I didn't even think about and I have not heard brought up yet.
  3. He looks DAMN good in that suit!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 4, 2006 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

Are you kidding me?
I think he looks absolutely awful.  That suit makes him look like a mob hit man, the tie is from out of nowhere, and -- must I mention it? -- the hair!  Early in the day, he said he'd just gotten off a plane and hadn't had much sleep, but now it's hours later and they obviously want to promote this "wild man" look for him.  I hate it.  And I think it detracts from his professionalism as a commentator -- even though he has some interesting things to say.

And I did hear him own up to not touching the plate.

"It's like the only thing they know how to do is win." -- Baseballdad, 8/5/06

by skigurl on Oct 4, 2006 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Here we go
Byrnes just brought the filth talking about how good the A's have been.  And he admitted that he only picked the Twins today because the A's traded him.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 6:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

Don't worry -- during the World Series
ESPN will bring in Jason Giambi!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 5:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

If his commentary is anything like his postgame
"Giambi hit ball.  Giambi hit ball far.  Frank Thomas big.  He hit ball far."

"Thanks, Jason.  Now, Vernon Wells-- put us to sleep."

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 6:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

Well you know...
Him and Zito are BFF!!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 4, 2006 5:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

by monkeyball on Oct 4, 2006 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Right on Tony
People calling for Melhuse at 3rd are absolutely ridiculous. Jimenez is has over 2000 major league ABs with, 3x as many as Melhuse, and has higher OPS. For all we know he is a better catcher than Melhuse.  Chavez last played SS in high school. He was moved to 3B for good reasons.

This will all work out.

by NoeValley on Oct 4, 2006 5:32 PM PDT reply actions  

Agreed
I know Ellis' D is stellar but it isn't like the guy is batting .345 and leading off or something. Jimenez will do just fine. How many different ballclubs has he been with now?
"It's never 'just a game' if you're winning" - George Carlin

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 4, 2006 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wow....nutjobs and overzealous fans
I just went back and read some of these comments. These are worse than the questions asked at the rally!

Chavez at short? Sure....
Melhuse at third? Yeah, and we'll move Payton to second, Swish to left and Dan Johnson to first.

Are you nuts?!?!?!

Jimenez is adequate. We'll be at home, that will help. Let's all pray Ellis can be back in a week or so....maybe the Tigers can stretch it out a bit and we can sweep.

Next....Crosby coming back.

No thanks. That means sitting Scooter, the new Mr. October

by since72 on Oct 4, 2006 5:34 PM PDT reply actions  

no it doesn't
The "Crosby Comming Back" talk is so that Scoot can move to second to replace Ellis.
"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Oct 4, 2006 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

So I guess no one wants to hear
my Sauerbeck at 2nd, Jay Witasik at SS idea?

by Ray of Lite on Oct 4, 2006 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Now that's just silly
You put Flores in at 2nd and stick Jeremy Brown at SS! Duh.

by Jonny Oklnd on Oct 4, 2006 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

The rain is MUCH more likely to delay the Yankees
than the Tigers (which sucks!)  So anybody know a good long distance rain dance to aim at the Bronx?
I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan.

by guyn216 on Oct 4, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think the baseball gods
are just as annoyed at the Yankees getting all the primetime spots as we are.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Oct 4, 2006 5:40 PM PDT reply actions  

Chill out
People are just discussing different scenarios.  Melhuse HAS played 3B in an A's uniform.  Will he?  Probably not.  Is Chavvy gonna play SS?  No, he's scared shitless of it.

A lot of people just aren't that excited about a journeyman minor leaguer stepping in to a position where extremely great D has been the standard this year.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:41 PM PDT reply actions  

Chavy
Couldn't look scared any more shitless than he already does at the plate.  
"It's like the only thing they know how to do is win." -- Baseballdad, 8/5/06

by skigurl on Oct 4, 2006 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Let's be honest
Over the course of 1 or 2 games it's almost literally impossible to feel the difference between Ellis and Jimenez. Jimenez, by many accounts, is an averagish fielder, and plays that as his natural position while being able to, at least in the past, put up averagish offensive numbers.

I'd rather have Mike Rouse (why on earth wasn't he kept over Two Buck Chuck?), but Jimenez will be adequate, especially in Oakland, off of the turf. Into the ALCS this may be a problem, assuming we get there, but for the remainder of the series it's practically negligible.

there's simply no club like the white elephant club

by walk off bunt on Oct 4, 2006 5:44 PM PDT reply actions  

Fielding Stats:
Zone Rating:
     Jimenez   Ellis
2002 .833       .876
2003 .831       .857
2004 .834        DNP
2005 .824       .847
2006 .762*      .847

The median I saw on a list of 22 (?) 2nd baseman was .822

Range Factor:
     Jimenez   Ellis
2002    3.03     4.96
2003    4.93     5.40
2004    4.90     DNP
2005    5.06     4.96
2006*   4.45     5.30

Median: 4.92

Fielding Percentage:
     Jimenez   Ellis
2002   .978     .978
2003   .984     .982
2004   .990      DNP
2005   .983     .989
2006*  .750     .997

Median: .984

* 18 games

Hopefully the '06 stats reflect an aberration, too-small sample size, D'Angelo will recover his nerves, blah blah blah. Just play replacement level, my man.

If he plays up to pre-'06 levels, we'll be fine.

If I recall correctly, range factor is a useless fielding stat, but I ain't sure.

"The A's are boring because all they do is win."

by Checkswing HR on Oct 4, 2006 5:46 PM PDT reply actions  

I don't know
I heard range factor is pretty big when determining Gold Glovers.  This is why Hank Blalock had one of the best fielding percentages last year, and had the offensive numbers (anyone'll tell you that's part of the deal), but he can't move.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

My point:
I forgot to mention that's why he didn't get the Gold Glove.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Zone Rating is a more useful tool than Range Facto
Range Factor is totally overrated.  It just measures the number of putouts and assists.  It really has no bearing on the actual range a guy may have.  Zone Rating is a far better metric.

by bigthree17 on Oct 4, 2006 5:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Okay
I'm only halfway through Baseball Prospectus' "Baseball Between the Numbers," so I haven't come across that metric yet.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Man this sucks
I feel really bad for Ellis!!  As bad as we feel, he is feeling it 100 times worse!  
"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Oct 4, 2006 5:54 PM PDT reply actions  

I kinda like this...
Jimenez has a stronger arm at shortstop and Scutaro is very comfortable at second. They have a day to get D'angelo ready to field and everything, plus he will be playing at home so there is not as much pressure against him. Don't panic!! If anything, this will bring all the A's closer together and is positive for chemistry which is fueling this team right now.

Let's GO OAKLAND!!

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 4, 2006 5:55 PM PDT reply actions  

you may be right
Jimenez was originally an SS, I believe.  Moving Scut to his natural position might make more sense than putting Jimenez at second.

by Brian in 317 on Oct 5, 2006 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions  

<stomps feet>
We are up 2 games to 0 in a series that most everyone picked us to be rolled 3-and-out. I want EXCITEMENT!!!!

MaEl...you're the T.O. of AN! ;)

Just kidding, kiddo. I hope you heal well and FAST!

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 4, 2006 6:04 PM PDT reply actions  

I can't wait to see MaEl doing pushups
at the press conference tomorrow.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

One-handed, of course :-(
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

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

by monkeyball on Oct 5, 2006 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions  

Eric Byrnes on ESPN right now...
bitterly ironic that they are asking him questions about fielding and baserunning.
Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Oct 4, 2006 6:07 PM PDT reply actions  

Those who can't do, teach.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 6:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

the best was when
they asked him about baserunning and looking at the base coaches, and byrnes said something like "you just have to trust your baseball instincts."
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 4, 2006 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

Q and A
Q: Did he (hunter) make the right deicsion to go for that ball?

A (Byrnes): Y'know what Karl, I'm gonna tell you the decision that I woulda made.  I probably woulda gone for that ball.  The right decision?  I'm not saying I'm gonna make the right decision.  I'v e been known to do some probably not so bright things out there at times.  

But Torii Hunter's that type of player.  He's got that instinctive nature to go after it and go get the ball.  And when he saw that ball he felt like he could make a play.

Once he got to that territory I'm sure he got to the point where he said "Y'know what? I'm in trouble.  I'm in no-man's-land.  I can't pull up now."  And he went for it.

The other thing that hasn't even been brought up but I haven't seen it but I would like to is, when you're playing in the Metrodome like that and you know how quickly that ball scoots to the wall, the corner outfielders need to be extra aware and I know when I'm playing on fast turf I'm always extra aware of something like that because the ball's not going to stop.  It's not going to stop before it gets there.  So that's a typical park in which you'll see inside-the-park home runs.  So how quickly did they get over there and that's just something that hasn't been brought up yet.

Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Oct 4, 2006 6:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Good quote
Byrnes has been the bright spot of ESPN coverage for me today.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Hunter is a gold glove
center fielder. He thought he could make the play, and most often he does.

by OaklandSi on Oct 4, 2006 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Fucking horrible news
He is an incredibly valuable player to this team. Especially with Scutaro at short.

Absolutely devastating news.

FUCK

by RLangford on Oct 4, 2006 6:08 PM PDT reply actions  

chavy/melhuse
The issue isn't whether chavvy starts at ss and melhuse starts at 3rd, it's what happens if one of our 2b/ss goes down? The way things are going, we need a contingency plan. I'm comfortable with d'angelo and scut, but the odds of both of them making it through the next series are, oh, 95% or so. I'd be thinking worst-case scenario if I were Macha.

by slyrus on Oct 4, 2006 6:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Let me tell you something about D'Angelo Jim?nez
First of all, A'S WIN!!!!

I've seen D'Angelo playing more than any of you (I think I'm the only one here who lives in the Dominican Republic), he plays for my beloved Tigres Del Licey here (what would be life without my A's and Tigres), so I've seen him play a lot, and let me tell you, he won't match ellis defense, that's for sure, but the guy is not a menace playing defense, and believe or not he's a very good hitter, especially left handed, he got some pop too, with a couple of at-bats he could catch his batting rythm and could be a productive guy. He has slow down the last year and a half, he's got some personal problems well know here, but the guy can hit, he has done it here and he could do it there too, I'm not talking about a lousy league, Dominican baseball is very tough, and I'll give you an example, 2 years ago, my team, Licey was playing with the following line-up:
Carlos Peña, 1B
Luis Castillo, 2B
D'angelo Jiménez, SS (he's not that good playing SS)
Ronnie Belliard, 3B (he's GREAT at 3B)
and a lousy outfield of Eric Byrnes, José Guillen and Vlad Guerrero. And to metion some pitchers : Juan Cruz, José Jiménez, Guillermo Mota, Salomon Torres, Jorge Sosa, they're not elite pitchers, but they're good.

It's hard to lose Ellis, but D'Angelo is good.

LET'S FINISH THIS THING ON THURSDAY AND LET'S GO OAKALND!!  

"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 4, 2006 6:15 PM PDT reply actions  

Dominica is an island,
we're The Dominican Republic :D

so it'd be, Viva La República Dominicana!!!

:D

"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 4, 2006 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Dominica is a tiny island
in the chain of small Caribbean islands.

You probably mean la Republica Dominicana...right?

by OaklandSi on Oct 4, 2006 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Woah
That was a way better scouting report than anything I found.

Viva Jimenez.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 6:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thank you for that...
Obviously I'm worried about Ellis and hope he can return as soon as humanly possible, but your report on Jimenez cheered me up a bit.

Without a doubt he has very good ability, or he wouldn't be here.  Also, he had a few at bats late in the season with us to get his feet wet, so that should help.  I look forward to him holding his own and contributing.

This has probably been posted, but if anyone hasn't seen it, look at his numbers, especially 2004 - hitting and fielding.  Not bad at all.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/6360/career;_ylt=AraBu4U4pZcF68DB8Gn3Hs.FCLcF

by NewPosterMojo on Oct 4, 2006 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions  

Surprised
I'll be extremely surprised and impressed if the A's manage to finish this on Thursday.

by Lath on Oct 4, 2006 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

sorry for the thursday thing
I meant Friday, it's because of the joy of winning 2 in terrordome.

Correction
LET'S FINISH THIS THING ON FRIDAY AND LET'S GO OAKALND!!  

"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 4, 2006 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

Thanks Doc!
I feel a lot better!
And it IS GOING TO BE O.K.!!!
Just take two infielders and call me in the morning...
I've tried all the major religions, and most of the minor ones. I've worshipped Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, trees, mushrooms, and Isadora Duncan.

by guyn216 on Oct 4, 2006 11:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Also Ron Washington...
...will extra work with him during today's work out. ESPN, FOX, and other media all want the A'S to choke. Let's no give them want what they want?
Macha is a great manager. -Ron Washington

by pachydermOAFC on Oct 5, 2006 10:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

SSS Alert
Jimenez vs. Radke
9 AB
3 H
2 2B
1 RBI
.333 AVG
.400 OBP
.556 SLG
.956 OPS
The 2006 Oakland A's: Ridin' with the King

by tblazrdude on Oct 4, 2006 6:16 PM PDT reply actions  

now that
is information I can get behind.

by anne on Oct 4, 2006 6:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

I like the Bocca option.......
He was tearing up AAAA pitching.....
Either way, I like the potential subplot....star gets hurt, sub comes in, makes fantastic play or makes a timely hit and we create an instant "no-name player-makes-good" story
"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Oct 4, 2006 6:18 PM PDT reply actions  

"star" gets hurt?
i don't even think the ellis injury has been mentioned on ESPN.  
they only care about jeter, pedro and TO.

so the stoy is no-name-player gets hurt, is replaced by another no-name player...

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 4, 2006 6:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

Are you suggesting that Jimenez is
some sort of Willie Beaman type of player?

Nice.

The 2006 Oakland A's: Ridin' with the King

by tblazrdude on Oct 4, 2006 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

Oh, man
What if Jimenez just tears it up in the playoffs, and we're left with another early-2005 "who's on second" situation?

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 6:22 PM PDT up reply actions  

josh suchon on the injury
http://www.ibabuzz.com/baseball/2006/10/04/middle-infield-scenarios/
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 4, 2006 6:22 PM PDT reply actions  

No MIs on the 40-man, he says
Yes, the A's can replace Ellis with another infielder for the next year, but they don't have any middle infielders on the 40-man roster. Antonio Perez is out with a fractured finger. Mike Rouse was claimed off waivers in September. Keith Ginter isn't on the 40-man roster. The A's need to pray that Scutaro and Jimenez stay healthy.

Does that mean the A's would have to make a roster move in order to replace Ellis (e.g. DFA Sauerbeck and replace him with Ginter), or simply that the A's are SOL?

"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 4, 2006 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions  

Things could be
much, much worse (a la Mets). In the words of the venerable Grateful Dead, "We will get by, we will survive"
"It's never 'just a game' if you're winning" - George Carlin

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 4, 2006 6:29 PM PDT reply actions  

All these good feelings about the A's
has awaken up my love for my other team, winter baseball is starting in 2 weeks, Vamos Licey!!!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

"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 4, 2006 6:30 PM PDT reply actions  

nice shoes
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 4, 2006 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions  

those are my A's shoes
I wear them every day we play, when I can and when we're battling for the west and in the playoffs.

:D

"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 4, 2006 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

Ah!
(just found a pair on eBay) Thanks man, I never knew something so  um, extravagant existed. :)
"It's never 'just a game' if you're winning" - George Carlin

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 4, 2006 6:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

every ANer should be wearing them
:D
"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 4, 2006 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

I would
if I didn't already have green and yellow sneakers of my own...

Ellis and his bionic finger will be the bloody sock of this team. ~ pickinmachine

by poetwee on Oct 5, 2006 6:37 AM PDT up reply actions  

January, 2000
CNNSI - New York Yankees infield prospect D'Angelo Jimenez fractured a bone in his neck in a car accident and might not play this year.

Jimenez, 22, was hurt Monday when his Acura Integra struck a passenger bus on the Duarte Highway that connects Santo Domingo to the Dominican Republic's northern provinces.

He was transported to the United States for treatment Wednesday night and was at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa, Fla., Thursday, one Yankees official said on the condition of anonymity. He and another source confirmed Jimenez fractured a bone in his neck.

"It's a miracle that I'm here -- I thank God I'm alive," Jimenez said at Santo Domingo's Las Americas Airport Wednesday night. Jimenez said his second vertebra was fractured. "

The 2006 Oakland A's: Ridin' with the King

by tblazrdude on Oct 4, 2006 6:31 PM PDT reply actions  

At the time . . .
There were some prospect watchers that considered Jimenez to be a superior prospect to Alfonso Soriano because of his superior plate discipline.  I'm sorry for Ellis, and I would rather that Ellis not be hurt, but this could be a chance for a very nice redemption story for Jimenez.  He's one of those disappointing prospects that prospects junkies like myself always follow and cheer for.  It would be pretty sweet for him to get hot and lead us to a World Series.
Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 4, 2006 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Whoa
Where'd you get those Chuck Taylors??
"It's never 'just a game' if you're winning" - George Carlin

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 4, 2006 6:32 PM PDT reply actions  

you must replay to my post so I can answer you
just kidding, it was a gift, a cousin of mine bought them in NY.
"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 4, 2006 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

June 23, 2001:
Jimenez traded by the New York Yankees to the San Diego Padres for Jay Witasick.
The 2006 Oakland A's: Ridin' with the King

by tblazrdude on Oct 4, 2006 6:39 PM PDT reply actions  

Ah
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/players/5337 Let's hope Haren is August Haren this Friday.
"It's never 'just a game' if you're winning" - George Carlin

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 4, 2006 6:41 PM PDT reply actions  

If there is an injury
can't you replace someone on the 40-man roster?

e.g., Perez could be placed on the DL (where he is not currently) and someone else could be put on the 40-man.

The rule for postseason eligibility is that a player has to be on the 40 man as of August 31. BUT, if there is an injury, a non-eligible player may be substituted. I don't see why that wouldn't apply here.

For this series, I think we've got to hope both Scoot and Jimenez stay healthy, but for the ALCS and beyond, we should be okay.

"A base hit would have been better, but the ground ball was just as good", Ray Fosse

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 6:48 PM PDT reply actions  

oh wait never mind
have to be on the 25-man roster by Aug 31.

Hmm.

"A base hit would have been better, but the ground ball was just as good", Ray Fosse

by Alien @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

We talked about this a little further up the page
Mostly talking about if we could call up Ginter or not.  Apparently, there's some loophole in the rule if someone gets hurt in the playoffs.  But basically, no one knows for sure.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 7:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

To clarify
Yes, you do have to be on the 40-man roster before you can be placed on the 25-man active roster.

By my count there are only 39 players currently on the A's 40-man roster.  So it would seem that Ginter could be added without having to release anyone.

If there is some specific reason for that spot being open on the 40-man (e.g. a "player to be named later" trade)...well, then release Scott Sauerbeck.  DUH!!

And Joey is correct, we are inferring the roster rules based on the best available information, but the exact text of the major league roster rules is apparently a closely-guarded secret.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 4, 2006 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

Mike Rouse would be perfect!
A's should of kept rouse..they let him go and cleveland picked him up... i was just camping with rouse and he is upset... the middle infielders are droping like flies.... it the curse of Rouse!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by jaacee007 on Oct 4, 2006 6:48 PM PDT reply actions  

It'll be all right
Certainly this isn't what we want to have happen, but this is not a crushing blow. 2B was one of the positions where we actually have some depth-- D'Angelo Jimenez isn't some untested minor leaguer, he's an experienced veteran with a .349 OBP over more than 2000 major league games.

Is he the equal of Ellis defensively? Maybe not, but as another poster said earlier, over a few games, it'd be very hard to tell the difference between any two major league position players. Even Chuck Knoblauch didn't commit an error in the great majority of his games. So if a play happens in the rest of the series in which you're tempted to say "A better second baseman would have had that", just think what happened to poor Torii Hunter today.

Finally, I guess as A's fans we're conditioned to be a bit pessimistic or even fatalistic about the postseason (Up 2-0? They have us right where they want us!), but not every stumble is a catastrophe.  Just as losing three games when we were on the verge of clinching did not portend the worst stretch run collapse in league history, this does not mean the A's are doomed. Far from it. How the team plays from here on is the overwhelmingly important factor now.

by orange2299 @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 6:52 PM PDT reply actions  

Not sure about the Knoblauch comparison
since his problems came largely late in his career, and were based on his loss of confidence.  But I agree with everything else.  I'm looking forward to seeing how Jimenez responds.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

Sorry, meant ABs

by orange2299 @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 7:16 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pessimistic? Fatalistic? Us?
If I had to choose between our injuries and the Twins injuries, no contest. It's bad to lose Ellis but we have some depth. And Jimenez might be a stronger bat.

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 6:57 PM PDT reply actions  

i don't think so
ellis is a better hitter than jimenez, and he's much better defensively.  but jimenez will be acceptable, it's not like we have another choice.
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 4, 2006 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions  

Exactly.
Suppose the baseball gods said to the Twins: You can have Liriano back, but only if the A's get Ellis. How long would they think about it?

by orange2299 @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

About Negative 5 Seconds
I can think of a half dozen guys I'd miss more. Not saying I'm happy about Ellis by any means. But Thomas, Swisher, Chavez, Duke, Payton, and any of the starters would be worse.

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

I COMPLETELY agree with this
"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 4, 2006 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

It sucks to lose Ellis
Second base is the easiest defensive spot to play so we shouldnt lose too much on D and If D'Angelo can play like 2004, 13 hr's 70somthin runs and 60ish rbi, we be cool.  Rested pen, Haren at home.  Bring it on!
"I like playing for Oakland, they have a very colorful uniform" Rickey Henderson

by natsirt on Oct 4, 2006 7:10 PM PDT reply actions  

2B easiest position?
Teams generally put their second-best fielder at 2nd because they field the second-most balls.  2B'ers are generally SS's with weaker arms.

by Joey C. on Oct 4, 2006 7:13 PM PDT up reply actions  

And also in 2004...
Jimenez had a .990 fielding percentage in 146 games at second base for the Reds. That's good.

by NewPosterMojo on Oct 4, 2006 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

couldn't be 2000
2000/162 is like 13 full seasons, and Jiminez is a utility guy who's 28 (guessing you meant 200?). But yeah, our 2b situation could be a lot worse.

by Nick86 on Oct 4, 2006 7:11 PM PDT reply actions  

Good catch.
I meant 2000 ABs, not games. For whatever it's worth, Jimenez has played in 568 games.

by orange2299 @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions  

What about Jermaine Dye breaking his leg?
My heart sank to my feet when he went down.
"Meanwhile, Kirk Gibson's a coach with Detroit and I'm in the Hall of Fame.'" - Dennis Eckersley

by El Payo on Oct 4, 2006 7:30 PM PDT reply actions  

Friday is the game of the decade for OAK
Hard to put it any other way.

Lose and we face the CY Young winner again on Saturday which can quite conceivably lead to a return the Metrodome on Sunday. Would not be a fund plane ride - might need a widebody to carry the excess baggage for that game 5.

If there was ever a time to step and complete the kill with confident precision, it will be Friday. We need to act like it's a must win situation.

"You have to make your reputation by being honest and unmerciful." Lester Bangs

by Sashulia on Oct 4, 2006 7:35 PM PDT reply actions  

they have gotta play this game
like they lost the first two on walkoff grand slams.  I mean it.  Laser focus.
1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Oct 4, 2006 7:41 PM PDT up reply actions  

Suck it up
I really hope that Mark Ellis can go in game 3.  I think that we will find out what he is made of here.  I think that he should tape it up and if he cannot do any more damage to it he should suck up the pain like Chavy has done all season long.  I have faith that he will and the A's will win the series.

by 3Chavy3 on Oct 4, 2006 7:37 PM PDT reply actions  

BBTN crew
sez it will be determined tomorrow whether Mark can play with the injury.

At least it might be possible.

1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Oct 4, 2006 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions  

MaEl should be able to play--
What are the odds that he'll need to count to 10 in the middle of a game? Do you need all 10 fingers for anything else? Won't we all lose our pinky fingers in a few thousand years due to natural selection?

This is a non-issue, the kind of thing that takes the focus away from talking about DEREK JETER!!! Did you hear? The game was rained out and I've never seen someone handle a rainout better! What 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 4, 2006 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

silly me
I could swear that he'd need a right index finger that's not busted in order to throw the ball and grip a bat and make contact with a ball travelling at 90+ mph.

by OaklandSi on Oct 4, 2006 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

Derek Jeter wouldn't
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 4, 2006 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions  

No one has ever held a team together in a rainout
No one has ever held a team together in a rainout better than Derek Jeter did tonight!  

If that doesn't say M-V-P to you, who will?

(Answer:  Every on-air employee of ESPN, every time you turn the channel to one of their stations.  That's who!)

by socal on Oct 4, 2006 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions  

Derek Jeter is so great and powerful
that even though it was a sunny day at game time in Queens, he made it rain in the Bronx a few hours later just so that baseball fans would have an extra day to truly appreciate his performance in Game 1, the very best game any person has ever had at any sport ever.

by DavidA on Oct 4, 2006 9:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Can't Turn Two
Or turn a double play. If I have to choose between a healthy Jimenez or an Ellis who can't swing a bat or turn two, is it even a contest?

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think the big question for Ellis will be
can he hold a cup of coffee without spilling it?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Like the one Mike Rouse
had in the big leagues?
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 4, 2006 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

I thought that was a cup of soup
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 7:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just walk it off!
The player's union is killing baseball.

by SoCal Rebel on Oct 4, 2006 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

San Diego?
Any A's fans in San Diego/SoCal wanna watch Friday's game somewhere? Not sure of any specific location, but it would be cool to get a something together if possible.
Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"

by JLaff on Oct 4, 2006 7:51 PM PDT reply actions  

It'd depend on how far I'd have to go, but
I'm interested. I live in Riverside.
"The A's are going to the playoffs, the Angels are going to a golf course near you"

by suprjo on Oct 4, 2006 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

I can't really go out of SD
Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"

by JLaff on Oct 4, 2006 8:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'd Come
I'm in Downtown LA...

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm in san diego
as is the only other A's fan in san diego I know. If there's a cool spot to watch the game and we can get some A's fans. we'll be there.

by MikeyJ on Oct 5, 2006 2:50 AM PDT up reply actions  

Ellis could tape the broken finger to....
the middle finger and still be able to throw.  Same thing happend to me in H.S. ball.  Before each at bat, you've got to remove the tape so that you can hold the bat correctly.  Then, tape it up again before you go back out onto the field....Use the numbing spray (no shots) as needed during the game.....repeat next game.
"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Oct 4, 2006 7:59 PM PDT reply actions  

Of course.....
this all applies assuming the break is a "hairline" fracture and not a complete break...then the above solution wouldn't be possible.
"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Oct 4, 2006 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions  

espn
Hey, its not like its hard to believe, but once again, espn, and writers on MLB.com, are focusing on how the twins have failed to execute (toriis error etc.)so far and how the twins are giving the series to the A's with their misplays and foul ups.
 First off, If the A's would have hit with runners in scoring position today it would be a blow out. Secondly, A's bullpen was outside themselves today (better than the usual stellar performance). Lastly, The A's scored another run in the 9th on that stuff ESPN refers to as monkeyball, that if torii had not made his dive, the A's still had a one run advantage.
 blow it out your ass ESPN

by Asjunkie on Oct 4, 2006 8:00 PM PDT reply actions  

que viva!!
"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 4, 2006 8:43 PM PDT up reply actions  

Jimenez
did have a terrific 2004. And good for the A's for having him.

But, my god, three middle infielders injured--both of the starters. That's brutal.

And I also think it's brutal because I believe Ellis is one of the most important players on the team.

by RLangford on Oct 4, 2006 8:26 PM PDT reply actions  

On the other hand
(no pun intended) the A's did beat the Reds in the 1972 World Series after Reggie broke his leg sliding into home in the playoffs -- and as much as I love MaEl, he ain't Reggie.
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Oct 4, 2006 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions  

This 2006 team
kind of reminds me, somewhat, of those 1972 A's. I think it's mostly in their mindset--at least I hope I'm right. Trying to stay positive.

by Salvatore on Oct 4, 2006 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions  

I'm stumping for Melhuse
to play 2nd base.  We know what his bat can do as opposed to Jiminez.  Who can't play a little 2nd base?

by AlBowe on Oct 4, 2006 8:38 PM PDT reply actions  

what CAN melhuse do with his bat?
because over 2005 and 2006 he absolutely can NOT hit with it.  unlike in 2004, when he put up a monsterous MVP-caliber .257 avg and .309 obp.
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 4, 2006 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions  

Argh
Is it Friday yet? I honestly cannot wait anymore.

by lenscrafters on Oct 4, 2006 8:42 PM PDT reply actions  

I LOVE ATHLETICS NATION
Where else can you get comments about obscure rules 40(b), scouting reports on Jimenez, and how to tape your index finger to your middle finger if you have a hairline fracture?  

Oh yes....I'm an addict for A's info right about now...glad to see people are as INSANE as me!

by murlow on Oct 4, 2006 8:52 PM PDT reply actions  

At least Ellis can pinch-run
I realize that's little consolation now, but that can be pretty big.  Remember in the 2002 ALDS Olmedo Saenz (quitting bastard) tore his Achilles in Game 1?  Well, we were short a man the rest of the series, which cost us in Game 5(he owned Guardado that year).

Now, with these games likely being tight (hopefully just 1 more), Ellis can at least run for Big Frank if we need some speed on the basepaths in the late innings.  It might not seem like much, but it's at least some benefit he can add.

by bigthree17 on Oct 4, 2006 8:53 PM PDT reply actions  

I got it!!!
Jimenez plays and we reach the World Series vs. the Dodgers.  Game 1, bottom of the ninth, Mark Ellis pinch hits and gets the game winning homerun, as the A's win and go on to sweep the dodgers

by Erocks on Oct 4, 2006 8:54 PM PDT reply actions  

done
and done! [insert fist pumps]

by Jonny Oklnd on Oct 4, 2006 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Will he ride in on a unicorn?
"The A's are boring because all they do is win."

by Checkswing HR on Oct 4, 2006 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions  

Loaiza:
"He threw the batting gloves up there and the coffee landed on me. That's just baseball."

Yep, that's baseball alright.

by DavidA on Oct 4, 2006 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

As baseball as
doing yoga positions with a yiddish-speaking squirrel.

by calvin @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 9:27 PM PDT up reply actions  

Coffeegate
didnt someone on AN coin that phrase?

by Amnesiac727 on Oct 4, 2006 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions  

I liked that quote so much, in fact, that...
He threw the batting gloves up there and the coffee landed on me. That's just baseball. Esteban Loaiza

by Bixby23 on Oct 4, 2006 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions  

I tend to be pretty clumsy
around the kitchen.  I didn't realize all this time that I was just playing baseball.

by DavidA on Oct 5, 2006 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions  

Good job, Ratto!
You know ESPN is stupid when Ray Ratto is the voice of sanity.  I think I may have found a playoff sig line, myself:
Bradley was funniest of all when he smiled and referenced a recent story ripped straight from the headlines, "Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 5, 2006 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions  

I have a question.
In the seventh inning, with a man on and a tough lefty coming out of the 'pen to face Kotsay, why didn't Macha pinch-hit Bobby Kielty?

(I'm not complaining about the result.  But I haven't seen anybody on AN mention the fact that this was a possibility)

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Oct 4, 2006 8:56 PM PDT reply actions  

Kielty playing defense on turf? ;)
Honestly, I think it was all defense-related.
"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 4, 2006 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions  

kotsay defense needed in a tight game
in that difficult dome.
"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 4, 2006 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

Agree.
We need Kotsay in center. On the other hand, Kielty probably has more experience with the dome than anyone else on the A's...

by orange2299 @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions  

Save for other pinch hit situations?
It's a tie game, two outs, not ninth inning.
Batter (Kotsay) no slouch at the plate.  Better to save the PH for a higher leverage situation?

by MobiusKlein on Oct 4, 2006 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

I think that only works the other way
If it were Kielty at the plate facing a tough righty, then Kots comes in, not the other way.  Kots can hit lefties IMO.
"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Oct 5, 2006 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

I mentioned it to the guy I was watching with
but in a tie game, I'd rather have the 'A' defense out there
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 5, 2006 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions  

After reading this thread I am stoked!
In the past the back of the roster was guys like Jason Grabowski, Billy McMillon, et cetera, et cetera, (nothing personal guys).
Before I started reading this thread, I thought Jiminez was just a journeyman minor leaguer.
I was totally wrong, he is a journeyman MAJOR LEAGUER. That is a huge difference guys. And to think that we can pull a K-Rod and bring up a backup middle infielder before the game on Friday as well. (at least it looks that way)
Hell, Cincinnati paid Jiminez over 2million his last year there. This roster is so much stronger top to bottom than it used to be.
I'm stoked.
Good luck with your finger Ma El.
I agree with the others that posted, stick Jiminez at 2nd, and deal with it, if he totally sucks adjust then, but I don't think he will.

by connie mack on Oct 4, 2006 8:56 PM PDT reply actions  

No change before Friday
Once a team sets its playoff roster, it can't make a move until after that playoff series is over.  Like in 2002 when Saenz tore his Achilles in Game 1, we were stuck with that empty roster spot.  

IF we advance, then we could make a move, but there seems to be some question as to whether that guy has to be on the 40-man roster as of Aug. 31 or at all.

by bigthree17 on Oct 4, 2006 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions  

SHIT.
(yaywewon)

But SHIT. I have nothing at all to add to the discussion about Ellis' broken finger, so I'll just add a little profanity.

Also, I might have dozed a little while watching my tape of the game... I must have slept through the part where Milton went into the stands, knifed a coffee vendor, took the urn back down to the dugout and dumped all the scalding hot coffee onto Loaiza while screaming, "Sober up, you drunk c---s---er!!!"  I totally missed that.  So I'm glad the ESPN announcers were kind enough to spend the next couple of hours talking about what a carcinogenic troublemaker Milton is.

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 4, 2006 9:01 PM PDT reply actions  

I'm sorry.
I really wanted to warn you about that stuff when I emailed you this afternoon.
AN apeshit!

by Jennifer on Oct 4, 2006 9:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

It's funny...
Yesterday, you asked "Are you sure you don't want to know what's going on?"  So when I watched the tape of yesterday's game, and Ellis got up to bat with the bases loaded, I noticed that (according to the VCR's counter) it was around the time you had emailed.  And I thought, Woohoo, Jennifer wanted to tell me MaEl hit a grand slam!

I thought of today's email as soon as I saw that ball hit his hand...  :(

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 4, 2006 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions  

Pure Gold
That's the funniest thing I have read in at least a month
"I try to figure this team out, and if I could, I'd be a genius," Mark Ellis

by Little Lebowski Urban Achievers on Oct 4, 2006 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

Awesome.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 5, 2006 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions  

I think Milton Bradley's getting a carpet cleaning
commerical out of this...

by calvin @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 9:08 PM PDT reply actions  

The camera did
capture Bradley just at the right time--almost to coincidentally.

by Salvatore on Oct 4, 2006 9:11 PM PDT up reply actions  

I bet you money
they have a camera trained on the dugout at all times to capture/invent any Milton drama they can.
"The first night, we were right there," Bradley said. "All we needed was a couple of touchdowns, and we would have had them."

by jeepers on Oct 5, 2006 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions  

However...
I took a tremendous amount of pleasure in Mark Kotsay's inside-the-park HR coming at the expense of the guy who has Kotsay's 2005 Gold Glove.
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 4, 2006 9:17 PM PDT reply actions  

Isn't it ironic?
I loved that touch, hence the title of my recap!
"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 4, 2006 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

I didn't even get to the recap yet...
...been off AN for almost 12 hours, a lot to catch up on... LOL
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 4, 2006 9:24 PM PDT up reply actions  

Someone posted
a terrific photo earlier of Tori Hunter reaching for that ball.

by Salvatore on Oct 4, 2006 9:23 PM PDT reply actions  

Derek Jeter once hit a ball so hard...
A passing Vulcan ship detected its warp signature.

by calvin @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 9:25 PM PDT reply actions  

Then realized the ball
was overrated, so it sent it back plummeting to earth.

Killing the dinosaurs.

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Oct 4, 2006 9:27 PM PDT reply actions  

Ellis/Jimenez Offensive Stat Comparison
       Ellis Jimenez
From   2002  1999                                
To     2006  2006
Yrs    4     7
G      498   568
AB     1773  2057
R      276   276
H      478   543
2B     93    98
3B     15    17
HR     39    34
RBI    191   218
BB     176   270
SO     275   369
BA    .270  .264
OBP   .341  .348
SLG   .405  .378
SB     15    34
CS     7     21
OPS+   98    94

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 9:37 PM PDT reply actions  

Thanks, but...
I'm more interested in defense...  :\
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 4, 2006 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

how about torii hunter doing the EXACT SAME THING
exactly four years ago against the a's: diving for a ball he had no business diving for, missing, allowing an inside the park home run in a playoff game.  

that's jeremy giambi-byrnes-tejada level mental braincramping.  

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 4, 2006 9:39 PM PDT reply actions  

any chance ellis can play this postseason?
i guess we have to wait to get the official diagnosis, but given that it's a broken index finger, he's done, right? or can he possibly come back? basically...is there a doctor in the house? if so, drop some knowledge!
"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 4, 2006 9:45 PM PDT reply actions  

Funny how when Jeter threw his jock-strap
in the dugout during Game 5 of the 2000 World Series, and it caused Mariano River's thermos of cocoa to spill onto Mariano's uniform, Jeter was credited with giving Rivera the magic power he needed to close out the Yanker's 3rd straight WS and become the most dominant closer in postseason history.
I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 4, 2006 9:49 PM PDT reply actions  

Ellis/Jimenez Fielding Comparison
    Ellis Jimenez
G   501     556
PO  992     997
A   1424    1475
E   33      62
DP  326     327
FP  .987    .976
lgFP.982    .979
RFg 4.82    4.45
lgRFg 4.41  4.09

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 10:08 PM PDT reply actions  

attitude in Minn
I've been in Minneapolis for a while working on a client case, and let me tell you, the air left not only the metrodome but all of downtown Minn when Street wrapped the game up. Sadly I coudn't get away from work for the game, but between gamecast, overhearing random conversations, and a few minutes of TV durning lunch, the general gist was clear. Even with everything the twins have done this year, people here don't think their team can come back. Santana let them down yesterday, and Hunter let them down today. Sure we have been disappointed with a few of our guys, but we have won. The mentality in this whole city is different now. Last year the Whitesox had don't stop believing (journey = east bay anyhow), this year, MN is done believing.

by kaijis on Oct 4, 2006 10:09 PM PDT reply actions  

twinkerbell is dead!
I don't know how I did it, but I quieted this crowd in my head today. -Zito, 10/3/06

by LAXile on Oct 4, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Santana let them down?
Dude gives up just 2 runs in 8 innings, and he "let them down?"

Verily, it was the offense that let 'em down, or rather, Zito shut 'em down.

"The A's are boring because all they do is win."

by Checkswing HR on Oct 4, 2006 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions  

Man, if you're going to rail us, GET IT RIGHT
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061004&content_id=1698713&vkey=news_oak &fext=.jsp&c_id=oak
Sense of October
The Athletics are in the same position they were in 2002. They beat the Yankees twice in New York and needed just one more win to advance. Instead they lost two in Oakland and one more in New York to be eliminated.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't the Angels play the Yankees that year? We played Minnesota. We were ahead 2-0 in 2001 to the Yankees and in 2003 to the Red Sox. I remember more than I want to about those games.

:\

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 4, 2006 10:12 PM PDT reply actions  

ESPN?
Why does ESPN openly hate us?  Sportcenter opened tonight with the Yankee rainout, then Mets/Dodgers highlights...then TO/McNabb coverage, then opening night for hockey...THEN A's highlights (complete with Coffeegate coverage) literally TWENTY minutes into the broadcast.  At least they got Burnes doing BB2N...

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 4, 2006 10:34 PM PDT reply actions  

If You Believe in Astrology
Derek Jeter--Gamer-- 6-26-74

Jason Kendell--Gamer-- 6-26-74

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 10:36 PM PDT reply actions  

How dare you
Engage in the sacrilege of comparing anyone to the Great Jeter and using the sacred date of his birth in giving false prophets shall cause you great grief.  It is well known that all male children born on 6-26-74 besides the Great Jeter were rounded up and sacrificed to the Clutchiness Gods.  Kendall only thinks he shares a birthdate with Jeter.
Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 4, 2006 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions  

Wow, what are the odds
that two major leaguers would have the exact same bra size?
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 4, 2006 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions  

Isn't that supposed to be
Mental age - actual age - IQ?
"He threw the batting gloves up there and the coffee landed on me. That's just baseball." -- Esteban Loaiza

by Bixby23 on Oct 4, 2006 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions  

I believe now
inside the park hrs, A's /Twins, Torii Hunter, 10-4-06,  and 02

by davestewart on Oct 5, 2006 6:08 AM PDT up reply actions  

what were you doing on 6-26-74?
Me: in college (summer school), part time job, mattress in a tiny room in somebody's house that was hotter than hell at night, somewhat crazy girlfriend, probably listened to Monte Moore broadcast the "swingin' A's".

by vk on Oct 4, 2006 10:47 PM PDT reply actions  

6.26.74
I was four and living in Northern Indiana.  And even then, I wanted to be Derek Jeter.  No one knew who he was, and yet we all wanted to emulate him.  His powers are indeed far-reaching.  I've heard he can cut guns in half with his mind.

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 4, 2006 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

if you were in northern Indiana...
you weren't very far from Derek's hometown, which is on the road north of Michigan City. strangely, I did see an old Glenn Miller movie that night where they played "K-A-L-A-M-Z-A-O-O"

by vk on Oct 4, 2006 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions  

DJ
Yes, throughout the majority of the seventies, most of us in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan just basked in his glowing aura.  We had no need for electric, gas or solar energy.  We were fueled by Jeterpower.

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 4, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

Just the very thought of Derek Jeter
makes Chuck Norris wet the bed.  And then Jeter-of-the-mind won't let him change the sheets, just to make sure Norris knows who's boss.

by DavidA on Oct 5, 2006 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

I was part of the 3 Wise Men
who bestowed gifts at the feet of little Derek Jeter's manger.   One brought a baseball glove.  One brought a baseball bat.  I brought the Intangibles, which were a bitch to carry.

by calvin @ Athletics Nation on Oct 4, 2006 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions  

carrying the weight of the kings
Sure, you couldn't stop for a smoke somewhere along the way and let that little bit where he cuts the throw off slip out the bag, huh?  Thanks.

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 4, 2006 11:05 PM PDT up reply actions  

and that reminds me
Not to be conspiracy-minded or anything, but Gatorade would appear to hate us as much as ESPN.  Maybe instead of giving me the alternate reality if Jesus-Jeter hadn't drank his Gatorade, they'd just like to come over to my house, tie me to a chair, force me to watch the Gibson shot over and over again and repeatedly hit me over the head with a hammer.  That may be a comparable experience.

by Leopold Bloom on Oct 4, 2006 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions  

Jeter
was born to a virgin and his mother was named Mary.

by Salvatore on Oct 5, 2006 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions  

I was five, in Fremont,
and already hating Chuck Finley.
"He threw the batting gloves up there and the coffee landed on me. That's just baseball." -- Esteban Loaiza

by Bixby23 on Oct 4, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions  

I was
four, still peeing my bed, and yet still managed to display more maturity than Ozzie Guillen.
Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 4, 2006 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions  

On 6-26-74,
I was about 8 weeks from being born.

by Dann on Oct 4, 2006 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions  

His girlfriend dragged him
through clothes stores for three hours?

Looks like we need to find Bobby a new girlfriend. Though I can't think of anybody at AN who'd want to do that.

"The A's are boring because all they do is win."

by Checkswing HR on Oct 4, 2006 11:32 PM PDT reply actions  

Riffin' on the quippin'
of Master Nico there.
"The A's are boring because all they do is win."

by Checkswing HR on Oct 4, 2006 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

If that's Crosby's girlfriend...
Just imagine what a bitch his future wife will be.

by Salvatore on Oct 5, 2006 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions  

<raises hand>
HEY! Hello!! ME!! RIGHT HERE!! Pick ME!!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 5, 2006 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions  

A's would beat Radke with me playing second . . .
Ellis might have a broken index finger, but Radke has a broken right shoulder (yeah, he's a rightie)

Advantage, A's

by froggiethegremlin on Oct 4, 2006 11:36 PM PDT reply actions  

how to beat Radke
we just need to take a lot of pitches and get into their bullpen like we did with Santana and Boof. And get some production from Bradley and Chavez.

by davestewart on Oct 5, 2006 6:02 AM PDT up reply actions  

A's 7-1 favourites - Harden should pitch Friday
This series is probably ours. We need to look ahead a bit - I know a lot of bad memmories out thre but we are in an era hwere curses are broken.

It's pretty damn obvious that Harden should start Game 3 vs Minnesota so Haren could open Game 1 vs Yy. Haren's ERA is below 3 vs the Yank's over the past 2 years while Harden has been slapped around by the Yankkees. We don't have a huge margin of error with NY and it is worth gambling a bit here so we give the enxt series our best shot.

Any chance this will happen?

by Vegas Bettor James on Oct 4, 2006 11:43 PM PDT reply actions  

Harden in Game 1
against Yankees would be fine with me.  Of course, if Haren does win Friday, Zito is almost certain to be Game 1 starter against Yanks.  Yankees will be a tough matchup for Zito, he won't get the same results if he throws the same pitches he threw in Game 1 against the Twins.  We can score against the Yankees though.  
Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 4, 2006 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions  

nice post
do you have the odds for the other teams?

by davestewart on Oct 5, 2006 6:04 AM PDT up reply actions  

Why all the Crosby talk? He's out for the year.
Losing Ellie is really a bad one.  He's been big in everyway, especially after the All Star Break.  His OPS since the break is .787.  He is always moving the runners along when necessary, or breaking up a double play--like today, that allowed Kotsay to bat and hit the inside the ball park homer.  And of course we all know about his fielding.

I've been thinking World Series with this team.  I imagine we get by the Twins with our 2--0 lead.  But this makes getting by the Yankees pretty darn hard--odds definitely against us.

by alamedaman on Oct 4, 2006 11:50 PM PDT reply actions  

Best thing to happen to the A's
was Perez' injury.  Can you imagine if we were looking at Perez starting through the ALDS and possibly the ALCS and WS?  Jimenez may not be Ellis, but he's certainly no Perez.  I would not be surprised to see Jimenez come up with a big hit at some point.  Perez would be an automatic out.  Losing Ellis will be a bigger blow if the A's make it to the Series, because they'll also be missing Thomas' bat in the NL park.  But we have a long we to go before we get there.

ESPN:  Sorry Byrnes fans, but I thought he was horrible.  Like a deer in the headlights.  Vernon Wells was MUCH better - maybe a little too laid back, but much more thoughtful and coherent.  I loved the panic in Byrnes' face when he couldn't come up with Mussina's name - Ravech had to pull it out for him.  

by boilerdan on Oct 5, 2006 6:45 AM PDT reply actions  

YES!
I was just telling my wife that last night. They would have put him in and he would be swinging like a blind kid trying to hit a pinata at a birthday party...while drunk!

I will take my chances with D'Angelo swinging the bat over Perez ANYDAY!

Great point

by since72 on Oct 5, 2006 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions  

Byrnesy...
came off as scared, but also as a surfer-boy product of the California public schools. c'mon, dude, you come from a good Peninsula neighborhood, didn't they teach you how to talk?  

by vk on Oct 5, 2006 7:51 AM PDT reply actions  

Actually...
I believe Byrnes went to high school at St. Francis in Mountain View, which is a private school.  And, growing up in Woodside (which is beyond "good Peninsula neighborhood"), he probably went to private elementary schools as well.

So, basically, his parents wasted a lot of money.  ;)

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 5, 2006 8:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

There were three perfectly good
shots of Wild Turkey in that coffee.  I would be upset too.
"I call it my truck driver look. I'm truckin' into the playoffs." - Swisher

by gimpy989 on Oct 5, 2006 8:08 AM PDT reply actions  

Because he swung the bat.
That FOOL!!!  He deserves to miss the rest of the postseason for that!

<sadness gives way to anger>

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 5, 2006 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

Baseball is a game ruled by heartless bastards
{points to TV schedule}
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 5, 2006 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

Who isn't?
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 5, 2006 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions  

Delirious Byrnes
Byrnes was in a sleep deprived induced manic state on ESPN. Vernon Wells was insightful but somnambulant. Byrnes was also on KNBR on Thursday morning and was incoherent. The hosts let him ramble for 20 minutes. The one interesting thing Byrnes said on the radio was that he got a text message from Zito before game one that implied he was unhappy about being given no respect relative to Santana and that served as motivation for him.  I have heard Byrnes be insightful. Thursday was not his ( Torii Hunter's) best day.

The one thing about Hunter was the class and character he showed during interviews after the misplay. You have to admire that in modern athlete.

by scarr1 on Oct 5, 2006 9:13 AM PDT reply actions  

I don't think you could
approach post-game interviews with any more class than Torii Hunter did. I'd take him on my team any day.
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 5, 2006 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions  

I'm a Hunter fan..
I felt bad for him...I wish it could have been anyone else on their team.
I spoke to my mom, and she was like "I felt bad for him, usually, I would have been like...get up, baby, get up...but not today. I just said go ahead and lay there." (this was obviously after he dove for the ITPHR)
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 5, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions  

Hunter
class act, magnificent player, best CF of this era, I simply cannot believe the Twins fans booed him.
1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Oct 5, 2006 10:06 AM PDT up reply actions  

A's won't blow it
It's all part of God's plan.

by Salvatore on Oct 5, 2006 9:16 AM PDT reply actions  

What's that on your sock?
Is it blood?
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 5, 2006 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions  

Playoffs are a crap shoot..
well, we've been rolling 7s and 11s and looking good.  So even though we've lost Ellis, all that means is we didn't roll a 7 or 11 and now have to hit our point (if you don't understand craps, disregard)

ESPN really hates Oakland.  It isn't good for business.  

As someone said earlier, I hope Oakland and SD make world series and fox goes broke.

I'm about 10 hours from heading to Tha Town.

LET'S GO OAKLAND!!

"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 5, 2006 9:18 AM PDT reply actions  

Are we 100% sure Ellis is totaly out?
The way the A's site was talking about it seems to say they might be able to play him say come a ALCS opportunity.
Read it and see what you think:
http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20061004&content_id=1699350&vkey=news_oak &fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

by asfan777 on Oct 5, 2006 9:31 AM PDT reply actions  

I don't know...
I don't think he'll be able to play.
This is just a reflection of the A's 2006. What's sweet though is that Jimenez will step in and contribute. Just like the rest of the A's have been doing all year.
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 5, 2006 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions  

I can't see how he'd be able to throw...
or bat, for that matter, but especially throw.

I think we're just going to have to wait for whatever the A's say after their workout day today.

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Oct 5, 2006 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions  

Ummmm...
There are no other middle infielders on the A's 40-man roster, but Crosby has been hopeful about returning in time for the AL Championship Series should the A's make it that far.

a) Crosby is broken, really broken
b) Crosby can't hit

No thank you.

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 5, 2006 9:36 AM PDT reply actions  

Byrnes' tie
was ugggggggly, but i found it hilarious when he said that if he were Torri Hunter, he'd dive for the ball as well, followed by ESPN dialing up a clip from this year where he DID do the exact same thing in CF. Bout the only good thing ESPN has done in the past two days.

Well, it was hilarious until it brought back memories of the Crash Test Dummy acting like a dummy in an Oakland uni.

go Frank go...500 > 756*

by money baller on Oct 5, 2006 9:38 AM PDT reply actions  

Byrnes would have dove
and if he were with the A's in the playoffs he would have missed it.

by Salvatore on Oct 5, 2006 9:50 AM PDT reply actions  

Obscure middle infielders
have a history of coming up big in the post-season. Remember Brian Doyle? I can't remember any other names, but maybe somebody can help me. Maybe Jimenez can make some history, too

 

by Peter in Montreal on Oct 5, 2006 9:54 AM PDT reply actions  

Mark Lemke
1991 Braves
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 5, 2006 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions  

Buddy Biancalana
Please let 2006 be the year, and without an earthquake this time.

by BlameChannel53 on Oct 5, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

Tony Womack and Adam Kennedy.
Don't know if they qualify as obscure, per se.  
"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 5, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions  

Derek Jeter
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 5, 2006 2:46 PM PDT up reply actions  

watching yanks/det
grounder to first base - J. Miller: "Jeter far to field to get that one over to Mussina"
Jeter is everywhere, ladies and gentlemen. Everywhere
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 5, 2006 11:07 AM PDT reply actions  

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