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Around SBN: AEG To Purchase Spurs?

DLD 2-15: Pitchers and catchers report!...

... for the Tigers, Angels, Rangers, Mariners, Cubs, Dodgers and Giants, that is.

A's Ps and Cs report Saturday.

Complete list of report dates

But still, this is the kickoff to Spring Training.

As for the biggest OAKLAND-related news...
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Huston Street will be lacin' em up for the red white and blue in the World Baseball Classic.

Street's success while wearing the red, white and blue was among the factors that led USA Baseball, in an announcement made Tuesday afternoon by general manager Bob Watson, to include Street on the United States' 30-man roster for next month's World Baseball Classic.

"That definitely played a role in it," Watson said on a conference call. "He's pitched in some big games for his country."

Street is the only Athletic on the roster, which won't become official until the team gathers in Phoenix for its first workout on March 2. Third baseman Eric Chavez is on the 60-man provisional roster, and according to Team USA manager Buck Martinez, has enthusiastically volunteered his services in the event of an injury.

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In other A's WBC news, Chavvy may play south of the border.

His father, Cesar, is from Mexico, and both sets of Chavez's grandparents also came from Mexico. While Chavez's first choice would be to play for his home country, he likes the idea of the WBC so much that he's exploring the possibility of playing for the Mexican team.

"There's a chance I will," Chavez said. "Some phone calls are going around. We'll see if it all works out. You never know, (Alex Rodriguez) could change his mind, and I'd love to play for the U.S., but if not, this would be something different, a way to get some quality at-bats in a real competition situation.

"The idea of the WBC is unbelievable. Even if I don't play, I'm looking forward to seeing what happens."

Other A's on WBC rosters:
Esteban Loaiza, RHP - Mexico
Kiko Calero, RHP - Puerto Rico
Dan Haren, RHP - Netherlands
Kirk Saarloos, RHP - Netherlands
MARCO! SCUTARO!, IF - Venezuela (his twin is also on the Italian roster)

I know Haren and Saarloos have pulled out, but not sure about the other three.

WBC Rosters

The Tribune's Jon Suchon... kind of tells us what we already know.

Will there be enough at-bats to keep everybody happy? Depth is great in case of injuries, but it's manager Ken Macha's job to keep everybody fresh and productive.

Jay Payton, for now, is the odd-man out of the starting lineup as the fourth outfielder. There won't be 600 at-bats for him, but 300 seems easy, 400 is possible, 500 isn't out of the question.

It's unlikely Thomas starts more than 100-120 games. That's 42-62 starts for somebody. The most likely scenario is Dan Johnson as the designated hitter, Nick Swisher moving to first base, and Payton playing left field.

As usual, A's rule, Giants drool

A primary source of the A's anticipation is their rotation of Barry Zito, Danny Haren, Rich Harden, Joe Blanton and Loaiza, a contingent any team would envy. "We're going to run out a starting pitcher every night who has had success in the major leagues," Manager Ken Macha said.

By contrast, Giants Manager Felipe Alou coated his typical optimism with a layer of seriousness as he addressed the crowd. "I can't take another losing year," said Alou, whose injury-wracked club finished 75-87 last season.

Alou explained his gravity to reporters afterward. Mentioning the likelihood that his son, 39-year-old outfielder Moises Alou, might retire after this season, Alou said, "I know Mo and a lot of guys feel the same way. We have a lot of people at the end of their careers -- including the manager. Whatever happens, you'd like to go out with a good situation -- playoffs and a possible World Series."

Alou also mentioned that he has a constituency to satisfy.

Non-A's news, but...

ES LIMA TIME in Queens, why is Pedro worried?

And nothing new, but in ESPN's Cold Pizza's poll of what team will win the AL Pennant...

  • Angels
  • Indians
  • Red Sox
  • White Sox
  • Yankees
  • <coughBIAScough>
Poll
What do you think of Huston pitching in the WBC?
Fire Buck Martinez Now!
27 votes
Good for ball
70 votes
Bad for ball
12 votes

109 votes | Poll has closed

Comment 147 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Comments

Display:

You do, too.
Didn't you hear?
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 7:58 AM PST up reply actions  

Well, more or less
But I'm nice and clean-shaven. And I wear a whistle.

by ArakSOT on Feb 15, 2006 8:01 AM PST up reply actions  

And who knew...
Randy Winn and Jose Lima were twins!?!? Dude...

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 8:07 AM PST up reply actions  

Wow.
You're right.  Creepy.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:11 AM PST up reply actions  

Yeah...
But ES WINN TIME... just... doesn't have the same ring to it.
I'm an Aztec warrior!

by JLaff on Feb 15, 2006 8:13 AM PST up reply actions  

Cold Pizza Poll
The omission is interesting because many of their top analysts (Olney, Stark, Neyer) have already said that the A's are the team to beat, at least in the AL West.
"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Feb 15, 2006 7:54 AM PST reply actions  

I think the Tribesman brought
this up before, but has anybody looked at the names on the Cuban roster?  They have some pretty awesome names:

Ubisney
Robelio
Maikel
Yosvani
Yulieski and Yuneski and Yulexis and Yorbis
Yader and Yadier and Yoandy and Yoennis
Jonder
Osmani

Can somebody who is more cultured than I am explain why Cubans have such unique first names?  They're unlike any Latin American names I've heard.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:10 AM PST reply actions  

I'm going to borrow "Yoandy" today.
My name is boring.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:13 AM PST up reply actions  

I'd go by Osmani
but given the color of my skin and the name's resemblence to an at-large criminal, I think Alberto Gonzalez would have me locked up.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:20 AM PST up reply actions  

But I like your name.
In fact, I'm stealing it.

I'm going to go by Salyoandy today.

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:28 AM PST up reply actions  

I don't know.
:)

It doesn't matter, though. I took a look at the Netherlands roster, and I'm taking Sharlon Schoop.

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:34 AM PST up reply actions  

Nevermind.
Shairon Martis is metter.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:35 AM PST up reply actions  

Me too.
It's different and way better than my name.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:39 AM PST up reply actions  

Seriously
Your original name sucks.  There's no "I" in Sharon.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:51 AM PST up reply actions  

Blame my father.
He gave me this ridiculous name. Names with "I" are so much cooler.

By the way, Sal...

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:54 AM PST up reply actions  

I prefer if you use my full name
Sali.  The "I" is silent.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 9:06 AM PST up reply actions  

Mustang Sali...
...think you better slow your mustang down.

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 9:09 AM PST up reply actions  

Hey, look.
Your name comes with an "I". Lucky.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 9:15 AM PST up reply actions  

What are you talking about?
There's no "I" in Jenni.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 9:16 AM PST up reply actions  

Damn it
I meant to say, "There's no "I" in Jenny"
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 9:16 AM PST up reply actions  

But Keith has an "I" too.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 9:17 AM PST up reply actions  

Wow.
My parents are awesome.

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 9:18 AM PST up reply actions  

Yeah.
I'm jealous. Zonk doesn't even have an "I".
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 9:20 AM PST up reply actions  

Huh?
=]
Knowledge is Power, Ignorance is Bliss. But I have Blissful Power, because I have a lot of knowledge, I just forgot it all!

by Zonis on Feb 15, 2006 9:23 AM PST up reply actions  

I just noticed...
I have every vowel in my name except "a". I'm changing my name to "Jannifer".

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 9:20 AM PST up reply actions  

hmmmmm....
...I'm missing "u".
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 9:24 AM PST up reply actions  

That's sweet.
I miss you too. ;)

Change your name to "Shairun".

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 9:31 AM PST up reply actions  

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 9:38 AM PST up reply actions  

is that short for ...
... "Salivate"?

(Or is it short for "Salivneinwonate"?)

Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 9:48 AM PST up reply actions  

the monkey strikes again
took me a few reads to get that one but it's pretty good.
Beware of the Elephant...

by rungood on Feb 16, 2006 5:48 AM PST up reply actions  

And what's a metter?
lol

<throws chair at myself>

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:40 AM PST up reply actions  

The Netherlands' roster is killing me.
Mark Mulder, South Holland, IL
Andy Van Hekken, Holland, MI

Just because they are from a city named Holland doesn't mean they are actually from Holland! Geez, Netherlands. Get a map!

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 9:06 AM PST up reply actions  

LOL
Just because ArakSOT insists: MaElLuvR

by Poppy on Feb 15, 2006 10:42 AM PST up reply actions  

My faves:
Leslie Anderson
Vicyohandry Odelin

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 8:24 AM PST up reply actions  

Well being Cuban myself
I can say my name is Alex, so I have no clue about odd first names.
A hot dog at the ball park is better than steak at the Ritz. --Humphrey Bogart

by West Bay A s Fan on Feb 15, 2006 12:41 PM PST up reply actions  

are you sure it's not
"YoAlex"?
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 Feb 15, 2006 4:39 PM PST up reply actions  

Or "xyoalexx"
"Keep the juices going by jangling around gently as you move." - Satchel Paige

by McFood on Feb 15, 2006 5:40 PM PST up reply actions  

the soviet influence maybe?
"It's better just to be in a little bit of a daze." - Zito

by oak in nam on Feb 15, 2006 6:26 PM PST up reply actions  

Cuban names
I can't explain why Cuba has such a high percentage of imaginative, non-traditional first names, but the same phenomenon occurs to a lesser extent in other Caribbean nations- see "Ugueth", "Magglio", "Yusmeiro", "Runelvys", "Yadier", etc. The Caribbeans seem to show a bias towards names starting in "Yu-" or "Yo"... e.g. Yurendell DeCaster of the Netherlands Antilles. I'm guessing that these cool names are most prevalent amongst the poorer segments of society in these countries, since that's where the majority of professional Caribbean baseball players come from as well.

In Brazil, the lower economic classes also tend to give flowery, somewhat outlandish names to their children, but the trend there is to either copy or imitate English or Dutch-sounding surnames: "Washington", "Elton", "Wesley", "Vanderci" (from Van Der Zee) or even just "Vander" (meaning "of the" in Dutch, a common addition to Dutch surnames). Sometimes elements from both languages are combined, like "Vanderson", or new names are just invented because they "sound" foreign (like "Creiverson" or "Elieberton" to name a garish few).

by OaktownTribesman on Feb 15, 2006 7:25 PM PST up reply actions  

ah crap
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are about to line their pockets with a whole bunch more dough. They are on the verge of signing a 10-year TV deal with FSN worth ~$500 million. This would about double their current deal.
Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Feb 15, 2006 8:13 AM PST reply actions  

Title Here
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2330931

Generic wrap up of the A's offseason.  The typos are the best part.  Damn that Jason Iambi!

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:19 AM PST reply actions  

Man
ESP really sucks.
I'm an Aztec warrior!

by JLaff on Feb 15, 2006 8:22 AM PST up reply actions  

If Jason Iambi was over 15' tall ...
... would you have to measure his height with an Iambic Pentameter?
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 9:50 AM PST up reply actions  

That doesn't even make sense
isn't iambic pentameter 10 syllables?

by Alon on Feb 16, 2006 12:58 PM PST up reply actions  

bad pun
"penta" (5) "meter" (>3') = >15'
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 16, 2006 1:02 PM PST up reply actions  

Did Swisher
just implicate himself and the entire team for steroid abuse in that article?

"It's the old-school A's," (ala Canseco, Mac and Giambi?-Ed.)said outfielder Nick Swisher, who also will get time at first base. "I think there are six or seven guys who have a chance to hit 20 homers in that lineup, and maybe more... I'm juiced and I know everyone else is... too."

by humdinger on Feb 15, 2006 10:19 AM PST up reply actions  

Oh come on
you know that Swish is just a big Kid.

He was refering to his stock of Orange and Grape!

Knowledge is Power, Ignorance is Bliss. But I have Blissful Power, because I have a lot of knowledge, I just forgot it all!

by Zonis on Feb 15, 2006 10:24 AM PST up reply actions  

raw home run juice!
<Nacho Runs>
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 10:54 AM PST up reply actions  

i dunno about you
but i can't wait to see what a juiced jason kendall does this year. 6 homers? 7? dare i say 10?
"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Feb 15, 2006 10:57 AM PST up reply actions  

I would be happy
with a couple doubles off the wall.

by humdinger on Feb 15, 2006 11:00 AM PST up reply actions  

I would be happy with
a couple of doubles down the line.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:03 AM PST up reply actions  

Make mine a double...
...and I'll be happy.

by Mission1929 on Feb 15, 2006 11:11 AM PST up reply actions  

50+ GIDPs?
If he's hittin' 'em harder but not higher, that's more time for the IFs to turn the DPs.
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 11:22 AM PST up reply actions  

But don't you remember?
In the Greek alphabet, Giambi begins with an "I."
username

by spal on Feb 15, 2006 11:13 AM PST up reply actions  

Yeah...knowing what everyone's thinking...
...really bites.
"(Insert favorite AN quote here.)" -- Some ANer
AN Census

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Feb 15, 2006 8:28 AM PST reply actions  

and knowing what everyone's biting ...
... really thinks.
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 9:51 AM PST up reply actions  

why is the AL so dominating over the NL?
ESPN's Alan Schwarz talks about it in his article here.
"The talent in the American League is better than the National League," said new Phillies general manager Pat Gillick, who spent the past several seasons with the Mariners. "I had the opportunity with Seattle last year to see some National League games, and thought it overall wasn't the same."
"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Feb 15, 2006 8:28 AM PST reply actions  

Jeff Weaver watch
The Angels expect to receive an answer today from Weaver, who has been courted by several teams, including the Rangers and Cleveland Indians. The Angels originally offered Weaver a one-year deal plus an option for 2007, but they are believed to have bumped their offer to two years.

Via LA Times, the official newspaper of the Los Angeles Angels.

I tell you, I ain't ne'er seen drier ink.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:50 AM PST reply actions  

Is it Monday yet?
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 8:52 AM PST up reply actions  

Man I hope its with the Indians or Rangers
If he joins the Indians, no team in the West will "improve" their pitching, and if he joins the Rangers, that 4+ ERA he put up in Dog stadium will become a 5+.
Knowledge is Power, Ignorance is Bliss. But I have Blissful Power, because I have a lot of knowledge, I just forgot it all!

by Zonis on Feb 15, 2006 9:18 AM PST up reply actions  

Sosa rejects the Nationals' offer
Sosa wanted at least $1 million to sign with the team, but Bowden was not willing to increase the offer. The Nationals originally had offered Sosa a Minor League deal with an invitation to Spring Training.
from mlb.com.
"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Feb 15, 2006 9:25 AM PST reply actions  

For Urban's mailbag
"Johnson is the starting first baseman, period. When he gets a day off, Swisher will play first more often than not."

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060211&content_id=1310094& ;vkey=news_oak&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

So am I right to think that both Jay Pay and Kielty will be on the bench and the lineup will look like this:

C: KenDoll
1B: DJ
2B: MaEl
3B: Chavy
ss: BoCro
LF: Swish
CF: Kotsay
RF: Milton
DH: Big Hurt

Looks pretty good to me, maybe a batting order like this:

Ellis, Milton, Chavy, Thomas (Frank, not Charles), Kotsay, Crosby, DJ, Swish, and KenDoll.

A kitten bats around a ball of yarn but what he's really saying is, "You know I can't knit, motherf'er." That is one foul mouthed kitten. - Mitch Hedberg

by RayRay59 on Feb 15, 2006 9:55 AM PST reply actions  

Should be From Urban's Mailbag
I suck at proof-reading
A kitten bats around a ball of yarn but what he's really saying is, "You know I can't knit, motherf'er." That is one foul mouthed kitten. - Mitch Hedberg

by RayRay59 on Feb 15, 2006 9:57 AM PST up reply actions  

Stark on offseason
A silly little column, but it is the first "real media" confirmation I could get of Mac Suzuki's signing:
Mac Suzuki (A's): Not to suggest it's been a while since Suzuki won a game in the big leagues. But his last win was so long ago (Aug. 23, 2001), he gave up a home run to Delino DeShields in it.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 10:36 AM PST reply actions  

Silly?
I thought it was a good article, very interesting.
Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Feb 15, 2006 10:44 AM PST up reply actions  

And this was classic....
1. Troy Glaus gets not only a $12.137-million player option and midcontract signing bonus tacked on to entice him to approve his trade to Toronto -- but the Blue Jays also give his wife a raise. How? By hiking Glaus' $250,000-a-year "personal business expense" clause (earmarked for Mrs. Glaus' equestrian gig) to $325,000 a year.
Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Feb 15, 2006 10:45 AM PST up reply actions  

more importantly
3. Phillies deny they're trying to trade Bobby Abreu -- at the same time they're talking nonstop to the Dodgers, Orioles, Cubs, Red Sox, Giants, White Sox, A's and Blue Jays about trading him for Derek Lowe, Brad Penny, Miguel Tejada, Erik Bedard, Manny Ramirez, Matt Clement, Mark Buehrle, Barry Zito and Vernon Wells.
RIP Bill King "By the Beard of Zeus!" "I don't know if you heard me counting. I did over a thousand"

by ohad on Feb 15, 2006 11:27 AM PST up reply actions  

I can't wait for the season to start.
Five Most Outrageous Contracts
2. A's hand a three-year, $21.375-million contract to Esteban Loaiza, a pitcher whose opponent batting average outside of RFK National Canyon last year was a scenic .306.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 11:33 AM PST up reply actions  

I agree with him there...
But he did also have the A's among the 3 most improved teams...He gave the boys some props.

And Angels #1 least improved..love that

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Feb 15, 2006 11:39 AM PST up reply actions  

i still think we gave loiza too much money
BUT it does appear we got a pretty good deal. loiza at $7m per season is actually a bargain compared to what other pitchers got this offseason. and the contract escalates (right?) a la redman, so i honestly don't think he stays here for 3 years. we get the cheap years, get his stats up w/ our pitchers park, excellent defense, and his knowledge of the AL, then trade him in either year 2 or year 3 of his deal.
"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Feb 15, 2006 12:29 PM PST up reply actions  

ugh
"Alou declined to revisit the possibility of Barry Bonds hitting second, reiterating that he wanted to discuss the idea with the left fielder before commenting further."

That whole organization is so Barry-whipped, it's disgusting.

Just because ArakSOT insists: MaElLuvR

by Poppy on Feb 15, 2006 10:42 AM PST reply actions  

Well, I think Macha and Beane
would ask Chavez before batting him second, and he doesn't have nearly the accomplishments or clout that Mr. Bonds has across the bay.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 10:51 AM PST up reply actions  

yeah well, what do I know
Just because ArakSOT insists: MaElLuvR

by Poppy on Feb 15, 2006 11:14 AM PST up reply actions  

This is ridiculous.
A little puppy-lovin' is okay, but do I see some tongue in this pic?

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 10:59 AM PST reply actions  

Aww, C'mon
Who hasn't tongue kissed a dog.  Umm, hmm . . . Nevermind.
A kitten bats around a ball of yarn but what he's really saying is, "You know I can't knit, motherf'er." That is one foul mouthed kitten. - Mitch Hedberg

by RayRay59 on Feb 15, 2006 11:08 AM PST up reply actions  

It must be Monday.
And Stoneman finally found room on his 39-man roster.

The ink is dry.

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 11:10 AM PST reply actions  

Too bad.
I was really looking forward to Hector Carrasco starting a game.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:20 AM PST up reply actions  

Too bad.
I was really looking forward to Weaver signing a 1-year contract with the Rangers or Indians, and the Rev to continue throwing s-bombs at his readers (I know, I'm one to talk about poo-flinging) all season long, and then the Angels to sign Weaver to a 3-year deal in February '07, and the Rev to exult in how he was correct all along.
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 11:25 AM PST up reply actions  

It's still possible.
If Escobar goes down...

...but adding Weaver allows them to go easy on Escobar and the bullpen.

:(

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 11:25 AM PST up reply actions  

Escobar and
Colon are both injury risks, for what it's worth.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:29 AM PST up reply actions  

<gasp>
I forgot about the reigning Cy Young winner.

:)

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

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 11:31 AM PST up reply actions  

dont forget about fat bart...
...coming off surgery also.  

Looking at Weavers numbers last year, I couldnt believe he gave up 35 HR.  I think hes a moron for listening to Boras, he shouldve taken a multiple year deal if offered.  

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Feb 15, 2006 11:32 AM PST up reply actions  

Reds news
Tuffy Rhodes is back!  He's back on a minor league contract.
Rhodes has been playing in Japan since 1996 and in 2001, he tied Sadaharu Oh's Japanese single-season record with 55 home runs. From 1990-95, the 37-year-old played for the Astros, Cubs and Red Sox.

If I remember correctly, Rhodes had tied Oh's home run record with several games to go, and teams refused to pitch to him because nobody wanted a foreigner to hold the record.

Also included in the above linked article, the Reds designated Jung Bong for assignment, which means we won't get to make immature drug-related jokes when we play the Reds.  This is the price to we pay for Scott Hatteberg's continued employment.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:28 AM PST reply actions  

SF Zoo Valentine's Day animal-sex tour
Poor Jack!

"We soaked it in a tub of betadine for a couple of weeks," Tollini said. "It turned purple, then black, then it atrophied. Then it fell off, and he ate it."

Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 11:30 AM PST reply actions  

Awesome.
After yesterday's debacle, I better be careful or I might end up with a cloaca.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:35 AM PST up reply actions  

"end up with a cloaca"
I thought that was your favorite position, "Salivate."
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 11:40 AM PST up reply actions  

<bAnNeD>
My new euphemism is going to be, "Jeeps getting into an argument."

After Thanksgiving break of my freshman year of college, I was talking with some friends in the dorm.  One of them mentioned that his most-socially-awkward high school classmate, who had gone to Harvard, had turned into quite the lady's man after only a few months.  For a while after that, "Going to Harvard" became our new euphemism.  "Did you hear they went to Harvard last night?"

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:43 AM PST up reply actions  

nice!
Although I'd amend it to parallel 1st base/2nd base/etc:
  • "Going to Community College"
  • "Going to Pepperdine"
  • "Going to Clown College"
  • "Going to Harvard"
(And, of course, if you srtrike out, you go home and spend your evening "Going to the School of Hard Knocks.")
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 11:57 AM PST up reply actions  

Come on now ...
Community College is an important educational institution that truly makes education accessible to everyone. There's no way it belongs below Pepperdine.

by devo on Feb 15, 2006 12:03 PM PST up reply actions  

I dunno ...
... I don't think Ken Starr would have accepted a deanship at a community college ...

(And of course no self-respecting clown college would have offered him one.)

Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 12:20 PM PST up reply actions  

I think a strike out
would mean study hall.  How about this one:

-Going to HalosHeaven: sounds like fun, but not all it's cracked up to be.  Juvenile. Emotionally traumatic.
-Going to RoyalsReview: not bad for what it is, but a little disappointing simply because of the material.
-Going to McCoveyChronicles: you've been waiting for something like this for a long time.  Not quite the real thing, but it should make do for the time being.
-Going to AthleticsNation: nice.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 12:13 PM PST up reply actions  

"study hall"?
Oh, please. How is "School of Hard Knocks" is not the funniest (non-Pepperdine-bashing) part of that gag?
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 12:19 PM PST up reply actions  

The way you phrased your
question is a classic example of "oaktoon-question-that-is-not-a-question."  Except you needed more question marks.  Got it??
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 12:20 PM PST up reply actions  

the question-that-is-not-a-question
Dude, that's so Zen, you're blowin' my mind.
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 12:21 PM PST up reply actions  

The which blows
is a product of that which does not blow.

<insert double entendre on use of word "blow">

<insert double entendre on use of word "insert">

<insert snark about Jason Kendall on use of word "double">

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 12:26 PM PST up reply actions  

Y DOAN YOO ...
... insert it all in your cloaca???
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 12:28 PM PST up reply actions  

<snicker>
"...so large you could lose your family and your SUV in them."

"It looks like two Jeeps having an argument."

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 11:41 AM PST up reply actions  

lol
Best. DLD. Article. Ever.

by Jennifer on Feb 15, 2006 11:47 AM PST up reply actions  

Again with the periods.
But I won't confiscate them this time.

Monkeyball, we really needed a PG-13 rating on that link.  <rub, rub>

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 11:48 AM PST up reply actions  

He did give it a PG-13 rating...
...when he wrote: SF Zoo Valentine's Day animal-sex tour.
"How much room do I have to cover out here?" -- Kotsay

by Sharon on Feb 15, 2006 12:16 PM PST up reply actions  

oaktoon would disagree
... because he wouldn't read the subject "literally" ...
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 12:29 PM PST up reply actions  

new meaning to "Lost"?
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 11:53 AM PST up reply actions  

kind of the ultimate in egotism, doncha think?
pffff. Tapirs.
Just because ArakSOT insists: MaElLuvR

by Poppy on Feb 15, 2006 12:19 PM PST up reply actions  

more like self-negation
Dude, that's so Zen, I'm blowin' my own mind.
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 12:22 PM PST up reply actions  

Just
47 more days until Opening Night!!! :D
"I have a lisp now." <3 Jonathan Cheecho <3

by Cassandra on Feb 15, 2006 12:17 PM PST reply actions  

I didn't know this
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5331722

Hatte's contract with the Reds is non-guaranteed:

Hatteberg, 36, did not receive a guaranteed contract, but should be a good fit for the Reds because of his ability to work counts and get on base. The Reds led the National League in runs last season, but making contact was not always their strong suit -- they also were first in the majors in strikeouts.

Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 1:40 PM PST reply actions  

I don't buy the "intimacy" line
As many have pointed out, the best third-deck seats are far better than the worst second-deck and bleacher seats -- and the worst second-deck seats well under the third-deck overhang contribute zilch to the "intimacy" of the crowd/park, even if those seats are filled to capacity. You can't even (or can only barely) see those worst seats from many other seats in the house (or from the field). And those worst second-deck seats offer basically zero chance of catching a foul ball -- which is my rule of thumb for judging the "intimacy" of a seat in relation to the rest of the ballpark.

If Wolff et al. were as primarily concerned with generating more "intimacy," why didn't they instead just plan to close off the top half of the third deck and the top half of the second deck?

I know: that's not an especially practical plan from a facilities-management standpoint. So why not just 'fess up to that, instead of giving us the "intimacy" palaver, when it's demonstrably untrue?

Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 15, 2006 2:27 PM PST up reply actions  

Under the Overhang
Oh, it's plenty intimate.

In fact, once, during an especially dark and poorly attended game against the Twins.....

by Mission1929 on Feb 15, 2006 7:16 PM PST up reply actions  

season ticket sales
"Team spokesman Jim Young said on Thursday that Oakland's season ticket sales for this season are level with last year's pace."

i thought somebody said they were up 150%?

i'm sure it will improve somewhat, but if this is true, it's just embarrassing for the east bay and for us a's fans.

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 Feb 15, 2006 5:17 PM PST up reply actions  

The real question is
Who will top the HR leader board in the AL West. I'm betting on Padilla, but now Weaver might challenge him.
"If you throw at someone's head, it's very dangerous, because in the head is the brain." -- Pudge Rodriguez

by niallmack on Feb 15, 2006 2:23 PM PST reply actions  

I don't think Padilla
will stay healthy/effective long enough for him to lead the AL West in HRs allowed.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 2:25 PM PST up reply actions  

Chavez can't play for Mexico
He missed a deadline to be listed on their provisional roster. Only way he gets in is if GayRod bows out (which seems highly possible).
I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Feb 15, 2006 2:32 PM PST reply actions  

"GayRod"
What's wrong with being gay?

by SportySpice @ Athletics Nation on Feb 15, 2006 3:54 PM PST up reply actions  

welll...
He's married.
I was nothing more than an almost innocent bystander.

by Squeaky on Feb 15, 2006 4:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Where does it say anything about there being
something wrong? It's a common nickname for him that's used all the time. Same with A-Fraud. Don't even start this debate, it's not worth it.
I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Feb 16, 2006 1:30 PM PST up reply actions  

The only way it would have been ok ...
... would have been if you didn't fess up to using it as an equivalent to "A-Fraud" and defending your usage.

Basically, you're using it as a derogatory toward A-Rod -- which means that, in your formulation, calling him "gay" is, in fact, an insult.

And I, for one, have a huge problem with that.

I don't like anonymously ratting on people, so I'm going to be forthright: consider yourself reported to the CGV.

Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 16, 2006 1:39 PM PST up reply actions  

CGV
By the way, has anyone else had problems with the CGV -at- athleticsnation.com email address?
Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 16, 2006 1:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Wow.
"consider yourself reported to the CGV."

Wow. The absurdity of that comment is almost too much for me to even come up with a response to.

Way back in the day, when AN was a smaller tight-knit community, we discussed the rules of etiquette on the site many times. On numerous occasions, I added that homophobic material should be outlawed in addition to the old standbys of sexism and racism that everyone else was listing. It's surreal to now be defending myself from these accustations.

I will now defend myself just this one time, and then that'll be the last I post about it. In the annals of sports, countless athletes have been given nicknames. I'm sure that many of them have offended people for whatever reason, but people still use them because they are common. Rodriguez has one of those nicknames, apparently. The fact of the matter is, it's a common nickname, many people call him that, and I typed it. Anyone who knows me- and I know 99% of you on here don't- knows I am the LAST person that would make homophobic comments. I have gay family members. I have lost some to AIDS. I have volunteered numerous times for the AIDS foundation....I feel stupid sitting here defending myself to strangers on the internet, but those are the facts. It's a common nickname, I used it. Obviously, I should've used the other one. I guess I didn't think about it in those terms becaus I know who I am, and I know what my beliefs are and I have nothing to be ashamed of. Period. So, that is it.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Feb 16, 2006 2:56 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm not accusing you of being prejudiced
... just of using prejudicial language. Which, as your eloquent statement indicated, is possible despite the best intentions.

Let me put it this way: if a "common" derogatory nickname of Tiger Woods replaced the "T" in his first name with an "N," would you use that nickname so cavalierly?

I'm not looking to instigate a witchhunt, and I'm not looking to punish you; but when you defend yourself by saying, basically, "Hey, calling someone 'gay' as an insult is a common thing," I can't help but feel that you're missing something.

And the fact that this exchange does transact among, as you say, strangers, I would think that the threshold for caution in using offensive terms would be much lower.

Are you suggesting that Joan Baez and I share a basement apartment in Milwaukee? - Poppy @('.')@

by monkeyball on Feb 16, 2006 3:12 PM PST up reply actions  

I think it's pretty clear.
If A-Fraud is used in a derogatory manner, then surely Gay-Rod is, too.  Unless you think "rod" is an insult, I'm going to assume that you think "gay" is.  Which is your right, I guess.
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 16, 2006 1:40 PM PST up reply actions  

PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT!!!!!
Finally! Yay! Only 13 days till the first ST game....

Okay. So can we just skip ahead two weeks?

I was nothing more than an almost innocent bystander.

by Squeaky on Feb 15, 2006 3:51 PM PST reply actions  

High socks news?
Well... it's a step. I covered my college's baseball game yesterday... everyone... including the coaches were rocking the socks. I told GNGG, who was quite pleased.
I'm an Aztec warrior!

by JLaff on Feb 15, 2006 4:17 PM PST reply actions  

Announcer miscues
Over on McCovey Chronicles, there's a hilarious diaries of 'miscues' by Jerry Coleman. It's here
I was nothing more than an almost innocent bystander.

by Squeaky on Feb 15, 2006 4:22 PM PST reply actions  

This
WBC could make or break baseball in how it is received in other countreies and Chavez, don't play for Mexico, I'd love that you play for but just concentrate on not hitting sliders 4 feet away from the strike zone.
The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it.-W. M. Lewis

by doublehustle22 on Feb 15, 2006 5:53 PM PST reply actions  

Better than
"Sosa retries."
Copernicus felt the same way about the geocentric crew.

by salb918 on Feb 15, 2006 8:21 PM PST up reply actions  

I doubt it
He's going to want to get those 12 HR to reach 600. This is just a publicity stunt, hoping he generates a little more interest from a team like the Royals or Bucs desperate for any reason to bring fans to the park besides actually winning.

by OaktownTribesman on Feb 15, 2006 9:18 PM PST up reply actions  

Funny little off topic....
I was just looking at mlb team pages and the Cardinals website has a promotional picture where they replaced Mulder with Hudson's name. I'm not sure they know which pitcher they got from us.  You can check it out here...

http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=stl  

Jim Essian: The only Oakland Athletic to hit an Inside the Park Grand Slam.

by OaktownRajah on Feb 15, 2006 10:31 PM PST reply actions  

Nice!
Knowledge is Power, Ignorance is Bliss. But I have Blissful Power, because I have a lot of knowledge, I just forgot it all!

by Zonis on Feb 15, 2006 10:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Am I insane?
I just finished writing an approximately 20 page story (complete with baseball references), I have a test tomorrow that I haven't studied for, and it's 2 am. What do I do? Get on the internet and head over to AN. I guess I answered my own question.
Don't make me get the flying monkeys.

by whiteshoes40 on Feb 16, 2006 12:09 AM PST reply actions  

Red Bull + Sprite + Caffeine Pill = Way to Go
Knowledge is Power, Ignorance is Bliss. But I have Blissful Power, because I have a lot of knowledge, I just forgot it all!

by Zonis on Feb 16, 2006 1:03 AM PST up reply actions  

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