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A's Brand Baseball: You Win Some, You Lose Some...Except That Last Part.

And all was right in the world of the A's. For one beautiful, glorious day in time, everything is as it should be. Savor this moment. Remember this moment. Enjoy being an A's fan right now, because this is truly what we live for. This is why we follow this team.

One interesting thing to note about long, emotional night games. I have noticed that the winners of those games seem to fare better in the next day's games. Today seemed to follow that same pattern. I was pretty confident in win number 10 today. Let me restate that:

WE HAVE WON TEN GAMES IN A ROW!

I had to link to the Father's Day Tribute Diary. It's amazing how many of our fathers got us our start in baseball. Of course, mine will forever lament me choosing the A's over the Giants, but Dad? Did I mention that we've won ten in a row!?!?!?

I've got NOTHING to say in the way of criticism. The A's are doing what they do best, in grand style. Ten in a row will earn you a day off from any suggestions or improvements. <tips cap>

Living in Los Angeles has some advantages. One of these is the benefit of televised baseball for all of the Dodgers and all of the Angels games, a foreign concept to A's fans in Northern California. Even though I rely heavily on Extra Innings for my baseball games (which I understand dropped the ball on this series), I had the advantage of being able to not only watch this weekend's games from my house, but in every single store down here; from the cleaners, to the sports bars, to the parking garage, to the ice cream store. In the case of last night's game, all of the above.

Of course, I was treated to the voice of the Dodgers, Vin Scully, for the entire series, and I'll be honest. I learned more about our A's personal lives in one weekend than I have during this whole year. Scully, and whether you like his voice or not, knows everything about the lives of our A's, and it was so interesting to pick up the personal anecdotes during the many, many hours of baseball this weekend. He is a very unbiased commentator, he knows his baseball, and he is such a treat to listen to when he is talking about our team. Not to mention, he is a National League announcer, from a team that plays the A's once every five years or so. He would have no real reason to know that much about our team, yet, he very obviously did. Just wanted to say thanks, Vin. It was a pleasure.

Some highlights and observations:

  • The Dodgers might have fared better if they had started Perez over Sele. I'm just sayin'.
  • As one of Crosby's biggest critics, I must say that Bobby continues to surprise me day after day, at bat after at bat. He really does seem like he's turned a corner. The two keys: He's hitting opposite field, and he's really exercising a Thomas-esque batting eye. (Frank Thomas.)
  • I'm also really tough on Scutaro, but I must admit he made one of the best DPs I've ever seen, at a time when the A's really needed it to shut down the Dodgers offense, and he hit today. hugs
  • We've grounded into 71 double plays in 69 games! We rule! (I couldn't resist)
  • Lost in the offense! today, was Joe Blanton, with his second great start in a row! This was no weak offensive team he faced, and to limit them to just two runs is certainly quality, which just shows he's rolling with the rest of them. And by nearly throwing (ho hum) another complete game, he single-handedly saved most of the bullpen. Of all the times to have a fresh bullpen, this next series is the most vital.
  • How are Kendall's knees still attached to his body?
  • Can we keep Mike Rouse? Please? I'll feed and walk him every day!
  • Good decision putting Huston Street right back on the horse for today's save.

I love June. I want to marry June and have little babies with June. For those of you scoring at home, 14-2 in June, and 15-2 since The Homerun. That is UNBELIEVABLE!

Things don't get easier. More interleague play tomorrow; this time at Home Run Derby Park, boasting lofty final scores like 16-15 and 19-18.

We'll be 16 and 19. They can be 15 and 18.

Bring it on.

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Double Plays
A's GIDP's: 71, Most in AL

A's Double Plays Turned: 78, Most in AL

We rule.

by Zonis on Jun 18, 2006 5:18 PM PDT reply actions  

Vin Scully
What kind of things did he have to say?

by fadedash on Jun 18, 2006 5:22 PM PDT reply actions  

I thought his name was
Vince Gully for years.

I was like 18 when my mom told me otherwise, I was shocked, he instantly became cooler.

It's such a good name.

Frank Thomas is big.

by robber23 on Jun 18, 2006 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions  

Who are we talking about?
Vinska Lee? The half Swedish-half Chinese Dodgers announcer, right?

by Nico on Jun 18, 2006 9:37 PM PDT up reply actions  

From the LA area as well
I was upset when the season schedule came out because I wanted this series to be at Dodger Stadium... I HATE going to Anaheim stadium with the worst fans in the universe.

vin scully is always a treat to listen to, I cant stand the dodgers, but I do watch the games just to hear the stories.

10 IN A ROW! though I have my doubts about Loiaza in Coors =/ LETS GO OAKLAND!

by tonyeee on Jun 18, 2006 5:24 PM PDT reply actions  

10, that's cooooooool
LET'S GO OAKLAND; FROM DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. 15-2 since May 31st (Kendall's HR day).

by haroldMD on Jun 18, 2006 5:28 PM PDT reply actions  

Ken Macha. 2006 AL Manager of the year.
See BBG, there IS a downside to winning ten in a row.

by Rob @ Athletics Nation on Jun 18, 2006 5:30 PM PDT reply actions  

Dear Baseballgirl...
I love your contagious enthusiasm! It's clear how much joy you derive from this team. I giggled like "gigglingone" when I saw you wanted to have little babies with June.  We'll call them June Bugs.

Keep enjoying this great run we're having! We will be too.

by louismg on Jun 18, 2006 5:32 PM PDT reply actions  

*giggle*
I want an invite to the baseballgirl-June Wedding extravaganza. I hear it will be the party of the summer.
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jun 18, 2006 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions  

Adopting Rouse
Can we keep Mike Rouse? Please? I'll feed and walk him every day!

Isn't that Chad Gaudin's job?

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

by Nick on Jun 18, 2006 5:37 PM PDT reply actions  

Scoot and I
Thank you for the hugs!  I'm forever defending the guy and you're one of the few "toughies" who give him some credit when he does something well.

Personally, I think you and June make an awesome couple!  ;-)

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

by luvsthecurveball on Jun 18, 2006 5:43 PM PDT reply actions  

Marrying June
While baseballgirl wants to marry June, I would like to say that if I ever count a daughter among my progeny, I will name her June.
"74Oakland A's - Best Team Ever" - Homer Simpson

by secret ASian man on Jun 18, 2006 6:13 PM PDT reply actions  

this makes me happy.
Quite happy. The A's winning streak is just what I need =]

BTW, baseballgirl, I hate to be a grammar Nazi, but you misspelled unnbelievable. Just thought you should know ;]

Gosh, 10 games in a row feels good. And for all you ANers that remember me when I was here every single day at all hours, you must remember my mother. Remember the lady who's afraid of the Internet People and absolutely cannot stand the A's? Well, I'm proud to say she went to her first A's game and voulntarily came downstairs to watch the extra inning game with me last night. She didn't leave until it was over.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE WORLD???

"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jun 18, 2006 6:37 PM PDT reply actions  

crap.
voluntarily. Karma's a bitch =P
"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jun 18, 2006 6:38 PM PDT up reply actions  

can someone provide injury updates?
and projects on our AARP squad= harden, bradley, duke, big hurt, etc.  

by viveksap on Jun 18, 2006 7:12 PM PDT reply actions  

Vin Scully is the man!
Who would not like Scully's voice?  He is a National Treasure.  I was bummed we did not get any of the games on the Extra Innings Package this weekend.  Got to listen to the games on XM.  The A's are on fire!

by BMWK100 on Jun 18, 2006 7:46 PM PDT reply actions  

Did somebody say
that Stomper was waving the broom today?  Somebody needs to post a picture of that.  I would love to see it!

by sprtsnwyn on Jun 18, 2006 7:54 PM PDT reply actions  

Thanks grammar police. ;)
All fixed. Sorry, didn't spell check.

<blushes>

<hides under desk>

"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 8:03 PM PDT reply actions  

wow, boston just let out a
can of whoop-ass on the braves this inning.
the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 8:08 PM PDT reply actions  

A few things...
I love this team.

I love June.

I love this team in June.

And now I feel like Dr. Seuss.

Did anyone watch BBTN? Kruk picked Swisher as his "best major-league son" playing now-- you know, son of a former major leaguer-- because they're both from West Virginia, or something like that.

But I really don't like that John Kruk and Nick Swisher have something in common.

by whiteshoes40 on Jun 18, 2006 8:17 PM PDT reply actions  

So that's why he keeps bringing up the WV thing!
I didn't know Kruk was from West Virginia. I'm so slow.

by gawker on Jun 18, 2006 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions  

Welcome!
"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions  

woops
probaly should scoll down and look at the other posts more offten must be the London water or something, lol

by Athletics Fan In London on Jun 18, 2006 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions  

I sense a movie title there....
An Athletics Fan in London...turns into an elephant during the full moon.
the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 8:26 PM PDT up reply actions  

no
what i turned into is a lazy university student staying up writing an essay that is due in 5 hours

by Athletics Fan In London on Jun 18, 2006 8:31 PM PDT reply actions  

Was it
"Take Your Father to the Bullpen" day at the Colisseum?

Granted I was distracted at the time, but there was one camera shot where it looked like there were 15, 20 people in there today.

Ten straight wins sure is nice. Here's to Eleven!

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Jun 18, 2006 8:39 PM PDT reply actions  

There was a Father's Day auction
where you could win a chance to play catch on the field with your dad/son or something like that...

by alamedagirl on Jun 18, 2006 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Woo hoo!!!
We were the top baseball story on ESPN!
"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand." ~Wes Westrum

by baseballgirl on Jun 18, 2006 9:08 PM PDT reply actions  

Hah, hah, I caught Stomper doing the sweep!
on espn....very nice!
the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 9:32 PM PDT reply actions  

I saw that too!
That was just adorable!  Someone has to post a picture of that.  (Anyone?)  It was really cute!  
"Huston actually bakes real cookies. Which is why Swisher bakes better cookies than Huston." ~ Sharon

by AsGirl on Jun 19, 2006 12:14 AM PDT up reply actions  

get 'er done boys!
I have confidence in harden @ coors fireld but not loaiza. The streak will have to end at some point but I think we can at least pull a few more wins before letting another team win! Wow, I love when the calendar turns to Juneg the best record in MLB right now for June...amazing! Even with injuries and set backs (like loaiza) we've still stayed close to first place or in first. Just imagine what we could've done if everyone was healthy. I cannot wait to see the boys this Friday againist the Giants, lets get 'er done!

I'm also excited to see haren, loaiza, zito and the rest of our pitchers bat...should be interesting.

Yahhhhhhh, 10 games!

"Make the biggest little mistake of your life" Starenite's MySpace Page CLICK HERE

by starenite on Jun 18, 2006 9:43 PM PDT reply actions  

Blanton before the game today...
We were at the game today and I saw the cutest thing.  Blanton had just finished his pregame workout and started walking over to the dugout.  All of sudden he stopped and started gesturing to a toddler sitting on his dad's lap in the front row right behind the tarp roll.  He waited patiently for the dad to pick the kid up and lean over the tarp and gave the kid a high five.  It was SO cute!

by indigo on Jun 18, 2006 9:53 PM PDT reply actions  

Loiaza + Coors Field =
disaster....balls flying over the fence left and right, line drives breeching the gaps and Keity running his ass off chasing em down.  I hope not.
the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Jun 18, 2006 9:59 PM PDT reply actions  

The A's will be hitting balls out left and right!
Did I see Chan Ho Park pitching? Please! I'd take Esteban "DUI" Loiaza over him any old day! BTW this 10 GAME WINNING STREAK is just what my post hernia surgery body needed to recuperate! Nice job, Boys! Bring on the Rockies and Giants!

by A'sfansince1970 on Jun 18, 2006 10:44 PM PDT reply actions  

Woops! My bad! Byon Yun Kim! Not Park!
Either way, they both suck! Danny Boy Haren will shut down the Rocks!

by A'sfansince1970 on Jun 18, 2006 10:46 PM PDT reply actions  

WHO WAS WEARING THE CUPCAKES SHIRT???
"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jun 18, 2006 10:51 PM PDT reply actions  

Someone beat me to it?!
I've been planning to make my own Cupcakes shirt for a while now. Argh!

by gawker on Jun 18, 2006 11:21 PM PDT up reply actions  

Someone had a Cupcakes shirt?!?!
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Jun 18, 2006 11:45 PM PDT up reply actions  

I saw those shirts!
A girl sitting in my section had one on, it read "cupcakes 55". It looked exactly like one you would buy in the team store, super cute.

Question, how did the whole cupcake thing start?

"Make the biggest little mistake of your life" Starenite's MySpace Page CLICK HERE

by starenite on Jun 19, 2006 6:28 AM PDT up reply actions  

BBG you are so right about Vin
I am an LA local as well, and watching the game with Vin doing the call, was just a nice experience.  We found out so many things... Kielty had a 4.3 GPA in high school, how Vin really wanted Scutaro's nickname to be Scooter, also lots of nice references to our previous win streaks and many many other fun facts that I can't recall at the moment.

The one thing that was (to me anyway) noticable by its absence was there was not one reference (that I heard -- I did miss the Friday game) to Moneyball vs Smallball.  Unlike Steve and Rex who feel the need to talk about it ad naseum the entire game whenever the A's and Angels play (and usually they are completely wrong in their understanding of it).

Anyway, Vin is awesome, a national treasure, and the main reason to watch a Dodger game.

by AsFanInLA on Jun 18, 2006 10:56 PM PDT reply actions  

Vin vs. Charley Steiner
Agree totally about Vin Scully. But then, pretty much everyone agrees with your thoughts on Vin. He's just the best. We in LA have been blessed with both Chick Hearn and Vin Scully for years and years, and whether or not you root for the Lakers and Dodgers, you gotta love listening to these guys. Vin, especially, is a national treasure.

Charley Steiner, on the other hand ...

I listened to all three games on the radio and therefore had to suffer the insufferable: Steiner. I never used to like Rick Monday, though in a two man booth, he's much better, much funnier even. But Steiner is a joke. He mispronounced names from one inning to the next and I couldn't follow the game because of his endless blabbering about nothing. The guys sucks.

Thank god for Vin Scully ... and I HATE the Dodgers.

by Crosbino on Jun 18, 2006 11:11 PM PDT reply actions  

The only thing I hate
is that I have to wait another month to watch any A's games. And I'm especially annoyed that I won't see the pitchers batting.

I can't believe I'm away for all of June, the best month for A's fans!

by gawker on Jun 18, 2006 11:26 PM PDT reply actions  

it's really
Chan Ho (out of the) Park, the guy gives up a lot of HRs.
1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Jun 19, 2006 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions  

I LOVE THIS TEAM!
yesterday's 17-inning marathon was one of the most unbelievably frustrating, unbelievably exciting, unbelievably tiring and unbelievably FUN game i've been to!

at the start of the bottom of the 17th inning, i looked over to the A's dugout and noticed the entire team at the top steps of the dugout cheering on the guys that were at-bat! TOO CUTE!

i was disappointed when i got home though because thanks to the extra long game, my tivo wasn't able to record the game in its entirety.

when i got home from today's game, i re-watched today's game and they showed clips of the bottom of the 17th inning from last night. here are some pictures i took of my tv (i know, lame) of the guys in the dugout on saturday night for those who didn't see it!

that's melhuse with the sunglasses on. haha.

yes, that's huston WITH HIGH SOCKS ON!!

apparently it was kotsay's idea to do this college-world-series-cheering-for-your-teammates thing. even bradley was into it! :)

more rally cap magic from huston.

intense! look at kotsay cheer!

more cheering!

more cheering!

more cheering!

THE A's WIN and the guys come running out! (and yes, that is huston in the middle of the picture with the high socks!)

TOOOOO CUTE!!

marco (who scored the winning run) is afraid to cross homeplate because he knows he's about to get mobbed!

but who cares because the A's won a marathon!

seriously, melhuse in those sunglasses at 11pm at night ... too funny.

I LOVE THIS TEAM!!!!! =D

by gotgreen on Jun 19, 2006 12:22 AM PDT reply actions  

thank you!
I knew I saw Huston with high socks but I couldn't confirm it with pictures haha. It's always fun to see this team celebrate a victory. They're like little kids! Aww
"I never saw a hooligan I did like. They're like left-handed pitchers, they all have a screw loose somewhere." - The Asphalt Jungle

by drmmerchk on Jun 19, 2006 12:31 AM PDT up reply actions  

I had no idea huston was rockin the high socks
You have to love this team, sure it took 17        innings to win but we pulled it off. I loved Kielty swinging his towel. Marco looked like he was preparing for the fun run the way he bolted away from the boys!
"Make the biggest little mistake of your life" Starenite's MySpace Page CLICK HERE

by starenite on Jun 19, 2006 6:36 AM PDT up reply actions  

WOOOOO!!
I never thought I'd see Huston in The Socks... Oh my god. This is amazing. So amazing. And the hat! That boy was pulling out all the stops.

Awww. Melhuse is such a big dork.

Thanks for posting those! I f'ing LOVE this team!

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

by Kyli on Jun 19, 2006 6:49 AM PDT up reply actions  

pictures
i was at both saturday nights game and sunday afternoons game but sitting in second level dont get to see things like this. thank you.

by smasfan on Jun 19, 2006 7:13 AM PDT up reply actions  

Gotgreen.....
Please email me.  Duke@oakland.com
you keep on drumming you hot little pieces of OAKLAND man candy!!!! - Batgirl

by Duke of left field on Jun 19, 2006 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions  

TiVo is Fabulous!!!
I too watched the 17th inning over on my TiVo and noticed the High Socked Huston! LOVE IT!! I must admit, I replayed it a few hundred times. I love how they were all wearing their sunglasses and hats on backwards. So cute!

One day, Huston will get it through his cute little head that he looks REALLY good in High socks and we have the proof right here!

LOVE HUSTON IN HIGH SOCKS!!

"Now, I'm not the guy who's in trouble, it's the guy on the mound who's in trouble.'' Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jun 19, 2006 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions  

yea i watched
that over and over again on my tivo....huston...highsocks... speechless....I LOVE THIS TEAM
"I was excited," Crosby said, "I love stealing bases"

by CrosbysGirl510 on Jun 19, 2006 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions  

yay!
You are my hero. I watched the game, but didn't tape it, and I've been anxiously awaiting for photos to pop up. ;D.

And I seriously cannot believe I didn't notice Huston's gorgeous high socks! Maybe I was distracted by the fact that he looks so young with his cap backwards. Either way, someone should make sure that he watches himself in this segment and hopefully he will realize the error if his pant-leg ways, and switch over permanently. We can only hope.

by thesparkinside on Jun 19, 2006 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions  

Awesome...
I was watching it but wasnt able to record it... your shots are great!!!  I love Huston in Highsocks!!!  woo hoo!!!
The crows seemed to be calling his name... thought Caw.

by rocketgirl on Jun 19, 2006 12:19 PM PDT reply actions  

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