DLD 8-15-06 - Today's Word: SSWWIIISSHHHAAA!

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 8:58 AM PDT

Welcome to AN, can I take your order? What is that? You want a 3 Homerun Game and a Walk Off Pickoff by the closer in waiting? You Got it!

Monday morning wasn't the easiest time for Nick Swisher. One year before, his beloved grandmother, Betty Lorraine Swisher, died in West Virginia, and he has mourned her ever since then.

As a tribute, Swisher wore her initials in large block letters on his taped wrists in Monday's game against the Mariners, and those wrists banged a game-winning homer in the eighth inning -- helped by Betty Lorraine, Swisher said.

And it wouldn't be baseball with out bad management and inept players, right? Our sister site, Lookout Landing, had this to say.

-A Moment in the Life of Greg Dobbs:
Dobbs (to himself): Damn, I look good.
Dobbs (to himself): Whoever put a mirror in this end of the dugout was a genius.
Dobbs (to himself): Looks like I was just poured into this jersey.
Dobbs (to himself): And who can resist my swing? Just like Johnny O, man, just like Johnny O.
Dobbs (to himself): Great swing, solid body, job in the big leagues...yep, everything's coming up Dobber.
Wax Hargrove Replica: Dobbs, you're up.
Dobbs: What?
Wax Hargrove Replica: You're hitting for Yuni.
Dobbs (to himself): This is you, Dobber, this is what you're good at.
Dobbs (approaching plate): Hey Kendall, don't call the wrong pitch! Ha ha!
Kendall: Whatever queer.
Duchscherer: throws ball over 90 miles per hour
Dobbs: Curses!
Duchscherer: throws ball over 90 miles per hour
Dobbs: Good heavens that's fast!
Duchscherer: throws ball over 90 miles per hour
Duchscherer: throws ball over 90 miles per hour, induces groundout to shortstop
Dobbs (agonized): Pitching, my only weakness!
Wax Hargrove Replica: Nice job. Willie, you're up.
Bloomquist: Wait, this guy doesn't throw left-handed.

And as always, Jeff's great work with the Win Expectancy Graph!

What does this mean?

As for those of you who wondered where the hell Richie Sexson was? He flew back to Seattle for personal reasons. Those personal reasons being two new lives brought into the world, as his wife just had emergency C-section to deliver twins (a boy and a girl), a month earlier then expected.

Mike Morse will fill his roster spot for the series, as Sexson can not be reactivated for 3 days.

In other news, if you have yet to purchase Post Season Ticket Strips and are of the Season Ticket Holder varriety, head on over to the coliseum or call in! AN Has a seating chart, trying to keep track of where the site is sitting. Also, talk to Saint if you want to sit in the Drummers Section.

Seats are going fast, so grab em while you can (I recommend trying for section 242)

Tonight at 7:05 PM, Kirk Saarloos will rejoin the rotation and try to continue the A's 13 game Winning Streak vs the Seattle Mariners, and four game current winning streak when he takes on Joel Pineiro.

Now! Commence Dumping!

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Neyer chat:

Bill (Nashville): Rob, In the end who makes the playoffs in the American League?

SportsNation Rob Neyer: (12:05 PM ET ) Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, White Sox. Book it.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:07 AM PDT reply actions

Don't Forget

Jemeske, St. Louis: With the recent surge of late (thank you, Mariners), what chances do you give Oakland of making the postseason and then having success there?

Rob Neyer: (12:01 PM ET ) The postseason's a crap shoot, of course. But considering their run differential (+5 at the moment), the A's don't have a real shot at doing much unless Rich Harden's a big part of the action.

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, I suppose if they're not

going to make the postseason, then they have no real shot at doing much.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 9:14 AM PDT up reply actions

and more

Mike(Oakland, CA): How can you bag on the A's like that Rob! Given the A's run differential can you explain why they have the best record in baseball since the All-Star break? I know you are not a big believer in clubs that win close games but the A's are keeping it close and finding ways to win...

Rob Neyer: (12:16 PM ET ) No, I can't explain it, though I suspect they've done quite well in two-run games (they're 24-17 in one-run games). And you're right, I don't believe that teams somehow have an innate ability to "find ways to win"...

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Golf.

If they don't make the postseason, they'll have a real shot at playing more golf.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

So Neyer is wrong!

WOOHOO!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions

Book it; I love that

Neyer: another slave to run differential.

What has Bill James wrought. I mean I read him, too, and I read Prospectus stuff. And we all say THE SAME THING. It's become laughable. Everyone sitting around talking about teams they don't watch, relying on run differential to predict just about everything.

Let's see: A's have 5.5 game lead with 43 left. But Texas has a better run differential. Book Texas in the playoffs.

What a joke. It's insanely stupid.

I've literally had people sit with me and tell me that Cleveland is better than the A's due to run differential. Great, I hope Cleveland is sleeping well at night knowing that.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions

No, the A's have been lucky

And I don't know how the hell they've managed to win so much, especially when for most of the season they had a negative run differential.

But since the All Star Break, the A's are +19. +34 if you remove the Texas game.

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Zonis

I know the A's have been lucky. I follow them closely, just like you. But I also know the team better than Neyer. And I've probably looked at the schedule more closely than him. (Does he know we're likely missing Halliday in Toronto? Probably not. He has to keep up with everything.) My point is that given everything I've seen--run differential included--we are a very good bet to win this division with our current lead.

Does Neyer consider how often the Rangers and the Angels still play. Nine more games. Is it likely one team will dominate. No, not at all. It's pretty likely someone will go 5-4, or at best 6-3. Those teams seem entirely even. That favors us, too.

Look, if the division were even I'd say we're, by a slight margin, the third best team. But it's not even. And with a 5.5 game lead, I'd say we're by far the best team.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Angles vs Rangles

I seem to remember every year at the end, we find Texas losing more games to LAA than we expect. As if it was intentional. So don't, don't, don't count on them splitting.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 15, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

But that's been when Buck...

knew he could throw the games. And I'm not kidding at all.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions

I think at some point

we have already surpassed "luck" and moved on to tangible actions that create "luck".

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...in 2006?...prove it.

by ak_A on Aug 15, 2006 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

So much for Neyer being the love-slave of the A's

...which is an accusation I've read levied at him on other sites.

by sarchasmic on Aug 15, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

I love Lookout Landing's stuff, but...

...I'm not sure I believe Duchscherer throwing over 90 mph... ;)

By the way, I love that his name has to be abbreviated on the scoreboard... "Duchsch'er". Maybe we should just call him J-Du.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:08 AM PDT reply actions

Check out Rob Neyer's playoff predictions...

Bill (Nashville)
Rob,In the end who makes the playoffs in the American League?

ROB NEYER
Yankees, Tigers, Rangers, White Sox. Book it.

And One More...

Jemeske, St. Louis
With the recent surge of late (thank you, Mariners), what chances do you give Oakland of making the postseason and then having success there?

ROB NEYER
The postseason's a crap shoot, of course. But considering their run differential (+5 at the moment), the A's don't have a real shot at doing much unless Rich Harden's a big part of the action.

by SD Erik on Aug 15, 2006 9:12 AM PDT reply actions

Look up!

Up! And Away!

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions

The Faulty thing about run differential

I might be looking at this the wrong way, but -
to reconcile our record with our run differential, we'd either have to

a) go on a savage losing streak / really tank in September. We'd have to be 14 games under (at least) the rest of the way, if not more, to ake the numbers match up.

b) rack up 4-7 blowout wins.

I think the odds of B, while slim, are likelier than A. And if neither happens, hey, our season stats just happened to be a outlier.

by Rickeyfan on Aug 15, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Neyer Has Been VORPed...

...His value over replacement predictors of AL post season teams is dropping quickly. Bring in Scutaro!

Neyer hasn't done his homework on this team. If he did, we could account for low offensive productivity from an injury standpoint alone. Furthermore, the schedule for the rest of the season still favors our A's. Well, I guess he'll just have to be, "edumacated like the rest of 'em."

"I've been accused of using too many words...I suppose that's like accusing Mozart of using too many notes." Bill King

by Gerard on Aug 15, 2006 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions

This is just weird:

Garnett, an animal rights activist who gave up his given name to become "Kentucky fried cruelty.com," was one of three workers at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals who changed their names to PETA Web sites. Two have now returned to their given names."

(Link)

The guy changed his name to Kentucky fried cruelty.com.

"Hi, I'm Kentucky fried cruelty.com... are you busy this weekend?"

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:19 AM PDT reply actions

Speaking of which,

even I don't have a bad taste joke for this.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:21 AM PDT up reply actions

ugh

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, geez, don't look at ME...

My bad taste jokes only encompass guttermindedness and internet pervs pretending to be undergoing chemo... :\

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions

He couldn't save ANY of the puppies?

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions

NOT A SINGLE PUPPY

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions

It sounds like...

...the driver basically just went "Huh, there's smoke back there, guess I'd better pull over. Probably gonna lose my cargo. Oh well."

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions

Seriously.

What the hell was he doing from the time he pulled over until the time the FD arrived? F'in Missourians!

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions

Well, if there was a faulty fan in the trailer...

...the puppies were probably already gone... :(

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions

One fan in the trailer?

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions

No, actually...

...I re-read, and it doesn't say there WAS only one fan. Just that the fire could have been caused by a malfunctioning fan (which could have been one of many).

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

"a malfunctioning fan"?

oaktoon?

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions

where is oaktoon?

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

Gone

Banned by request.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions

<does google search

for oaktoonnation.com>

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions

That'll rank right up there

with patheticsnation and EIO

We hold these truths to be self-evident / We drink beer in bars and act irreverent - Lambchop

by andeux on Aug 15, 2006 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

Who requests to be banned?

Is that like someone on a diet asking to have their jaw wired shut?

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

by batgirl on Aug 15, 2006 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

I want to be banned from Halos Heaven

like all the cool kids.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions

here

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2006/8/15/11918/9532/147#147

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions

Luckily, I do...

If only it had been a firey crash with a truck hauling barbeque sauce, they might actually have had something there...

by LoveDemAs on Aug 15, 2006 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions

Those puppies were headed for Puppyland...

which is in the same mall as Scotch Boutique.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions

But seriously

Screw PETA! I mean, those guys are SICK!

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Okay, THIS is funny:

She explained why she had herself sterilized: "I am opposed to having children. Having a purebred human baby is like having a purebred dog; it's nothing but vanity, human vanity."

Well, then, don't have a purebred human baby! Sheesh!

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

mmmMMMmmm... I feel like chicken tonight...

I love living in Kentucky. And I love KFC. All those SoCal tree huggers can bite us.

Proudly celebrating my 20th year as an A's fan.

by bzn5150 on Aug 15, 2006 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions

PETA is based in Virginia.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Virginia sucks

Been there.

Proudly celebrating my 20th year as an A's fan.

by bzn5150 on Aug 16, 2006 6:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Olney Chat

yesterday Buster Olney answered my question in a chat.

Robb ( Oakland): Who wins the AL West?

SportsNation Buster Olney: Robb: Oakland. It's their time of year, the Angels didn't add a bat, and I wonder if Adam Eaton and the youngsters in the Texas rotation can give the Rangers enough consistency down the stretch. Plus, Crosby is due back this week, and we'll eventually see Rich Harden on the staff, either as a starter or reliever.

Lets go Oakland! Check out my blog:http://sportsrus33.blogspot.com/

by bballfanr33 on Aug 15, 2006 9:28 AM PDT reply actions

Olney vs. Neyer AL West cage match!

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions

And Olney could have added

the most important thing:

"Oh, and they have a 5.5 fricking game lead." Which is pretty damn big with 43-44 to play.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:37 AM PDT up reply actions

Kudos for calling the comeback last

night, Rick!

I was starting to believe the streak over the M's was over.

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Aug 15, 2006 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, what about this vibe

You could feel it against the DRays as well on Sunday. It's just huge that the A's keep winning these games they could just as easily lose.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Wow...

Teams have blown bigger leads than this. I wouldn't call the A's safe by any stretch of the imagination. I won't feel good unless the lead gets into the teens or we have this kind of lead with a week to play.

Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Aug 15, 2006 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions

Everybody knows this

Everybody knows teams have blown leads bigger than this. I'm saying a 5.5 game lead is very significant. That's all.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Am I the only one

who has mixed feelings about this part: "Crosby is due back this week"?

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Aug 15, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Yes.

Everyone else's feelings are completely negative.

Day to day

by oblique on Aug 15, 2006 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

h8r!

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions

See?

Day to day

by oblique on Aug 15, 2006 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Wow, the Rev is really high on carne asada

He called all A's fans racist and "ass-backward" for the comments of one poster. Unbelievable!

http://halosheaven.com/story/2006/8/15/1836/28279

I wonder why HalosHeaven can't be more like Lookout Landing. It is funny how fans from Seattle and Orange County so eagerly jump into the stereotypes that exist about those locations...

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Aug 15, 2006 9:38 AM PDT reply actions

Yeah.

White power!

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

I'll bet George Felix Allen, Jr., is an Angels fan

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions

That macaca, no way

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Not so cool

That word = no joke.

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Aug 15, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, fine, Mr. PC

It's a word, what, 1% of 1% of the population knows? I'm only using it in reference to the mention of Allen above, who used it.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions

Dude

First of all, that's Ms PC to you buddy.

Second, what percent of the population knows the word is completely irrelevant.

Third, I definitely know that you're referring to Allen, yes.

And last, the word is more used in other countries than this one, and is basically equivelent to the n-word. Hence, my comment.

Not meaning to attack you. Commenting that even joking with this one isn't cool in my book.

Peace.

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Aug 15, 2006 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions

brilliant

Asked what macaca means, Allen said: "I don't know what it means."

"the poop stain on the collective AN pantalones." -ohad

by ArakSOT on Aug 15, 2006 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

i'm more disappointed

that working with allen and the angels, you didn't tie the macaca thing in to the rally monkey somehow.

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

MONKEY H8R!

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions

the south (of ca) will rise again!!

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

Maybe Neyer is in a trance

watching Texas put up all those pretty runs. I mean, the Rangers scare the hell out of me, too. But if we take 2 of 3 from in a week and a half in Texas, they'll likely be toast.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:39 AM PDT reply actions

Neyer Answers me

Chucky T (Somewhere): What do the Angels gotta do to catch the A's? They will get a real shot in the arm when Erstad comes back in September!

Rob Neyer: (12:34 PM ET ) Not sure if you're joking. Hope so.

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:41 AM PDT reply actions

IF the A's make the playoffs

Who will we face?

If the WhiteSox win the Wild Card, and the Tigers have the best overall Record, the A's will face the Tigers, right?

And if the Yankees/Sox win the Wild Card, then the A's will face the Winner of the East, right?

But if the A's somehow win enough to have a better record then the Winner of the East, and the Wild Card comes out of the Central, the A's will play the Wild Card (WhiteSox) and have Homefield Advantage.

Oh so many confusing attributes.

by Zonis on Aug 15, 2006 9:46 AM PDT reply actions

If the season were to end today,

We'd actually face the Tigers. Normally the team with the best record faces the Wild Card team, but if those teams are in the same division, the team with the best record faces the division winner with the worse record. If the Tigers are the best team, but the Wild Card comes out of the East, we'd face the winner of the East.

"The whistles are woooooooo" - Bubb Rubb

by Philip Christy on Aug 15, 2006 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions

Carroll on Crosby:

(not the dirty kind)

The A's will activate Bobby Crosby on Wednesday, after he passed the last of the medical staff's tests. While his hitting remains below his normal level, he was able to run, field, and hit without causing any problems with his chronically sore lower back. In the longer-term, Crosby's injury history is going to cause us to think about him in much the way we do about his teammate Mark Kotsay, or it will cause us to lump him in with the chronic-but-useful bunch like J.D. Drew and Cliff Floyd. If he goes the Kotsay path, he'll play much of the season with the occasional time off. Down the other, he'll lose some, but far from all of his value. Like Eric Chavez, it's hard to think of him as a future MVP anymore, but the talent is there.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:48 AM PDT reply actions

"he passed the medical staff's tests"

I think I could pass the A's medical staff's "fitness to play baseball" tests.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 9:50 AM PDT up reply actions

<checks for pulse>

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 Aug 15, 2006 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks, salb

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

<thinks of Chavez as a future MVP>

That wasn't at all hard to do

"the poop stain on the collective AN pantalones." -ohad

by ArakSOT on Aug 15, 2006 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions

<thinks of nekkid thunderbutt>

Surprisingly easy.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions

what does this mean?

"his hitting remains below his normal level"

is it normal level for him? how do we know what that is?
is it normal level for a major league hitter?

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions

I'm sorry, but why...

...do people a) think he's good and b) think he's going to help the team in his return?

"Why won't everyone do what I want???" ~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Aug 15, 2006 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions

Exactly

I must admit, I'm not at all sure I want him back at this point.

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Aug 15, 2006 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

even if he continues to suck at the plate ...

... he's still a far, far better defensive SS than Scooter. And Scooter ain't exactly chopped liver.

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions

bobby crosby, defensive replacement?

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Of course not.

Venezuelan man-pate' doesn't have quite the same ring to it. In fact, it sounds like something you should consult a urologist about.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

I went to a Venezuelan man-pate once in the Castro

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Well

Okay, I believe you on that. It's just that the team seems really locked in right now in every way and I'm scared of changing that.

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Aug 15, 2006 12:49 PM PDT up reply actions

because ...

people like neyer and carroll have not been following the A's closely.

by rfloh on Aug 16, 2006 8:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Stupid Billy.

Patty (Los Angeles): Rob, Andre Ethier - Rookie of the Year? Kid has been a CONSISTENT beast all year long, batting 350 and being clutch. Your thoughts?

SportsNation Rob Neyer: (12:39 PM ET ) I suppose I'm forgetting somebody, but Ethier seems like the obvious choice. Leaving one to wonder how good the A's would be if they hadn't traded him...

Why did he trade Ethier?! Didn't he realize how much the .404 BABIP would help the A's?!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 9:51 AM PDT reply actions

Holy Jesus.

I had no idea it was so high.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions

It's going to be that high for his whole career.

Book it.

Billy is stoopid.

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions

With apologies to

John S Hall and King Missile...

Andre was way cool. Everybody liked Andre.
Everybody wanted to hang out with him.
Anything he wanted to do, he did.
He turned gatorade into wine, and if he had wanted to,
He could have turned wheat into marijuana, sugar into cocaine,
or vitamin pills into amphetamines.
He walked to first base and flew through the outfield.
He would tell these stories and people would listen.
He was really cool.
If you were hurt, or AAAA, you just went to Andre and he would put his
hands on you and you would be healed.
That's so cool.

He could have played guitar better than Hendrix.
He could have told the future.
He could have built the most fantastic stadium in the world.
He could have hit more homers than Mark McGwire.
He could have danced better than MC Hammer.
Andre would have been funnier than any comedian you can think of.

Andre told people to eat his shorts and kiss his ass.
That's so cool. Andre was so cool.
But then Billy Beane got jealous of how well he hit, so he traded him.

But then he rose from Chavez Ravine! He rose from the Ravine, did a little dance, and went up to bat. I mean, that's so cool. No wonder there are so many Dodger Fans.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 10:07 AM PDT up reply actions

Whew

I'm just relieved you didn't present "Detachable Andre."

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

by Nick on Aug 15, 2006 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Can we all just confess

That we want Ethier to suck a little. Okay, let me step up to the plate.

I want Andre Ethier to have a mediocre career.

There, I said it.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:56 AM PDT up reply actions

no, i wanted andre to have a good year this year

BUT not as good as milton's! =P

by gotgreen on Aug 15, 2006 9:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks.

Even though I know it's wrong, part of me has smilesd at the less-than-fortunate careers of Eric Hinske, Angel Berroa, Jose Ortiz, Ben Grieve, etc. i don't dislike them...but I'd rather not see them become stars. Sorry. I'm a bad person.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 9:59 AM PDT up reply actions

<kicks sal>

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 10:00 AM PDT up reply actions

By the way, Ethier is putting up these

numbers as a rookie! And he's bound to improve. Imagine what his stats will look like years from now!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 10:02 AM PDT up reply actions

my prediction

like robinson cano, he will win multiple batting titles. and be considered an all-time yankee great.

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions

I am glad Ethier is doing well, but does everyone

forget 2 former A's prospects in the last 5 years who have won ROY, and now they are struggling to find playing time. Eric Hinske, and Angel Berroa. Everyone was saying the same thing, what if the A's kept them. Well they would just suck with the A's. The League will adjust to Ethier, and if he can adjust, then we can talk. A Cool fact, the last 4 ROY in the American League, have all come from the Athletic's farm. I won't mind if Ethier is 5 in a row, but first in NL. That means teams will continue to deal with Billy Beane, because they know they will get a quality player, most of the time.

by theblackpearl on Aug 15, 2006 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

Today's Run Differential A's Fun Fact

Last 8 games:

Runs scored: 40
Runs allowed: 40

Record: 7-1

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 9:54 AM PDT reply actions

well...

It's helped by that 14-0 drubbing by Texas... Today's blowout should even that out a little bit.

Lets go Oakland! Check out my blog:http://sportsrus33.blogspot.com/

by bballfanr33 on Aug 15, 2006 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions

mccovey chronicles

i'm really enjoying the new guy josh, who is filling in for grant over there...

http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/story/2006/8/14/12233/4508

FELIZ: (thick Latino accent) "I sweeng da bat, heet da ball. Sometime, I heet goot, sometime no so goot, sometime no heet ball."

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 Aug 15, 2006 9:58 AM PDT reply actions

Posted this in the game thread last night...

but I think it deserves another shot:

http://snakesonaplane.varitalk.com/

I sent one to my brother. It was awesome.

by RickeySteals on Aug 15, 2006 10:05 AM PDT reply actions

Does somebody here know

how to make a screen capture of streaming video. I want to point something out from last night's game.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 10:13 AM PDT reply actions

Like from MLB's video?

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 10:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Linkage.

Here you go.

Lookout Landing

by JeffS on Aug 15, 2006 10:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Most excellent.

Flawless!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

MORTAL KOMBAT!

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions

Deanna is awesome, can we trade for her?

Adam Jones flipped through the channels. "Hey," he said, "It's an episode of Happy A's."

Dobbs blinked. "I've seen this one before too, dude. Washburn vs. Zito? That's TOTALLY a rerun. It was on, like, last weekend."

Rene Rivera tilted his head to the side. "Is this the show with Fonzie?"

"No, but it's got Kielty and Bradley and Swishie and Chavvy, does that count?"

Morse gaped as Ben Broussard hit a home run, giving the Mariners a 2-0 lead. "Wait a minute," he said, "That didn't happen last time. Are you SURE this is a rerun?"

Dobbs nodded. "I think so... I swear, I've been watching this show all season. It's true the plots start looking alike after a while, and there's only so many ways you can find for the Mariners to lose to the A's, right?"

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Aug 15, 2006 10:13 AM PDT reply actions

These Happy A's Are Yours And Mine

(...at least I didn't go with "A's Of Our Lives", though last night's game was sort of like a soap opera! :)

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Aug 15, 2006 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Re: "A's Of Our Lives"

Here's hoping you get another chance to use that one.

"I don't want to 'Wear It.' It doesn't match my shoes." --Jennifer

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 15, 2006 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Leather Tuscadaro

Where did she and Pinky go?

"A's Brand Baseball: The worst best baseball you've ever seen!" -Chavvy

by ohtobe21likehuston on Aug 15, 2006 5:34 PM PDT up reply actions

to Atascadero?

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 5:44 PM PDT up reply actions

SI.com's Jacob Luft re-visits Mulder Trade

Nothing ground breaking here but it's nice to see that this deal which Billy Beane took some heat for in the national media is being recgonized as another good move.

Mulder, 2005-06
22-13, 4.38 ERA, 293 2/3 IP, 159 Ks, 98 BB, 14 Win Shares
Salaries: $6,550,000, $7,750,000

Haren, 2005-06
24-21, 3.67 ERA, 385 2/3 IP, 293 K, 87 BB, 28 Win Shares
Salaries: $323,500, $550,000

Mulder Trade Revisited

We can be considered David, David knocks out Goliath. -Eric Chavez PT-42

by norcaldevilasu on Aug 15, 2006 10:17 AM PDT reply actions

the mulder trade

can cancel out the huddy trade!

by gotgreen on Aug 15, 2006 10:25 AM PDT up reply actions

You want Huddy

My second favorite A of all time isn't doing so well. And Dan Meyer's not dead yet...or is he?

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:29 AM PDT up reply actions

even with huddy's inflated ERA

i'd take him over a dead dan meyer, 2-buck chuck who stuck in triple-A and juan cruz who's not even with the A's organization anymore.

by gotgreen on Aug 15, 2006 10:31 AM PDT up reply actions

why would you do that?

meyer is still alive, could amount to something.
halsey who is younger than hudson and has a better ERA in the AL than hudson does in the NL.
and the difference in salary has got to be 5-6 million or so...

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:42 AM PDT up reply actions

I'M FURIOUS!

Has anybody noticed that MLB.tv now requires you to watch a commercial before it shows you video you have requested? I'm talking about condensed games or archives, which a service that one pays good money to access. I can't believe that they're putting commercials before the videos, as I often have to restart MLB.tv and it's going to have suck to watch a commercial every time. This is terrible!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 10:28 AM PDT reply actions

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!

And sell it as a pay-per-view snuff flick on mlb.tv!

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Its been said before, but...

if the game wasn't so great, Major League Baseball would have killed it years ago.

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Aug 15, 2006 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Little help

I have mlb.com radio and it rarely works. Anybody have this problem, or any tips.

Thanks

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:30 AM PDT reply actions

follow a sport

that isn't controlled by idiots.

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

Ha!

Nice one, xbox!

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Aug 15, 2006 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions

The NFL?

Oh wait...

"YA-freaking-WHOOOOO!" ~ alaska A

by eamb on Aug 15, 2006 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions

For all the Chavez is heartless

folks (and, I admit, there aren't many of you left!), this is Chavvy's reaction upon being driven in my Swish's HR:

He rarely displays emotion; it's true. But when he does, hoo boy, is it fun!

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 10:43 AM PDT reply actions

I love it :-D

I'm so disappointed that Kotsay's catch isn't in the highlight archive... I only saw one replay of it, and he looked like he had this great "YEAH, I'm back, bitches!" look...

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Uh?

It is in the archive.

BTW, I watched the MLB highlights this morning without commercials. Now they have commercials. Bitches.

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions

You love that I'm a moron, don't you?

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions

No. :)

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Wait.

You can totally FF through the commercials. How stupid is that?

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

It's stupid, but still wrong.

Here's the problem: I'm paying for MLB.tv, and they are making it mandatory to watch a commercial in order to access premium content. That's wrong, and in any non-monopoly market, it's a fatal business decision. Commercials are for otherwise free content, not premium content.

From a practical perspective, I switch between games all the time. When I see RISP or a close game in the ninth inning, I'll switch over. If I have to wait for the commercial to buffer, load, and play, I'm going to miss exciting parts of games. That's right, I'm going to miss the very product that they are supposed to be selling. MLBAM's mishandling of their customers borders on the criminal.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Not only that...

But I have unsubscribed to their damn emails about 50 times and I still get them. I haven't signed up for anything, bought anything, etc...

I do view the highlights though?

I wonder if they get me that way?

"Tired Act" - Mychael Urban

by Masaryk on Aug 15, 2006 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I found it!!

If you go into the MLB video player and watch one of the other clips from last night, then on the right hand side, just scroll down the list and it is close to the bottom. I hope that helps you find it, cause I for some reason can't link the streaming video, sorry!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 15, 2006 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks... I found it on the A's site...

...under "Multimedia", "Top Plays Archive". Which is where I looked last night at about 11:00, and I'm sure it wasn't there then. But I looked again this morning after Jennifer gleefully called attention to what a moron I am... ;)

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

You know what I loved almost more

than the catch itself? Milton and JayPay coming over to hi 5 Kotsay after the catch. I ♥ this team!

by AsGirl on Aug 15, 2006 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions

My thoughts Exactly!!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 15, 2006 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions

The rev was right!

Chavvy's giving a white power salute. So not mexican.

We hold these truths to be self-evident / We drink beer in bars and act irreverent - Lambchop

by andeux on Aug 15, 2006 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks

I was at the game and did see this, but it's nice to see the pictures too.

by oaklandbbfan on Aug 15, 2006 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

that's not emotion ...

... that's his Not-Mexican-Enough-Power Salute.

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions

<sigh>

"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Aug 15, 2006 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions

I know he was stopped to make

sure he wasn't doubled off, but Chavy stopping to watching it followed by the fist pump was HAWT.

<censored> ROLAND MCDONALD!

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

this photo was taken

just moments before chavez punched betancourt for being "too mexican" (y.b. is cuban) and made some remark about the enola gay.

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Oaktoon's gone?

Banned by request? Can he request his way back.

Sure, he was problematic, but couldn't we have just limited his number of posts? The guy was real bright, interesting, and for me an essential part of AN.

I, for one, would like to see him back.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:51 AM PDT reply actions

dude, get over it

apparently even oaktoon was sick of oaktoon.

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 Aug 15, 2006 10:52 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't need to get over it

I liked the guy's contribution.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

i liked how he always took every comment

so literally. it's funny when people do that.

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 Aug 15, 2006 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

I miss his flip-flopping diatribes...

Whenever I had an argument itch to scratch that guy was always nails. He was so consitent in his inconsitency that it was laughable - and whenver I took the bait - he would help me waste a good couple of hours of work time just back and forthing with him... Good Times...

by SD Erik on Aug 15, 2006 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

No, you're wrong.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I said it first.

"Why won't everyone do what I want???" ~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Aug 15, 2006 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

DID NOT.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

It seems like all the looney characters that used to hang out here are getting banned. I am thinking of characters like reztips and oaktoona. These guys were always real entertaining to read. They made AN worth coming back to...

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Aug 15, 2006 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions

As opposed to...

...the A's awesome August play and monkeyball's poo commments?

;)

"Why won't everyone do what I want???" ~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Aug 15, 2006 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions

correlation = causation

You've got some clever folks, Blez. Mean as hell, but clever. -- Mychael Urban @('.')@

by monkeyball on Aug 15, 2006 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

We can't change the rules

for one poster, is my feeling.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Prevantative Measure

We were about 2 days from Oaktoon posting that Oakland was the best team in the league, and therefore beginning the September tank process...

by SeanR on Aug 15, 2006 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions

Harden: For what it's worth

I have a source on the A's medical team. He told me Harden should be ready in three weeks. First, he'd head to the minors. Then, relief for us for a while. Then, if all goes well...

Crossing fingers.

by RLangford on Aug 15, 2006 11:00 AM PDT reply actions

Minors

What minor league teams/A's affilates will be playing in September? Maybe an Arizona stint? Maybe a couple simulated games while with Oakland?

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Aug 15, 2006 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Must

not
get
too
excited.

"Their team is full of a bunch of shitty nobodies pieced together from the moneyball scrap yard." -- Halos Heaven 7/31/06

by SportySpice @ Athletics Nation on Aug 15, 2006 12:03 PM PDT up reply actions

just make sure you don't do anything crazy

hitting that snooze alarm just might kill ya

"Apparently there's a rule that you have to be old enough to drive yourself to the induction ceremony. So obviously that's not gonna work."

by F171615 on Aug 15, 2006 12:25 PM PDT up reply actions

I think this

Is the most excitiing news that has been posted in days, and that includes our recent winning streak. Not, of course, that Rich harden will be back, but that the medical staff is predicting that he will be. Thanks for the insight.

by mikedaviswhereareyou on Aug 15, 2006 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Any Joe Chat gems?

"Why won't everyone do what I want???" ~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Aug 15, 2006 11:14 AM PDT reply actions

NFL thing

Matt "Hollywood" Leinart finally signs.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 11:30 AM PDT reply actions

I freaking love this team

Every dang time I read a new article about Swish yesterday I start to cry again! Then that picture of Chavey above, so cute! I just love these guys! That is all!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 15, 2006 11:45 AM PDT reply actions

On a Swisher family note...

...have we ever heard anything about his mother? I only ever hear about his dad and grandparents...

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 11:50 AM PDT reply actions

I know she was in town

I believe at the beginning of July. He mentioned that she was here on Country Roads and someone here on AN caught a picture of her.

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 15, 2006 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

So she exists!

Steve didn't just find a baby in the bat rack one day, and give him to Betty to raise? ;)

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

I've wondered that same thing.

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

by luvsthecurveball on Aug 15, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I haven't seen this posted yet

I thought this was Sweet:

"Milton and I were talking, wondering if my grandma and his [deceased] grandpa were up there doing the home run dance," Swisher said.

I am sure they were, Nick! I am SURE they were!!

<sobs, AGAIN!>

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Aug 15, 2006 12:18 PM PDT reply actions

Wow...

...that just brought tears to my eyes!

I love the boys!

"Why won't everyone do what I want???" ~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Aug 15, 2006 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow, Kiko knew it was a rerun too?

"Kiko said to me in the sixth inning, 'Soriano's gonna come in and give it up,'" Duchscherer said. "I said, 'How do you know?' He said, 'I've watched this game a time or two.' And when it happened, he tapped my arm and said, 'I told you.'"

It's sort of funny that everyone feels like we've seen these games before, though, at this point.

As for Swish, just... yeah. I really wish I could have seen the postgame interview with him.

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Aug 15, 2006 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Nick says he gives the best hugs, right.

Nick, I need a hug.

<sigh>

Guess I'll have to settle for a Bomb Pop and a hug from my dog.

"The student is trying to keep up with the teacher," Swisher said. "It ain't easy chasing a dang Hall of Famer, though."

by Jennifer on Aug 15, 2006 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Continued rant against MLBAM

MLBAM may change, suspend or discontinue any aspect of the Website at any time, including the availability of any Website feature, database, or content. MLBAM may also impose limits on certain features and services or restrict your access to parts or the entire Website without notice or liability.

That's not very fair, is it?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 12:38 PM PDT reply actions

Anyone else taking their pooch tonite?

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

by batgirl on Aug 15, 2006 12:51 PM PDT reply actions

I'm putting Mr. Poppy on a leash, does that count?

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

I think she meant AT the game

not afterwards

"the poop stain on the collective AN pantalones." -ohad

by ArakSOT on Aug 16, 2006 6:21 AM PDT up reply actions

No, just my wife and kids.

Or are they taking me?

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions

batgirl, poppy, where are you guys sitting?

I've got vouchers for Plaza level which I haven't redeemed yet, so I don't know which seats I'll be in.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions

The usual... 215, 12, 8-9

Except for when I wander off to sell the special hand-woven silk potholders and a solid gold wine stopper to Swisherfor05ROY...

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions

"8-9" will be me & Mr Poppy, that is

Not me & batgirl...

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions

I have no idea

I have to get my tix at the special "dog table" when I get there. Just look for a section full of insane dog owners. I'll be the one with the small black lab wearing a yellow cape. She'll be the one trying to lick the spilled nacho cheese off the floor.

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

by batgirl on Aug 15, 2006 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

She being my dog, not poppy

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

by batgirl on Aug 15, 2006 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Your dog is a she?

What a bitch!

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Btw, black labs are the coolest.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I love 'em

Actually I think most all dogs are pretty great, but black labs are my favoritest!

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

by batgirl on Aug 15, 2006 3:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Any photos of Dog Day?

Hi Batgirl! It was too far of a drive on a weeknight for me, but I bet Dog Day was fun!
Also, I was working so I didn't see it on TV :(

"Maybe if I lay here in the dirt, nobody will notice I've forgotten how to hit" ~Crosby in ANtics

by streetfan on Aug 16, 2006 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions

If I didn't have a choke chain on...

...I could get more of that nacho cheese off the floor.

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 4:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Run differential prediction

The hilarious thing about this run differential debate is that even if you believe the predictive value of the pythagorean formula, the prediction is still that the A's come out on top.

For the A's, the current pythagorean prediction is that they should win 50.4% of their games. That would be 22 wins the rest of the way, leaving them with 88 at the end of the season.

For Texas, the prediction is 52.9%. That would be 23 more wins, good for at total of 84 - second place by four games.

by matthias on Aug 15, 2006 12:54 PM PDT reply actions

I thought

That the one element that most skewed the predicative accuracy of the Pythagorean formula was the bullpen. Since the A's rely on their bullpen so much, and the bullpen has been excellent, I think it is fair to say that our win outcome is highly unpredictable compared with other teams.

by mikedaviswhereareyou on Aug 15, 2006 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions

LAA v. Texas

Who are you rooting for?

My optimal scenario:
105 degrees at first pitch, a 2-hour rain delay, 18-inning game dragging on until 3:15 a.m., bench clearing brawl leading to multiple suspensions on both sides, and half the players carted to the hospital with dehydration (but not seriously hurt, of course). Texas 16, LAA 15.

Same thing the next night, except LAA 17, Texas 16.

That'll do.

"Their team is full of a bunch of shitty nobodies pieced together from the moneyball scrap yard." -- Halos Heaven 7/31/06

by SportySpice @ Athletics Nation on Aug 15, 2006 1:30 PM PDT reply actions

LOL!

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't worry sporty,

The Angels will be gassed when they get back to socal early Thurs. morning after their four city road trip. I predict the lowly M's take at least two, if not three from them.

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Aug 15, 2006 2:11 PM PDT up reply actions

There's a mf'in advertisement in the mf'in sky!

Downtown Oakland is currently being circled by an advertising biplane towing a banner for Snakes on a Plane! The banner includes a cool looking viper in full bite mode.

I hope I see it over the park tonight.

"I don't want to 'Wear It.' It doesn't match my shoes." --Jennifer

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Aug 15, 2006 1:48 PM PDT reply actions

ha ha

kinda funny that they use a plane to advertise for Snakes on a Plane

"Apparently there's a rule that you have to be old enough to drive yourself to the induction ceremony. So obviously that's not gonna work."

by F171615 on Aug 15, 2006 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions

But will they use a live snake

to advertise the movie?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Aug 15, 2006 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm still waiting...

for the sequel..."Sharks on a Plane"

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Aug 15, 2006 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions

"Scorpions on a Hydrofoil!"

n/t

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

by Nick on Aug 15, 2006 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Even more pertinent to the A's...

"Mark Kotsay's Back on a Plane"

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Aug 15, 2006 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Since we have been Puppycentric today, here is

a stolen pup stroy.

Everton's Van Der Meyde appeals for puppy's return

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060815/od_uk_nm/oukoe_uk_crime_britain_everton

Wonder how much the reward is, and is it Dead or Alive.

"Obviously I want my stuff back, but I want Mac back more than anything. He is just a puppy," Van der Meyde, 26, told the Liverpool Echo newspaper. "I would be prepared to pay a reward to anybody who gets him back for me."

by theblackpearl on Aug 15, 2006 2:04 PM PDT reply actions

BOOOOOO!!!

I want some HAPPY puppy stories now!

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Ok, here's a...

feel good story.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I am NOT going to click that link

Food burns just as surely at 5 mph as it does at 65 mph.

by Poppy on Aug 15, 2006 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

Good call...

Thankfully, the link is broken.

by LD on Aug 15, 2006 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

I had to laugh at this

Sportsline Rankings Just read the Angels summary, and you should know what I'm talking about. Probably the first time we've been mentioned in that light all season.

by sprtsnwyn on Aug 15, 2006 2:55 PM PDT reply actions

Imagine if the Angels only had the bats

Of the ferociuos Athletics offense ;-)~

by SD Erik on Aug 15, 2006 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

WHAT?!

Our offense is terrible! We just are lucky in the sense that we get one good hit a game!

"Why won't everyone do what I want???" ~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Aug 15, 2006 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Lawyerly reading

"... they still cannot swing the bats like the Rangers and A's."
So if you put the A's and Rangers together, the Angels don't bat as well.

I'll agree with that.

by MobiusKlein on Aug 15, 2006 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

haha oh man

On Wednesday, Canseco is scheduled to start his first regular-season game as a pitcher for the Long Beach Armada of the Golden Baseball League.

"Jose is ready to go and we have penciled him into the rotation for the remainder of the season," Armada manager Darrell Evans said Tuesday. "He has been throwing very effectively in bullpen sessions the last several weeks and I'm looking forward to seeing him in live action."

source

by gotgreen on Aug 15, 2006 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

I wonder if he could out-pitch Witasick?

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Aug 15, 2006 3:00 PM PDT up reply actions

He probably looks better in a tube top, too.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

i wouldn't doubt it

it feels kind of strange to be commenting again, but, alas i have been in Massachusetts without internet connection.

by californiagirl on Aug 15, 2006 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions

How ironic that this is your topic of choice.

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Aug 15, 2006 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions

the A's get a lot of Ink from Ken Rosenthal, but

the most troubling is something we are all fearing.

Rival scouts watching the A's remain concerned about the workload of closer Huston Street, noting that his arm slot is dropping and predicting that he eventually will wear down -- if not this season, then in the years ahead. Street ranks third among AL closers in innings pitched -- behind only the Yankees' Mariano Rivera and Red Sox's Jonathan Papelbon -- despite missing 12 games with a strained lower right chest muscle in late April ...

A's winning despite offensive struggles
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5875002

by theblackpearl on Aug 15, 2006 3:50 PM PDT reply actions

Get out the duct tape.

It'll hold it on til the end of the season.

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

by Kyli on Aug 15, 2006 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Thomas wants to stay, Wolff wants him to, also.

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=2550789

OAKLAND, Calif. -- If Frank Thomas and Oakland owner Lewis Wolff have their way, the Big Hurt will be playing for the Athletics beyond this season.

"I certainly want to keep him here," Wolff told The Associated Press on Tuesday while watching the A's take batting practice before a game against the Seattle Mariners. "I hope we can make it happen."

Thomas would love that, too.

...

"That's awesome," Thomas said when told of Wolff's words. "Like I've told everybody, I'm happy here. Hopefully we can work something out. I'm excited about what the organization did to bring me here. I'm a loyal guy. Nothing is going on right now, but hopefully we can approach it soon.

I'd like Frank back. Anyone else feel the same way?

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Aug 15, 2006 6:36 PM PDT reply actions