Big Thanks to Big Hurt

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 12, 2006 9:06 AM PDT in News

Dear Mr. Thomas,

Thank you for choosing the team with the white shoes. Thank you for listening to Billy Beane's pitch as to why the Oakland Athletics were the right team for you at the right time in your career. Thank you for believing in this team's postseason chances and viewing it as a team on the rise.

Thank you for continuing to carry the Athletics offense post-ASB 2006 and making A's fans feel comfortable that someone will continue to drive in runs, no matter what. Thank you for the soaring, majestic home runs that haven't really been seen around these parts since the days of the Genetically-Altered via Testosterone, ahem, Bash Brothers.

Also, a big thank you to your legs, ankles and heels for holding up throughout the majority of this season. Without their brave sacrifice every day continuing to carry your 6'6" 270 pound frame, we wouldn't have seen 36 beautiful arcs out of the ballpark. We wouldn't have had two new A's franchise records...six home runs in six straight games and 36 home runs by a DH.

I also want to thank Terry Ryan for deciding that Rondell White was a better choice for his team than Frank Thomas. It also proves that in an age of the DH, the need for leather can sometimes be overrated.

I want to thank the opposing pitchers who continue to repeatedly pitch to the Big Hurt even though at times it appears like he's the only bat on the A's that will hurt you on a consistent basis. And walking Frank Thomas could serve to hurt the A's rather than help them considering Frank's tendency to literally go station to station and the fact that making Thomas run could potentially reaggravate old injuries.

Finally, thanks to Billy Beane for gambling on Frank's success. You did great on this one and I'm only hoping Beane can keep Big Hurt around a couple more years to hopefully see number 500 fly out of the Coliseum. And possibly get a World Series ring in the process; one that he is an active contributor and one he can shove down Ozzie Guillen's obnoxiously fat throat.

Sincerely,

Blez
AthleticsNation.com

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Comments

AMEN!

by gotgreen on Sep 12, 2006 9:07 AM PDT reply actions

Right On !

by oaklandbbfan on Sep 12, 2006 9:08 AM PDT reply actions

Thanks For:

Being Big Frank Again!!!

You were always one of my favorite players. You play the game the right way. Your swing is back and your smile is wide. Now let's keep them at work all the way to Late October BABY!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 9:09 AM PDT reply actions

AMEN FOR SURE!!!!

LOVE YOU BABY!!!!

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

by baseballgirl on Sep 12, 2006 9:10 AM PDT reply actions

When he was with the W. Sox

I really hated to see him coming to the plate. He was always a threat. Could not be happier to see that happening to fans of other teams. I hope all of his bonuses are kicking in... because he deserves a ton of money for this years performance, and relative durability.

"Newsteam...let's hunt."

by tresselfan on Sep 12, 2006 9:18 AM PDT reply actions

free clarett now, lol

free Mumia, free Martha Stewart (heh, just kidding), free Bucky Phillips (recently captured upstate NY fugitive/cop killer/cult hero) free Matt Watson, free <insert your favorite jailed or exiled personality here>, "Freebird!"...please not Clarett. How many assault rifles does he need to possess before you can accept that you must bid him farewell at the gates of the penitentiary? Unless you want another Columbus sniper...

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Martha Stewart, cop-killa

Now that's what I'd call "home invasion."

A lonely monkey is a spiritually dead monkey. -- tankerraid @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 12, 2006 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Can one be decorated to death?

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

by jeepers on Sep 12, 2006 12:18 PM PDT up reply actions

BoCro was PECOTA-rated to death

A lonely monkey is a spiritually dead monkey. -- tankerraid @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 12, 2006 12:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Dear Frank,

And thank you, too, for the time you spend with our young guys talking about hitting and being a most valuable "veteran present" (that is an intended pun) in the clubhouse and the dugout. Thank you for your positive comments to the media when the team hits a slump.
I LOVE YOU, TOO!

ps, thank you Blez, for a much more positive post this morning, sometimes I think all our collective angst really works against us!

LET'S GO OAKLAND!

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Sep 12, 2006 9:19 AM PDT reply actions

Dear Frank,

Thank you for convincing me that old players are the way to go. I might try to sign a few of those myself sometime.

Sincerely,

Brian Sabean

Green Day was right: Wake me up when September ends.

by BlameChannel53 on Sep 12, 2006 9:29 AM PDT reply actions

QOTM.

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

by jeepers on Sep 12, 2006 10:23 AM PDT up reply actions

That is freakin' fantastic.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 12, 2006 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

A-friggin-men.

Every time Frank is at bat, it's breathtaking. Even his foul balls and flyouts are impressive. He's got the kind of plate presence that we haven't seen in years, Billy Beane proved his powers of AWESOME with that signing.

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

by Kyli on Sep 12, 2006 9:30 AM PDT reply actions

One of the questions Marty Lurie

asked me on the show on Saturday was what would happen in the playoffs if the teams did the prudent thing and pitch around Frank Thomas. I told him that the postseason is an opportunity for redemption, so I could see Chavez and Bradley stepping up. But it's a real concern.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 12, 2006 9:35 AM PDT reply actions

I'm not sure pitching around him would do much

He gets on base at such a high rate anyway, with more walks than strikeouts and an OBP of about .400, that to pitch around him would put him on base at a really high rate. Anytime there are baserunners, there is a better chance to score. In close games, as the playoffs tend to be, that one or two more baserunners a game could lead to a very important run.

I say, let them put him on. He runs well enough that it's not a huge liability. I'll take the chance that a double in the gap will score him, instead of being just a double. A solo home run will go for 2 RBI with Frank on base.

Baserunners are always beneficial, and if the opponent wants to give us a free one once or twice a game, I'll take it, even if it comes at the expense of Frank's power.

I'm betting that they don't pitch around him too often, though. There are other players hitting well, too. Since August 1st, as a team, Oakland is hitting .291/.374/.463

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Sep 12, 2006 9:44 AM PDT up reply actions

yeah, but

that's including Frank. Remove him and, yeah, we're looking at numbers that support the frequent IBB, especially in the team SLG department.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

One Word:

Scutaro..Man..Scutaro!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 9:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Big Man,

Thank you.

You have put the thumping fear of offense back into the lineup. The staredown before each pitch is one of the most intimidating things in the game, second only to the towering clouts you serve up more and more often.

I feared and respected you all those years you slammed balls on the south side. It's still a rush to see you come up to the plate in the green and gold.

Thanks.

--Nebraska--

ThePastime

by Ryan Armbrust on Sep 12, 2006 9:35 AM PDT reply actions

I wonder if Frank

will want a babysitting incentive in his next contract, to get paid for taking care of Swish.

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

by Kyli on Sep 12, 2006 9:42 AM PDT reply actions

and the real thanks...

may be saved for the postseason.

A's have had a lot of guys come up empty in the playoffs-- I somehow think Frank won't. And I think Bradley is ready to perform as well.

by phoenix on Sep 12, 2006 9:45 AM PDT reply actions

It still seems too good to be true...

...sometimes when he comes up to bat.

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

by baseballgirl on Sep 12, 2006 9:46 AM PDT reply actions

OT: Put up the Number Blez!!! -RPP

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 10:00 AM PDT reply actions

I concur!!

And wow saint, how much coffee did you have this morning???

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 12, 2006 10:12 AM PDT up reply actions

NOT ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!

MUAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I am suffering from I wanna drum blues!!!

This is September BABY!!! I'm LOVIN' IT!!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 10:14 AM PDT up reply actions

I can't

I just think that invites bad, bad mojo.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 12, 2006 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Come on man...Step up!!!

How does having confidence in your team have bad mojo?

How does believing in your team have bad mojo?

The A's control thier own destiny now. 7 wins over the Angels, the A's win!!!

Every other game they lose or we win is icing on the cake.

You gotta believe BLEZ!!!

This isn't like mentioning a perfect game or no-hitter while it's in progress or even talking about a winning streak.

This is tracking the inihilation of a hated team.

It's your site man, and I've said my piece, so peace!

Maybe you can do a poll and pose the question in a to the community?

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions

it's going to be posted every day anyway...

might as well give it a spot on the main page.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions

I added a very simple Poll Question here:

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2006/9/12/114210/243

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

48 Votes In: 81%-18% For Adding The Tracker-RPP

You could also add the Frank Thomas Tracker for RBI and HR.

I already did the research in the Frank Thomas Sign(s) thread.

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Doubting Thomas

Credit to Beane for finding a heck of a bargain. Credit to the Big Hurt for showing us the ultimate offensive prowess w/c the team lacked ever since Giambino left.

As sure as his moonshots, there's no doubt Big Frank is the team's MVP.

by arch on Sep 12, 2006 10:00 AM PDT reply actions

thank you Frank

We would probably be in a total swandive out of contention were it not for your fearsome presence... if I am Billy I sign you and your rebar and give you both what you want. Please stay here and let us see #500, which will get them started on your Cooperstown statue.

If you can hit one out Tuesday and Wednesday in the Hankydome, I promise to come out on Friday night to the Coliseum to witness you break the all-time consecutive-games-with-a-HR streak currently held by Dale Long and Don Mattingly, and please don't forget to tip your cap to Ozzie whilst rounding first base.

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

by emperor nobody on Sep 12, 2006 10:03 AM PDT reply actions

Ozzie would then order garland to Bean Big Frank:

Then Frank would make a B-Line right for Ozzie!!!

man, that would be great, unless that little chihuahua stepped in Frank's Toe!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 10:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Guillen

is just a turd. I hope they win their next 2 games and then lose their remaining 17 or whatever. His macho headhunting crap, berating pitchers like Garland and that other poor kid for not hitting opposing players, conceals the probability that he digs other dudes and can't handle it.

I wanna see Frank just eviscerate Ozzie's team, just wipe them out this weekend. Guillen certainly will talk enough shit between now and then to give the Big Hurt ample motivation.

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

by emperor nobody on Sep 12, 2006 10:57 AM PDT up reply actions

Junior Griffey

also holds this record. Hit HRs in 8 straight games in 1993, I believe

by phoenix on Sep 12, 2006 10:11 AM PDT up reply actions

yes

Griffey, Jr. also has a share of that record, no disrespect meant to him, I just forgot.

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

by emperor nobody on Sep 12, 2006 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

it would be fitting...

if Frank tied Junior with 8 straight. They were the players of the 90's.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Best 'roid-free sluggers of the decade.

Definitely would be wonderful for Frank's name to have another slot next to Junior.

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

by Kyli on Sep 12, 2006 12:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Go ahead and walk him

Anyone who has watched the Giants at all in the last 5 years or so could see opposing teams repeatedly shoot themselves in the foot by overusing the intentional walk. Thomas' HRs are more exciting - and better for my fantasy team - but for the A's sake I'd be happy with the free base runner every time through the order.

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

by andeux on Sep 12, 2006 10:15 AM PDT reply actions

I don't know what the numbers are...

and I'm not in the Bay Area, so I'm relying primarily on ESPN highlights (so my credibility is nearly non-existent, but nonetheless, I will proceed), but I've also seen numerous incidences of Pedro Feliz vindicating the IBB with a gift-wrapped 6-4-3.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

vindicating...

the opposing manager's decision to issue the IBB.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

There is absolutely no

question that without
FT the A's would be in 2nd place right now, maybe even 3rd. He has single handedly carried this team. There is no one on this team who consistently hits in the clutch, or with consistent power. Swisher is the closest thing but he has struck out 135 times and is as likely to strike out as hit the ball with runners on the bases. In every category you measure this is not a good hitting team despite the resurgence since the AS break. BB has to resign FT even though it is dicey.

by china bob on Sep 12, 2006 10:17 AM PDT reply actions

You're OK with me big guy

You're a good hitter. I never thought you'd play the game again. My guy will win the award, expectations were higher for him. You're not a very good ballplayer. Give me the fat guy out of the bullpen.

Viva Venezuela!

-Ozzie

"When the A's suck, the terrorists win" ~ Poppy

by eamb on Sep 12, 2006 10:20 AM PDT reply actions

You forgot the 15 f-bombs.

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

by jeepers on Sep 12, 2006 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions

for next series

if anyone's sitting close enough to the White Sox dugout to heckle Ozzie, ask him how his good buddy Ugueth Urbina is doing. He'll think you're a fag with season tickets to the WNBA for asking that question, but it could inspire a classic unintelligible tirade.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:48 AM PDT reply actions

anyone else feel sympathy in advance for Guerrier?

FT vs unknown reliever...he might outscore the Twins by himself. Saarloos on the turf could be problematic, though.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:51 AM PDT reply actions

on a related note...

over-under for total amount ot relief innings pitched by both teams, assuming a 9-inning game: 9 1/3.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions

No sympathy for the Twins

Cuddyer & 'Gardy' = yick.

"When the A's suck, the terrorists win" ~ Poppy

by eamb on Sep 12, 2006 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions

that's a much shorter list...

of despised players/managers than we would have for most contending teams, I think. I like the Twins and hope they win every single game in the regular season besides the next 2.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Big

Frank's Most Memorable Homerun of the Year: Walk-off blast vs. LAAAA in the bottom of the 9th.

"It's never 'just a game' if you're winning" - George Carlin

by bluelightrain84 on Sep 12, 2006 10:53 AM PDT reply actions

No thanks for the Mariners?

Their contribution shouldn't be overlooked... if they had even won a third of their games against the A's, things would be Much Different right now.

"You can throw your cocks if I don't care!" - Iggy Pop

by AlamedaAphid on Sep 12, 2006 10:56 AM PDT reply actions

We've been thanking them all year

this thread is devoted to the guy who can beat any team at any time.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Frank Thomas

My favorite was after the first game in the last Baltimore series when he said afterwards that he approached the AB with the idea of hitting a HR...because he knew it was needed at that time (7th inning, down by one, etc). Phenomenal hitter who's really making a late charge in the MVP race...his value over replacement Thomas (Charles) is infinite.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 11:00 AM PDT reply actions

LOL.

Nice Two-Buck Chuck dig :-).

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

by jeepers on Sep 12, 2006 11:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Be nice to Chuck

He may not have Big Hurt's hitting ability, but he does clearly outclass Big Hurt with the sweet hair.

Green Day was right: Wake me up when September ends.

by BlameChannel53 on Sep 12, 2006 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions

it's been so long

he's probably lost most of it by this point...it did look good in April 2005, I'll give him that. Acquiring Thomas, Bradley, and Kendall shows that the A's consider hair to be overvalued anyway. No mullets to cut anymore.

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

Oh no, it's better than ever

Saw him in Sac not long ago, and his hair was a work of art. His hitting . . .

Green Day was right: Wake me up when September ends.

by BlameChannel53 on Sep 12, 2006 11:58 AM PDT up reply actions

Remember when we thought

Frank would only play in 2 out of 3 games? And most of us were okay with that? We are being handsomele rewarded for our support. I love that man.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 12, 2006 11:12 AM PDT reply actions

Ugh.

I really need to proofread or I need some of Saints coffee. Whichever. I meant handsomely, of course.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 12, 2006 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

I thought we were being rewarded

by a very animated wine expert.

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

by jeepers on Sep 12, 2006 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

HAHAH!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

that was

when we thought chavez / bradley / crosby / johnson etc were actually going to hit.

by Backspin on Sep 12, 2006 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions

Johnson is hitting!

Ground balls to 2nd base like clockwork. :(

"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 Sep 12, 2006 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

I said yesterday he was leading the league

in that stat.

"I hate the Angels"

by Vegas A's Fan on Sep 12, 2006 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Knock on wood for this whole thread

"I hate the Angels"

by Vegas A's Fan on Sep 12, 2006 11:59 AM PDT reply actions

Pre-season there were three names

that were mostly discussed as possible RH power bats:

Thomas .283/.396/.566/36 HR/98 RBI
Piazza .280/.338/.496/20 HR/60 RBI
Nomar .309/.378/.509/17 HR/80 RBI

Thomas has been most productive AND healthiest of the three, but all three are actually having good productive seasons.

by boilerdan on Sep 12, 2006 12:01 PM PDT reply actions

Dear A's,

Please locate your heads. You should start by looking up your asses. Bitches.

Thanks a million!

Tony

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Sep 12, 2006 12:22 PM PDT reply actions

I thought it was their bats up there.

They looked uncomfortable walking around with grimaces on their faces. I'd originally thought it was playing on the turf, but then since they weren't hitting, it might as well have been their bats and/or heads.

"No matter what I talk about, I always get back to baseball." -- Connie Mack

by GreenSocks on Sep 12, 2006 4:59 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow.

For knowledgable fans, you all seem to be laboring--really laboring--under the misconception that Ozzie and Frank have some sort of history. They don't.

by Stealfirstbase on Sep 12, 2006 12:32 PM PDT reply actions

Meh.

Ozzie makes himself a target, so I don't feel too badly going after him. Anyway, Ozzie did make a number of disparaging remarks about his former teammate, employee, and the greatest hitter in White Sox history. Thomas, like Barry Bonds, gets some points in my mind and is allowed to feel slighted. Ozzie Guillen does not.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 12, 2006 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions

By the way,

I saw you trying to make the posters at HH try to think. Don't try too hard; you're obviously pretty intelligent, but getting into a multi-team rational discussion at HH is like squeezing blood from a stone.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 12, 2006 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions

It's like herding cats...

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

by ArakSOT on Sep 12, 2006 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Did you hear that we have fresh blood?

walkoffbunt wants to become one of usssssss...

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 12, 2006 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

...excellent...

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

by ArakSOT on Sep 12, 2006 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions

True that.

However, you folks over here at AN are making a mistake in thinking that Ozzie's said anything bad about Thomas. He hasn't. You're thinking of Kenny Williams.

Ozzie, bless his heart, "no commented" throughout that whole spring training spat between Williams and Thomas, and you know how hard it is to get Ozzie to "no comment."

I really do think it's racism throughout baseball that's responsible for the Ozzie hatred. Really, you folks here are attributing things to him that he didn't say. Other's call him a headhunter in spite of the fact that the White Sox have been hit more than 50 times more than they've hit others during Ozzie's time as manager. They think he likes to argue with umpires, when really that's not the case. They also think he's dumb, when he's really the most intelligent person on the White Sox squad. I can't think of any other explanation besides racism for people to continually line up against Guillen. Well, except for the homophobic comments. Those are inexcusable.

Personally, I think Frank and Ozzie got along because both of them are so intelligent, probably moreso than Kenny Williams.

by Stealfirstbase on Sep 13, 2006 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions

It would be easier to tell

If Ozzie didn't say something inflammatory about everyone who's ever:

a) played baseball
b) been involved in baseball in some capacity
c) once watched a baseball game on ESPN
d) can identify a baseball with accuracy

It seems like the history is more between Frank and Kenny Williams, but Ozzie makes it less clear when he talks about it for seemingly no good reason.

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

by jeepers on Sep 12, 2006 1:01 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought it was GM Kenny Williams . . .

. . . that Frank had the beef with, not lovable (yet insensitive) Ozzie.

by aymlam79 on Sep 12, 2006 1:11 PM PDT reply actions

Half right

Frank has no beef with despressive Ozzie. He does, however, have a problem with manic Ozzie.

Green Day was right: Wake me up when September ends.

by BlameChannel53 on Sep 12, 2006 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions

Angels win the coin flip...

for home field in case of a 1-game playoff....

by BleacherDave on Sep 12, 2006 1:58 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome!!! That will make it hurt even worse:

When they are home in October!!! MUAHAHAHA!!! -RPP

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 12, 2006 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey at least they may be able to celebrate...

having a winning record for three consecutive seasons FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ANGEL HISTORY!..........

Think about the what a weak legacy that is. Pretty pitiful!

by BleacherDave on Sep 12, 2006 4:37 PM PDT up reply actions

and that would be Monday, Oct 2?

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Sep 12, 2006 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Coin Tosses

Anyone care to guess what our record is in these coin tosses (2000-2006)?

My Guess: 0-7*

* Cannot forget the multiple coin loss two seasons ago with Texas and Anaheim

*Maybe Blez should ask Billy about this issue - Maybe AN (Blez) could be the next Heads or Tails caller...via AN Vote, of course.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 12, 2006 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions

Macha mentioned this

Didn't he give a number?

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

by ArakSOT on Sep 12, 2006 2:15 PM PDT up reply actions

coin tosses are a crapshoot ...

... wherein Billy's shit don't work.

A lonely monkey is a spiritually dead monkey. -- tankerraid @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 12, 2006 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

Can't remember if it's 0-7 or 0-10.

Wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter.

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

by Kyli on Sep 12, 2006 3:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Too bad Billy didn't do more research

He would have found that heads is undervalued in the current market.

by AsFanInLA on Sep 12, 2006 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Billy doesn't choose tails ...

... because he's not selling jeans here.

A lonely monkey is a spiritually dead monkey. -- tankerraid @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 12, 2006 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

our streak continues...I've lost track of how many coin flips in a row we've lost, but I believe the number approaches how many potential playoff-series-clinching games we've lost this decade...

I am no drunkard, I'm a hard-working man.

by Cutthemullet on Sep 12, 2006 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions

When will people learn?

Moneyball, like democracy, doesn't work! </Homer>

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 12, 2006 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Coin flips...

...when you think about them in determining one-game playoff sites, it sure is silly.

I think they should only be used if the head-to-head records between the two teams are tied. Other wise, the team with more wins head-to-head should host.

Rap Cat!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Sep 12, 2006 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

WORD

to your mother.

by Daddo on Sep 12, 2006 2:18 PM PDT reply actions

Dear Frank Thomas...

I would like to first off apologize for laughing when my mom called you the Big Sorry in April and May. She, nor I, knew better at the time.
I apologize for not reminding her of the 150 or so ABs you felt you needed to get on track.

I would also like to say that I believed in you ever since your first plate appearance in an Oakland uniform. Although it didn't affect the outcome of the game, I believed it was a glimpse of what 2006 would be for you as a contributor to the squad.

I am hoping that sometimes late at night and when no one is around after you've given Swisher as much info he can handle about being a professional hitter, you've picked up the first base glove and listened to your mentee. I can't think of anything sweeter than you playing in an NL park in the World Series....ok, I won't get ahead of myself, but sincerely, thank you for putting on the green and gold and representing like a mutha fu#$a!

Continue to do tha damn thang!
E.b.E

P.S. No worries about the first base glove, just keep doing what you do with the lumber
Peace

"Who cares?" he said. "We won." - Swisher; "I like the moist sensation" - Zito

by Erik being Erik on Sep 12, 2006 4:28 PM PDT reply actions