Daily Link Dump 9/9: Band Camp

by Sharon on Sep 9, 2005 4:13 AM PDT Comment 66 comments

No more boring nicknames! Woo! And we have the lovable Hatte to thank for this.

He's also serving as a mentor of sorts to Johnson, who is so full of questions that it makes Hatteberg laugh. He calls Johnson "Band Camp'' for his non-stop chatter.
"I pick Scott's brain all the time, I ask him all sorts of stuff, whether it's about hitting or crossword puzzles,'' Johnson said. "Half the time he finally has to tell me to shut up.''

Hilarious. But there's more:

"My first trip (in the big leagues) to Cleveland, I got out of the taxi at the stadium and the fans waiting there were like, 'Hey, Hatteberg! Hey, Hatteberg!' '' Johnson said. "It happens all the time. I just hope I look that good when I'm 10 years older.''

I love this team.
There's more about how Hatte might not be back next year, but I don't want to think about that right now. Or ever. <sob>

The A's offense is inconsistent.

Now, the team heads to Texas for three games at a park where they've won five of six games this season, a stadium known for its friendliness toward hitters. Then it's on to Cleveland, which is leading the AL wild-card race, 11/2 games ahead of Oakland, before four games at AL East-leading Boston. It's a potentially make-or-break trip, and Texas is a spot where lineups can get on a roll.
"It doesn't matter where we go,'' catcher Jason Kendall said. "We have to start doing something. Our pitching is impressive, but we have to support them and get going -- now.''

Yes, now would be a good time.

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lollllllllllll

I don't know what i'm writing about.

by ohad on Sep 9, 2005 6:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Crossword puzzles? That is so cute!

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 6:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That is soooo cute!

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 9, 2005 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ack! That's PERFECT!

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha!

"Band Camp" :-D I love it!

"We're two guys without any rhythm trying to catch the ball and do what we can." ~ Ellis, presumably also speaking for Crosby

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 7:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

by the way...

Hatteberg? Also December. :)

"We're two guys without any rhythm trying to catch the ball and do what we can." ~ Ellis, presumably also speaking for Crosby

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 7:23 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate you!

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 7:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're now up 2-0 in this series. One game away from ANOTHER PCL championship appearance! Jairo Garcia got out of a jam in the 9th and got the save (one of his own doing, I might add).
Game 3 is tonight at Raley Field.

GOOOO RIVERCATS!!!

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 9, 2005 7:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

anybody have a login I can use for Sacbee?

I kind of refuse to sign up for those things.

by hunter on Sep 9, 2005 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Go to

http://www.bugmenot.com

Fearing Mecir since 2000.

by salb918 on Sep 9, 2005 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Username: Bugmenot

Password: Bugmenot

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 9, 2005 3:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"The Marco Scutaro Game" Dream

I dreamed last night that I was with a large group of people. One of those persons came forward and said, "Do you want to play a game of Marco Scutaro?"

"What's that?" I asked.

"That's where you extend a tape measure for 11 feet, and if it retracts without help, you win. If it gets stuck, you have to eat something awful."

"Okay," I said, "But I'm not eating a turd, or anything like that."

"Don't worry, we'll just make you swallow a penny."

"Okay, I can do that."

With a mixture of fear, anticipation, and dread I watched as the tape measure slowly reeled back into the case. I was spared, and a round of applause ensued.

Next, it was someone else's turn. The crowd grew quiet as his tape measure slowed and hesitated. "Oh boy, we get to watch him eat something awful!"

Then my girlfriend woke me up. Dang it!

What the hell does this dream mean?

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 9, 2005 8:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice. I love A's dreams.

Two nights ago I had dream that Nick Swisher, Matt Watson, and DJ were at a bar in KC with my neighbor. The team was in town for the PCL Championship game (why KC?). DJ, Squish, and Matt all had SAC jerseys on, and Matt Watson's wife was also there with their new son. I was drinking a fishbowl margarita and looking a yearbook for the Rivercats.

I couldn't drive at the end of the night so Swish and I took a school bus home. We came over the hill north of my house and I could see my dad run out the back door with his pant legs on fire. Swish called 911, but by the time we got to the driveway Dad had the fire out. Dad said he was making tater tots.

Last night I had a dream about Chavy... but I won't be sharing. Freaked. Me. Out.

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's not like I should be WORKING right now...

"To dream that you are enjoying alcohol in moderation, denotes contentment and satisfaction in the decisions that you have made. Chances for success is likely."

"To see your father in your dream, symbolizes authority and protection. It suggests that you need to be more self-reliant. Consider also your waking relationship with your father."

"Depending on the context of your dream, to see fire in your dream can symbolizes destruction, passion, desire, illumination, transformation, enlightenment, or anger. It may suggest that something old is passing and something new is entering your life. Your thoughts and views are changing. In particular, if the fire is under control or contained in one area, it is a metaphor of your own internal fire and inner transformation. It also represents your drive and motivation."

"To see potatoes in your dream, symbolizes laziness and/or stupidity. To see or eat mashed potatoes in your dream, suggests that you are experiencing concerns over financial matters."

(well, you didn't SEE the tater tots, did you? LOL)

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for looking that up. :)

Why couldn't it just be a cool dream about DJ and Swish? NO! Now I'm lazy and should be more self-reliant.

Sad. :(

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, depending on the size of your margarita...

...chances for success are likely!

and I forgot to include the part about the Watsons' new son being there:

"To see a baby in your dream, signifies innocence, warmth and new beginnings. Babies may symbolize something in your own inner nature which is pure, vulnerable, and/or uncorrupted."

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 9:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

pure, vulnerable, and/or uncorrupted

Wait, this was Jennifer's dream?

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

by Sharon on Sep 9, 2005 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't gonna say anything...

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey!

Not cool. :(

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But we like you.

Just the way you are.

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

by Sharon on Sep 9, 2005 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

<hugs>

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're right, I'll be nice...

...at least until you share the Chavy dream... LOL

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I won't be sharing the Chavy dream

That will get me banned. :P

"He's not worrying at all about the icing," Zito said in admiration. "All he cares about is the cake."

by Jennifer on Sep 9, 2005 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

no...

don't get banned... :\

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jeez!

What is this? Butt Thread #3?\

j/k

"Join the Oakland A's! You too can be a 20-game winner!" Gregg Patton, Press Enterprise

by 510inDenver on Sep 9, 2005 12:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where is monkeyball?

I'm sure he would have a brilliant analysis of these dreams!

by BruceBochte on Sep 9, 2005 9:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had an A's dream last night too

I was hanging out with Bobby Crosby and Rich Harden. We were at an airport and Rich was throwing baseballs through the metal detector, which was serving as s speedgun. He was throwing 130 mph. I told Rich, don't worry, you'll be back soon. He said sadly, I don't think so. I don't remember Bobby saying much, but they were both very nice.

On the topic of A's articles, there's a great article in this week's New Yorker (Sept. 12 issue) about Ricky Henderson. Just a wonderful piece of writing and reporting, and lots of A's stuff sprinkled throughout. Highly highly recommended. One quote: "I'd give everything up--every record, the Hall of Fame, all of it--for just one more chance." But, all in all, Ricky doesn't come across too well.

by SportySpice on Sep 9, 2005 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"why KC?"

Probably because the Royals would be a pretty decent AAA team.

No Crosby and no Harden make AN something something.

by andeux on Sep 9, 2005 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well...

...let's try to break this down, courtesy of some interpretations found at http://www.dreammoods.com...

"To dream that you are playing games, signifies relaxation or competition. It may also represent the rules you play by."

hmm.

"To see a group in your dream, refers to the merging of various aspects of your character and personality."

hmm.

"Eleven stands for intuition, mastery in a particular domain, spirituality, enlightenment, and capacity to achieve. It is symbolic of your creativity and visions."

hmm. You're master of your domain?

"To see pennies in your dream, indicates your fear of poverty or some financial loss. It is also often connected with your talents, energies, and perseverance. Do not underestimate your ability. If the penny is shiny, then it signifies luck."

hmm. Nothing about the threat of forcibly SWALLOWING a penny...

dreammoods.com isn't very helpful, is it?

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for trying, anyway.

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 9, 2005 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A psychoanalysis

The Marco Scutaro dream is based on Marco Scutaro, the A's shortstop who was signed after the 2005 season to a six-year, $75 MM deal.

The A's saw a lot of potential, which is represented by the fully extended tape measure. The A's "win" if Scutaro lives up to that potential, meaning the tape measure retracts all the way. If it gets stuck, Scutaro has not lived up to the potential, and the A's (in this dream, the game participant) have to "eat the money on his contract" - i.e., eating a penny.

Also, you have unresolved sexual issues with your mother.

Fearing Mecir since 2000.

by salb918 on Sep 9, 2005 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whoops

That shouldn't be a 6/75 contract, it should be an 11-year/$132 MM contract (12 MM (12 in = one foot) for each foot the tape measure was extended (11 feet ))

Fearing Mecir since 2000.

by salb918 on Sep 9, 2005 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're probably right about my mother...

And the rest of your analysis makes some sense too

I also had a dream a week ago involving Mark Kotsay's wife. That one, I'll keep to myself. :-)

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 9, 2005 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have A's dreams all the time

But they are mostly pretty boring. I'll be at work, but then I'm hanging out with Jay Payton. I also have dreams where the A's have already played that day. So sometimes I'm happy because they won, and then disappointed when I wake up--or vice versa. Obsession knows no bounds.

by Alien on Sep 9, 2005 8:59 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I dream about the A's a lot too

Shocking, I know. :)
But those dreams aren't always pleasant. Like the time when I saw that Zito was traded to the Giants. <Shudders>

And a lot of times when I dream about games, I tend to remember someone's pitching line, or when someone hit a HR or something...

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 9, 2005 9:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too.

Thankfully, mine aren't as bad as Zito getting traded! Eek.

The one where I had Stomper stalking me was freaky, though...

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stomper stalking you?!

LOL.

I love Stomper. :D

"I'm OK being the veteran, but I'm still just a kid" ~ Barry Zito

by AsGirl on Sep 9, 2005 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

was Abe Lincoln there, too?

having breakfast, like in Kotsay's commercial? LOL

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

speaking of

Who is the woman in that commercial?

by Alien on Sep 9, 2005 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that woman...

...is someone I would probably try to not make eye contact with if I passed her on the street... ;)

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 10:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would have been AWESOME

Alas, no. Stomper was trying to hide behind telephone poles and stuff like that, and somehow no one but me could see him when he did that. It was eerie.

Damn. If there had been breakfast? That woulda been SWEET. I'm always up for a Dream Breakfast.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

here's your analysis...

"To see an elephant in your dream, suggests that you either need to be more patient and understanding of others. The elephant is also a symbol of power, strength, and intellect. Alternatively, as a creature with an introverted nature, the elephant may thus be depicting your own personality."

"To dream that you are being stalked, indicates difficulties and problems which you are not confronting. Your avoidance of these problems is not making them go away."

That'll be $2.00. ;)

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you accept dollar dogs as currency?

LOL. That's actually a pretty accurate analysis.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who doesn't accept dollar dog currency?

well, except my bank... and the grocery store... and PG&E...

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 11:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pardon me while I VORP...

BP mentions, in passing, that Huston Street has the highest VORP of any AL reliever:

"32.1: Huston Street, A's"

http://baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4423

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 9, 2005 10:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WOOHOO!

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not A's related, but

Its really interesting if you've read Jerry Crasnicks book (Which I highly recommend)

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/news/050909hochevar.html

by Alien on Sep 9, 2005 10:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This One Time, At Band Camp...

Sorry, someone had to say it!

"We play our best ball when we're goofing around and having a good time" ~Bobby Crosby

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 9, 2005 10:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Can someon please answer this question for me?

What the heck is a bullpen cart?

by Alien on Sep 9, 2005 10:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not long ago...

Relief pitchers taking warm-up tosses behind outfield fences would hop aboard a golf cart when they finished their tosses. The carts would then take them to the pitcher's mound.

Until the endless cart questions started appearing on espn, I hadn't thought about them in a long time, nor noticed their disappearance.

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 9, 2005 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

thats the most ridiculous thing I've heard in a while. No wonder people make fun of them.

by Alien on Sep 9, 2005 11:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

approximate picture

Those things were THE BOMB. Oops, can't say that post-9/11. Uh, those things KICKED BUTT. I loved the fact they clearly put a lot of work into these goofy things and only used it once or twice a game (less relief back then in the 70s).

by Apricot on Sep 9, 2005 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can't make up articles like this

We've really gotten into the heads of the Chicago media, if not the White Sox themselves:

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/whitesox.asp?id=92915

Fearing Mecir since 2000.

by salb918 on Sep 9, 2005 11:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That is the BEST!!!

Who cares about the <Yankees, Red Sox, Angels> just don't make us play Oakland!!!!!

YEAH BABY!

"Join the Oakland A's! You too can be a 20-game winner!" Gregg Patton, Press Enterprise

by 510inDenver on Sep 9, 2005 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Premonition

A week ago, the A's were leading the AL West. The Angels and the Yankees were neck-to-neck w/ the Wild Card lead. The Indians were at least a couple of games behind.

A week ago, I had this msg exchange w/ ohtobe21likehuston:

http://www.athleticsnation.com/comments/2005/9/1/15230/76076/14#14

As I recollect that dream, I remember CC Sabathia (w/ his cap worn funky sideways, a la Dontrelle) was mowing down the A's, batter after batter. The venue though was Safeco Field in Seattle. The Indians were triumphant.

I was telling ohtobe21likehuston, that it felt like the Indians were in the playoffs. But what I didn't write was the A's were in a despair mode in that dream.

Fast forward to now. The Indians have the Wild Card lead, ahead of the A's by 2 wins, and w/ a schedule that's considered the lightest among the contenders. And you bet, CC Sabathia has proved to be a vital performer w/ the Indians' current push.

Now re Safeco Field, look at what happened to the A's vs Seattle. The latter's out of the race, yet they still take the series against the A's in Oakland

When I get these wierd dreams, they normally prove accurate.

But this time, I wish the A's disprove me and make the playoffs.

by arch on Sep 9, 2005 11:02 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That accuracy comment you made scares me

I don't want to start swallowing pennies!

I sipped the Kool-Aid, and it tastes gooooooooood!!!

by kaweahkaweah on Sep 9, 2005 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ack! I'm scared now...

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love Scotty so very, very much

That article made my day. Just. < swoon > That's so adorable.

"I just hope I look that good when I'm 10 years older."

Oh man, I love it. I love that people mistook him for Hatteberg, that's hilarious. I feel warm fuzzies.

"While I was there, it didn't always seem perfect, but when I look back on it I just might think it was perfect." --Eric Byrnes

by Kyli on Sep 9, 2005 11:06 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Eckersley chat on Monday 9/12

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/fan_forum/chat/index.jsp

"I don't like to limit anything you can achieve. As soon as you start doing that, you determine your destiny." ~ Billy Beane

by Poppy on Sep 9, 2005 12:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I heart Hatte

by high street on Sep 9, 2005 1:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gotta love Hatteberg

Snippet from the article:

The A's have an option on Hatteberg for 2006, but he's unsure where he fits in their plans -- there's always a chance the team could sign or trade for more of a power bat to DH.

"I'm not really thinking about it,'' he said. "I know they could go in a different direction with different personnel. If I fit in to that, I don't know. I love being here, it's no secret. I'd love to be back, but it's out of my hands.''

(end of clip)

Spoken like a true 21st century Beane-ball Athletic. Hatty's smart enough to know that by next year, at age 36, he won't fit the mold of the typical A's position player. He said the most diplomatic thing you can. (Personally I think if you push too much by saying something to the media like, "I really hope the A's know they should keep me" then Beane gets all huffy and makes for his cell phone.)

But I hope Hatty stays with the A's, maybe working in the office or something. The guy is sharp as a tack and if I didn't see him on the field, I'd love to see him... on TV perhaps?

I have faith.

by BillybUcko on Sep 9, 2005 3:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't he live up near Seattle?

How about start him as a coach for Vancouver, then groom him to eventually take over as A's manager?

by Donner on Sep 9, 2005 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Manager!

Hatty used to be a catcher, and everyone knows catchers are the smartest players on the team.

I have faith.

by BillybUcko on Sep 9, 2005 4:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hat

lives in one of those C towns on I-5 south of Olympia. I can't remember if it's Centralia or Chehalis. That's two or three hours drive from Seattle, depending on traffic. And then it's another two or three hours from Seattle to Vancouver.

MapQuest gives an estimated driving time of four hours, but they're on crack. No way in hell you're going to average 60mph for that drive. Getting through the Seattle area is like driving from Napa to Santa Cruz. No matter how you slice it, you're going to run into some traffic. Getting into Vancouver can be a bitch, too. (Not sure where the Canadians play.) If I had to drive from Centralia to Vancouver, I'd give myself at least five hours.

That said, I do still like the of Hatte coaching in Vancouver. It's closer to home than Oakland is.

by iglew on Sep 9, 2005 7:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I suggested........

Scott as at least as a hitting coach in Midland or Vancouver earlier this year (durring the low point of Hatte bashing). He's older and now seemingly prone to slumping, that doesn't mean we should waste that brain. If he can teach even a few future A's to be as big an irritant to opposing pitchers as he has been or to see the strike zone like the calibration tool for the K-zone, he would be a great assett to the organization. I'll say it again, find him a place. We've let to many former players with a load of lessons to teach get away from the family. Don't let Hatte be one of them.

..................ever get the feeling he still has a couple of big, dramatic hits left in him?

Barry and the "Intangibles"

by Duke of left field on Sep 10, 2005 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs