Down But Not Out

Clap, Clap, Clap....

I feel a major league comeback!

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 8:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

NEVER GIVE UP

NEVER SURRENDER

Barry Zito is my secret mancrush. There. I said it.

by interior decor on Oct 11, 2006 8:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

maybe the first AN reference...

to "Galaxy Quest".

"Please, Frank Thomas, YOUUUUUUU ARE OUR LAAAST HOPE!"

We've got what we need to win. We've seen it all season. We just need it now.

"Is Frank Thomas the Mariah Carey of Baseball, or is Mariah Carey the Frank Thomas of Pop Music?"

by roysteelefan on Oct 11, 2006 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This will be an exciting series.

and I think the A's will come back.

Harden is the key.
Frank Thomas will get a key hit sooner or later and Milton will continue to be an ideal #3 hitter

"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 11, 2006 8:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Going to Detroit means that the A's have to forget what happened in games one & two, forget what they did to the Twins, and take it one pitch at a time. Forget about the pressure and play baseball like they've always done. If they do that we can start getting some wins.

by Smartball on Oct 11, 2006 8:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

PS......

My cholesterol level has officially been lowered by 20 points due to that ninth inning. I ran 10 miles. Oh wait, I didn't go running. Oh yeah, I the A's tried to kill me.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 8:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Get ready for a beatdown, Roaster.

"Next thing you know, they'll have me taking an overdose of pills."--Milton Bradley

by jeepers on Oct 11, 2006 8:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's in 6

Please?

Keep our A's in Oakland!

by twofootslim on Oct 11, 2006 8:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That'd be a sweep

Kinda crazy, but I certainly can see the A's winning two in Detroit and bringing it back home for a different story!

by achiappanza on Oct 11, 2006 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

great post Nico

I feel better already. Now I must stay away from AN for the rest of the night to keep the feeling.

"...we don't score six, seven runs. We score three, four runs and play defense and pitch." - Eric Chavez

by pickinmachine on Oct 11, 2006 8:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ditto...

On both counts...

Goodnight all, it starts Friday....

"Get Heavy!" - Kotsay

by OaklandInvader on Oct 11, 2006 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know baseball

is not important, but I'm watching Macha being interviewed right now and he's chuckling like it's just a little league game.

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 8:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea

if that's a good thing or a bad thing. I don't think anyone else does, either.

When the lights...go down...in the city...

by senork on Oct 11, 2006 8:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Nico's sentiment.

I wish they could get on a plane and play a day game tomorrow in Detroit tomorrow. We have to take that offense into the first inning on Friday and quiet the crowd and let Harden play with the lead.

I can't believe my optimism right now...

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 8:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

1/4 of an inch

away from what would have easily been the most amazing comeback in baseball history (or at least recent baseball memory):

-2 outs
-Bottom of the ninth
-Home team down by three
-Bases loaded
-The team's big slugger at bat

Thomas had the chance to end the game in a way that (I am quite positive) everyone has dreamed of. He also had the chance to do his best Casey impression. You all know which happened.

I won't be watching the game on Friday. I've seen or listened to the last eight A's games and I've seen all the playoff games that have been on Fox, and I need a little bit of a break. Also, the teams that I've been rooting for are on a five-game skid, so maybe a change of pace will help.

When the lights...go down...in the city...

by senork on Oct 11, 2006 8:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Disagree -- Pujols vs. Lidge last year

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

by Nick on Oct 11, 2006 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't believe nobody is blaming D'Angelo Jimenez

for tonight's loss? The night is still young I suppose. (I wonder if this non-profanity laden message will also get deleted by tomorrow).

"You have to make your reputation by being honest ... and unmerciful." Lester Bangs

by Sashulia on Oct 11, 2006 8:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

indeed

he gave up all 8 of those runs on his own.

by Kevin2 on Oct 11, 2006 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could not agree more

Harden should have gone in Game 2, Haren in Game 3, but now we have them for two critical games. Tigers will fold in Game 5.

by Vegas Bettor James on Oct 11, 2006 8:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

By god,

I hope you're right :o/

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

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 11, 2006 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The A's always have to do it the hard way

I said it last night, and Game 2 seems to reinforce the idea, that each game in this series is representartive of a month of this season. The A's were bad in April and May and should now play well in June and July... aka Games 3 and 4.

A couple quick thoughts...

Mr. Harden, Friday night would be a good time to become the pitcher so many of us hope you will become.
Not to start a fight with you Nico, but you for got to add "out-managed" to your "out" played litany.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 11, 2006 8:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Seconded on point 2.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 8:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

blah

This series has made me sad so far. We aren't playing like we should/can and it's disappointing. Now I know what the Twins fans felt last series... I don't like it.

Come on Oakland. Don't go out this easy.

"I never saw a hooligan I did like. They're like left-handed pitchers, they all have a screw loose somewhere." - The Asphalt Jungle

by drmmerchk on Oct 11, 2006 8:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

These two games have both ruined my last two evenings

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

by bluelightrain84 on Oct 11, 2006 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh God, I can't believe..

Yeah, I offically have heart burn to cover the entire year.

A's better start playing a "better brand of baseball" if you know what I mean or we will be watching the Tigers in October if you know what I mean...

"The sea will crowd us with lovers at night".

by Sheldon72 on Oct 11, 2006 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice Post

I liked it. Being down 2-0 doesn't mean it's the end of the series. We just need big starts from Harden and Haren. Even if we lose this series, i can still view this season as a really great and fun one.

KEEP THE FAITH!

by swisherroks33 on Oct 11, 2006 8:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It IS a great season...

...and hopefully it's going to continue a bit longer... but just in case our luck runs thin, as it has done already for the 26 OTHER teams in the majors who are watching us on television... rest easy, loyal A's Nation, with the thought that the team that got us THIS far this year... probably won't look too different NEXT year. And a lot of the question marks of 2006 will be exclamation marks of 2007. I'm already excited for Spring Training in Scottsdale, Arizona. This year is just the beginning...

..."A New Hope".

"Is Frank Thomas the Mariah Carey of Baseball, or is Mariah Carey the Frank Thomas of Pop Music?"

by roysteelefan on Oct 11, 2006 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please

The A's will be lucky to make the playoffs next year. The AL will be even more stacked and the Angels getting their s*it together. With Soriano in red and white providing all the protection in the world for Vlad, and perhaps MIGGY or A-rod in that lineup with the great pitching they have they are the favorites to win the west and have home field in the AL. I'm an A's fan to the core but I also know baseball and the A's are toast if they can't get it done this year.

by CyberFT on Oct 12, 2006 1:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Game 3 is the series

and we got our boy rich harden on the mound, time for him to become a superstar stud ace of a pitcher on the national stage, obv game 3 is a must win

and big frank going 0-5 with 3 K's is VERY alarming, its too bad he is becoming the goat of the series but no real fans will dog on him, he had a helluva year and it aint over yet

also swisher and scutaro looking awful isnt too good either, time to man up and show the sorry haters whos boss

go A's

by AsFanTexas on Oct 11, 2006 8:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

As posted by NorthDakotaSomethingOrOther...

Why does Macha insist on pinch hitting Melhuse in the late innings of post season games when he doesn't want to peel him off the bench all season?

It really is obsurd and absolutely highlights the ineptitude of Macha. Does Macha do ok sometimes? Yes, but Macha is terrible. Flatout. How does your starter give up 7 runs in a almost 'must win' game? Please help me.

With that being said, let's take this thing on Friday despite our pussy of a manager.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 8:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought...

you'd be busy w/ your Jessica Simpson photos by now.... ;-)

"Get Heavy!" - Kotsay

by OaklandInvader on Oct 11, 2006 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trying to catch my second wind after that ninth!

:)

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that still stuns me...

Our starters gave up 12 runs in what - 10, 11 innings? - over the last two games. It makes you wonder exactly what point of suckiness they have to reach before Macha even gets someone up in the pen.

I'll also note that Leyland made multiple trips to the mound over the last two games, while Macha sat on the bench chomping gum. Great motivator.

by coffee roaster on Oct 11, 2006 9:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

absurd...

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm convinced that

in the post-season, that unless you have all winning players about 30 years or older, you need a mean son of a bitch manager to keep these guys on the right path.

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 9:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Will somebody please tell Macha

That when your starter has at least 3 runs scored against him, and you're relying on the A's offense, you NEED to pull that sucky pitcher. I can't understand why it took 5 runs scored against Z, and 7 against Loiaza for Macha to decide to pull them.

For the Love of God, this is a best of 7 series, not a freakin 160 game season!

Ok, rant over, I'm off to bed.

Tear down Mount Davis!

by polytician on Oct 11, 2006 9:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Now I Understand

Like another poster said, they were saving Duke to keep him fresh for Spring Training, so 10 people can vote and not decide if he should be our closer.

Brilliant!!

by ChucklesSD on Oct 11, 2006 9:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I heart AN

good night, folks... see ya on Friday, right?

"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 11, 2006 9:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

street

"we're down 2-0, thats ok!"

haha i have faith believe it or not...

by Nickathleticsfan on Oct 11, 2006 9:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Macha and BaseballGirl....

We need to get BBG back from that damn cruise. WE NEED THE BBG MOJO.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm here!!!

LET'S GO OAKLAND!!!!

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 12, 2006 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

re

We've got our stud going Friday. If we take Game 3, we're right back in it. Bonderman is an easier matchup for us than Rogers.

by 31Boots on Oct 11, 2006 9:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Down 2-0 Sucks

for sure but there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about our chances. Both games were winnable and Chavez and Bradley look to be hot at the plate. Harden and Haren, who would have made a great opening duo in hindsightville, need to dominate the way they can and well be fine.

"I like playing for Oakland, they have a very colorful uniform" Rickey Henderson

by natsirt on Oct 11, 2006 9:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

nice!

I love the attitude. lets go take em down in the motor city!

by Nickathleticsfan on Oct 11, 2006 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where is everyone?

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree Nico

10 really smart guys might of screwed this one up... sometimes you wish they would think from a fans standpoint or step out of the box for once. Oh well, series not over yet and I believe we still have a spark... LETS GO OAK-LAND!!!

"East Oakland, Yeah that's right" - Too Short

by bart on Oct 11, 2006 9:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

okay, that was a game

my wife kept checking me for signs of flipping out, yet in the end, she had to leave before it ended instead of me. I feel oddly calm about the whole thing.

I remember in 2004 I was convinced that Boston was going to win the whole ball o' wax, then New York got up 3-0 and yet I still had the same feeling though my head was asking what was up with that calm feeling? WTF?

But just getting Big Frank up to the plate with the bases loaded was a great baseball scene. Tiger fans must have been sweating, we were delirious with stolen hope. Baseball, alas, breaks your heart. And as Bart Gaimatti said, it's designed to break your heart. But I don't have that heartache yet...

Go A's

by jakarta on Oct 11, 2006 9:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'M STILL PRETTY BUMMED THOUGH

"East Oakland, Yeah that's right" - Too Short

by bart on Oct 11, 2006 9:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

grover, I didn't forget to rag on Macha,

I happen to feel that he hasn't managed all that poorly. Sure, I would have liked to see Kennedy vs. Gomez in the 6th, but Gomez also could easily have flied to CF.

The decisions that have hurt the A's the most were the decisions about the rotation (not Macha's). The on-field actions that have hurt the A's the most were Zito and Loaiza not having good starts--and no, you don't just yank a guy automatically after 3 runs--Chavy not making plays he usually makes, and all the hitters combining to be Antonio Perez with RISP.

Blaming the manager is easy, but not accurate. Leyland has done a great job; that doesn't mean Macha has done a bad job. And if I were a Tigers fan, I would have been screaming for Jamie Walker to face Chavy to lead off the 8th, followed by Zumaya to face Bradley and Thomas. What did Rodney do? He struck out the side. Great performances make for "great" managers. The players have to own the first two losses.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nico...

I agree that the A's on the field have not played well. That being said, Macha has not made a pre-emptive move to prevent runs. Yes, because Leyland has made the moves that workout doesn't necessarily mean Macha has managed poorly, but today he did.
Further, will someone answer me this: Why pinch hit Melhuse in the post season, but only put him in that situation throughout the season, what, 5 times?

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My feeling tonight is that

the game was lost in the top of the 4th. If you pull Loaiza in the top of the 4th (by which time the bases are already loaded, if not runs already in), you have to go with Saarloos. Not what I want to see.

And if someone wanted to see Duke in the 4th or something, then we're just not on the same page because I don't know any manager, myself included, who would do that. Sometimes as a manager, you just have to hope that your guys perform--and when they don't you have to accept that they just didn't perform.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope

As a manager, you need to build a time machine, then keep going backwards and forwards in time making different moves until something works.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting point, MikeA--

Let me think about it some more and get back to you yesterday.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have transported myself to yesterday

so, what time is the game on Weds? Hope we pull Loiza before it gets too bad.

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, as I replay everything

in my mind, I keep coming back to the same main gripe: I have never felt Loaiza was the best choice to pitch two games, and at Haren's expense it just seems wrong, wrong, wrong. I thought the "5-5 split" was between rolling the dice with Harden going twice or going with Loaiza twice and Harden once. But Haren in Game 4 and Loaiza twice? I don't see how that got 1 vote, let alone 5.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Because

Haren has pitched badly for two months while Loaiza has pitched great.
Additionally, Haren's MO of throwing lots of straight fastballs in the zone seems ill-suited against the Tigers.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not really true, though--

Following his Lidle-esque (RIP) August, Loaiza came back to earth to be solid but unspectacular in September. He has also always pitched best under the radar (e.g. Chicago, Washington) and worst in the spotlight (e.g. NYY). Haren has not pitched great lately, but he is a "big-game type" competitor with a track-record of LCS/WS success.

In other words, yes, Loaiza has pitched better than Haren over the last two months, but I trust Haren more in a big game.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying

Loaiza was the obvious choice by any means. It was a tough choice, but it's hard to criticize either way. Frankly, going into the playoffs Zito worried me more than the other three.

Color me unimpressed with your "big game" and "spotlight" analysis. That stuff only applies to Jeter.A few sucessful appearances out of the bullpen is hardly a "track-record" of LCS/WS success. Also, I thought Loaiza looked better against Minnesota.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

if it goes 7 both Haren and Harden could pitch...if Harden started game 4, then he'd be done. So we could have Harden for 5 and Haren for 4 or something like that...assuming it goes 7.

But if your life is such a big joke, then why should I care?

by johnspaz7 on Oct 12, 2006 8:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not the 4th....

This game was lost in the 6th. I can hear the thoughts run through Macha's mind now, "Oh boy E-Lo could get through 6 with only 80 pitches. I can squeeze another inning out of him if he gets through this inning. Ok, just this last lefty who already has a hit against our teetering righty. C'mon E-Lo, just 1 more then on to the 7th. I know that we are down by 2 already and another run would really be demorallizing and mountain of a comeback would be needed, but I really want to get E-Lo into the 7th. I need to save the pen for Friday."

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't agree; I think it was lost

in the 4th. We had the lead, and a chance to keep the lead for just a couple innings and we could ask Calero, Duke, and Street to pitch as many as 4 innings to protect a lead.

In the 6th we trailed by 2. If we keep the deficit to 2, and the game progresses as it did, there's no reason to think we ever would have taken the lead. We would have had a better chance, but that's it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But that's the point....

Macha doesn't take the initative to keep the deficit as it is. I think the game plays out differently if he doesn't give up that 2 run shot. Maybe we score those 2 runs and it is tied after seven. And if it is then most likely we see Duke in the ninth and maybe (definitely) doesn't give up the homer to Granderson. I just think that in a game as big as this you play as if the game is tied if it's still within striking distance which it was up until the 6th.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure,

But sometimes as the manager, if they're not performing you don't just sit on your hands.

And people were making fun of Leyland before the series started for going Roberston-Verlander-Rogers-Bonderman. He's so dumb.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still think, and I'll continue to think,

that the Tigers played it wrong by throwing Robertson twice and Bonderman once. But the more the players perform, the better Leyland will look, and the less the players perform, the worse Macha will look. Or vice-verse and verse-vica.

If Robertson had gotten shelled--as he well could have--and if Zito and Loaiza had been on their game--as they were in the ALDS--who would look good and who would look bad?

The A's pitched and fielded like crap in the 4th inning. That's one of the main reasons they lost. And the manager's job in the first 4 innings of a game is generally to sit on his hands, because unless you want to overmanage (like much of AN), the right move is usually to make sure you're sitting in your "lucky seat" as you hope for the best.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't disagree about your 4th inning analysis.

It's the 6th I have the problem with. And I'll use your logic to support the idea tha we needed our best relievers in there despite any homers they may give up to leadoff hitters that weigh a buck 10 to straight away center. :(

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My personal opinion is that

Kennedy should have come in to face Gomez in the 6th--but that's pretty easy for me to say now. My point is, I don't think it cost us the game; that cost us a slightly better chance to win but probably still lose. Macha's part in the loss was, IMO, minimal, and other people's far bigger.

And anyway, had Kennedy come in to face Gomez, apparently what would have happened is that Gomez would have hit a routine chopper to second that Jimenez booted.

For which, of course, Macha would be blamed. :-}

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Logic when it's convenient....

Yes, we can always say, no matter what the situation, that any alternative move would've yielded just as bad as a result as the actual move. I just don't see any reason NOT to take out E-Lo in that situation. No reason at all. Please let me know what the reason is, if you have any ideas.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playing devil's advocate:

ELo was only at 84 pitches and had settled down prior to the Monroe double.
Guys like Gaudin, Kennedy, Blanton, and Saarloos are not really an upgrade.
Even in a 7-game series, if you use Calero, Duke, and Street in the 6th inning of games you're trailing, you are likely to find them unavailable in the 7th, 8th, or 9th inning of games you're leading.

Those are the best I've got--keeping in mind that I keep saying I would have liked to see Kennedy brought in to face Gomez. (And that I think we probably still would have lost anyway.)

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Remember ...

Kennedy is beter against right-handed batters. We don't have a LOOGY

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Those are regular season reasons. -Tupac.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you saying

there's no need to manage the playoff games any differently than the regular season games?

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's not what I'm saying,

as evidenced by the fact that I've never said anything like it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, Perry Mason.

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can think of 2 reasons

why Leyland made the decision he did. One, the "dance with what brung you" reason, not disrupting the pitchers comfort level. The other would be to allow all of them to get the maximum amount of rest.

Would you consider Leyland to have overmanaged? Not just in this series, but also in the Yankees series, and throughout the season? Because Leyland has shown throughout the season a willingness to do the things that Macha doesn't like / want to do.

Macha has made a habit of trying to squeeze the most possible out of his starters. This might be understandable, if he's been given Boston's bullpen. He also has been reluctant to platoon players when they should be platooned. Furthermore, he's reluctant to move players around in the rotation, even when they arguably should be moved.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Dance with what brung you"--

So the way Macha manages the pitching: Where did it bring the A's?

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't say that was the only

reason.

And that was just a minor point in my post.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

And you're taking

my comment out of context. The comment was that Leyland didn't want to disrupt the starters' comfort level / schedule.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I get that. My reply is that

the "comfort level" of the A's pitchers doesn't have Duchscherer coming in to a game in the 6th when the A's are trailing, or whatever people were pining for. It cuts both ways--except Detroit's pitchers pitched better, so Leyland looks better.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why does it have to be Duchscherer?

The starters have been pulled before when they've struggled; granted, usually too late. But that's Macha fault; it's his fault that they've "gotten used" to being pulled too late.

As I stated previously, Leyland doesn't have Macha's habit of trying to ride his starters until they blow up. He stated in an article that one of the ways that he uses to gauge if he pitcher is "done" is by watching the radar gun. When the pitcher's velocity drops noticeably, it's time to seriously consider pulling him.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So we could have been down

5-3 in the middle innings, with Kirk Saarloos on the mound. Yay...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

Or Gaudin. Or Kennedy. Or Calero.

This isn't the Boston bullpen.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

three problems with that argument

With the bases loaded in the 4th, Loaiza did his job, getting a DP grounder that Chavez booted (OK, it was slow enough that it would have been tricky to turn 2, but that was 1 guaranteed out anyway)
I think we have to assume that Duke was simply unavailable last night -- he never even stood up in the 'pen
If you're willing to pull your starter with 1 out and the bases loaded in the 4th inning, then why in the world (if Duke had been available) wouldn't you use your best available pitcher in that situation? Bringing Gaudin in in the 4th (for a second straight day) is precisely why during the regular season starters are given more rope. Besides which, with Gaudin's control problems, I for one ain't comfy with him coming in with the bases loaded (nor am I comfy with Macha ordering Gaudin to intentionally walk anyone ever).

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 12, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boy, me neither

He walks enough on his own. I can't remember the last time I saw a pitcher whose ball/strike ratio was as close to 1:1.

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 12, 2006 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ermm...

Saarloos?

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 12, 2006 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

See Zito, Barry

by SD Erik on Oct 12, 2006 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will Kielty start against Rogers?

I sure hope so, but Macha will probably keep Kotsay in there because of the spacious Detroit outfield. The problem is Kielty hasn't played in so long he's going to be rusty. This is another reason why he should have started in Game 1.

by McBain on Oct 11, 2006 9:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just got back from the game

there were so many opportunities to win this one, much more than yesterday. Now they need to find a way to win 2 of 3 in Detroit, and bring it back to us next Tuesday.

I'm sorry, I'm spent...

by OaklandSi on Oct 11, 2006 9:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

not so good

I was wondering who that team was that played in the first round. This is same A's that have broken my heart since 1989.

by 3Chavy3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

chavez

Irony of ironies, Chavvy is looking good at the plate but killing us on D. Non-hometown scorekeeper, and he has an error each of the last 2 nights. Primary blame of course lies with Z and DUIza, but Chavez looks terrible at 3B. And, yes, Melhuse would have made that play in the 4th.

but jesus--rhyming is a pain in the ass! -- Rubin Sierra @('.')@

by monkeyball on Oct 11, 2006 9:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Saying Melhuse would've made that play....

is like saying Kotsay would've pitched a 123 6th.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He would have

With the last out being a 6-3 putout, Thomas to Kiger.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh..

Melhuse would not have made that play. Chavvy's mistake was trying to field the at all when it was out of his reach and headed right for Scutaro. That play had 6-4 or 6-4-3 written all over it.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That might have distracted Chavy--

As you're about to field a ball, the last thing you expect to see is "6-4-3" written all over it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was all the way in the center field bleachers

so I could barely see, but the 3 was smudged if it was on there at all, so I'm not sure that can be Chavez' excuse.

by DavidA on Oct 11, 2006 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree and disagree

Obviously, Melhuse would have gotten nowhere near that ball, but I don't think Scutaro would have gotten anyone. It was hit too slow and in the hole. It would have been an infield hit with only one run scoring instead of two. Maybe a 6-5 putout with Pudge running if Chavez breaks for third instead, but I doubt it.

"You are not very good, Dad. You always lose." --Dylan

by dylantravis on Oct 11, 2006 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree--It was not only Chavy's ball,

but Chavy makes that play 99 times out of 100. It should have been scored an error, IMO. I love and respect Chavy, but he just choked it. Or he's playing more hurt than we know. Or some third reason, but it was his ball and he should have had it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't know how it looked on TV

But watching the game live, my thought was, the hamstring finally got him on that one. Usually he turns that into an easy 5-4-3.

by cynthia2003 on Oct 11, 2006 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

On television

it looked like he didn't get a good jump on the ball at all, and it may have been his hamstring.

by bear88 on Oct 11, 2006 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

or

it may have been a split second of indecisiveness as to whether or not that was his play to make...

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

by Cutthemullet on Oct 11, 2006 11:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's Chavvy's ball all the way

If he let's it go to Scutaro, there's NO WAY they get the double play. Even getting one out 6-4 might not have happened (and Scut has no play at first with no "hole-arm"). EC made no mistake, he's made that play before. He just didn't make it last night, and of course the ball took the worst bounce possible off his miss.

by Brian in 317 on Oct 12, 2006 7:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chavez at the plate

I thought Chavvy looked lost at the plate. Sure, he hit the homer with no one on base and we were down by 5 runs, not when we had guys on base. I love Chavvy, but he hasn't been much of a clutch hitter in this series.

by Pleasanton fan on Oct 11, 2006 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's only one thing left to do

Andy that's bring out the secret weapon (Rich Harden).

by enz on Oct 11, 2006 9:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I dunno--I hear they're considering

bringing Loaiza back on one day's rest because he had a really good August.

Grrrrr...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

wait a second...

are you saying you have a problem w/ loiaza starting game 2?

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 11, 2006 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not quite, salarycap--

I have a problem with Loaiza starting two games at Haren's expense, rather than Harden's.

As I posted last weekend, I would have rolled the dice with Harden twice, and pitched Loaiza in Game 4. But I was ok with the conservative decision to pitch Harden only once.

But if Harden is going to be slotted for two starts, I am not ok with pitching Haren once and Loaiza twice, rather than the other way.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We're Getting A Little Ahead of Ourselves ...

... to be thinking of who will pitch games six and seven. From what we've seen so far, there won't be a six or seven.

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

sarcasm, nico

i think haren should have gotten 2 games in this series over loiaza, too. he's got better stuff, and was pretty succesful w/ the cards vs. the red sox in '04. BUT...haren has been inconsistent in the second half, and could just as easily get hit hard in a game as he could shut down a great team. hence, i agree w/ your assesment, but i can see why oakland went the way it did.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 11, 2006 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, I'm not familiar with sarcasm

because I never use it.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i usually don't, either

but it was real cheap at walmart this week. i went in looking for quality starting pitching, and came out with sarcasm...oh cruel fate!

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 11, 2006 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Harden, too

not just because of his fastball but because he's a tough hard-nose competitor--a Jim Leyland type of player. That's it in the nutshell. Other guys like Zito need a tough man to go out there sometimes and tell him a few harsh words in these big games.

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish I could tell

If the Tigers can really hit, or if our starters are making them look like the Yankees were 'supposed' to... Hopefully Rich will uncover the truth on Friday.

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 9:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Tigers hitters actually have

had some success against Harden. Let's hope all the rust is off and he's ready to do something special.

by OaklandSi on Oct 11, 2006 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I kept hearing how the Tiggers

are such good fastball hitters, so it's a bit scary that our two "offspeed" specialists failed miserably to contain them. Now we have to see what our fastball guys can do. But hey, the power stuff seems to be working for them pretty well, so...

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

When the Tigers came here months

ago the were a free swinging aggressive team, which worked to the advantage of A's pitchers. These past two games it certainly looks like they are trying to be much more patient at the plate -- and it's worked out well so far for them.

by OaklandSi on Oct 11, 2006 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's only one thing left to do

"Win the whole f*&%$** thing!!!"

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on Oct 11, 2006 9:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Major League

right?

"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Oct 11, 2006 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course.....I need to pop that in

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's Face it

So far the Tigers have been better ...
... at the plate
... in the field
... with starting pitching

At least he A's bullpen has been fantastic.

The A's have been hard to figure out all year. They can be horrible for a week and then world beaters for a week. And nobody knows what flips the switch.

It's not beyond them to win 4 of the next five games ... it's just that we've seen no evidence that it's going to happen.

But this being the A's, you wouldn't expect to see signs of any magic before it's time ...

P.S. Nico, I think you're assessment of Loaiza was especially harsh. Essentially, you said he has a lack of consistency and lack of heart. Couldn't you say that about just all the A's starting pitchers? Which one can you TRULY count on in a big situation? I used to say ... Hudson.

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Eck, I never said Loaiza

doesn't have heart. Some guys just don't feel comfortable in the spotlight and/or under "high pressure" or "high expectation" environments.

It doesn't make him a bad person or a bad pitcher, it just makes him not the best choice to pitch the most in an ALCS.

It has nothing to do with "heart". However, I'm not gonna go to bat for his liver...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

are you chirious?

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would I kidney about a thing like that?

Galling, really, that you even ask.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

cirrhrehis

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok now you're just

typing random letters.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

I suppose there really is a difference between having heart and being clutch.

Saying a guy lacks heart is more of a personal attack while saying he's not clutch is a more professional criticism -- if clutch even exists.

Sorry to put words in your mouth (or on your keyboard.)

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A's Attitude: Game by Game in the ALCS

Game One: Passive
Game Two: passive aggressive
Game Three: agghhh
Game Four: aggreSSIVE
Game Five: agGRESSIVE
Game Six: aGGRESSIVE
Game Seven: AGGRESSIVE!!!!!

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 11, 2006 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The coolest part is when

Mark Kiger steals second in the 9th inning of Game 4 and winds up scoring the tying run.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Will Be Awesome!!!

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But where is VERRRRY agrresive?

Cue Teddy KGB.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if haren and harden are on

we're definitely in business...i think our offense has woken up again. hell, if we got decent outings the last 2 nights (though zito and loiaza were both victims of bad ump calls and suspect defense, in addition to their mediocre pitching in games 1 and 2), we'd probably be either up 2-0 or tied 1-1. i just hope our 2 best "stuff" guys can bring it.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Oct 11, 2006 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mark my words

A's will win this series.

by waltweissforever on Oct 11, 2006 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

$20 says they don't.

by Rickeyfan on Oct 11, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't get to see any of the game.

My night was a disaster. I had to work from 9am-10pm, the most problem-filled day in history, and then when I tried catching glimpses of the game, some asshole always had to rub it in that the A's were losing. Yeah, nice.

So on my way home, I'm excited that I can at least catch the last 3 innings on XM. Then, lo and behold, I get rear-ended. IN MY BRAND NEW CAR. Really bad, on the highway. Everyone involved is fine, but my car's pretty damn bad, and because I had to spend two hours on the side of the freeway waiting for the cop to do the accident report, I missed everything else too.

But you know what? IT CAN'T GET ANY WORSE! Friday WILL NOT be this bad. And I have a good feeling that the A's can't get any worse either, and they started showing signs of life in this game. If we can get a good pitching game out of Rich, I'm really liking our chances.

by sienna on Oct 11, 2006 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

ouch!

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So Sorry ...

.. for your crappy day. Sounds absolutely awful.

If Karma has anything to say about it, you're in line for some good stuff ...

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's what I'm thinking.

Today was just a beatdown, but hopefully it's all out of the system.

by sienna on Oct 11, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Most importantly...

Glad to hear you are alright..in the grand scheme, all that matters

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just Got Home From The Game Tonight

First Off Let Me Start Out With The Point, that BY FAR Tonight was the single most loudest, intense night at the coliseum that I Have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Second I have to apologize to all those of you who were on the BART From Mcauther To Bay point/Antioch, It Was Me Who Was " That Guy" Who Started The Lets Go Oakland, Chant On The Train As I Was Banging My Fists Against The Roof Of The Train....

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Oct 11, 2006 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Respect.....

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It ain't over 'til we say its over . . .

and down 2-0 ain't the end of the world,
but Chavvy is hurting us in the field and at bat,
Swish is swinging so big (and missing) in virtually every AB,
and even the Big Hurt is not as compact as he usually is --
Thank God for Uncle Miltie and Kotsay giving us any chance at all!
Let's turn it around against The Gambler on Friday, then have Haren throw a gem on Saturday, and Zito achieve redemption on Sunday.
A's come back on Tuesday up 3-2 -- book it!

"Even I don't believe half the things I say . . ." Barry Bonds to New York press corps, 2004

by millbraeforAsfan on Oct 11, 2006 10:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

sigh

just back from the back row of 237. So many things to say, but not much in the way of words to say them.

You can't give up 8 runs in the playoffs and expect to win. We were lucky to have the shot we did in the ninth.

We had the shot in the ninth that we did largely due to the magnificent Mr. Bradley, who tried to take us home all by himself tonight. If I'm Beane I seriously consider a long-term deal and building my team around this man, who may have finally found a home and a degree of acceptance he's never had before and seems poised to take his already-tough game to another level. Without Milton we are waxed off the field tonight, plain & simple.

Now we have to go to Motown and play the game of our lives on Friday night. The hope (and, yes, there still is hope) is that Richie is Richie and brings his sick, "ghost pitch" game to the Tigers, and we can scratch and claw (claw? you mean like cats?) for a few runs off the Gambler. Hopefully the weather is OK and it isn't snowing and 12 below zero... if Friday can fall into place then we can get back out there on Saturday afetrnoon and take two from them before they know what the hell happened. That at least guarantees that we get to come back home for at least one game.

If this all sounds like fans grasping at straws, well, the way these Tigers are playing it well may be. I personally wouldn't be surprised if they won the remaining 6 games and ran the table right into November at this point, they are a deserving and damn good (and hot) team right at this moment.

But I also wouldn't be surprised if we won all 3 games in the Motor City, as insane as that sounds after what has just transpired.

Keep Hope Alive!

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

by emperor nobody on Oct 11, 2006 10:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Back from the game

More thoughts ...

I can't put my finger on it, but there's something about the Tigers and their second at-bats against our starters ... like they've figured something out. That said, at least with Harden, they won't have much of a history to go off of. I'm not sure if it's a matter of Zito/Loaiza not hitting their spots or Kendall calling the wrong pitches.
Like last night, the ugly spot unfolded much too quickly. Bases loaded, one out, 3-1 lead, I'd probably let Loaiza try to work out of. Shallow single, 1 run in. Then a grounder to Chavez's left that he couldn't quite handle and deflects out of Scoot's reach. 2 runs score. Sac fly, another run in. I'd be hard-pressed to say at any point there to pull Loaiza.
That said, the right call for Macha would've been to pull Loaiza after the 2-out double with a lefty coming up. Instead, he let Loaiza try to finish the inning and oops! 2-run jack.
Huston, Huston, Huston ... that solo HR was telling. Especially since Hurt wouldn't be able to tie it up with a base hit in the bottom of the ninth.
Chavez and Swish still looking outmatched. Chavez ... 2 for 7 this series, 3 Ks ... Swish ... 0 for 6, 6 Ks. Whatever it is, they best snap out of it. And Chavez - I'm not too impressed by a solo homer.
Bradley, Kotsay, Payton - kudos for stepping up this series.
Losing Ellis created a subtle, but tangible difference. I think the defensive adjustments / compensations have directly led to a couple runs for the Tigers both nights. Perhaps with Ellis on the field, Scutaro could shielded a little more to his right on the grounder to Chavez and been able to field that instead of Chavez.
Poor Scutaro, still hitless after 8 at-bats. And the pressure of the crowd on him each at-bat (albeit less so today). Don't get your hopes too high for Scutaro ... keep in mind, he's now batting .200 for the post-season. Maybe it's time for him to 'regress to the mean'?
Time for us to make history ... no team has lost the 1st two at home in an LCS, and gone on to win the series. Hopefully being away from the Coliseum, and down 0-2, maybe the team can relax and just enjoy the experience and play loose.
No ugly fries tonight, but the rally towels weren't much good either. Fewer fights in the stands, fewer ejections - although someone up in the plaza level outfield yakked on a couple chicks early in the game. Gross. All-in-all, the crowd seemed much more sedated. I'm also disappointed that the A's didn't do an ALCS coffee mug, instead, going with the cheapo plastic cups. I seem to remember them having the mugs for the ALDS in '02 or '03. I was looking forward to an ALCS version.

by Rickeyfan on Oct 11, 2006 10:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great analysis all around,

Rickey Fan!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the yakking on a couple of chicks

made my night... still chuckling.

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I could hear the girl scream

from the LF bleachers...

Felt bad for her.

But it was hilarious.

by booya on Oct 12, 2006 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Points.

Sadly, I agree on Huston, Chavvy and Swisher.

Huston hasn't looked good since ... I don't know ... pre-DL stint. Do you trust him in th game with it all on the line?

Swish is a fantastic guess/mistake hitter. He's easily overmatched by good pitching.

Say what you want about clutch hitting being a myth, but Chavvy is money when it's not on him to be the man. Even on defense.

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

point 1

What Leyland has done is worthy of the brilliant manager he is... they are figuring out what's coming based upon where Lachemann is positioning the fielders, or at least narrowing it down to a more likely selection, especially in terms of prospective pitch location. The opposite field hits tonight, it seemed they knew to look away based on where the outfielders were/are playing. Same last night. Very tough to stop this tactic... Leyland, man, the guy is a genius and a half.

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

by emperor nobody on Oct 11, 2006 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but teams have lost the first 2 at home

in the World Series and gone on to win. I'm thinking of the 1986 Mets, for example.

by OaklandSi on Oct 11, 2006 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was impressed with

Chavvy's home run. 2/7 with a home run is 1.000 ops for the series, against better than average pitching including a lefty.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yea

it was entertaining when after finally coming too, he yaked all over the place. The second yack he got his friend really good.

by Athletix Man on Oct 11, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is a precedent in a 7-game series.

We are going to do it like the Yankees in the '96 WS: drop the first two at home, then win the next four!

Though winning four of the next five would be acceptable.

"The A's are boring because all they do is win."

by Checkswing HR on Oct 12, 2006 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, my roommated brought that up, too

He's from Atlanta. Unfortunately, we're not quite built like the Yankees.

by Rickeyfan on Oct 12, 2006 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dont try to cheer me up sir!

Go kiss your goat!

OT: I just realised a while ago that the guy who plays Dr. House on the fox show House, is the same guy that played the stupid prince of wales in the black adder shows. Talk about a damn good actor!

by Amnesiac727 on Oct 11, 2006 10:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My Starting Pitcher thoughts

I can't disagree ever with starting Zito in game 1. However, I feel like Zito is much better on the road. I also feel like Loaiza is much better on the road. I haven't checked the numbers, but that's just how I've felt with them last year.

If today was a must win, Friday is a MUST win. It would be sweet to see Harden put together a great outing, see Swisher, Frank or Scutaro get a hit, and win that game on Friday. If we win on Friday, Zito goes in Detroit Sunday, and we could take 2 of 3. If we take 2 of 3 in Detroit, we come back home with a chance to win the series...

by Eggman on Oct 11, 2006 10:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

E-Lo's #'s are much better at home.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The future of the A's rotation

Will be tested this Fri. and Sat. with our young Har(d)en. Let's just hope they prove their mettle.

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Somebody call the Royals

and find out what we're doing wrong!

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

On second thought...

It's pretty painfully obvious isn't it. We just have to let 'em think they're close to 'clinching' a WS berth, then we'll have them right where we want them!

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Swish is downright horrendous right now...

I say put in DJ ASAP. What is the downside? We aren't getting anything from Swish right now.
Our Big and Little Hurts are really hurting the team right now. Both are 0-for ALCS.
The Tigers are relentless. Polanco's magic is the A's downfall. Bean him!
If Loaiza has a quality start then the A's win.
Great job Bradley, Chavvy, Kotsay, Kendall, and Payton, proving that yesterday was a little bit fluke-ish.

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 11, 2006 10:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

agree with this except

DJ against Kenny Rogers?? I don't like that at all. DJ against Bonderman in game 4 if Swish didn't do something big to make up for the slump.

by jakarta on Oct 11, 2006 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone else see Joe Morgan at the BBQ Terrace...

he was trying to get a special order and was holding up the line but I got to shake his hand. That was kinda cool but I still hate him.

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 11, 2006 10:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He walked right by me!!

I started laughing uncontrolably and my brother thought I was nuts! But I couldn't help it, too many funny thoughts were running through my head at the sight of him live and in person! Mostly consisting of the many, MANY things people have said about that guy over the years! Thanks AN for giving me that random moment to laugh at!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 11, 2006 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yuck

hope you told him to read "Moneyball".

by Brian in 317 on Oct 12, 2006 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Never Surrender

7 games. We have to go 4-1. Let's see how Detroit responds to their fans EXPECTING them to win. There's gonna be a lot of pressure on them.

My only complaint has been the 4th inning of both games. The second run through the lineup is killing us! We win both games without that lapse. I'd like to see Macha be more aggressive with how he uses his bullpen/bench. Depth is one of our biggest pluses and I don't think we've taken advantage of it.

Kenny Rogers will be tough. Bonderman can be beaten. I wouldn't count on Robertson or Verlander to put together two quality starts in a row. If they could do that, they wouldn't have finished 19-31.

by Dann on Oct 11, 2006 10:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There are two pitchers in this series

who, historically, are less comfortable in pressure environments: Loaiza and Rogers. Loaiza didn't pitch well tonight; let's hope Rogers comes through for us on Friday...

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Agree

A lot of things are bouncing their way right now. Law of averages. They had a good couple games. Now it's our turn.

by Dann on Oct 11, 2006 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd Like to See...

...the A's using their starters for 3-4 innings, and unless they're pitching well, pull them. The Tigers seem to have trouble with our bullpen. Why give them multiple looks at anybody?

by Dann on Oct 11, 2006 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope the law of averages.....

doesn't rear its ugly head after the A's win the next two.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico

Loaiza started SIX GAMES in 2004 for the Yankees to finish a season where he had already struggled. How on earth does this equate to a history of not responding to pressure?

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly, There Will Be NO Pressure On Rodgers in Gm3

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do You Ever Want to See ...

... Kendall up with men on base?

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Depends on the situation.

If it means advancing a runner from second with no outs in a tight game, then yes.

If it means scoring a running from third with less than 2 outs, then yes.

If there's a man on first, well, that's a toss-up.

by Rickeyfan on Oct 11, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Points.

But it sounds like he might as well be bunting.

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Didn't Have Problem With Staring E-Lo ...

... because none of the A's starters are a sure thing. But a quality Start tonight would have won the game for the A's. Verlander was not great.

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 10:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone else think that....

Granderson looks like Willie Mays? Its uncanny.

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 11, 2006 10:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Question

Was the strike zone as bad as it looked from my angle? I mean, I am down near the bull pen and have a real issue with depth perception from there. So a lot of pitches that are outside often look like excellent pitches to me. So I am just curious from those of you who watched on TV if it really looked as bad as I thought it was?

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 11, 2006 10:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bottom 9.

I could hardly breath here at home. Describe the scene at the park, please.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The way my brother explained it

"We almost witness the greatest baseball moment of our lives!!"

It was as if you could feel it coming, it was in the air! I thought to myself during Kotsay's AB, if he gets on, Milton will, then we will have a Walk Off Grand Slam! I totally felt it coming! So did everyone else in the place! It was electric!

Even though it didn't happen, it felt like, just getting to that moment, feeling the posibilities right there in front of us, was just the thing that they needed to get them going in the right direction. Like, even through the loss, you can feel the ALCS victory on your finger tips! It was pretty damn awesome!!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Oct 11, 2006 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet...wish I was there. Thank you.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it really

did happen in a parallel universe--I'm pondering that possibility.

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As a Fan ...

... considering the posibility of winning and really BELIEVING it could happen is almost as good as winning.

I felt the same way wen Frank was up.

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

8 Teams

Have gone down at home in the first two games.

0 of them have advanced.

A's can be the FIRST!

ALCS Live was still a great experience, despite the losing effort.

by Hit4TheCycle on Oct 11, 2006 10:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Odds

You would think that 1 team in 9 should be about the right odds of being down 0-2 to win.

Bob

ogallalabob

by ogallalabob on Oct 12, 2006 7:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

From the mouth of a child...

While watching the end of the game, my 6 year old daughter turned to me and asked me "How much do baseball players make again?" I replied "MILLIONS honey." Then, she paused and said "Do they still get paid if they lose?"...Yes, honey, they sure do. This helped lighten the otherwise dismal mood...for a minute anyway.

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

macha needs to be fired... RON WASHINGTON!

needs to be the coach...... e-lo should of been out of there quickly... captain kirk would of done a better job........now we are going to get swept.. harden's going to hurt his elbow, in the 40 degree weather, overthrowing... batting order needs to change.. swisher needs to sit, dj needs to play, and could kielty play second base? we need his bat in there.... a's r trying too hard to make something happen....... tigers mets world series... sorry to say, but it's the truth unless a miracle happens

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 10:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, I'm not sure your glass

can get much half-emptier than that. I personally felt the same way right after the game, but I decided it's not over until it's over. I mean if this is "opposite year" for our A's then maybe it's our turn to mount the comeback down 0-2...maybe next game Jimenez, while backing up a play, makes a snap relay throw to Kendall at the plate to tag out Granderson, who, you guessed it, forgets to slide! And besides, reading most everyone's take here on AN helped a little too. (At least it might hold me over until Friday).

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha..I have seen it all....

Did you really ask if Kielty can play second base? Haha....Awesome.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well said...

Sums up exactly how I feel about it too.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oops..replied to wrong post

Keep coming back to this one :-)

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rough Last Two Nights

It sure did get exciting with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth tonight. Considering we were down by 3, there was nothing more I could have asked for except to have the bases loaded and the Big Hurt swinging up there at the plate. We all wanted a historic grand slam, and it just didn't come true.

There's a million ways we could point fingers, but simply said, if you were to say that Swisher and Thomas (and Scutaro) would be a combined .000 through the first two games, there really wouldn't need to be any more discussion. They look lost out there.

Milton Bradley and Kotsay were a lot of fun to watch, and I love watching the rare Chavez homer. He's come through twice in the last three playoff games, even if he is swinging and missing way too much. In fact, the whole team just K'd and K'd and K'd today. Yuck.

I think we had the lead (1-0 and later 3-1) for about 10 minutes in total. We were fighting from behind the whole freakin' time, and that gets old. But I can't wait for game 3 and Rich Harden to turn things around. I will always hope and never give up until the last out in the last game has been collected.

An unhappy season ticket holder tonight...

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Oct 11, 2006 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You called it

Where have the Big Hurt and Swish been? They've just disappeared these last two games. Scoot is Scoot - you can't expect heroics every time at the plate. But we need contributions from Thomas and Swisher or it's game over. We've gotten solid (if inconsitent) production from Kendall, Kotsay, Bradley and Payton, Chavvy had a nice bomb and a couple of decent ABs overall, anything we get out of Scoot and D'Angelo (ugh) is gravy, so we have to have Thomas and Swish produce.

I don't know about you guys though, but I'm much more calm now than at any point during the last few ALDs, even when we were up 2-0. Maybe it's an emotional letdown I'm experiencing after finally breaking through the first round. I hope the team isn't going through the same thing. We have virtually no room for error now. We need to play perfect baseball from now on.

by bigthree17 on Oct 11, 2006 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas

Regarding Thomas both Pinella and Lyons seem to imply that he is over matched by the upper 90 fastballs he has been seeing. For those who see the A's live on a dailey basis is that true? He looked like he had plenty of at speed in the Twins series.

Bob

ogallalabob

by ogallalabob on Oct 12, 2006 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A's

six straight strike outs, new lcs record.
Just keep rackin up the records.

by Athletix Man on Oct 11, 2006 10:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

K's and GIDP's

LOB's for Game 3?

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

by Cutthemullet on Oct 11, 2006 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hehe

I figured that would be an overall series one at this rate.

by Athletix Man on Oct 11, 2006 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Y'all are a lot more positive than I am

So I ain't gonna bring you down :-) Get some sleep, tomorrow's another day, one on which the A's WILL NOT LOSE, guaranteed! And the next day, we will watch not only a near-must-win baseball game, but also we'll get to prognosticate about the future of the club based on the fate of one of its hopefully rising stars.

Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Oct 11, 2006 10:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Get some sleep?

I didn't sleep well at all last night and I don't expect tonight will be much different. So, how about it A's, win some games so we can all sleep better, huh?!

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico...

you've sure changed your tune on the Harden/Loaiza decision since sal first broke the story to AN:

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2006/10/8/191131/054

In case you (and others) don't want to click on the link and sift through comments, you were overall supportive of the decision...not only that, but you went as far as to say that Harden was the "riskier" start of the two. Now in this post-game wrap-up you question the A's decision on the basis of Loaiza's inconsistency...a point which I agreed with all along, but as of like 3-4 days ago you were saying the direct opposite of.

Let me repeat what I've said since the beginning of the series: Rich Harden is our best starter. Rich Harden is healthy enough to pitch playoff games. Rich Harden should have pitched Game 1.

I would be saying the same thing if Loaiza had come out and not allowed Alexis Gomez to be more than a 5 o'clock hitter today...we cannot afford to let our fate rest in the hands of mediocrity. It may have already cost us.

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

by Cutthemullet on Oct 11, 2006 10:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

No! No! No! My post assumed

that the decision was Loaiza Game 2, Harden Game 4 vs. Harden Game 2, Loaiza Game 4. I had no idea the A's were considering bumping Haren.

I said, and still say, that I would have gone with Harden in Games 2/6, Haren in 3/7, and Loaiza only in Game 4, but that it would have been defensible to make the more conservative choice and pitch Harden only once.

The A's did something I feel is worse than either option discussed in my earlier post, and that is choose Loiaza twice over Haren. I would never support that and never did.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 11, 2006 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well if the secret ballot...

...only included Loaiza and Harden, what would make you think that the loser of the vote would effectively be named the 4th starter? That would be like Nader splitting the 2000 New Hampshire vote or somthing...especially once the results showed the 5-5 split...it would then make absolutely no sense to demote the loser of the vote to only 1 start. That they were the two candidates kind of implied, to me anyway, that Haren was probably going to be getting shafted here.

My rotation would've been Harden, Zito, Haren, Loaiza, Harden, Zito, Haren/anyone who has anything left in the tank if needed early...

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

by Cutthemullet on Oct 11, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Loazia

I do not think you could have set him down for 3 extra days and passed him in the rotation for both Harden and Harren and expected him to do anything at all. You might as well left him off the roster and gone with Blanton. Which in retrospect may have been a great move.

But I think the major problem was Zito's outing after using all those guys the day before, Macha looked very hesitent in going to the pen to early.

ogallalabob

by ogallalabob on Oct 12, 2006 7:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

D'Angelo Jimenez

It's not like he's singlehandedly costing us these games, but this guy is certainly carving a niche for himself in the exclusive group of backup infielders who have performed horribly...Ginter, Perez, Jimenez. The guy looks way too tense out there...I mean, he did used to be a top Yankee prospect if I remember correctly, so it's not like the talent isn't there. But as of now he's an automatic out at the plate and a non-automatic out in the field, horrible combination.

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

by Cutthemullet on Oct 11, 2006 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Mike Rouse would of made all those plays!!!

what was beane thinking when he let him go.. the guy went 3 for 3 against randy j for his mlb debut.... what the heck beane............ why why why? he was the player of the game in his 2nd mlb game in yankee stadium....

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Randy J is done

Going 3 for 3 against Randy J is meaningless.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just saying that he would of been

a better defender than jimenez. and maybe a better stick

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha.,..meaningless?

Dude was top 10 in the AL in opponents BA. But yea, 3 for 3 is cake and he is done.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He stunk it up in the minors

After his coach turned back into a pumpkin and he went back to Sacto, he hit like .250 the rest of the season. One series doesn't make star.

The A's success should surprise no one. They're a much better team than people give them credit for. -- Joe Morgan

by BubbaDude on Oct 12, 2006 2:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If only

we could blame these two losses on the loss of Ellis. Well, one could, but that's just not right.

"The crowd came to its feet and chanted "Marco!"..."Scutaro!" like kids in a swimming pool."

by PortlandPachyderm on Oct 11, 2006 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right

It's easy to point out Jimenez' flaws, but a quality start tonight ... or some timely hits ... or some clutch plays ... would have made a difference too

by Eck on Oct 11, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bocachica @second???????????

he tore it up in sacto... u see his stats....

Player AVG G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO
H Bocachica .326 77 291 61 95 15 3 19 60 173 43 55

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

check the detroit weather for

friday night......rather cool, with chance of snow showers...sheez.

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 11:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A"s r not a cold weather team.. rich h from

canada that's about all.. kendall played in pitt... damn

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and Harden is from Victoria

mildest place in all of Canada....

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 11, 2006 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not like the Tigers are from cold weather places..

Polanco? Ordonez? Guillen? Rogers (Georgia)?? Monroe (Texas)??

I dont think cold weather when I think of those guys.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Rogers' is human.

He was prolly incubated in an ice chamber, tube fed motor oil, and bestowed with ultimate knowledge on how to pitch the A's.

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 11, 2006 11:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

To the extent that

weather is an issue, the A's probably have better experience because Detroit is hot and humid during the summer, and Oakland is one of the coldest parks for most of the year.

""Let's [stay] home and do this shit!"

by mikeA on Oct 11, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dan Johnson in place of Swisher?

I don't think anyone should replace Swish. However, I do think if anyone were to take his spot, I'd vote for Kielty over johnson instead.

I also really miss mark ellis right about now. Really. A lot. A whole, whole lot.

by rocksolidrichharden on Oct 11, 2006 11:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

swish is killing us right now

he needs to shorten up his swing, too many k's... kielty at first can work,

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you know that?

Dude has played 5 games ever at 1B..and that was 4 years ago. Major Leaguers work at playing positions....You cant just put a guy somewhere.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Oct 11, 2006 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kielty at first

would be like Torre playing Sheffield at 1st.

No.

On Sunday, Minaya ticked off a list of candidates to join the rotation, and for once this season, none of them was Jose Lima.

by rfloh on Oct 11, 2006 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed.

Nick Swisher had such a cute thing going for those last few games of the season, where he was watching for his pitch and trying to make contact, rather than swinging for the fences.

What the hell happened?

Macha needs to sit that kid down and have a talk with him about his approach -- we've seen him have good at bats and he needs to do that again. If he doesn't do it game 3, bench him for DJ. No questions, just do it. If the kid can't find his head in the game and stop trying to hit a HR every single pitch, he needs to sit and sort himself out.

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

by Kyli on Oct 11, 2006 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Agree!!!!! 100%

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me three I agree

That sumbitch gets mad when he's benched and comes back strong--at least during the regular season.

by Salvatore on Oct 11, 2006 11:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bobby Crosby needs to stop

being a little pussy... take some cortizone shots in your back and play... u make me sick man... how bad could it be...

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

F it.. Mark Kiger @ 2nd! game 3..

put him in the fire... can't do any worse than deangelo

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

breakdowns

i'm going to start taking elongated bathroom/drink breaks during the fourth innings...

by elfgirl on Oct 11, 2006 11:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

hope everyone can sleep tonight

i'm soooooooooo pissed at all the things going wrong, i can't sleep, lets all play take off to detroit friday morning, buy some tickets off scalpers, wear our green and gold, and chant "lets go oakland all night long!!!!!!!!!!!!! who's coming with me!!!!!!!!!! u people can miss work right?

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

lets go

jaacee007, i wish i had some disposable income. if i did i'd go to detroit...love to get back at the obnoxious tiger fans.

by elfgirl on Oct 11, 2006 11:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

did u go to the both playoff games?

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LINEUP GAME # 3

marco
kotsay
m.b
f.t
jay pay
big red b.k.
eric chavez
2nd base.. jimenez, kiger, bocachica, crosby aka(vagina)
jason kendall

this lineup will get the job done!

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Why Marco and JK switched? I don't get it.

Is it intuition or somthing?

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

just feels better... i hate kendalls cheap swings

he slaps at the ball, and grounds into too many double plays, plus marco has come up big for us in the past, not this series however

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

FWIW

GIDP's this yr
Kendall - 19
Chavez - 19
Kotsay - 18
Scutaro - 16

Numbers go to show, that despite Scoot's memorable moments ... Kendall comes through more often. Tricky thing, memory.

Scutaro stats (avg/obp/slg/ops)
Bases Empty .287 .344 .421 .765
Runners On .237 .358 .365 .723
RISP .224 .362 .367 .730
RISP w/2 Outs .162 .392 .324 .716
Bases Loaded .125 .300 .125 .425

Kendall Stats
Bases Empty .261 .332 .303 .635
Runners On .347 .417 .402 .819
RISP .322 .415 .365 .781
RISP w/2 Outs .292 .433 .313 .746
Bases Loaded .300 .375 .350 .725

by Rickeyfan on Oct 12, 2006 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chavy...

I liked Chavy's response regarding his attempt at the grounder in the 4th. He basically said that one doesn't get to be as great a 3rd baseman as I am without being aggressive. Way to step up.

This team is a bunch of fighters. They win the series...I feel it in my bone. :P

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

i went to all three of them and it cost me some bread!

by elfgirl on Oct 11, 2006 11:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

elf girl, what do we do to change

our luck???????????????? i have not shaved or cut my hair since the a's clinched!!!!!!!!!1

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

imagine if we................

would of signed miggy to a big deal instead of chavez????????? wow! mark tehan would be our 3rd baseman, and miggy at short... marco @ second...

Player TEAM POS G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG

M Teahen
KC 3B 109 393 70 114 21 7 18 69 203 40 85 .357 .517 .290

1. M Tejada
BAL SS 150 600 94 196 35 0 22 94 297 42 72 6 2 .376 .495 .327

by jaacee007 on Oct 11, 2006 11:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, when my 14 year old daughter started to read Moneyball on her own (as a late night "textbook") we have to have to believe in a positive turnaround in the Motor City.

Let's Go A's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you rescind a Mohawk? Bill King.

by theshopper on Oct 11, 2006 11:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well. It had to be that way.

You know, this is the best loss I went to this season, I think.

If nothing else, we're playing October baseball and it feels amazing. Still watching baseball at this point in the year... Man.

That last inning was spectacular to see. If Frank had hit that out, they'd have to come out on the field and give him his damn HOF plaque right there and then. No waiting, nothin'.

An ending like that... Man. Unbelievable.

I can't bear the thought of no baseball in Oakland next week, a Coliseum gone quiet except for the pounding of football. They've got a long plane ride to figure out what the hell happened, to regain their focus and get ready for Detroit.

Win two, bring it home, and take it to the edge.

We've still got a shot. If the Rich Harden we saw upon his initial starts off the DL shows up, we have a shot at winning our first game there. Taking a game in Detroit to start out would be HUGE. Kendall, Kotsay, Chavez, Zito... lay down some SMACK, boys.

We've been taken down in the ALDS with a two-game lead. You know what? These boys are freakin' DUE for some revenge, some comeback-kid mojo to take over and bring 'em into WS glory.

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

by Kyli on Oct 11, 2006 11:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Word. Nice post.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

During the ninth inning rally...

I reminded myself of why I enjoy baseball.

The building tension of an extremely unlikely rally.

The thrill that Bradley would get another at-bat, with a chance to tie the game, after Kotsay's single.

The giddy prospect of Thomas hitting it out.

I knew it was extremely unlikely. I knew it was almost certainly not going to happen. But I also knew that the possibility of it happening was so much fun.

It was the first time in the series that I wished I was at the game to share the moment, however fleeting, with everyone else.

by bear88 on Oct 12, 2006 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right on!

by baseballnut020 on Oct 12, 2006 2:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the thrill of it all

My feelings (re the ninth innning) exactly

The score is _always_ 0-0 until the final out. Each pitch is a new ballgame.

by FanSinceKC on Oct 12, 2006 5:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, just got home from the game after

a pitstop or two. Don't have the focus to read through all of the comments, so this might have been said:

Come on Macha. 5+ out of Loaiza is the most you could ask for. Duke & Street haven't pitched since Friday and tomorrow is an off day - they could have gone two innings each. That HR just sucked the life out of everything - Employee #3 and Monte Poole's best client could have tied it but instead it was just out of reach.
Leyland running out there on a 3-0 count instead of sending his pitching coach - the guy just has it, doesn't he?
Rudy Stein would dig in against Todd Jones.
Get it together Swish.
Dear Rich: You have a lot to prove on Friday...don't let that space cadet/Joker grin creep in. Call Tim Hudson and ask him everything about the last game of the 2000 regular season.
Dear Kenny: Billy Chapel was a fictional character. Ball 4.
Dear Bobby: Don't flinch when Orange Julius announces Last Call.
Jerry Crawford - the Leslie Nielsen of Sommeliers
Hey Pudge, no matter what you do, even A-Rod laughs at the bronze statue in your yard that you commissioned while you were in your 20's.
Trammell and Whitaker are offended by Scutaro and Jimenez.
Don't get too comfy on the scorer's table Milton
Who will be turn up first, Jimmy Hoffa or Bobby Higginson?
Sorry Detroit, but Ben Wallace, Cecil Fielder and Barry Sanders are all unavailable to throw out the first pitch...how about a big hand for Eric Hipple?

by southofcruiseamerica on Oct 11, 2006 11:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait for friday.

I think I'm going to call in sick tomorrow so I can just take some sleeping pills and wake up at 5 on Friday. CAN"T WAIT for SOME HARDEN!!!! That cat is going to step up huge.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Oct 11, 2006 11:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait either...

Tommorow is gonna be huge - Harden is gonna put the motor city kitties in their place and give us a little momentum to accomplish that which has not yet been done before...

I hope we get to see the beginning of the great 2006 ALCS turnaround tommorow - when we have our triple digit pitcher on the mound, and give the Tiggers a little bit of their own medicine - straight gas baby... The A's in Six - Book It...

by SD Erik on Oct 12, 2006 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We got em right where we want them!!!

Next three games will not be cake walks for Tigers. Our three best pitchers are going, the offense a la Bradley looks to be heating up and D'angelo has gotten three games under his belt at 2B. Scutaro hit two HR in Comerica this year so he might spark in Motown. Roger's numbers against the A's this year were more human than previous years. Let's hope he left his talent out there on the mound Saturday.
Friday will be an exciting day!

Let's GO OAKLAND!!!

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 11, 2006 11:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Afterthought...

did anyone see that fight in the stands along the left field foul pole. Two guys were really goin at it before they were separated by cops. Was it an A's and Tigers fan?
People were taking this loss too seriously...

Underdog Revolution!!

by OaktownRajah on Oct 12, 2006 12:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

the fight

I saw that commotion but was too far to see who was fighting...looked like the cops were all over it!

by elfgirl on Oct 12, 2006 1:24 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

idiots

and everyone in my section had to stand and encourage them. I don't think anyone noticed the homerun that was being hit.

by Brian in 317 on Oct 12, 2006 7:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was 3 rows behind that fight...

It was a Tigers fan and an A's fan. The Tigers fan and the girl he was with were drunk, yelling and cussing at the A's and the fans. An A's fan had enough of him and said "I'm going to kick your ass" and the A's fan charged him.

He wasn't doing much ass kicking with the Tiger's fan having him in the sleeper hold...

by BaseballplayersRHOT on Oct 12, 2006 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, yes...the Million Dollar Dream

Personally, I would've gone for the Hogan leg drop.

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Oct 12, 2006 8:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not bad

Mental mistakes plagued the first game and bad pitching marked the 2nd game, the Tigers I think just read the Mo on Loaiza: wait for his pitches to go inside or outside. Either way, I still have faith in the A's, since haren and Harden have something to prove.

"Talk about impressive. My point is this: Break's over."- Josiah Bartlet

by doublehustle22 on Oct 12, 2006 12:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

haren and harden...

they do have something to prove, but our offense needs some kind of jamba boost. Enough hitting into double plays, and leaving 13 men stranded on base business. Maybe Bradley can hit three homers on Friday, with men on board!

by rocksolidrichharden on Oct 12, 2006 12:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Loaiza

Everyone who hated letting him pitch Game Two gets to take a bow.

I was ambivalent, seeing the logic of it (good at home, veteran, decent in his Minnesota playoff start, best pitcher down the stretch) while being concerned that, well, it was Loaiza.

It was a tough call. It turned out wrong, unless Harden and Haren are worse, but it wasn't some insane decision that only a moron could make.

Shoot, I didn't anticipate him giving up that hope-killing home run to a guy I'd never heard of. That was a horrible, horrible pitch.

Oh, well. No one will be able to accuse the A's of choking this series away.

by bear88 on Oct 12, 2006 12:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate

being tired when the A's lose. It just makes me restless, and then I can't sleep even though I'm exhausted. Friday seems so far away...

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Oct 12, 2006 1:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Alexis "F#?king" Gomez !!!

Are you f-ing kidding me?!?!

And my dislike for Placido Polanco grows by the hour.

ARGHHH!!!

Let's go boys, bring it back home for game six.

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!!!

by baseballnut020 on Oct 12, 2006 2:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Polanco has a weird head...

Only something Charles Schulz could draw.

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Oct 12, 2006 7:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fuck.

That is all.

by Philip Christy on Oct 12, 2006 2:29 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

tarps

i still have faith. the a's just needed to get away from the stadium where the owners refused to let the fans be there.

by rickmonday on Oct 12, 2006 3:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Harden and Haren can do it.

I see Zito making adjustments and winning game 5, thus sending it back to Oakland. I didn't realize how Ellis made everything look so easy. But sweeping the Twins early can sometimes help you or hurt you. I think it hurt us with the 3 days off. With Rogers going tomorrow, Chavy needs to recognize the slider low and away and lay off of it. Anything can happen, remember this team got swept at home against the Royals. Now we all know, no team ever came back to win the series after falling 0-2 starting at home, but there is always a first. This team is too good to lay down and die. Let's go A's!!!

"Mom, I know you don't like baseball but I want to take you to a Giants game and see a real penant contender..." - 2006 Giants Radio Commerical

by What Would Rickey Do on Oct 12, 2006 5:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

If Boston came back from being down 3-0,

surely our boys can curry enough favor with the baseball gods to make it past a measly 2-0.

If Rich Harden can get the win tomorrow, I really believe we'll win the next game, as well.

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

by Kyli on Oct 12, 2006 7:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico, I agree the 4th was critical

and after Zito's short outing yesterday I understand Macha being hesitant to go to his bullpen to try and stem the damage. I don't blame him for not pulling Loaiza in the 4th.

But the 6th inning was borrowed time.

Macha needed to have someone ready to step in if Loaiza got in to any trouble in the 6th, and Monroe's double constituted trouble. (Pardon the rhyme.) Macha had to do everything he could to limit the bleeding to 5 runs. He didn't. And even though the A's were able to tack on a couple more runs it didn't matter because the 2 run deficit had already doubled.

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 12, 2006 6:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree--again, I was telekinetically

"text-messaging" Macha to go to Joe Kennedy to face Gomez. That is the one mistake I believe Macha has made in the two games. But I don't think it cost the A's the game; I think it cost them a slightly better chance, but I suspect the A's would still have lost had the score remained 5-3 in the 6th.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 12, 2006 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

Maybe they lose if they hold 'em, maybe they don't. Maybe the relief pitcher gives up a bomb to Gomez as well.

It just would have been nice to see Macha make the wise move.

And I agree with you on the Haren/Harden/Loaiza bizarro rotation. I've already expressed why I would limit Harden to 1 start in this series, but if you told me that Rich was going to get two opportunities and I had to choose between Haren and Loaiza getting only one start... Danny boy goes twice!

Why yes. I am a ray of warm and fuzzy sunshine.

by grover on Oct 12, 2006 6:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pitch count for Harden?

Is his arm strength good enough to toss a 100 pitches? Here's to hoping that he keeps the strikeouts low and the Tigers become overly aggressive at the plate!

"Hate the Angels, yeahhhhh!" -Sandfrog

by franks a lot on Oct 12, 2006 7:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Harden

Macha said after the game that he hopes to get five innings out of Harden.

I just hope they are effective innings, and that he doesn't get hurt.

by bear88 on Oct 12, 2006 9:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I flew up from Los Angeles

for the game and I have to say that the crowd was lame. Quiet and lame. Doesn't playoff baseball mean anything? I was yelling and chanting every inning and realized that I was powerless to get anything going. Oh well. Maybe it was just were I was sitting.

by Alejandro on Oct 12, 2006 7:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I have to disagree.

I was in Sec. 230 and it was just electric right up until the end. The feeling for me ranked up there with Game #3 of the 2001 ALDS with the Yankees.

A's, baby!

by Coach Cleats on Oct 12, 2006 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was in Section 150

away from the masses. That may explain some of it.

by Alejandro on Oct 12, 2006 11:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

section 135 was rocking

all the way to Thomas' final popup out.

by OaklandSi on Oct 12, 2006 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sucks to be playing from behind...

Changes the whole outlook.

by calvin on Oct 12, 2006 8:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I mean within games...

Our leads have not lasted 1/2 inning.

by calvin on Oct 12, 2006 8:02 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harden & the weather

Any chance Harden is on an even shorter leash given what the weather is going to be like tomorrow in Detroit? I've heard it could be around 40 degrees.

by rageon on Oct 12, 2006 8:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Given Harden's luck/karma,

look for a long rain delay in the 3rd inning, forcing both starters out. Blanton vs. Miner in a crucial game--wheeeeeee!!!

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Oct 12, 2006 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, that would be fine by me

Our long relievers are better than theirs.

That would mean Rogers is out of the game.

And Harden wouldn't have a chance to hurt himself pitching in the cold.

by bear88 on Oct 12, 2006 9:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's Canadian.

It'll probably be like one of those duck-taking-to-water type things.

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

by Kyli on Oct 12, 2006 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey...

They won two, we can win two. No brainer. And in this A's fans' opinion, I like our chances with Haren and Harden.

by since72 on Oct 12, 2006 8:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

let's see what happens this weekend, but I like my chances with Harden and Haren going...

But if your life is such a big joke, then why should I care?

by johnspaz7 on Oct 12, 2006 8:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"Best loss this season"

Thanks, Kyli...that says it all.
What else could you want? Could've been that storybook walkoff that we'd watch replayed every highlight!
See you all Tuesday!

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

by LongTimeFan on Oct 12, 2006 8:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The morning after...

...ack, the hangover hurts and I didn't drink a thing last night.

I hate to say "happy to be here", but I'm looking at reality and the reality is that our 20006 A's are a decent team, but not a great one, and there's not much holding them together- a little duct tape and a whole lot of spackle. Say what you will about Macha- he's gotten this team further than they deserve to be on talent alone. That gets him a gold star in my book.

I'd like to see us make a decent showing in Detroit. 2 wins would be nice. Game 3 will tell all we need to know about Harden- but I don't think he's the savior, and I fear a Dravecky moment with him.

We're a non-2006 Eric Chavez, a 2005 Bobby Crosby plus potential realized, and a true leadoff hitter short of being a contending team. Anything we get from here on in is a bonus.

Having said that, when history judges this team, I think it'll be much more interesting if we come back from 2-0 to win the series than it would have been if we would have continued to roll.

More interesting, but maybe not so good for the health of AN'ers.

by mvk on Oct 12, 2006 8:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Loaiza / Macha

Has an ALCS Game 2 Starter ever been allowed to give up 7 ER before?

Loaiza shouldn't have been allowed to start the 6th inning.

And, ANYONE BUT LOAIZA (Kennedy) should have been in that game to face Gomez.

ANYONE!

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Oct 12, 2006 8:58 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point about 7 ERs

We are losing this series for three reasons:

1.) Poor starting pitching
2.) Bad to horrific RISP
3.) Chavez's errors in key points of both games (neither of which is ruled an error).

Mark Ellis not being in the line-up may be in the top ten, but it is closer to 10 than to 4.

"You have to make your reputation by being honest ... and unmerciful." Lester Bangs

by Sashulia on Oct 12, 2006 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico...GREAT wrapup

just the right tone.

I was REALLY depressed starting the ninth, but it did get better. I was almost...excited...there for a second. ;)

"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Oct 12, 2006 9:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Excitement

That what has been missing, except for the bottom of the ninth yesterday.

The A's have been down by multiple runs most of the time, have played poorly on defense, and have gotten two bad outings from their starters. The only time I really thought they could win was after Bradley's first home run that put them ahead 3-1. That didn't last long.

I don't mind losing. And this is better than having a victory snatched away at the end. But it would be nice to be ahead for more than ten minutes.

The Twins, of course, had it worse. They were never ahead.

by bear88 on Oct 12, 2006 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, this morning i took an attitude check

and taking the outlook of....at least we are in a position of having problems in areas where used to not have areas.

a manager, my kingdom for a manager!

by ak_A on Oct 12, 2006 10:12 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

as depressing as it was

in the stands these past two nights, I haven't given up. The Tigers are playing very well but they still don't look like clearly the better team. The A's need to step it up at the plate with RISP, and -- especially -- the starting pitchers must hold down the Tigers scoring (which they would have done, expecially last night, with better infield defensive play.)

Marty Lurie -- who picked the Tigers to win in six before the series started -- has a very good article where he actually thinks the A's have a good shot at turning this around. <loveofthegameproductions.com>

by OaklandSi on Oct 12, 2006 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

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