Open Thread - Our Team is Broken!

by baseballgirl on May 31, 2006 8:21 AM PDT in News Comment 110 comments

Oh sure. Give baseballgirl the game after a terrible, terrible loss. Actually, if you want the truth, this loss wasn't as bad as last week's blown 7-0 lead. I think most of us had resigned ourselves to the "L" after the 6-1 start last night, and it was actually nice for once to come back and get the ball in the hands of our closer, who of course, didn't hold the lead. But is that really the point?

Here are some discussion topics for the next few hours:

Huston Street. Sophomore slump? Injury? League figuring him out? Discuss.
Bobby Crosby. Will he develop the plate discipline he needs to be a true offensive force in our lineup?
Frank Thomas. Is he doing what we all thought he could?
Adam Melhuse. Do we play him every day?
Marco Scutaro. Can we risk keeping him on the roster? Who can replace him?
What is up with Chavez and Ellis? We need some inside information.
Rich (or Rick, if you prefer) Harden. I hate to get too excited...but...

On Tuesday, Macha made up his mind. Harden is going to be sent to Las Vegas on Wednesday to pitch two innings, and if everything goes as planned, Harden will start on Sunday against the Twins.

And just think! In a couple of hours, we get to play a game, and not only that, but we must win to avoid a sweep at the hands of the mighty Royals. ;) And one more thing:

THIS IS THE LAST DAY OF MAY!

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State of Confusion

Hey baseballgirl- I jokingly told someone at the end of last week that the Royals might sweep us considering the way we were playing- little did I know that my humor might be reality. You raised some good questions there- with answers that some of our apologists don't want to hear. I think Street will be okay, he's just a little confused at this point in the season- as it seems all of the player are. As for the injuries, well we've must have piss*d off some baseball god or something but they keep on sliding down the allocation chute into our bullpen and dugout. When will the tribulation end?

The greenmachine

by greenmachine on May 31, 2006 8:27 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

its about the only thing keeping me from jumping

off that bridge.

The month changes tomorrow and we all know what that means.

With 21 bombs in his rookie year, look for 42 jacks in '06, and 105 round trippers by 2009. - Baseball-Reference.Com

by NicksDreamy on May 31, 2006 8:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

oops. forgot to address the questions:

Huston Street - sophomore jinx. He'll be fine.

Bobby Crosby - yes, he IS developing plate discipline. Remember how he'd hack at EVERYTHING his rookie year.

Frank Thomas - getting over an injury and yes, he's doing as well as I'd hoped. 30HR. possibly .400 OBP. Protect Chavez.

Adam Melhuse - I officially declare the Jason Kendall experiment over. And, really, the A's need to get rid of Kendall NOW to make room for Jeremy Brown and/or Kurt Suzuki.

Marco Scutaro - I love the guy, but he's replaceable.

Chavez and Ellis - I don't have inside information.

Rich Harden - I'm excited too, and really think if he's back to his full form, then the A's rotation rights itself and allow the bullpen to right itself.

With 21 bombs in his rookie year, look for 42 jacks in '06, and 105 round trippers by 2009. - Baseball-Reference.Com

by NicksDreamy on May 31, 2006 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Honestly

I'd rather start Kendall than Melhuse.

"No matter what I talk about, it always gets back to baseball." ~Connie Mack

by AinOz on May 31, 2006 8:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about both?

Zito is so dreamy, but Chavvy would probably treat you better. ~Natto (McCovey Chron)

by baseballgirl on May 31, 2006 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

At once?

Wouldn't it get a little crowded behind the plate?

Ron Washington: Thinking outside of the three-sided box since 1977

by tankerraid on May 31, 2006 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

DH or 1st base

Zito is so dreamy, but Chavvy would probably treat you better. ~Natto (McCovey Chron)

by baseballgirl on May 31, 2006 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ooo ooo oo

Or we could strap Melhuse to Kendall's back! Just think of the possibilities. . .

Ron Washington: Thinking outside of the three-sided box since 1977

by tankerraid on May 31, 2006 9:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is it weird that I'm actually

picturing this happening? Not that it would actually happen... :)

Would MELHUSE! wear a mitt on each hand, like a backup? And MELHUSE! could talk trash while he's strapped to Kendall.

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he strapped

piggy-back style, or back to back?

by twinkle toes on May 31, 2006 9:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm assuming piggybacked.

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 9:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But with back-to-back...

if Kendall ever gets tired, we could just flip him over. Hmm.

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well.

If he was facing the opposite way of Kendall, Melhuse could chat up the plate ump and then wave his hands around to distract the ump from terrible pitches. This would come in handy for, say, a Loaiza start.

If he faced the same way as Kendall, he could touch the butts of the batters to distract them from really hittable pitches. This would come in handy for, say, a Cupcakes start, or when the bullpen comes in, or when our closer takes the mound.

Ron Washington: Thinking outside of the three-sided box since 1977

by tankerraid on May 31, 2006 9:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh the possibilities!

by twinkle toes on May 31, 2006 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The month changes, but it is going to get WORSE

They play the Twins who always play us well including a game against Santana, then to Cleveland and the Yankees. Both teams give us fits. We will be lucky to win 2 of the next 10 games. We will be about 15 games under by June 11th.

by oakfan97 on May 31, 2006 8:38 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, good morning to you too!

;)

Zito is so dreamy, but Chavvy would probably treat you better. ~Natto (McCovey Chron)

by baseballgirl on May 31, 2006 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully, our pitching...

...is a touch better by then.

Zito is so dreamy, but Chavvy would probably treat you better. ~Natto (McCovey Chron)

by baseballgirl on May 31, 2006 8:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twins

Yes, but on the plus side we are not playing in the Twinkiedome.

by Donner on May 31, 2006 11:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huston's Velocity is WAY down!!!

He has NO pop on his fastball. None, nada nadie!!!

Who knows why? He just stinks...

While taint is everywhere and baseball is certainly no different, it's important that it be treated with open attention-Devo

by saint on May 31, 2006 8:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Does he ever throw a fastball?

I haven't seen one lately so I have no idea about his velocity.

"If you're surprised by getting the job done, that means you didn't expect it out of yourself." -Huston Street

by ohtobe21likehuston on May 31, 2006 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Hang in there."

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 8:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

"They're only __ games back"

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on May 31, 2006 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"We can't win for losing."

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!

Oh, sorry... wrong thread...

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The sky is falling.

"So, Lone Star, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb." - Dark Helmet

by lonestar on May 31, 2006 8:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

where's the DLD?

i got an email from the A's today and they had some discount codes for some upcoming games.

Thurs 6/1 vs. Twins: $6 Plaza Outfield Seats! (Reg. $14)
Use coupon code: BASEBALL

Fri 6/2 vs. Twins: 2 for 1 Plaza Infield Seats! ($15 per seat)
Use coupon code: DOUBLE PLAY

Tues 6/13 vs. Mariners: $6 Plaza Outfield Seats! (Reg. $14)
Use coupon code: DIVISION

by gotgreen on May 31, 2006 8:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Missing DLD

I can't do everything! Geez! Miss one day... grumble, grumble...

More ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/ | Archive

by louismg on May 31, 2006 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha

my day does not start right w/out a DLD! and i don't want to start one because i'm trying to avoid reading all those articles about yesterday's game. =T

by gotgreen on May 31, 2006 8:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just got my tickets! Thanks!

Thanks Gotgreen! As soon as I read your post, I hit my e-mail and sure enough, there was the ticket alert. The timing is perfect!

My son graduates 8th grade on Friday morning, meaning we've all already taken the day off. I just bought the 4 of us tickets to Friday night's game with the Discount Code - a little over $80 with fees, which isn't too bad. Got seats Plaza level right behind home plate.

The kid is going to be stoked. He's already going to be getting a card from dear old dad with tickets to the A's when they play at SF on June 25th.

But after his grad party starts winding down Friday afternoon, I'm going to tell everyone, "Well, hate to celebrate and run, but we have to get going!"

Dear son will have no idea what I'm talking about. "Go where?"

"Oh, didn't I tell you? We have tickets to the A's tonight..."

Much celebration, hugs and Mom-where-the-heck-is-my-Chavez-jersey screaming.

Mom already has it washed and stashed away. :)

Mark

By the way, if anyone here is going to be there Friday night, love to say howdy!

by marklodi on May 31, 2006 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's so cute.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on May 31, 2006 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last Post

At least for a while. I honestly haven't been reading a lot of diaries around here lately, and now that I have, my fears are confirmed. Let's see - Billy Beane should step down, Eric Byrnes should be brought back, cloned twice and take over outfield patrol, Bradley sucks because he's on the DL, Macha should be fired then rehired as a motivational speaker...

If it weren't so annoying, I'd laugh until I puked, then laugh some more. For those of us old fogies who lived through the season of '05, let's try to remember back that far...

Hmmm...we were got killed by a last place team (D-Rays). We had injuries to key players (Crosby and Harden). Blanton was pitching like crap. 14 games under .500 and 11.5 behind first place Texas and Anaheim.

It seems to me we have a lot of people here who either weren't A's fans last year (or for that matter, any of the last 5 years where the A's kicked it into gear for the latter half of the season) or have memories spans stunted by watching too many beer commercials.

So I think I'm going to take a break from AN until logic is a valued commodity again. It's hard enough watching your team struggle through a rough patch than to have to do it with your fellow fans flailing wildly at every half baked idea that gets thrown their way.

"At least he could have drawn a painting of Pierzynski being impaled by a unicorn or something."

by almostreggie on May 31, 2006 8:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

2005

That's exactly the point. Last year was last year. And last year, we missed the playoffs by 7 games.

All due to terrible starts, and especially the horrid month of May.

Royals announcers feel bad for us. The slumps are almost laughable.

DJ's "0 for 35...semi-hot...3 for whatever"
Scutaro's "3 for 54...and counting"
Ellis' "2 for whatever"
Crosby's "0 for 19's"
Frank Thomas with 10 HR's (9 Solo Shots, and hitting approx .133 w/ runners on base).
Chavez getting sick, then hurt
Payton had 25% of his RBI's last night

Feeling that your team is more capable than it's current state, is FRUSTRATING.

** AN = Therapy for some people .... for others, it adds fuel to the fire.

June 19th - June 21st, 2006 ** Oakland Athletics @ Colorado Rockies ** Lets Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on May 31, 2006 9:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

not only that

But we can't just assume that the team will kick it into gear. A team that plays badly game after game can't be expected to magically turn it around. 2005 was amazing and fun, but it can't be expected to be the norm. I don't think that firing Beane and bringing back Byrnes is sensible, but I do think that concern is warranted and speculation of what Beane will do to improve things is valid.

"Teixeira just missed it enough..." ~Vince Controneo, 4/24/06

by rich on May 31, 2006 9:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Argh!

I don't want to reply, but I can't help it!

CFan, come on, the A's were in first place as late as late August last year. The bad start didn't keep them out of the playoffs, it was the late season slump mainly brought on by losing Harden for the second time.

And Rich, I'd agree that we can't expect them to pull this off year after year. Except that they do...since 2000. Five years is far too many to be a coincidence. I believe it has to do with the fact that the team is much younger than most and while other teams with older players are wearing down during the dog days, the A's are just heating up.

"At least he could have drawn a painting of Pierzynski being impaled by a unicorn or something."

by almostreggie on May 31, 2006 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reg

It takes a lot of energy to come back from a 17-32 start. Starts like last year, and this year, make games in June/July critical.

Macha won't rest his players because he feels like wins are needed in order to get back to .500 Ball.

Bottom Line: Last seasons late season slump was brought about because of MAY 2005.

June 19th - June 21st, 2006 ** Oakland Athletics @ Colorado Rockies ** Lets Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on May 31, 2006 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

depth

if we can get hot at some point, which i believe we can, i don't expect a massive drop-off in september like we experienced in 2004 and 2005. it may not feel like it now, but this team does have a lot of depth, and assuming we get guys back on the field and they stay there, this depth will be huge at the end of the season.

during the play-off years we generally started slow and then took off all the way to game five of the division series. in 2004 and 2005, we started slow, got hot, and collapsed in september because everyone was exhausted. if we can get hot (and healthy) this year, there should be no collapse at the end of the year.

Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.

by mendelbob on May 31, 2006 10:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why it does not feel like depth....

When you are only playing 1 of your depth every couple games to rest hte regulars the team feels deep.

When you are playing 3 of your depth every day due to injuries, the depth is gone.

by Donner on May 31, 2006 11:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree

but i continue to believe that we will see the real value of this depth in september and october.

Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.

by mendelbob on May 31, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Every win matters (early or late) so the

inevitable slumps doesn't ruin your playoff chances. I'm not sure why most everybody on this site thinks that future results are dependent on past results but that is wrong (especially given team turnover). And even if that were the case, since we missed the playoffs last year, why do all the rear-view mirror fans think we're going to make the '06 playoffs?

by DeeWayne on May 31, 2006 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stay Reggie (and all other "True" AN'rs)

If you all leave the site then it will be overtaken by these hysterical negative newbies. As Nico would say -- where are you Nico? -- if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. We need rational, reasoned, level-headed, funny (what's funny?) discourse here. Not people who declare that Haren sucks (are you stark raving mad?), or its all Larry Davis's fault, or that the A's are the worst team in baseball, or that the season is over on May 31. These aren't fans. They're vultures.

This patch is hard to stomach -- I was at the game last night and I saw it first hand -- but we need the real fans to step up and lead the way.

by SportySpice on May 31, 2006 9:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm staying positive

I wish the negative comments would go away as part of the "lead, follow or get out of the way" scenario. Bitching about things doesn't necessarily entail "leading" either.

Go A's. I have faith in your past accomplishments and my glass is half full even after last night's debacle. Call me stupid... or don't because that would be a violation on this lovely little community called AN.

"If you're surprised by getting the job done, that means you didn't expect it out of yourself." -Huston Street

by ohtobe21likehuston on May 31, 2006 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our Savior?

More bullpen help on the way?

--RHP Jay Witasick pitched two innings, gave up three hits, two earned runs, walked one, hit one and struck out none in a rehab appearance for Single-A Stockton.

Sounds like we're testing "Rick Harden's" Back by throwing him on a couple plane rides. Wouldn't a round-trip to Stockton be just as valuable?

--RHP Rich Harden will fly into Vegas on Wednesday, go straight to the ballpark, throw two innings, fly home, and is expected to start Sunday against the Twins.

June 19th - June 21st, 2006 ** Oakland Athletics @ Colorado Rockies ** Lets Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on May 31, 2006 8:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'll take care of Rich!

Remember Rich, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas...unless it's 6 innings of lights out baseball, in which case, bring it back with you!!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on May 31, 2006 8:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't give him food poisening with the sushi

I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on May 31, 2006 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

Cooked to a leathery state food would be better.

by Donner on May 31, 2006 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

he might hurt himself chewing it

baby food is the only way to go at this point.

I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on May 31, 2006 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Must be pasteurized

by Donner on Jun 1, 2006 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

does he really need food?

I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on Jun 1, 2006 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Witasick = good

I remember when people were very down on Witasick but I bet he seems like a MAJOR upgrade to everyone right now. These AAA'ers have been difficult to watch.

"If you're surprised by getting the job done, that means you didn't expect it out of yourself." -Huston Street

by ohtobe21likehuston on May 31, 2006 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Answers

I still think Street in out of sync because of pitching in the WBC. That, combined with the injury and the undefined bullpen roles right now, has him scuffling.

Crosby will be fine, hopefully giving us the same spark as last year.

Thomas is doing exactly what we need him to do.

Melhuse shouldn't play every day. Pitchers will start figuring him out and expose his weaknesses more. Not that Kendall inspires a lot of hope.

Scutaro, Perez, and Ginter are exchangable parts, none of whom will get enough at-bats to establish any confidence at the plate (Oh wait...)

Chavez will be back soon. Don't know about Ellis. (No dirt, just my prediction)

Come on, Harden!!!

Ju-ust a bit outside

by WayOutInLF14 on May 31, 2006 9:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WBC?

The World Baseball Classic was a couple of months ago. Street missed nearly two weeks earlier in the season. I would think that time and that extended rest (plus other, shorter rests brought on by losing streaks) should have negated the effects of the WBC by now.

I agree that Street doesn't seem right, and I've read the reports that he has lost velocity off his fastball. Can you explain how you think the WBC could still be having an effect?

"Teixeira just missed it enough..." ~Vince Controneo, 4/24/06

by rich on May 31, 2006 9:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The problem not rest

Actually, the rest is more likely the problem. He did not get in as many innings in the WBC as he would have in spring training. Then the two weeks missed earlier.

Res is most likely the problem. I would argue he needs to pitch more.

by Donner on May 31, 2006 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WBC

I just think the change in routine by not participating in a normal spring training was the first part of throwing him out of sync. He worked less, away from his team, when it was only his second full season of pro ball. I think that started the chain reaction. Throw in his injury, and the undefined roles in the bullpen, and I believe he has never got in a rhythm. I think the WBC was the start of that.

Ju-ust a bit outside

by WayOutInLF14 on May 31, 2006 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

my $0.02

Street: I've always thought we wouldn't know how effective he'd be until he had a chance to adjust to the batters' adjustments to him. We'll just have to wait. But I don't question his heart or his guts.

Crosby: He's up and down. Hopefully he puts it all together on a consistent basis, and not only against the lesser teams and pitchers. He certainly has the physical tools to be a star (notwithstanding his injury issues -- which so far I still think are mainly incident-related and not necessarily a worrisome fragility). I do think he needs to mentally adjust in order to succeed at the plate, and think he's trying to do that.

Thomas: He's 38 years old and coming off serious injuries. I honestly didn't expect him to resemble the Thomas of old. I don't object to his being in the lineup, but perhaps move him down a bit (assuming someone hitting better is available to switch lineup places with him). He should be seen as an offensive bonus, not a key.

Melhuse/Kendall: I would be very surprised if the A's were able to trade Kendall...and I think he began the catcher's offensive slide last year -- too many games caught, too many impacting injuries. His defense has improved from last year and he still does better work with the pitchers than any alternative. Solution? Keep him low in the order (which of course would be a no brainer if other players weren't batting even worse then him). Play Melhuse more often, including occasionally at DH (Melhuse hits more effectively if he plays more often). I don't know if he can be an option at first base (for those of you who think anybody can play first base, just think of the possibility for blown plays and how bad mediocre first basement look).

Scutaro: He is a bench player with decent defensive skills (plays third base better than Perez does). His offense has fallen off a cliff, much worse than 2004 or 2005. But what are alternatives from within the organization? Anybody doing well at AAA is doing well in the minors, which doesn't necessarily mean they'll do better in the majors. Still, it might be worthwhile calling up Ginter (who's no defensive whiz) to replace Perez.

Chavez and Ellis: very worrisome

Harden: I have tickets for Sunday's game. It'll be the last game I attend for a month, since I'll be out of the country (also probably won't be following baseball or AN much while I'm gone). So I'd love to see him pitch -- as long as he really is ready and is not overworked.

by OaklandSi on May 31, 2006 9:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm just thrilled that it's the last day of May so

now we won't be subjected to the "it's May" excuse for the A's underperformance. That has grown very tiresome.

by DeeWayne on May 31, 2006 9:25 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's not an excuse. It's kind of a joke.

Based entirely on what happened last May. This May seems similar because of all the injuries, but in fact, this one has been much worse. Unfortunately, the A's will be carrying the DL'ed into June. So this May is nothing like last May.

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on May 31, 2006 9:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

clemens to astros is official

yay, not the rangers.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5651570

by Eric in Atlanta on May 31, 2006 9:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

pop open the bubbly

we just won the AL West!

Zito: You ever think about the space time continuum?
Huddy: Uh... no.

by mendelbob on May 31, 2006 10:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Take

Street: It appears to me that hitters are starting to lay off his breaking stuff. There is no doubt adjustments have been made. It is too early to determine what will happen.

Crosby: I like what I have been seeing the past couple of games. If he can be convinced of not trying to swing for the fences he can turn into a very good hitter.

Thomas: He has done about what I expected. Still, he is leaving too many runners on in scoring position. The FT of old is long gone, but if he can improve his RISP avg it will help greatly.

Melhuse: I have never thought of him as anything more than a backup. Still do.

Scutaro: I am more concerned with having Perez on the roster. Ship Perez out and bring back Ginter.

Chavez & Ellis: Maybe they were really hurt last night, but everytime I see injuries like this I just thing of Cal Ripken.

Harden: I said this before the season started. Without a healthy Harden the A's go nowhere.

by RudiFan on May 31, 2006 9:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wait.

This is the last day of MAY????

< looks at A's calendar, clearly showing APRIL >

Even the stupid team calendar is broken!

< throws calendar >

Ron Washington: Thinking outside of the three-sided box since 1977

by tankerraid on May 31, 2006 9:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ray Ratto's column

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/05/31/SPG5PJ51UH1.DTL

Contains this, in discussing the A's "wait and see" approach to DL'ing:

Not to mention the circumstances change with every player. Some get more waiting time than others because they are far too valuable. Davis cited the oddly timed examples of Chavez and Ellis.

"With Chavvy, we might wait longer to see if he comes around on an injury than Mark, because we've got (Marco) Scutaro," Davis said before the game, in hypothetical (yet disturbingly prescient) terms.

(emphasis mine)

BEFORE THE GAME. "Disturbingly prescient," my ass. Larry jinxed Chavy & Mark!

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 9:56 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

<sigh>

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clearly, Davis should be fired.

I don't think Brad's going to be able to sex the Ranger's lineup to death. -- Jennifer

by Sharon on May 31, 2006 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't look now

but Big Frank has the third highest OPS on the team (821).

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 10:01 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

This team has played 52 gms,

I'm not worried.

"The Matt Watson/Chiba Lotte Marines Fan Club"-The Committee is accepting new memberships (please pay in Yen). "Raking" numbers soon to be posted.

by bigelephant on May 31, 2006 10:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I am.

I expect the team to both play better and be healthier, but a 5-game hole is a 5-game hole.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it'ii be OK, i promise.

"The Matt Watson/Chiba Lotte Marines Fan Club"-The Committee is accepting new memberships (please pay in Yen). "Raking" numbers soon to be posted.

by bigelephant on May 31, 2006 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They are better than my softball team

0-8 with 2 games to go :(

Casey Kotchman revealed that he has mononucleosis before Wednesday night's game... and thinks he caught it when he spoke at an elementary school

by niallmack on May 31, 2006 10:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's final

Clemens signs for 14 MM.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 10:15 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Rich coming back

Is like the music of Angels to my ears. I really think this'll help give the team the boost it needs. ...and about TIME, too!

Maybe they just need to make the conscious decision: "We're not going to lose anymore. Let's win." Ask Barry for some Zen mind tricks.
...I must be getting desperate to suggest such hocus pocus, but do what you have to, right? Next thing you know I'll be stripping down, painting myself green and gold, burning opposing teams' hats, and dancing around fires shrieking lines from MacBeth.

by Squeaky on May 31, 2006 10:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

And not the LALAOOAAA Angels, either

Just in case there was any misconception. No, I'm talking about a full blown visit from the divine.

by Squeaky on May 31, 2006 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My sister trying to cheer me up via email

Yoiks, A's having trouble with the worst team in the AL, and Giants having trouble with the worst team in the NL. I feel your pain. But...what the hell kind of name is "Ambiorix"??? It sounds like a prescription drug...

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 10:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's, uh,

European. History of Ambiorix.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 10:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No... it's a powerful antelope sedative.

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 10:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

An ant eater tranquilizer gun?

by Squeaky on May 31, 2006 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I saw an ant elope once

Her parents didn't like the guy...

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but as ants look alike they could never tell

the difference.

I own too many darn shoes!

by californiagirl on May 31, 2006 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately

She shot her new lover with a sedative. Not a good relationship, I guess.

by Squeaky on May 31, 2006 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's how my relationship is.

Isn't that what everybody does?

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baird fired.

Royals fire Baird, to hire Dayton Moore

Sources say Moore is getting a five-year contract and complete control over baseball operations in a commitment to turn around a franchise that has lost 100 or more games in three of the last four seasons.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on May 31, 2006 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Huh.

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harsh

To be fired when the team is on a winning streak...

by SD Erik on May 31, 2006 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ALLELUIA!! T.G. F. J.

Thank God for June. I just had that feeling when Street came in last night that he would blow another save :( but I don't think the league has figured him out as much as he has not been making his pitches. That last pitch to Stairs was high and got too much of the plate. Overall I think he will be alright.

Crosby needs to stay at the bottom half of the line up and develop the plate discipline so that he and Swisher can become a deadly combination.

It is sometimes sad to see Frank running, excuse me, jogging, no limping around the bases. He is doing what I expected.

Melhuse should be playing everyday especially with Dan Johnson not performing up to par.

Don't unload Scutaro just yet especially if Chavy and Ellis are injured. Let's get rid of Perez though. I have yet to see what his real value is other than pinch runner for the Big Hurt.

Rich and Estaban?? Who knows but one of them needs to get it together. Halsey and Saarloos have been assets but we could use them back in the bullpen along with Duke and Witasik.

Finally, Happy June to everyone.

hookem street

by hookem street on May 31, 2006 10:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

did i hear wrong??

did marty lurie say ellis is going on the DL?!?!?!

by gotgreen on May 31, 2006 11:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

STOP IT!

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

WHAT?!?!?!?

Huh? What? When?

Where's the #$%&) DLD when we need it?!?!?!

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on May 31, 2006 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

So I went searching for the link, and here's an interesting tidbit I found...

The A's already have had players lose 172 games combined on the DL

Wow, and it's only May.

<sob>

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on May 31, 2006 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh man

i'm hoping i heard wrong! i came back to my desk and heard "ellis" and thought i heard "broken" and "DL tomorrow" ... but i hope i'm wrong!!!

by gotgreen on May 31, 2006 11:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

STOP IT!

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

<cries>

I haven't been able to bear listening to the pre-game for the past week.

by goldfish on May 31, 2006 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Take

Huston is struggling - but I believe he will figure it out over the next couple of weeks he needs to find an effective way to attack hitters featuring his fastball (more oomph please) then slider, and dusting off the new changeup once every blue moon.

I think Bobby is turning a corner right now - with going the other way on outside pitches two days ago, and then driving pitches on the middle-inside of the plate tonight - keep that up and he will start living up to the lofty expectations.

I think Frank is starting to get more comfortable at the plate - he is driving the ball on a more consistant basis, and the more AB's he gets, the better his performance will be, as he is effectively working himself into a rhythm after sitting out the bulk of two injury-riddled seasons.

Melhuse is a luxury coming off the bench for key PH situations, and spelling Kendall/Thomas 2-3 times per week - I feel with greater exposure pitchers will begin exploiting holes in his swing.

Scutaro needs to remain with the team right now, especially with Ellis/Chavez injuries pending. But if those two are healthy - Perez needs to go down and find his stroke with some consistent PT.

Chavez - I'm not sure if it's blind hope right now, but I think he will be fine, Ellis as well...but only time and injury reports can clarify this...

Harden = Savior...I feel that his ressurection into the A's lineup will be the spark the team needs to go on a run...In my opinion one of the reasons that the A's have enjoyed the amount of success from there starters over the past 5 seasons is in large part due to the competition amongst themselves...ie. good performances being contagiuos...and if Harden goes out and shuts down a team, followed by Zito and then Haren that it will be something that the A's can rest the laurels on once again - Supreme Starting Pitching...

Let's go Oakland - Let's rip through June so that AN can have some positive vibes flowing through it!!!

by SD Erik on May 31, 2006 11:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

*Ellis

I must amend my Ellis is probably alright comment above...but at least his BA won't go down while on the DL - and this may be a blessing in disguise, as he seems to hit better while recovering from injury...

by SD Erik on May 31, 2006 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I sat with the rich folks last night

"a friend of a friend" gave me his season tickets -- three rows up, right along the railing where the guys go up the tunnel into the locker-room.
In the 2nd, after we left Crosby on second with his lead-off double, I yelled -- exact words here -- "That was a horrible job!!"
I got in trouble for it. I was told that an usher could be called. Seriously.
A couple innings later, a guy next to me explained that in that section, the folks really "get to know" the team and get them to sign their bobbleheads, foam fingers, photos, etc. He was being nice about it, and then a guy behind me added -- exact words -- "Yeah, that's why you shouldn't belittle the team." Seriously. In his opinion, "That was a horrible job" was belittling the team.
Has any of you ever experienced this aspect of A's "society" before? I have been attending games since 1972, and this really kind of freaked me out . . . it was really strange. It was like they were all "Stepford fans." (Those of you who are older will know what I mean.)
The coup de grace?? When the game ended, I saw about 10-15 fans sitting down below -- those seats directly behind home plate -- race over to the railing to clap -- CLAP -- for the guys as they walked back to the clubhouse.
It made my stomach turn -- look, I don't think anyone should ever be cussed at, or attacked verbally, but to clap for that effort was the most bizarre, obscene, sickening thing I'd ever seen. Unbelievable.

VacaAsFan

by Vacafan on May 31, 2006 11:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

you know a team is playing bad when...

this leads off the Yahoo.com preview:

The Kansas City Royals look for their first road sweep in nearly three years when they complete a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics at McAfee Coliseum on Wednesday.

by CyZito on May 31, 2006 11:51 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

sorry guys

ellis has a broken thumb!! he will probably go on the DL tomorrow.

some bit of good news. chavez is okay. he'll be in the lineup.

by gotgreen on May 31, 2006 11:52 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lovely.

by Jennifer on May 31, 2006 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh $#)*%&@$%

crap crap crappity crap.

I'm going to crawl into the corner of my cubicle with a bottle of tequila and a box of kleenex now...

<sob>

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on May 31, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

link?

or do you have some kind of inside scoop?

by Eric in Atlanta on May 31, 2006 12:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm listening to the A's pregame show

by gotgreen on May 31, 2006 12:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

{barfs}

{cries}

{barfs some more}

{cries some more}

{barfs & cries simultaneously}

{rents carpet cleaner}

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You mean our .226 hitting 2B is going on the DL...

Doomsday - Armageddon is here - because that's about .200 points higher than one of the replacements - and .100 points higher than the other...Crap.

by SD Erik on May 31, 2006 12:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lineups are out...

Chavez hitting 3rd.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on May 31, 2006 11:55 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My boss keeps

asking why I'm so "friggin happy" today - I can't very well tell him that it's because I received the news this morning that my pretend boyfriend is off the DL, slated for Sunday and I can sport my 4-0 again but I must say - I'm GIDDY!!!! :) YAY! Now we need to focus on that NOT the Royals who - for the love of God have a centerfielder that seems to be scared of fly balls Sweep. NEVER!

by AndreafromNJ on May 31, 2006 12:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh, shut yer happy up.

(I'm absolutely, completely, totally kidding, by the way... just see my last comment, above...)

Rich Harden being off the DL is my ray of sunshine today... if he's given the go-ahead to start, I'll get tix to Sunday's game. I told my husband that I'm sure I'll see a golden aura of light surrounding Rich as soon as he appears for warmup, representing health and hope and all that is good...

(that last paragraph was actually NOT kidding, by the way...)

:) (see, I'm even trying bravely to smile)

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aww I like that

and don't worry I wasn't offended - I'm too happy right now! Just don't make fun of my mother or anything like that

by AndreafromNJ on May 31, 2006 12:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey...

...as long as your mother isn't part of the A's training/medical staff... or Antonio Perez...

Putting the "fun" in "perfunctory"

by Poppy on May 31, 2006 12:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

So dark

and gloomy. So afraid and sad. So blue.
Go a's...

by Alejandro on May 31, 2006 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Time to bring up Ginter

I can't believe I'm saying this. But he's doing well at Sacto, and maybe this year he'll bring his bat with him. What's there to lose? He can't possibly fall below the standard set by Scutaro and Perez.

What is it about the A's middle-infield depth, anyway? They make sure they have capable guys around in case someone gets hurt, someone does get hurt, and then the supposed depth (Scutaro and Perez this year, Ginter last year) is just staggeringly awful, worse than if you just brought in some nonentity from the waiver wire. Damn frustrating.

by Faust on May 31, 2006 12:18 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah, i agree

its ginter time. i assume ellis will be out for a while with a broken thumb. ginter has hit 19 hrs in 300 mlb abs before. unless perez shows something really soon we should bring up ginter and give him a few weeks. if he could play adequate d while hitting 250 with a 450 slg it could actually really help us out.

by Backspin on May 31, 2006 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question on A's website:

Which AAA call-up has been the most impressive:

Chad Gaudin
Randy Keisler
Matt Roney
Steve Karsay
Ron Flores
Santiago Casilla

Is this a joke...is this like asking which political leader had the most positive impact on his nation's domestic affairs and international relations:

Adolph Hitler
Joseph Stalin
Pol Pot
Sadaam Hussein
Mussolini
Colonel Khaddafi

by SD Erik on May 31, 2006 12:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs