Bradley Makes AN Day 3 One to Never Forget

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 5:26 PM PDT in News Comment 152 comments

(ANtics to return next week - self-imposed AN Day 3 holiday!)

If any A's fans were on the fence regarding Milton Bradley before today, they've made sure to jump on The Gamer's back now, after he struck the final blow, a three-run shot with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, to bring the A's back from the jaws of defeat, sending them off the homestand victorious, having taken 3 of 4 from the Blue Jays. Since the All-Star Break, Bradley has been a giant among men for the A's, and his walkoff, the first of his career, was as dramatic as you'll see.

But beyond the final swing (what a swing!) some elements cannot be overlooked.

Mark Kotsay was ridiculously great in forcing a 12-pitch walk from vaunted Blue Jay closer B.J. Ryan, extending the game. He fouled off seven pitches, and took ball four, bringing Bradley to the plate as the potential winning run.
Huston Street picked up the victory, but also proved many ANers right by folding in the 9th after sitting on the bench after having closed out the 8th. As we've seen a number of times this season, Huston hasn't had the tenacity to save a game when called upon to get more than three outs. To reach the status of a Mariano Rivera or other storied closers, he will need to develop this skill.
Eric Chavez! The guy's hurting. We all know it, but he hasn't asked to take a day off. Even as his hitting is returning (he was in the 5 spot today, going 1 for 4), his defense is still top-notch. He was a defensive machine today, getting everything that went his way.
And lastly, Shane Komine. Though he didn't pick up the victory in his major league debut, he left the game after six full with the A's on top. After the first pitch, he took the ball and threw it into the dugout for a keepsake, but the next pitch was a home run by the Jays' leadoff batter, giving the fan a keepsake themselves. After that, he was nearly lights-out, finishing with only four hits and four walks to go with the one run. He could be a great alternative to Saarloos if the league doesn't figure him out.

AN Day 3 could not have ended better. There was much more about AN Day 3 to discuss, and it will be discussed, with photos, but for now, we can rest in the glow we all felt when Bradley mashed that final pitch over the wall. For yet another day, the A's will go to bed in first place... alone.

UPDATE: Some sneak peek photos from AN Day 3... which saw A's GM Billy Beane and radio broadcaster Ken Korach entertain us with their stories and answering Q&A before the game, which also saw the first 15,000 receive Dan Haren bobbleheads at the gate. Billy Beane said he didn't expect any big moves to happen at the trading deadline, so barring a near-term apocalypse, we can all rest easy regarding Zito. I'll let others recap those discussions, but to whet your appetites, here are three images from AN Day 3. Others more adept at photography will no doubt follow with pictures that include more of the AN crew!

Click for a larger version of each...

Dan Haren strikes a pose with the Coliseum in the background.

Ken Korach talking to Blez prior to the game, with Beane listening.

Billy Beane answering questions from AN with Korach and Blez listening.

For a group photo of the AN crew listening to Billy Beane and Ken Korach, you could click here. I warn you... Nico and I are too closely featured. You've been warned.

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Comments

first

by oaklandgabe on Jul 30, 2006 5:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

YESSSSSSS

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 5:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

re

I feel more optimistic today than I've felt in weeks. Zito is staying and this is the kind of win that can light a team on fire. I think the next step is getting Dan Johnson back up. I don't think we're a serious contender until we have him up and contributing. Nise DJ is such an upgrade on Kotsay and Payton ABs. We need him bad. If we get him right, we can do this.

by 31Boots on Jul 30, 2006 5:33 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nerd Alert

For those of you (Salb and Alaska...) who thought it was just way too nerdy to open the new game thread from right field, I have to admit I thought it was pretty nifty, just from a technology standpoint.

I just used my Blackberry (from the office, and not Billy Beane's). I will suggest to you that the new thread enabled the A's to take the 3-1 lead, and I'm also sure you would not have preferred a 600+ post thread. :-)

Pictures from AN Day 3 may or may not indicate the white shirt and pocket protector combo.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 5:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

louismg's pocket protector

I think it broke my camera, so I may not have a picture of it...I'll try to upload the ones I was able to salvage after dinner... :)

btw, that was an AWESOME game, and it was great to see everyone in person!!!! Mad props to Blez, Nico, louismg, and especially bbg for a fantastic day! Oh, and thanks for the extra coloring books. :)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 30, 2006 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i wanted a four digit thread, personally

but i think its classic that you posted a new thread while actually sitting in the Coliseum. :)

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jul 30, 2006 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Milton's HR was a shot...

didn't it land over the suites in CF?

"I could get two mannequins at Sears and umpire better than what I saw this whole series" ~~ Asheville Tourists manager Joe Mikulik

by smith1051 on Jul 30, 2006 5:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

not over the suites

but definately over the wall.

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 30, 2006 5:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny thing was...

at the park, it really didn't seem like it was killed off the bat; it just kept going and going.

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

by jeepers on Jul 30, 2006 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love first place.

Man, I was so up and down during that game. Huston was breaking my heart... but then MaEl (with his unicorn?), Kots, and Milton came up and made it alllll better. Woot woot!

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 30, 2006 5:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh

Today was AN Day?

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 5:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey B.J. Ryan,

Say Uncle. Milton Bradley is now scoring points with A'S fans plus he still no board game.

Macha is a great manager. -Ron Washington

by pachydermOAFC on Jul 30, 2006 5:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

post game

MLB TV decided to cut off right when Bradley was speaking after the game. What all did he say?

by Emmett89 on Jul 30, 2006 5:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Give me five minutes...

I'll go back and write it down.

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

After I finished sobbing....

I think SI's was from MB's interview with Vince. From television:

GK: What was that AB like and running around the bases?

MB: As Kotsay's fouling off pitches, I turned to Clarence [Cockrell, strength and conditioning coach], said I was going to hit out the first pitch. I felt like I had it in me. The first pitch was painted on the black away, so I had to take it until I got one I could drive. I knew it was going to be middle-away, and I drilled it.

RF: How much does it help when a closer comes in, BJ Ryan, and is a two-pitch pitcher: fastball, slider? Can you look for one pitch and really not be concerned with his second pitch, the slider?

MB: You got to be concerned about everything. It's BJ Ryan, you can't underestimate him. He's been out there doing it all year. Um, I really just had the confidence, you know. I'm rolling right now, and I got the situation right there where I said, 'I can win the ballgame for us.' I was gonna try and do it.

GK: Were you surprised he kept throwing fastballs to Kotsay?

MB: He's been doing it all year, getting guys out. Unfortunately for him, today I got ahold of one.

RF: Milton, how big was the win after Huston gave up the runs, down three?

MB: Huge win. The guys were looking a little disappointed coming in the dugout after Huston gave up the lead. But I said, 'Hey, this isn't a game to hang your head.' We battled against Roy Halladay, knocked him out of the ballgame. Went in with the lead, very rarely Huston allows runs, but, you know, by no means was the game over. We went out and proved it.

GK: ANA series a big series?

MB: Huge. They've got their studs on the hill. You know they want to beat us after the last time there, it wasn't pretty for them. They came in and beat us before the break. It's going to be a heckuva series.

GK: Congrats.

(My errors, blahblahblah.)

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jennifer, you rock.

It's that simple - a great example of what makes AN great.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

talked about Kotsay's great at bat

about how Ryan was pitching outside and Bradley reminded himself not to pull the ball. He talked about how Komine pitched, and that Bradley encouraged him during the game.

Bradley talked about wanting to play as well as he was capable, and not being able to earlier in the season. He said the only other time he hit a walkoff was in AA, and it's like being in a twilight zone when you trot around, everything gets slower.

finally he said that the A's make him feel like he's wanted, and make him want to do something for the club.

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i love the last line.

maybe from here on out, the team will be one cohesive unit, especially the offense.

by richharden40 on Jul 30, 2006 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

This Anaheim/Boston is U-G-L-Y so far.

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 5:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The errors and baserunning

or the starting pitchers?

by mikeA on Jul 30, 2006 5:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

and getting U-G-L-I-E-R

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jul 30, 2006 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

re

I hate Curt Schilling so much.

by 31Boots on Jul 30, 2006 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dear Curt,

you are actually a Red Sox. Just wanted to clear up the confusion.

Warmly,

Amy

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jul 30, 2006 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The announcers keep scaring me

when they say the Halos are trying for Soriano. and the Halos are frigtening me with all of those homers too.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 6:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i know

if theres one reason - besides zito - why i cannot WAIT for tomorrow to be over, its to see where soriano's gonna end up.

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jul 30, 2006 6:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

and Miggy too.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 6:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love this from the ESPN game recap

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=260730111

"It feels good, especially when I read in the paper that I've got a tired act," he said. "I've done nothing but play hard. It's a shame people look to gain in their personal career by tearing me down."

Mr. Bradley obviously referring to Urban...:)

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

by johnspaz7 on Jul 30, 2006 5:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

AWESOME!!!!

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

by jeepers on Jul 30, 2006 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cel - A - Brate Good Times!

"ET TU, DAMON?" 4/4

by FireballerHARDEN on Jul 30, 2006 5:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Awwww... :D

by whiteshoes40 on Jul 30, 2006 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Et Tu Damon...

only at the Coliseum. The wittiest fans in baseball. Was that you who made the sign? That was awesome.

by SwisherSweet33 on Jul 30, 2006 6:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, it wasn't me...

I just loved seeing it up on opening day in the bleachers - one of the few bright spots.

"ET TU, DAMON?" 4/4

by FireballerHARDEN on Jul 30, 2006 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rock on

A very fun day at AN, the un-fun blown save, and then a rip-roaring win! Woo-Hooooo!!

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Jul 30, 2006 5:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WOOOOOOOHOOOOO!

YAY!

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2006 5:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Andre who???

I think, other than Kotsay and Bradley's heroics, the true story of this game revolved around pitching.

Komine was poised and effective-- lord knows if he can do that 5 or 6 more times-- or more if Harden is unable to start in September-- it will be a huge lift to this team;

And macha totally botched the pen. I'll repeat a point I made in the game thread-- if reliever A did well; and releiver B is doing well-- and there is no threat on the horizon (2 outs, no one on, a 2 run lead), why press your luck with reliever C??

But I agree that Street cannot be considered an elite level closer if he continues to struggle like this in the next inning.

10-7 since the break; a 4-3 home stand; 5-5 in the 19 game stretch against contenders or division rivals. Enough to hang on to-- keep our interest-- and i guess Zito stays. Still problems from Crosby and Ellis, but Chavy appears to be coming back and Bradley is obviously finally the guy we wanted him to be.

And now a huge series in Disneyland with the Angels tatooing Schilling as I speak and may hang with us and put first place on the line tomorrow.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 30, 2006 5:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

komine was spunky,

i agree. crosby and ellis are such a black hole on offense. i think we should either bench these guys now or send them down to make a statement. scutaro's playing better than any of these two. why not call rouse up. just a suggestion.

by richharden40 on Jul 30, 2006 6:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

on scudero

by smasfan on Jul 30, 2006 7:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wait a minute

Over the past week the moron Macha has run out
Street in one blowout game so he could get "some work" in two other games where they were not save opportunities, in fact I think only one game in the last 5 has Street not been called upon. You cannot run a closer out every day, and then in the last day decide he has to get 4 outs. What do you mean "learn how to get 4 or 5 outs", that is absurb. I was expecting Macha to say before this game that Street would not be available today, but due to Macha's clever maneuvering, for sure Street won't be available tomorrow against the Angels, and possibly not on Tues. either. How clever was it to take Halsey out to bring in Calero for one out, why?? Halsey looked like he was throwing well, what was the point? Bring in Calero for one out? A classic case of a manager thinking, in Macha's case, not a good idea.

by china bob on Jul 30, 2006 7:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Actually, I was hoping that

Calero would stay in and get the game's last 4 outs without needing Street at all, tidy 3-1 win. And had Calero been as effective as usual, that might have happened. The pitchers, not Macha, created the problem.

But no way should Halsey be pitching to righties in the 8th inning of a game where Calero and Street are available--he only faced Zaun because Zaun is a switch-hitter who bats better from the left side.

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 Jul 30, 2006 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 run lead-- no one on.

and two out.

I actually think Macha's plan was probably to go with Calero for the final 4 outs, so he got a bit greedy.

I don't care about matchups-- I leave Halsey out there and hope he can get a 3rd out and then decide whether to go Calero or Street for the 9th.

oaktoon

by oaktoon on Jul 30, 2006 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont think so...

Street starting getting loose when Calero came in. He was gonna pitch the 9th

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 30, 2006 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Calero was the right choice

The tying run was on deck. Calero has owned righties all year and two were coming up next. Unfortunately, neither he nor Street had it today, but that's not Macha's fault.

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

by dylantravis on Jul 30, 2006 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

holds

Calero's awful day earns him a hold?
K. Calero (H, 17) 0.0 2 1 1 1 0 0 2.98

If you pitched 4 2/3 perfect innings before injuring yourself diving for a popup, then I came in with a 10-0 lead and threw 51 consecutive balls before we got a runner at first on a hidden ball trick to preserve the 10-9 lead, then a reliever ran off 4 more perfect innings, the scorer could give the last pitcher the win. Seems like an outing where you get nobody out shouldn't be a hold.

by Jose Canusee on Jul 31, 2006 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Power of Optimism

After the Blue Jays scored 3 in the 9th, Batgirl turns and says, "If they can do it, we can do it." Hell ya!

I'm still headachy and dizzy from screaming.

What a perfect AN Day.

by SportySpice on Jul 30, 2006 5:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Okay.

Billy and KenKo? <censored> this. I hate you.

I quit.

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

We're sorry - but it was fun!

Jennifer, I speak on behalf of all of AN. We would have loved to have you there, and hope you make it to AN Day 4. Ken and Billy were both very positive, funny and appreciative of AN. They love the site, and all of us here who are the diehard A's fans. That includes you.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 6:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

AN Day #4

I would just like to put my vote in now for a day other then Sunday. I am way too busy with church stuff to ever make it on a Sunday. On a Friday or Saturday next year and we are there.

GREAT GAME!! GO A's.

Stupidity should be painful!

by ByondF1 on Jul 30, 2006 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree by the way...

We ditched church and are officially hell-bound until next Sunday. Go A's! :-)

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 6:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay for 6:30pm mass :-)

by calgbear on Jul 30, 2006 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

hey Louis

why does it look like all guys in the pic you posted? The one featuring you and Nico?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

good question

Where are the chicks? Don't tell me there were no chicks at AN day.

by Reg on Jul 30, 2006 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good question.

Plenty of great ladies at AN. The pictures posted were taken by "wifethereof", my wife. So she was louismg-centric in her photos. What was I supposed to do...

As for the first row, my guess is that men are typically more aggressive and pushed to get in front. I expect other posters to have more representative pictures.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

In fairness, I only

knocked over three women to claim my seat, and I only saw you push that one lady on crutches. Did her granddaughter ever say if she was ok? She was bleeding quite a bit.

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 Jul 30, 2006 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about the lady on the crutches

but I'm doing just fine now that the concussion is gone...and the bleeding has stopped...did you have to throw salt in it though? That just hurt man....

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Jul 30, 2006 9:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, honest mistake--

I was aiming for a slug and you got in the 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 Jul 30, 2006 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel special!

My first AN Day, and it was a wild finish! I still feel the drums in my head (Duke and Saint sat next to me, practically), and my throat hurts.

BUT IT WAS ALL WORTH IT!!!

by Kaiser99 on Jul 30, 2006 6:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Now you just need to start posting in the Gameday

threads, right?

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2006 7:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll try to sneak on at work

When the boss isn't looking. Or the mainframe computer isn't tracking my every "click".

Or I could just use someone else's computer to post!

by Kaiser99 on Jul 30, 2006 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

missed it live :-(

...in the stadium, and on the radio, due to work....argh. I did hear the highlights. Ken's call was pretty good-- Obviously not at the rankings of miggy-wins-18th-straight, but at least he didn't pull a Duane Keiper (and I DO mean DUANE, and all that signature/catch phrase crap). Sorry, I'm just not for some of that that, NOT including Bill and Lon, however. I'm cool with Glen, although I missed his call being away from the TV. Anyone know if it was a good one?
Nice to have the momentum against the whatever Angels of whereever, and it is great not having to face Lackey. Go Sox, although you suck at the moment, losing 6-1. Giants suck more at least!
Milton is the man, Huston street still rules for at least getting the last out in both innings,
making the game still winnable.
Let's go, Oakland!!!
"I'm so f*cking happy I could cry"
--Billy Joe Armstrong

by wolffpackdavid on Jul 30, 2006 6:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Red Sox suck!

Curt Schilling has been undefeated at home and has just given up three HR in an inning to the Angels. Plus, "Clutch" Ortiz struck out in a 1st and third situation with nobody out in the first. What are they doing?!! Currently, 6-1 Angels.

"Hope for the best, prepare for the worst." - La Russa

by OaktownRajah on Jul 30, 2006 6:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It was like Pre-skool Baseball

My first bobblehead. The first walk-off win I've ever seen in person. Actually, I should say the first A's walk-off win - I was present at an unfortunate Red Sox win once. It was great.

I wish I could have joined AN day, but I thought I would have to work today. I just decided spur of the moment this morning that it was one I didn't want to miss.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Jul 30, 2006 6:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WOOOHOOO

A's WIN A's WIN!!!... that was one of the best games I've gone to so far... i like that kid Komine.. hes got moxy.. AND MILTON BRADLEY LANDED RIGHT ON THE FREE PARKING ON THE MONOPOLY BOARD TODAY AND RAN ALL THE WAY PAST GO!!!WOOHOO FOR WINS.. WOOHOO FOR DAN HAREN BOBBLEHEADS.. WOOHOO FOR BEING IN FIRST PLACE!!WOOHOO FOR NICE CROWDS.. AND WOOHOO FOR BEING AN A's FAN!!!

When Crosby was asked after the game if the collision was fun, the 26-year-old responded with a wide-eyed "Yeah!"

by TrizzleNizzle510 on Jul 30, 2006 6:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So how many Aners were

there today? and Louis ? I was so glad when you made that new thread ...thanks.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 6:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

AN day

and y'all saw the game of the year, WOW.

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

by emperor nobody on Jul 30, 2006 6:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Does Nico...

...still not have any Athletics Nation clothing?

What a nice win. Can't wait for more AN Day recaps!

Dorian on Bonds: "Still, I love it when Bonds wins at the game that he plays."

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 30, 2006 6:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey, green pants,

and a shirt with a wolf on it...the A's are owned by Lew Wolff...

Eh, I tried.

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 Jul 30, 2006 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm surprised you wore

anything at all.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jul 30, 2006 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Incredible game, really--

the biggest win of the year so far, and an epic experience for a fan.

I want to take the "unpopular view" regarding Macha's use of the pen, and specifically Street. First of all, I thought he played it perfectly with Halsey/Calero, using Halsey to get a lefty and force Zaun to bat righty, and then getting Calero in against a righty. Calero had three chances to close out the inning 3-1 and he just didn't get it done. Very rare, but not on Macha.

As for Street, first of all at that point you can't let Calero--obviously ineffective today--blow the lead while Street watches. And more importantly, honestly I hope Macha does ask Street for a 4-out save next time the situation warrants. The guy is 22 years old, is fully capable of getting 4-out saves, needs to learn how to, and will only learn by doing it. He's a quick learner. Huston Street is not going cost the A's the division; he's one of the guys who will help us and the last thing you want to do is to send the message to him that he can't do it. He can and will. Let him.

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 Jul 30, 2006 6:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you, you win or lose with your best,

and Calero and Street are the best the A's have, the problem is why can't A's pitchers sleep, or wake up without hurting themselves

by theblackpearl on Jul 30, 2006 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That view is

"popular" with me.

by mikeA on Jul 30, 2006 6:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree about the pen use

and pretty much said so in the game thread.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

As I yelled from a few seats back...

I didn't like leaving Komine in for the last out of the sixth, but it worked out.

I didn't like leaving Gaudin in to face Troy Glaus with two out, but that worked out too. (At the time, I didn't know about Duchscherer's unavailability.)

I did like bringing in Calero after letting Halsey pitch to the lefty and switch-hitter. And Calero, who's been reliable most of the season, was terrible. His inability to get a single out forced Street into a two-inning out situation, facing Toronto's best hitters, and he can't do that yet.

I agree he has to learn. But I did have a feeling of dread once Street entered the game before his time.

Luckily, Bradley bailed everyone out, and provided us with a fantastic, high-fiving, hugging type of finish. So it all worked out.

by bear88 on Jul 30, 2006 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Komine

did aight! Pretty nice start overall. Made me a little antsy too in the sixth, but he got out and that was huge for him! I like how the crowd acknowledged that.

Stomper is a badass!

by lynnzgal on Jul 30, 2006 7:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great points, Nico

If Street's going to be a top-of-the-line closer, he's going to need to learn to get 1+ inning saves. And he's not going to learn to do that being babied and diverted from tough situations. He's going to need to go out and do it. Thanks for that reminder.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 7-6

by peanut gallery on Jul 30, 2006 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

No trade necessary?

It might just be the euphoria of the past two days of winning (particularly today's heroics) but I'm feeling very good about this team right now. Maybe, just maybe, the big bat we've been hoping for through trades is already with the team. In fact, we might have two of them joining us in the persons of Bradley, who is clearly finding his groove after battling the injury bug early, and Chavez who is getting better at the plate and says he's getting close to 100%. If a couple of other guys can start to hit (Kotsay seems to be, maybe Johnson returning? maybe Swisher?) our offensive woes could be a thing of the past. Only time will tell. Regardless, it will be a fun ride! Go A's!

A's 2006 record when I attend: 7-6

by peanut gallery on Jul 30, 2006 6:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

It's funny, as bad as the AL West

has been, my fear isn't that the A's are too mediocre to win the division but more that the Angels might be "more better". Howie Kendrick looks like a stud and Juan Rivera is a better hitter than I thought he was.

If Vlad and/or Jered Weaver go down (along with Colon), the Angels are in trouble, but if they don't, it may well take 90-93 wins to take the AL West, not the 83-85 it once appeared might do the trick.

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 Jul 30, 2006 6:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

35-22 or better

I think they are capable of that. They certainly have the more favorable schedule compared to the Angels.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 7-6

by peanut gallery on Jul 30, 2006 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was Duke unavailable?

When Gaudin began the 7th, I was wondering why it wouldn't go Calero, Duke, Street?

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 30, 2006 6:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Duke unavailable

Stiff shoulder from sleeping on it wrong.

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jesus.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 30, 2006 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

An A's type injury

people wake up in better shape at nursing homes.

The A's need a new conditioning coach.

by DKNJ on Jul 30, 2006 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes.

"Macha said that reliever Justin Duchscherer would not be available for Sunday's game because he 'slept incorrectly on his shoulder.'"

I think that was from the MLB notebook.

"The hard... is what makes it great."

by Jjjsixsix on Jul 30, 2006 6:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What a cool game to watch live.

Bitches.

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

by Sharon on Jul 30, 2006 6:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Great win bitches!

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jul 30, 2006 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

we love you too

sharon

When Crosby was asked after the game if the collision was fun, the 26-year-old responded with a wide-eyed "Yeah!"

by TrizzleNizzle510 on Jul 30, 2006 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're all bitches

Everyone is a bitch.

I hurt my back jumping up and down in the apartment when the A's won. Now I'm all doped up.

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jul 30, 2006 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My pics

My AN Day 3 pics.

Blez called Bradley's homer, and we were all wishing for it.

I said that BJ Ryan needed 3 more runs as he had only given up 6 so far. What an agonizing and thrilling 9th inning!

by dylan on Jul 30, 2006 6:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

nice pics of the back of my head

and my 3 hats

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2006 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

B5 LAA - 6 BOS-4

boston clawing their way back. how nice if, after our win today, the angels blow a 5-run lead going into tomorrow. the difference in the momentum... :)

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jul 30, 2006 6:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

They blew it yesterday so why not again

tonight?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boston is blowing it

with Taveras pitching in the sixth, the Angels are now leading 10-4

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah it was a disastrous 6th

I was hoping that the Sox could stick it to the Halos tonight, too.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 7:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing like this

I was screaming at my radio that Street wasn't worth it and why do the A's always get the worse closers, but that all changed with Milton bailing him out of another blown save ah the thrill of a win and you have to enjoy Kotsay having a good ab to keep the offense a chance to win, off to Anaheim I go to watch some good baseball.

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

by doublehustle22 on Jul 30, 2006 7:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Today was a good day

What an awesome time we had today! It was a pleasure to meet everyone face to face. It felt like I was at a family reunion. :) I was proud to be amongst such a great group of people. Having Ken and Billy come speak in front of us was really cool. Blez, BBG, Nico, & Louis did a great job with the event. Thank you so much!

by 30something on Jul 30, 2006 7:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

My god Rivera...

Nice baserunning

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Jul 30, 2006 7:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

The Van Buren's should

stick with advice columns, because they sure as heck can't pitch. :-(

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 Jul 30, 2006 7:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL. yeah, this just got really pitiful..

it might be my fault too.. the angels win every game i watch on TV. never fails.

"When I'm doing well, it's like I'm in a nice little ballet. Everything is going slow all around me. It's very peaceful." ~ Barry Zito

by digsthelongball on Jul 30, 2006 7:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i loved todays game

my husbands and mine first bobblehead. we got there an hour before game at north entrance. i was so shocked they had bobbleheads left and the amount they had. the game was so exciting the win at the end. plus this is 1 game of the 12 pack present i got for mothers day from grandson-hes 11 months old now

by smasfan on Jul 30, 2006 7:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of bad Managers.....

Who puts your worst reliever with an ERA over 7 out there when you just scored 3 runs to pull within two runs of tieing. The idea is to perserve the leade and win, not reward the Angels for pounding Schilling with an inning ot batting practice. If Macha had made this move we would be at the Oakland Coloseum right now hanging him from Mt. Davis...

by Threepwood XX on Jul 30, 2006 7:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

How about some comments on the

Billy Beane experience? Good guy? How cool was that? The group looks mesmerized in the group photo

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Jul 30, 2006 7:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

What did Beane have to say? Any news on DJ?

He has 2 HRs and 10 Rbis the last two days. If he stays down there any longer he will start creeping his way into the Triple A MVP race. Sac never loses anymore.

by DKNJ on Jul 30, 2006 7:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"The group looks mesmerized..."

That was from the Kool-Aid.

by Jennifer on Jul 30, 2006 7:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I added a diary for that.

Hopefully those who came can chime in beyond my ramblings.

Open Thread: Reaction to AN Day 3

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 7:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

My First AN Day

I want to thank everyone who was there for AN Day. I came out from South Dakota to meet as many of you as I could.

I do have the honor, of being the first person to get Blez autograph. LOL, in fact that's going to be my new sig line.

Go A's

A's and Huskers, championship caliber teams forever.

by huskersfan on Jul 30, 2006 7:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Video

Here is a little video I took of Billy's greeting to us before he started taking questions. I was standing in the back, so turn up the volume if you want to hear what he's saying. Someday I'll buy a real video camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJygPbdAg5s

by eebie on Jul 30, 2006 7:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

awesome!!!

thanks!!!

www.myspace.com/roneal

by signmebilly on Jul 30, 2006 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that is very cool!!

By the way, here's the only video I've found so far showing Bradley's walk off HR:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp

just click on play

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Baker

Ty so much for posting that. Makes me feel like I was there. Good info.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great video!

I'm sure this has been referenced before, but...

Billy Beane = Alejandro Sosa?

Sosa

by rebus on Jul 30, 2006 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Billy is SO much hotter

by eebie on Jul 30, 2006 7:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I like you Tony, you

and I can do business"

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

by ak_A on Jul 30, 2006 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

purrrrrfect

Hi, I am closetasfan, and I am a NRAF, and an ANA

by closetasfan on Jul 30, 2006 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Excellent.

How cool is it to be an A's fan and in AN to experience that type of relaxed, mutually appreciative person to person atmosphere from the managment of your favorite mlb team.

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

by ak_A on Jul 30, 2006 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kicka*s video...

too bad there's not more Billy Beane video on youtube. I typed in "billy beane" and all that came up was LOTR stuff.

I think Billy's right--there should be a page solely devoted to headshots of ANers. And then maybe we can come up with celebrity lookalikes like we do with the players.

by The Ghost of Menechino on Jul 30, 2006 7:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Lackey trying to sound professional

complimenting guys. Try complimenting Kendal for not kicking his butt the last trip in Oakland

by wolffpackdavid on Jul 30, 2006 8:08 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I was very conflicted

watching that game: I'm rooting for my least favorite pitcher in the world, eventually my least favorite pitcher in the world gets the loss, and my second least favorite pitcher in the world gets the win.

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 Jul 30, 2006 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

painful, ain't it?

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

After rooting for

Curt Schilling, I basically need a shower. (Probably should take one this week 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 Jul 30, 2006 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

it IS the end of the month

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Amazing

We agree on something.

by Reg on Jul 30, 2006 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

nothing out of place in your house

after you got back? check which way the figurines are pointing?

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

by ak_A on Jul 30, 2006 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I checked the figurines--

They're exactly as they were when I left them, pointing to the left, displayed across the mantel right next to the wall that now has "AlaskaA was here" smeared in lipstick.

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 Jul 30, 2006 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

smells like a good idea from here

by theblackpearl on Jul 30, 2006 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn I'm really jealous of AN Day this year

Shane Komine pitching, walk off homerun, how much better can it get? Too bad I'm roasting here in Hawaii.

by rightbackin on Jul 30, 2006 8:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes, I feel really terrible for you.

Roasting over there. IN HAWAII!!!!

"Frank Thomas=misunderstood he-man" ~geogrman

by tankerraid on Jul 31, 2006 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Texas beat KC 15-2

and Seattle won 7-2. So the whole AL West won today.

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 8:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I know ESPN hates the A's but

our game should have been shown by now for this SC session. Screw these others that are no where as near dramatic

by wolffpackdavid on Jul 30, 2006 8:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Eric Eric Eric

I just saw the game clip on SportsCenter a few minutes ago. I hardly ever have time to watch ESPN anymore, but tonight I had a few minutes to flip through channels and just happened to get lucky with the timing.

Right before the A's game was a clip of Arizona-Houston featuring Byrnesie, who got a 3-run homer today. The final out was against Eric Munson. Isn't that Chavvy's best friend from way back when? I didn't realize he was back in the bigs.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Jul 31, 2006 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont know if this was said..but

Did anyone see macha and bradley hugging. Great shot!!

RIP mAC dRe and biLL KiNg

by jme on Jul 30, 2006 8:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Not at AN day, but Kyli was in the houuuuuse.

Damn, that was an awesome game. Scary to hear the drummers coming from a totally different direction, though. :-( Wish I could have salivated over Beane!

But damn, that was a good game. I love Komine, and seeing him making his first start warmed my heart. When he rolled that first pitch back to the dugout, I wanted to put that boy in a box and keep him forever. He showed good poise, getting out of that bases loaded jam was HUGE -- I'd like to see a few more starts with him, though, see if his control improves closer to what should be expected of such a kickass young man.

Love for the glove. Eric F'ing Chavez, I love you.

And Kotsay + Bradley = me swooning in the aisles. The end of that game was paradise.

However, the woman behind me who thought Doc H was a knuckleballer hurt my SOUL. Just hearing the words "Wait, I didn't know Milton Bradley was on the team" made me want to weep.

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

by Kyli on Jul 30, 2006 9:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I know how you feel

The woman behind me said that the A's were in the lead of the "West Coast Conference" (Funny, I thought it was Pepperdine) and the Yankees were first in the "East Coast Conference." Then she spent the whole game referring to Bradley as "Millie."

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Jul 31, 2006 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know what happens to me? everytime

i'm not at home the A's always have dramatic wins. it's like i'm just not meant to see them

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jul 30, 2006 9:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, interesting data

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 Jul 30, 2006 9:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually it would have to be 9:55. also for

those who love huddy i saw him at the rascal flatts concert tonight.

"I thought it was cute," Oakland's Nick Swisher said of Kotsay's blast with the petal-colored bat

by larrysgurl on Jul 30, 2006 9:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was a good day at the ole ball yard.

Wish I'd been able to attend AN day, but we had our yearly luxury suite set up for today. I did stop by Section 249 for a few minutes around the 4th inning. Saw a few people I recognized from their pics

Komine looked good, much better than Windsor IMO. He showed that he had command of his pitches for the most part and wasn't afraid of his stuff like a lot of young pitchers are. He made a lot of quality pitches and Chavy and the defense helped him out with some defensive plays.

MB's walkoff was two suites to the right of the one I was in. When it first left his bat I wasn't really sure it was going out, but you could tell he got it pretty good. I don't know why, but I really had one of those feelings that if Kotsay got on and gave MB a chance to hit that it was his day to shine.

by 3up3dn on Jul 30, 2006 9:32 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

MLB wrap

Before the at-bat Bradley was sitting next to Clarence Crockwell, the strength and conditioning coach, and told him he was going to hit a home run on the first pitch.

(Emphasis mine.) "Crockwell?"

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20060730&content_id=1584032&vkey=re cap&fext=.jsp&c_id=oak

Can intangibles exist? Only the ones you can touch.

by salb918 on Jul 30, 2006 9:39 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, the promise

did turn out to be a crock.

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 Jul 30, 2006 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just got home from the game....

Man, what a SHOW fosho. A buddy of mine came up with his wife, two sons, and a nephew. The last time he came up Huston blew the save against Texas on his bobblehead day and the A's lost. I had a sinking feeling that today was going to be a rerun...but I had faith. I even told the guy next to me that if we could get Milton to the plate we still had a chance. WHAT A SHOT!!! From where I was sitting it was a no doubter. I was jumping up and down when the ball came off the bat!! To top it off my buddy's 9 year old nephew is an A's fan in a family of Giants fans. This was the first game he's ever seen live. I offered him a place to stay if he ever does the sensible thing and runs away from home. Milton, you just made another fan for life.....

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jul 30, 2006 9:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe I've missed so much of this season

AN Day, Milton's walk-off HR, yet another cardiac-arrest-inducing game... <sigh> I miss A's baseball. By the time I return to the Bay Area, I would've missed almost four months of the season! Akh!

This only means one thing, though: I'm going to be at the Coliseum for practically every game in September.

by gawker on Jul 30, 2006 10:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Bradley-Macha hug

here it is

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 10:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Was at the Game

Really solid seats, Sec 127 Row 11 right in front of the A's Bullpen Mound.

Something about a Huston Street save opportunity on a bobblehead game doesn't bode well for me. And seeing a blown save live really puts my heart in my throat, as it it did to everyone at the game I'm guessing.

Of course the Milton Bradley Walk Off just puts everything back to normal.

Really good game.

This year's Peja-Artest, Willis for Zito! aim: encryptthisthat

by Hit4TheCycle on Jul 30, 2006 10:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Just got home...

...mostly speechless the whole way. Can't ever remember seeing two games back-to-back that were as special as these.

AN Day was freakin' AWESOME; everyone needs to come next year, and my crazy crazy love for Milton Bradley knows no bounds. I love him.

I get to see more A's games; I'll be there tomorrow and Tuesday; are some of us meeting up?

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Jul 31, 2006 12:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

and louismg...

...great thread. Thanks for posting it!!!!

"I'm living in a cuckoo clock!" ~HollywoodOz
"I'm your huckleberry." ~grover

by baseballgirl on Jul 31, 2006 12:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I left the game early.

Actually, I got up to leave right after Crosby became the first out of the 9th. No, it wasn't so that I could beat traffic. (I NEVER do that). I was under the weather and was on the verge of throwing up, and it had very little to do with the top of the 9th.

And I was CONVINCED that the A's would lose if I stayed there to watch it. I jinxed Kiko and Chavy. Right before Kiko took the mound, I was telling my sister about how awesome he has been lately. (My apologies, woofing gods). And what does Kiko do? Hit, BB, Hit. The A's lead cut to 3-2. And then in the 9th (with Catlanatto on 1st), Wells pops out to Chavy. I gloat about how great our GG third baseman is defensively. And just like that, I jinxed him too. Glaus comes up and gets an infield single. The ball bounced off Chavy's glove.
Anyway, going back to what I was saying... I was convinced that the A's wouldn't win if I was there. As soon as I got up from my seat, Ellis singled. Coincidence? I think not. And while walking towards my exit, I stop to watch Kendall's AB. He K's. And then I start walking again, telling myself that I will not stop to see Kotsay's AB. As I was exiting the stadium, I listened to Kotsay's PA. And then as I got further AWAY from the field (in my car now), Kotsay draws ball four. Now we have two and and two outs. As I'm approaching the freeway entrance, the pitch to Bradley is called a ball. The count is 2-1. (Korach mentions how critical 1-1 counts can be as they can change the entire AB). As I'm merging onto I-880, Ken Korach describes the ball hit off the bat of Milton. For a nano-second, I held my breath, trying to figure out whether the ball is deep enough for a HR, or just a can of corn. And then when I realized that it wasn't a routine fly ball, I was almost certain that Vernon Wells will find a way to make some sort of spectacular catch to end the game. (Oh the negativity!)
The ball was well beyond Vernon's reach. Milton Bradley had hit a 3 run HR to win the game. <Sigh>
Believe me, it would have never happened had I stayed. You all can thank me for that. ;)

By the way, some random thoughts and ramblings:

I ♥ Ken Korach. I really, really, do. But, when Milton hit that HR, I couldn't help but sigh and think of Bill King. That was such a HOLY TOLEDO moment!
Chavy's defense is hot. I'm so spoiled watching him play third base for the A's.
It was VERY cool to see Shane Komine make his MLB debut. This was the first time ever that I got to see (live) a player make his debut, and it was very heart warming. The 6th inning was nerve wrecking, but it was great to see him work out of that mess. It would have nice to see him get a W, but in the end, it was a win for the A's and that's what's most important.
How many times do we see a ballgame begin and end with a HR? kRaZeE! :)
Reed Johnson homered as soon as we settled in into our seats.
There's no way in hell the gametime temperature was 60 some degrees. Yikes. I was frying there.

"Harden isn't dead. Hatte Jr. is batting 1.000. Chavy is fine. I'm not depressed." ~ Jennifer

by AsGirl on Jul 31, 2006 12:35 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Thank you for letting that walkoff happen ;)

I hope you're feeling better...

"He should have been out for blood, like a two-mouthed bear at a monkey eating contest!" ~ McFood

by Poppy on Jul 31, 2006 6:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh good

I'm glad it was you instead of me. I left around the same time as you and listened to Milty's HR while I was on 880 too, but it wasn't me who was sick - it was my sister who was sunburned and felt a bit ill because of the heat I think. She'll tell you she's a delicate flower. But I was screaming in my car as I was listening to the home run call. I couldn't believe it. I saw others listening to the game having the same reaction. A-mazing game.

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

by GreenSocks on Jul 31, 2006 9:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Curt Shill-for-Yourself, you suck

He's rapidly scaling the ranks of A's fans shit lists everywhere. Blanked us 7-0, hit Swish on the kidney on the flimsiest of pretexts, and then gives up 6 ER in 5 to our dastardly archnemesis. Thanks a bunch, Curt.

And to think I liked him after the '01 WS.

I miss Bill King.

by Checkswing HR on Jul 31, 2006 2:04 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs