Open Thread: Reaction to AN Day 3

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 7:43 PM PDT

Rather than fill up the post-game thread with AN Day 3 conversations, I thought we'd open up a diary to get direct feedback from those of you who enjoyed today's festivities - from the food, to the AN crew, to Billy Beane and Ken Korach, to the drummers... all of it.

As I mentioned in the post-game, Billy Beane and Ken Korach were both easily approachable, direct, and funny! Billy Beane took more than 3/4 of the questions from AN attendees, some discussing the farm system, and others discussing the elephant in the room (Not Stomper!), whether or not Zito was going to remain an Oakland A through 2006. Beane unequivocally said that he didn't expect any big news around the trading deadline.

Other notes from my (limited) memory:

Beane says that Dan Johnson definitely has a role in the organization, and he was sent to Sacramento to get out of his funk. Beane said that DJ has hit everywhere he has played, and got into such a rut at the start of the year. No timetable or specific guidelines were given for a return.
Beane lauded Chavez' efforts, and true leadership, for playing through pain. He said while some expected him to be fiery and to wave towels in the air, that instead, he leads through example, and is truly an excellent hitter.
He said he messed with Zito, saying he "wanted to talk to him for a second", after Saturday's game. He added... "Nice game," to the visibly nervous Zito.
Beane said he'd be a fool not to capitalize on the diehard fans that are part of AN, and that's part of why he'll go out of his way to accomodate Blez, making himself available today, and for other interviews. He also said he tends to feel bad when larger A's crowds come, but the team can't deliver a win. He said losses in front of 8,000 on Monday nights are more preferred, as the diehards will come back.
Ken Korach talked a lot about missing his 10-year partner Bill King. He is calling more innings now, and recognized having taken on an expanded role.
During a side conversation, Korach said that many of today's broadcasters run it like a talk show, and don't do the fundamentals, getting the play right, or mentioning the scores and situation frequently enough.
Baseballgirl did a great job helping set it all up. Everybody had name tags, and there were even AN Day 3 coloring books for the kids, who enjoyed them. Blez, acting as MC, spoke when he needed to speak during the Q&A, and did what some of the best interviewers do best - stayed quiet when the stars were talking. Blez also led a trivia contest and gave away prizes ranging from AN shirts to a DVD highlighting the Oakland A's 4 world championships.

(Note to Blez - if you don't want me to win anything, then don't ask about 1988. I KNOW that year pretty cold.)

For those of you who went, please do use this thread for your feedback on the event, further recap of the Q&A, and even picture dumps!

Thanks again to Blez and BBG and the rest of the AN Day crew. It was great to meet some of you for the first time, and many of you again. Looking forward to the next event.

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Comments

I won a Beanie, ironcially

Thank You Rickey Henderson.

by Zonis on Jul 30, 2006 7:47 PM PDT reply actions

Why Ironically?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 7:54 PM PDT up reply actions

Thanks for the update

It sounded like a first class day from start to finish.

This Angels team is very good. Kendrick has been a big spark for them. I tend to agree that 90 may be the number to win the division.

Some of these trade rumors are wild:

Blalock for Lidge
Tejada for Oswalt
Boston working on a 3 way to counteract the Yankee move
Soriano to Minny, Houston, Anaheim

Tomorrow may be like Christmas day for trade junkies.

by DKNJ on Jul 30, 2006 7:54 PM PDT reply actions

Next time

I'm going to bring a camcorder. I was using my bro's digi-cam to record video of the Q&A, then realized that the darn thing doesn't have speakers/mic.

It was tons of fun to sit and chat with people. And having Saint and Duke RIGHT THERE next to you really drives you to yell the chants, even when your voice is going!

Billy is the best GM ever! He's like "one of the guys" and has no problems making fun of himself, yet at the same time knows the whole "I'm saying a lot in response to your question, but I'm not really saying much at all!" speel. Plenty of "trade-deadline" jokes and puns, like when he cut himself off mid-sentence of a "tough" question and said he was getting a call on his cell. Classic.

Many thanks to the people involved who got this together! Although, I must say, Nico, you're not as tall as I thought you were...

by Kaiser99 on Jul 30, 2006 8:01 PM PDT reply actions

Really?

You thought I was 6'11"?

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 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions

oh gosh...

another height thread??

"The separation between good and great is mental. It's about conviction. It's about commitment. I really believe that." --Barry Zito

by GreenNGoldGirl on Jul 30, 2006 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Nah

Just 6'6" with heat vision and superhuman strength. And the ability to conjure up sentinent beings out of thin air. And ponies.

by Kaiser99 on Jul 30, 2006 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions

That game was amazing

It was a bit hectic trying to get Duke, Saint and "Capt. John" up there, but it was well worth it. So, other ANers who were there... what was it like being part of the LF bleachers for a game?

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Jul 30, 2006 8:07 PM PDT reply actions

I loved the drummers

I've been in the LF bleachers before, but while I always felt I was trespassing, and not part of the clique, this time, it really felt like the drummers were part of us - an extension of AN. I loved it. Saint and Duke and Capt. John really do have talent. It was a kick.

Good beats. Good eats. Good feats.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't know about that last one--

I was sitting next to you, and yours smelled.

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 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions

It really is

That whole LF environment got me HUGE into the A's. I started sitting towards the back, slowly creeping my way up, and now I've got a flag and I'm routinely emptying my check account to go to games.

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Jul 30, 2006 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions

That wasn't really Capt. John

You do realize it was High Street representing Capt. John right? ;)

"The rain soaked patrons reveled in thier victory and the shortest man on the field stood taller than Randy Johnson." - Saint

by Melody on Jul 30, 2006 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions

I know nothing. Can't prove anything.

I was queuing off JLaff here. Saint did great. That's all I really know.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 8:22 PM PDT up reply actions

"That's" why I "used"

"parentheses"

Fire the "laser"

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Jul 30, 2006 8:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Awesome

I was so glad we moved over by the drummers toward the end of the game (though we'd been enjoying it the whole time). You guys rock!

When Saint and Duke told everyone to "turn it around", my daughter promptly turned her shirt around, turned her hat inside out and backwards, AND put her glasses on upside down. After the first out she realized she needed to put in her earings backwards too. Obviously that worked quite effectively - she takes full credit!

We are definitely going to have to sit near the bleachers more often...

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Jul 30, 2006 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Rally caps!

I know it must have helped. That was an amazing at-bat for Kotsay... and then Bradley... :)

"Maybe if I lay here in the dirt, nobody will notice I've forgotten how to hit" ~Crosby in ANtics

by streetfan on Jul 30, 2006 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Good times.

Billy Beane really came off well talking to a crowd.

Another interesting part of his talk not mentioned above was his response to someone who asked him about his famous "the playoffs are a crapshoot" quote (kudos to the asker for using the G-rated version). He owned up to saying it and explained his point of view very well. Basically, he said that small events get glossed over in the course of a long season, whereas in the playoffs, small events (he used the Tejada and Byrnes 2003 Game 3 gaffes as an example) can have a huge impact on the outcome of the series.

Otherwise, everything was great. The only bad part, really, was that we thought there were going to be pony rides for all, but Nico wouldn't get off the horse.

"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 8:25 PM PDT reply actions

Would that be the

high one I'm known to frequent?

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 9:14 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, plus the pony had a heroin problem.

So you were on your high horse, who was high on horse.

"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 31, 2006 11:02 AM PDT up reply actions

99 percent a great day

wonderful meeting everyone and sitting in the section with the drummers was a new experience for me. only one negative -- Billy wouldn't sign my 8-year-old's autograph book even though he was the only kid asking (he's the one on the end in Louis' photo), which briefly sent him into tears.

by vk on Jul 30, 2006 9:48 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw that, and thought

it was weird that Billy spent more time explaining why he didn't have time to sign than it would have taken to scribble his name and make a kid happy. I didn't get that.

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 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions

Better have been a damn good explanation...

...and included the phrase "temporary palsy."

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

by Poppy on Jul 30, 2006 9:55 PM PDT up reply actions

what I overheard was

BB explaining that the kid was overpriced on the market, and he could sign an autograph for way less money near the dumpsters outside the Coliseum.

Actually, he told the kid for a while how he really liked his outfit (and then left without signing), almost like he couldn't take back his initial rejection even though he felt bad about it.

by Apricot on Jul 30, 2006 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Beane has kids

of his own doesn't he? You would think that he could be more understanding.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 30, 2006 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions

yes, that might be the explanation

still made his mom and me pretty mad.

by vk on Jul 31, 2006 12:21 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw that too

and to be honest I was pretty upset as well that he wouldn't sign it. As a semi-autograph collector, I know it only takes half a second to make someone's day, and just a minute or two of your time can make someone a fan for life.

Another girl asked for an autograph as well (as the last question), but even though he mentioned he had to get up and leave, I don't think she would have gotten mad if Billy stopped to sign for a little kid! Poor thing... :(

"The rain soaked patrons reveled in thier victory and the shortest man on the field stood taller than Randy Johnson." - Saint

by Melody on Jul 30, 2006 10:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I had a hunch Beane was going to show up

Glad I missed the festivities. I'm afraid I would have felt compelled to convince Beane to go after Julio Lugo.

Somehow I doubt there'd be a AN Day 4 after I had accomplished my mission.

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

by grover on Jul 30, 2006 8:31 PM PDT reply actions

I wanted to ask him a silly question

about high socks... GNGG and I were all psyched up to do it although we assumed that everyone else would get mad that we were wasting valuable time asking throwaway questions. It would have been fun though, and a nice chance of pace from all those serious Qs :)

But then he called an end to the meeting quite abruptly.

"The rain soaked patrons reveled in thier victory and the shortest man on the field stood taller than Randy Johnson." - Saint

by Melody on Jul 30, 2006 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I chickened out

On asking Ken about his favorite broadcasting moments.... I felt like it would have been selfish of me. It was great to see Ken. Mr. 30something and I were joking about how Ken looked like he was off in space when Billy was talking, but when it was his turn to talk, he came right back down to earth :). Did anyone else notice that too?

by 30something on Jul 30, 2006 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions

He had a "Rain Man-esque"

kind of lilt to his head the whole time. It was nonetheless a lot of fun listening to him. We're lucky he calls our game.

Nice to meet you, by the way!

"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 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey!

I'm so glad we got to meet you and Mrs. Jeepers today! We had a lot of fun chatting with you two!

by 30something on Jul 30, 2006 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Funny you say that...

The whole time he was talking about how the A's aren't going to do anything major (he said he "wasn't going to be sitting next to the phone today"), I was thinking you would just about be having a heart attack.

"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 8:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Was booze available?

If there was alcohol present I'd have done what all Irish (or in my case, part Irish) men do at a wake... drink heavily.

OK, that's not entirely true. I'd have looked him in the eye and told him that standing pat was going to cost him a division title and cripple the A's for the next two seasons.

Somehow I think that would have dampened the mood some.

Then I'd start to drink.

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

by grover on Jul 30, 2006 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions

The question I didn't ask...

Concerned something along the lines of how the backup players are used. My concern is that some of our injuries could be due to overuse - things that could be solved by seeing more of Melhuse, Kielty, Scutaro and Perez, for instance. But the AN questions by all were fun to listen to, and I just watched.

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

by louismg on Jul 30, 2006 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Doesn't Hatteberg's season

(currently a .320 AVG, .415 OBP, 9 HR, while regularly resting 2 days/week) speak for itself?

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 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions

not to mention that

he's in the NL this year...

by OaklandSi on Jul 30, 2006 9:19 PM PDT up reply actions

<sigh>

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

by Sharon on Jul 30, 2006 8:54 PM PDT reply actions

You and Jen were there...

...in spirit. I'm sure someone called someone else a bitch.

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Jul 30, 2006 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

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

by Sharon on Jul 30, 2006 8:57 PM PDT up reply actions

QOTM nom, right there.

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

by Jjjsixsix on Jul 30, 2006 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey man

you didn't have to text me to tell me to send you the picture, kthx I'm working on them now there are ALOT :(

"The rain soaked patrons reveled in thier victory and the shortest man on the field stood taller than Randy Johnson." - Saint

by Melody on Jul 30, 2006 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions

Sorrry

You TOLD me to keep getting on you last time. I'm just starting early now. Take your time, no worries.

Stephen Colbert: "Kids who look up to athletes become athletes themselves."
The Word: Or bitter sports journalists.

by JLaff on Jul 30, 2006 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions

I was cussing like crazy...

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

by Poppy on Jul 30, 2006 9:31 PM PDT up reply actions

THANKS, BLEZ!

I just want to say a big THANK YOU to Blez for everything, especially for bringing in Billy Beane. I swooned when Beane arrived and needed someone to prop me up for a second there.

That was pretty amazing. If the day ended right there, I would've been happy.

I also enjoyed all the food and the free stuff. Baseballgirl, I'm going to keep my nametag for a long, long, long time as a souvenir of a great day.

Someone was handing out scorecards, but, uh, only handed out one page at a time. Scorecards are two sheets. But I'm keeping it anyway and in its original pristine condition, also as a souvenir.

Did anyone snap a photo when the message welcoming AN was on DiamondVision? I was too slow...

That walk-off home run was an incredible end to an incredible day. Who could've asked for more?

I have faith.

by BillybUcko on Jul 30, 2006 9:32 PM PDT reply actions

Amen, BillybUcko!

Following a couple tough weeks (just personally), this day reminded me of how incredible it is to be part of such an interesting and, in many ways, close-knit community.

The session with Billy and Ken was fantastic, the overall vibe was relaxed, friendly, and fun, and the game was nothing short of magical in the end.

How lucky for me to be an A's fan, and especially a fan who stumbled into this community. Thanks Blez, baseballgirl, and everyone else who makes AN, and AN Day, so very awesome.

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 9:42 PM PDT up reply actions

My apologies....

I wish you would have pointed out my error at the time. I am not very familiar with scorecards. :)

by 30something on Jul 30, 2006 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions

One skill I never learned

is how to write a scorecard. The nice bearded gentleman sitting next to me (never got his name, sorry!) helped me fill out part of it before he left. But I gave up after realizing I forgot all the position numbers. Call me a dupid sports illiterate gurl.

by aymlam79 on Jul 30, 2006 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions

Pardon my manners

What I really meant to say was THANKS for making it in the first place! It was so pretty, I didn't really want to mark it up. :-)

I have faith.

by BillybUcko on Jul 30, 2006 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions

I had a great time at my first AN Day :)

Thanks to Blez & baseballgirl for putting it all together (Blez, sorry I didn't get a chance to say thanks personally)! I enjoyed meeting everyone I met, and wish I'd spotted a few of you that I unfortunately didn't get to meet. It was great to have the drummers close by -- wow! The view of the game sucked (okay, sorry, I'm spoiled), but now I might have to sit in the LF bleachers once in a while just to be closer to the beats!

And the A's won! :-D

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

by Poppy on Jul 30, 2006 9:40 PM PDT reply actions

Yes, thank you everyone!

My brother and I had a great time, such a great experience to hear Billy Beane and Ken Korach speak, and to meet all you fellow bloggers! I'm sorry I didn't converse with more of you, as I made a beeline for the food :) Thank you Blez, baseballgirl, and anyone else I've missed for organizing this. It was a great day to be an A's fan.

by aymlam79 on Jul 30, 2006 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Hawaiian Punch

Thanks for a fun day! And on my drive home, I had a Hawaiian Punch in honor of our new pitcher :)

One suggestion for next year is we could have a brief intro to everyone? I know there are a lot of people now but if you don't get a chance to meet all, you could at least put faces to names if you go around a circle and say your name. Or is this silly?

"Maybe if I lay here in the dirt, nobody will notice I've forgotten how to hit" ~Crosby in ANtics

by streetfan on Jul 30, 2006 10:23 PM PDT reply actions

Seconded

I was having similar thoughts - is there something we could do to force some introductions or would that just be too silly? I think it would be nice, even if silly.

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Jul 31, 2006 9:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Not really a "silly" idea...

...but I would absolutely definitely not come if I knew there were going to be forced introductions. It was great meeting people one or two at a time (including you and your "junior lurker"... LOL), but mingling is already a little difficult for me -- and having group attention forced on me would be horrible... :\

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

by Poppy on Jul 31, 2006 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions

The way I figure it

Going to this one will allow me to be fully out of my shell for the next one, so I'll actually introduce myself to more than three or four people. I'm mighty shy in person, in spite of never shutting up on the Interweb...

"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 31, 2006 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions

Were you hiding by not wearing a nametag?

I was at least brave enough to put on my nametag... of course, that might also be why so many people walked past me before I could say "hi" to them...

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

by Poppy on Jul 31, 2006 11:20 AM PDT up reply actions

I was wearing a nametag.

And a Reggie Jackson throwback sleeveless jersey. Although the nametag kept flipping over until I ditched the cord and just pinned it.

"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 31, 2006 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions

If I'd seen your nametag, I would've said hiya...

(to you, not to your nametag)

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

by Poppy on Jul 31, 2006 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes, good reaction

I'm also pretty shy but going yesterday, at least I met a few people and saw others.
I don't like those "first day of school" intros much but it can be fun... especially if not everyone wore their nametag.
But then, do you want to walk up to people and stare at their chest to get their name, and then say "oh hey, nice to meet you...!" ;)

"Maybe if I lay here in the dirt, nobody will notice I've forgotten how to hit" ~Crosby in ANtics

by streetfan on Jul 31, 2006 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

It's funny--in my two

adult professions I've been a radio broadcaster and a teacher (both essentially "public speaking" jobs, but nothing makes me more nervous than "forced introductions"--so much so that I made a deal with my last boss that when we did those annual "how was your summer?" go-arounds on the first day of our late-August faculty workshops, he would always let me go first so that I could relax and enjoy the rest of it.

I've never quite figured out why I dread that stuff so much, but I do.

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 31, 2006 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Ah well

then forget it! No forced introductions if it would mean you wouldn't come!

And it was nice to meet you and Mr. Poppy also.

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Jul 31, 2006 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Very Cool

Impressive what AN put together. I was actually there today, great game.

by azagtooth on Jul 30, 2006 10:24 PM PDT reply actions

I lost my bobblehead

Not a big deal but I forgot my Danny Haren under my seat, and then moved to a better seat, and he was gone when I went back. I hope whoever got two enjoys mine... OR send it to an NRAF who couldn't be there :)

Here are a few photos I took... I hope I'm putting in the right info from Photobucket. I tried to post another one put it is huge. How can I make them smaller?

Part of the crowd listens to Billy and Korach

Saint and the LF Bleachers visitors provided great energy!

Yep, a great day (except for that 8th inning part)!

"Maybe if I lay here in the dirt, nobody will notice I've forgotten how to hit" ~Crosby in ANtics

by streetfan on Jul 30, 2006 10:41 PM PDT reply actions

Some Billy Beane video

I was able to shoot a bit of video of Billy Beane talking about Eric Chavez.

You can find it here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=139445494254470679

Enjoy!

I have faith.

by BillybUcko on Jul 30, 2006 11:19 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks

Thanks for posting this.

by Larry E on Jul 31, 2006 5:15 PM PDT up reply actions

AN Day.....

I had a great time! It was nice to finally meet other ANers! Baseballgirl and Blez are truly awesome! I loved the name tags! The food was good! The drummers created a great atmosphere!It was very spirited! AWESOME! Thanks to everyone there! I love AN!

by oakland75 on Jul 30, 2006 11:42 PM PDT reply actions

Don't forget...

...Billy said he loves Milton Bradley and the team loves him as well. The clubhouse chemistry with him is great...

...and even if this wasn't true...dude, did you see the last pitch of the game?

He should drop that ball into the mail to a certain author. ;)

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

by baseballgirl on Jul 31, 2006 12:27 AM PDT reply actions

that's it. next year i am coming to an AN day.

even though i live on the other side of the country i will be there.

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

by larrysgurl on Jul 31, 2006 12:52 AM PDT reply actions

another great AN Day!!

great timing on the date for this year's AN Day. right before the trade deadline, with us getting to question Billy; the first big league look at Komine, and an amazing walk-off! i enjoyed the bbq; getting to meet some of you for a first time, and others once again; and everything else that was put together for us.
to everyone involved in putting this day together, thanks a ton - u really did a great job! i'm so glad that u're able to do all this for us, we're really so lucky.
already i can't wait for 4.0's installment, though i don't know how anything can top this latest version of AN Day.

"Apparently there's a rule that you have to be old enough to drive yourself to the induction ceremony. So obviously that's not gonna work."

by F171615 on Jul 31, 2006 4:01 AM PDT reply actions

Among my best baseball days ever

That was such a perfect day!! Thank you so much to Blez and BBG for setting up everything!

--It was so great meeting some new faces (wish I could have met more!)

--Billy is capital H.A.W.T.

--the drummers were fantastic

--the ending was "A"mazing. Would it have been nice for Street to get a 1-2-3 ninth? Of course. But would it have been as exhilirating? No way. I'll take what happened any day! My throat still hurts from cheering.

Can't wait for AN day #4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 31, 2006 8:48 AM PDT reply actions

Oh

and I can't believe I left out Komine. He was incredible!!! I saw a shot on TV of Payton giving him a huge bear hug in the dugout--sweet!

"Don't be an ass!" --Bill King

by batgirl on Jul 31, 2006 8:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Things I learned from Beane's appearance

-- He really, really likes Eric Chavez. It's not that we didn't know this, but it is another thing to listen to Beane talk about him. He even tossed in what could be interpreted as a dig about Miguel Tejada, noting that Chavez has played through pain but isn't the sort of guy to wave towels.

-- Beane did his best to stick up for Bobby Crosby. He may turn out to be right, and I hope he is, but I'm not buying that he will be anything more than a good defensive shortstop who occasionally gets really hot.

-- Beane defended Milton Bradley when baseballgirl asked about the "trouble in the clubhouse" talk. What's he going to say? We won't ever really know if it's true, at least while he is a member of the team. That said, Bradley did provide his own answer in the ninth. The trade was always a calculated risk. It looked better yesterday.

-- I was the one who asked the "playoffs are a crapshoot" question. His answer was revealing, to me, because of its intensity. I posed the question as a query about the A's apparent inferiority to several other American League teams, and his hope that his "crapshoot" theory would work in the A's favor this year, especially if Harden comes back, Zito stays, and Haren is pitching well at the time.

Beane's answer wasn't surprising in substance, but he tried to turn the question around on me, i.e., "What would you do?" It seemed apparent that Beane is hoping that standing pat, or making a minor addition, will be good enough to win the division. And after that, who knows? He clearly buys the "crapshoot" theory.

And by the way, I think you have to go for the playoffs. You don't dump your #1 healthy starter when you are in first place. It was, nonetheless, interesting to hear it from him.

-- I am sorry about the commuter's son, who Beane apparently stiffed about the autograph. He was nice enough to come, but it's not like he was being swarmed by autograph-seeking children, and it wouldn't have taken much time. He was in a hurry, and nobody's perfect, but I would have thought less of him if it was my child.

-- Beane, not surprisingly, came off well speaking to our gathering. I gather he gets big bucks to speak to corporate groups, so Blez deserves kudos for getting him to come.

-- On another note, Ken Korach was a bit overshadowed by Beane's presence, but several people got a chance to chat with him beforehand, and he is unfailingly gracious.

by bear88 on Jul 31, 2006 9:21 AM PDT reply actions

"What would you do?"

What I could have done with that question...

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

by grover on Jul 31, 2006 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions

It was a great day...

(thank you Blez, baseballgirl, Nico and louismg) and a fantastic finish to the game (thank you Kots and Milton Bradley for your incredible at-bats.)

My one wish is that everyone that would like to come to AN Day next year gets to come to AN Day next year.

Go A's.

50/50 Bar

by Ice Cream on Jul 31, 2006 10:33 AM PDT reply actions

Cuss 'till it hurts...

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

by ArakSOT on Jul 31, 2006 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions

It never hurts to cuss.

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

by Poppy on Jul 31, 2006 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions

next year i would like to see

more billy beane begging me to accept an assistant GM position...

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Jul 31, 2006 10:51 AM PDT reply actions

Thank You So Much!!!

Duke and I really appreciate the efforts made by everyone who made it possible for us to sit in the seats we did.

We almost didn't play at all yesterday due to some things I do not want to get into.

Justin and Melody thank you so much.

My head feels like it has a lead ball growing out of the back but I am in a true state of baseball bliss after Milton's shot sent us into a frenzy!!!

It was truly a magical day.

Go A's!!!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 31, 2006 10:56 AM PDT reply actions

You Guys Are Good

We were loving it, Saint. I'll be the first in line to say the drummers were awesome yesterday. Serious energy and hard work on a hot day for hours!

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

by louismg on Jul 31, 2006 11:09 AM PDT up reply actions

Thanks Louis:

Give me a hot day over a cold night any day!!!

A little tequilla and a few beers and away I go!!!!

HAHHA!!!

It was great that everyone clapped to the beats and chanted together!!!

I must have spun in 10 circles while beating away after Milton's blast!!!

Nothing beats yesterday's game!!! First wlk-off home run in the 9th with two outs and down by 2 or more runs since 1970!!!

Hey Urban "Legend in Your Own Mind" put that in your pipe and smoke it.

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 31, 2006 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions

great job

It was dynamite sitting with you guys. You should make it a tradition to sit in the AN Day section.

I was slightly worried there was going to be a fight between the LF bleacher tourists and RF bleachers, but I figured it was too hot for anyone to want to move.

by Apricot on Jul 31, 2006 11:42 AM PDT up reply actions

HAHAH!!!

Those guys are our friends...We all hang out after the game and away from the park.

It is just good natured ribbing for the most part.

Especially when Swish and Kielty are quoted saying that RF is boring!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 31, 2006 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

So great

We were very stoked to be sitting near you guys for the end of the game - it added a TON of excitement and energy - you guys definitely rock it. THANKS!

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Jul 31, 2006 12:11 PM PDT up reply actions

For sure!!!

It was so great to meet everyone and hear the drums LIVE!!!!

Loved it.

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

by baseballgirl on Jul 31, 2006 2:07 PM PDT up reply actions

It was great to put faces to names:

Bottom 9, I looked to my left and there was Blez, praying...To my right there was the LF Crew...I stood and encouraged others to do the same and then BAM!!!

The ball climbed and then climbed some more...The collective cheers of the A's fans blew it over the CF wall and VICTORY WAS OURS!!!!!!

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

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Jul 31, 2006 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions