Viva Los Kirk!

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 19, 2006 10:09 PM PDT in News

If that was the last game we see Kirk Saarloos start as an Oakland Athletic, it was quite a memorable one. Because he did something that he rarely did during his time in an A's uniform and that's strike people out. He had 11 in five innings tonight. At the same time, he worked through a lot of jams to keep the A's close enough.

Then Klown Power took over and Bobby Kielty did what he always does and that's mash left-handed pitching. I would've loved it if Swisher's home run would've helped us avoid having to use Street tonight, but hell, Street can rest when this thing is wrapped up.

Ironically, both the A's and Angels got seriously outhit tonight, but both came through with victories. If the A's can somehow win these next two games, regardless of what the Angels do in their game tomorrow with Kansas City, the Athletics could have their magic number down to four by the time the Angels came in to Oakland this weekend. And wouldn't it be nice to win the division just by taking two out of three from the Angels at the Coliseum?

Tomorrow, Esteban Loaiza takes on Fausto Carmona, who is 1-9 with an ERA over 6. Let's just hope that Loaiza can continue his great run.

By the way, I'll be in absentia the rest of this week. I took greendatitiz's story about his daughter to heart and I'll be taking a CPR course tomorrow. I'll be actually AT the game on Thursday to see the return of King Richard.

So I leave you with this message...LET'S GO OAK-LAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Comments

11 strikeouts, that's 10 more than his previous

high.

Frank Thomas is big.

by robber23 on Sep 19, 2006 10:07 PM PDT reply actions

Last year at Seattle struck out 10

including Sexson 4 times!

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Sep 19, 2006 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Sin-soo Choo

also k'd 4x last night.

by sf drift king on Sep 20, 2006 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions

Thursday

Blez,

I'll be at the game as well...What section are you in?

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Sep 19, 2006 10:08 PM PDT reply actions

113

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 19, 2006 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Vive Rich!

Maybe I'll see you there!

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Sep 19, 2006 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions

OK, next question:

How many pitches did Saarloos throw tonight?

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions

Wait, what was the question?

;-)

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 19, 2006 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't worry--the answer

to all the questions tonight is: 113.

By the way, what's Maya's IQ?

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions

Hey, any idea

what Antonio Perez will be hitting if he gets a hit his next time up?

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Say, anyone recall

Calista Flockhart's weight these days?

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm too lazy to look it up:

What's Hayden Penn's ERA?

OK, I'm done.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I have a question:

How many errors have the Angels committed this year?

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 10:38 PM PDT up reply actions

How about this one:

How many cities in the SoCal area are actually closer to Angels Stadium then Los Angeles?

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Wow Nico this is addicting

What is the loneliest number followed by the unluckiest number?

(Okay I will be done now too)

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

OK, I've got one!

How many fingers am I holding up?

Give up? It was 4!!!

-Cindi.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Ummmm 3?

Damn, just missed it.

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions

This is the funniest one of the bunch

Bravo!

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 19, 2006 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions

How many times

has Nick Swisher struck ou--

--OK, it's not fun anymore.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions

113

If she's holding a 28-pound turkey.

"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 Sep 20, 2006 7:24 AM PDT up reply actions

My favorite number

born on Jan 13th...

by dmac13 on Sep 20, 2006 1:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Super Bowl Sunday

1974

by dmac13 on Sep 20, 2006 1:53 AM PDT up reply actions

My temporary favorite number is...

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 20, 2006 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions

First milestone reached

Now, if the A's win 3 out of 7 from the Angels, it's all over. I agree with you, Blez, that getting the # down to 4 is the real goal going into this weekend's series, since that allows the A's to clinch with 2 out of 3.

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

by Nick on Sep 19, 2006 10:11 PM PDT reply actions

And then let the resting begin

course it's a tall order with this really underrated Cleveland lineup. Could you imagine if they still had Hafner right now? They could be a real spoiler.

Also, Sabathia is never an easy task.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Sep 19, 2006 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I liked the way Macha

managed the pitching tonight, from leaving Saarloos in to finish the 5th (I didn't want Gaudin inheriting a bases-loaded jam), to going to Duke with two out in the 7th, instead of waiting for the 8th, to sitting Street when he had the chance, to saying, "I don't care if it's a save situation or not, I want Street."

I thought it was a good mix of "pennant race/post-season" managing without any panic or overuse.

And I love me some KLOWN!!!

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:15 PM PDT reply actions

As Much as I disagree with Macha's managerial

tactics, I could not argue with his handling of the pitching staff tonight.

by williadc on Sep 19, 2006 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions

absolutely the right calls tonight

I agree with Nico

by china bob on Sep 19, 2006 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions

Does Halsey Still Have a Playoff Roster Spot?

I think he just assured himself of being left off the Playoff Roster.

Starters(4): Zito, Haren, Harden, Loaiza

Bullpen(7): Street, Duke, Calero, Kennedy, Blanton, Gaudin, Saarloos

Starters(9): Kendall, Kotsay, Bradley, Thomas, Chavez, Payton, Swisher, Scutaro, Ellis

Bench(5): Kielty, Melhuse, Perez(PR)

Saarloos & Halsey might be fighting for the same spot. Macha might want another lefty, but I would rather have Flores if that's the case.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 19, 2006 11:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Ooops, only 23

Too Late.

Basically, I don't want Halsey anywhere near a mound after October 1st.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 19, 2006 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Bench (5)

Kielty, Melhuse, Perez (PR), D. Jimenez, Dan Johnson

Can Jimenez be on the roster?

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 19, 2006 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions

halsey is a little too ballsy

Im down in AZ, and I've seen halsey pitch way too many times to trust him with my A's

by Asjunkie on Sep 20, 2006 12:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Great game!

Woot!

Ba de yah!

by oblique on Sep 19, 2006 10:16 PM PDT reply actions

Yay!

All I can say is, solid game. Saarloos did very well with runners on base, although he sure did let a lot of Indians reach. And 11 strikeouts! When did Saarloos become Tim Hudson? If that Indians manager had any brains he would have brought in a righty to face Kielty, cuz the Klobberin' Klown's lefty/righty splits are like night and day.

Anyway, let's win tomorrow, eh?

by Philip Christy on Sep 19, 2006 10:18 PM PDT reply actions

Obviously he was afraid

we'd pinch hit Kotsay. Or Melhuse. Yeah, that's it, he was scared of Melhuse!

Ba de yah!

by oblique on Sep 19, 2006 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I think it was all about

D'Angelo Jiminez. The Indians looked at the roster before the series and said, "We're not going to let D'Angelo Jiminez beat us."

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions

D'Angelo!

Good point, I'd forgotten all about him. But you know what it is, they probably have been reading on the "internets" about how bad Kielty's defense is.

"I don't care how many home runs he hits, have you seen him play left field?? We can't let them pinch hit for him. He's costing them runs over, say, a Melhuse or a Jimenez in left!"

Ba de yah!

by oblique on Sep 19, 2006 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions

That must explain

why pitchers throw strikes to Manny Ramirez.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions

I figured he just pays them.

Ba de yah!

by oblique on Sep 19, 2006 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I theorize that it was an experiment.

Kirk has been known to strike out very few.
I suspect they deliberatly tried to get more strikeouts to see if it was possible.

The result - more hits, more strikeouts.
But do recall that the Indians lead the league in strikeouts.

by MobiusKlein on Sep 19, 2006 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, if it was an experiment,

then we might have a very good set-up man for next year. But I bet it was just an anomaly (sp?).

by Philip Christy on Sep 19, 2006 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions

TV announcers mentioned a large strike zone

I'm not questec, but the umps do an an effect on that sort of thing.

I suspect they do try various things during the season to see what works tho.

by MobiusKlein on Sep 19, 2006 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Hmm...I didn't think

it was a big strike zone; I thought it was pretty much right on.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions

A little generous high

Free Clarett Now!

by tresselfan on Sep 20, 2006 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions

And low.

It looked like a pretty roomy strike zone to me.

Kettlecorn! Swishercorn!

by TurnTwo on Sep 20, 2006 9:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Just got back from the game

Nice win... but wasn't looking too good for the first 5 innings. The A's seem to be sleeping out there. We need our starters to go longer than 5 innings. 4 more home games for me than i'm off to Seattle to the boys play the Mariners. Let's Go A's.

by oaklandbbfan on Sep 19, 2006 10:26 PM PDT reply actions

Enjoy CPR Blez

I took greendatitiz's story to heart as well and took a CPR course straight away - glad I did, just in case.

Payton's hug of Kielty after the last out was recorded was awesome, especially from such a "man's man" as Jay seems to be.

"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Sep 19, 2006 10:29 PM PDT reply actions

That wasn't a hug,

it was the Heimlich. You need to pay better attention in class.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I was paying attention in class

and I'm really glad they turned the cameras away from Jay and Bobby at that point.

Ba de yah!

by oblique on Sep 19, 2006 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions

not a tup?

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 19, 2006 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Eeewwww!!!

I mean, ewe.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions

i was not trying to get your goat

so don't get sheepish on me.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 19, 2006 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Whoa

Just saw Los Kirk on Sportscenter... I think these are his first highlights all year

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Sep 19, 2006 10:29 PM PDT reply actions

Mmm... Klown Power

Huston Street is my hero.

by EastBayA on Sep 19, 2006 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Who is this guy Cosmonaut for the

Indians? Sounds like a Russian or something?

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Sep 19, 2006 10:30 PM PDT reply actions

Close race in the Central...

Tigers have coughed up a 10 game lead and are .5 up on the Twinkies. Unreal. This is a choke on the order of the the 1995 Angels, the biggest choking team in the history of the American League, and the ones that gave them there name, "The Los Chokeles Chokers of Choking Chokaheim"!

Beware the Reverend's rancid carne asada!

by BruceBochte on Sep 19, 2006 10:37 PM PDT reply actions

A potentially ideal scenario

is shaping up for the A's: Johan Santana and Kenny Rogers pitching the final weekend trying to secure the AL Central title.

Instead of rooting for one team or the other to win the division, A's fans should just root for it to stay within 1 game--and for the White Sox to stay close enough to make both the Twins and Tigers nervous about making the playoffs at all.

If either Rogers or Santana can only pitch once, I'll feel a whole lot better about the A's chances in an ALDS.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions

I don't care who we play...

this is the year....period.

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

by Erik being Erik on Sep 19, 2006 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Yesssssssssssss

This is a much healthier attitude than "I hope we don't play the Yanks in the first round." To win it all, we need to beat everyone.

by Philip Christy on Sep 19, 2006 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions

beat em all

The A's and the yankee's are the best teams in the league, and no one wants to plays either of them, especially oakland(true no matter what SC says). A's/yanks in the ACLS/"the real world series"

by Asjunkie on Sep 20, 2006 12:24 AM PDT up reply actions

-RPP

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2006 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions

I disagree

Unless the White Sox can close the gap, I doubt you will see Rogers or Santana pitch the last day of the season. If both teams are already in the playoffs -- and it is just the division on the line, I bet both teams go with a lesser starting pitcher and keep the ace in line for two playoff starts. Its what I would do.

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions

That's why it would be ideal

if the White Sox are within 3 games. But even if it's a two-team race, the Wild Card can't have home field advantage--definitely a big issue for the Twins.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions

True to a point

but even if they did not have home field in the first round, they would have 2 home games, and 2 of the 3 road games started by Santana. Gotta think they would go that way.

And the Sox have to get to within a game of one of the two teams by the last day to have an impact on the decision.

How about a 3-way tie at the end of the season? That would make for a fun screwing w/ the rotations.

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions

The White Sox and Twins play

the last three head-to-head. If the White Sox are within 3 going in, the Twins pretty much have to throw their best guys until they win a game. I don't know which day Santana's turn naturally comes up.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I have Santana on the last day of the season:

9/19-21 at Boston -- Garza, Bonser, Santana
9/22-24 at Baltimore -- Silva, Baker, Garza
9/25-28 vs Kansas City -- Bonser, Santana, Silva, Baker
9/29-10/1 vs Chicago -- Garza, Bonser, Santana

I'd say the odds that he's needed are pretty low.

by WaddellCanseco on Sep 19, 2006 11:02 PM PDT up reply actions

Santana:

He is scheduled to go against Boston on the 21st (although since they had an off day yesterday, they could still throw him on normal rest on the 20th).

Assuming he goes as scheduled, that would have him throwing vs KC on 4 days rest on the 26th. That means that his next scheduled rotation day would be Oct 1st, the last day of the season.

That being the case, seems unlikely they would use Santana against the Sox, unless the Sox somehow made themselves relevant on Oct 1st.

by AsFanInLA on Sep 19, 2006 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions

Interesting payroll factoid

The combined payrolls of the three "other" likely AL tournament participants roughly equals that of the Yankers.

MCKs = $80 million
Twinks = $60 million
Yoouuuurrr Oakland Athletics = $60 million

Yankers = $200 million all by theirdamselves

I love baseball most for the same reason Bud Selig loves it least--money is not the answer.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 20, 2006 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions

jeebus

ESPN showed more A's highlights than the previous 6 weeks combined tonight.

Next thing you know, they'll show one of our (gasp!) games on the network. Expect a lot of Scoo-TAR-oh type mispronunciations when that finally happens.

As for tonight, it was simple. The Tribe got Klowned.

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

by emperor nobody on Sep 19, 2006 10:42 PM PDT reply actions

They pronounce

Chavez the right way?

I still like the Greg Papa "Eric Che-VEZ"...

It's It. What is it? aim: encryptthisthat

by Hit4TheCycle on Sep 19, 2006 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Milton Bradley Tonight

Just got back from the game. What a thrill ... I've been watching Chavvy for years and I always complain. But he ripped the ball three times tonight.

Among all of the wonderful things tonight, the HUGE bizarre factor was Milton Bradley. In both of his first at bats he had a huge hitch in his swing and was incredibly late.

On a fly ball to right he jogged in, slowly, and let a ball bounce in front of him for a singe. It led to a run, just as Payton moseying to another fly ball led to another.

Then in his next at bat hit bat breaks on a bleeder out towards third. He stands at home plate while the Cleveland third baseball is forced to retreat. But when the ball is fielded ... a while later ... Bradley is jogging half way down the line.

The fans have been pretty good to MB this year, but enough was enough: they resoundingly booed him. I did too. What the hell was Milton doing tonight? More lithium, please.

by solotar on Sep 19, 2006 10:53 PM PDT reply actions

I like that A's fans don't boo

players for going into a 1/25 slump, but they'll boo a lack of hustle--I think that's fair.

Interesting note on Bradley, watching on TV. They had a shot of him in RF, massaging/pressing on his sinuses. I took note only because it's something I tend to do when I have a sinus headache or migraine. It made me wonder, at the time, if Bradley was feeling ok; then later in the game came most of his lack of hustle.

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 Sep 19, 2006 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Yeah

I saw that too. It also showed him and Swish interacting in the dugout and Milton didn't look very happy.

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

by bluelightrain84 on Sep 19, 2006 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions

the flyball to right

it would have been a very risky play for Milton to make an attempt at catching that ball. I think he played in fine.

the lolly gagging on the bloop to third is obviously not kosher.

by Bearcat on Sep 19, 2006 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions

My take

I think Bradley just misread it. I don't think he thought it would hang up as long as it did. If he had judged it correctly right awayand got a good break on it, he could have caught it without having to take much of a risk of it getting behind him. He might not even have needed to slide to catch it.

And the other "hit" that inning would have been an out if Kotsay was in center. Basically Saarloos's second run (and two of his hits) were on the outfielders tonight.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 12-7

by peanut gallery on Sep 19, 2006 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I saw that play from 218

I thought at first that the third baseman caught it on the fly. I could understand if Bradley thought that too.

by OaklandSi on Sep 19, 2006 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions

I was talking about the play in right

But that's a good point about the grounder to third. My first thought was: oh no, I hope his legs are alright.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 12-7

by peanut gallery on Sep 19, 2006 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions

oops

I was thinking about the play that provoked the boos.

by OaklandSi on Sep 19, 2006 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions

klown supporter

I've been worried about milt all year and I've seen this "too cool for school" crap one too many times. I'm all about starting Ronnie Mac in the playoffs.

by Asjunkie on Sep 20, 2006 12:33 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah, he's such a tired act

by Philip Christy on Sep 20, 2006 1:05 AM PDT up reply actions

Just got back from the game

It was so weird to see Saarloos strike out 11 --!!! -- and hardly get any groundballs at all. In fact, the last two nights there have been precious few opportunities for the A's to turn the double play. (At least a normal double play, not like Swish catching a pop fly near the first base seats, then tossing the ball to the pitcher at first to double up a bonehead runner!)

Cliff Lee pitched very well through most of the game. But in the sixth it was clear that the A's were finally getting to him. I was surprised that Cleveland's manager let Lee stay in to pitch ti Kielty with the bases loaded, instead of bringing in a righty reliever to turn Kielty around to the left side....hey, I'm not complaining!!

by OaklandSi on Sep 19, 2006 10:58 PM PDT reply actions

Robert Buan Email?

Can anyone quickly give me Robert's email address on Extra innings?

by McBricks on Sep 19, 2006 11:23 PM PDT reply actions

oops too late

but it's radio@oaklandathletics.com

by OaklandSi on Sep 19, 2006 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions

Tell him "the horse is dead."

And he's not paid by the word.

kthxbye.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 20, 2006 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions

From the AP article:

"Kielty's wife, Meredith, grew up best friends in Arkansas with [Cliff] Lee's wife, Kristen, and the couples get together at least once during the winter."

I just thought that was interesting. Perhaps Lee offended Kielty last year and Bobby's been holding a grudge!

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

by senork on Sep 19, 2006 11:23 PM PDT reply actions

Metrodome for Games 1 & 2 of first round

is almost an inevitability. Based on current trending, MIN will win the Central with ease and could surpass NYY for best record in AL. In either case, MIN on the road would be the first round opponent.

Only way this does not happen is if DET goes on an unbelievable hot streak and claims the division - not likely. A's can get hot as well but there are so many guys in need of a breather, I can't see Macha being focused on getting a better record than the Twins to get the extra game at home in the ALDS. There is almost no chance of surpassing NYY for best AL record.

Bottom line- there are very limited (and low probability) scenarios out there that would have us facing anybody but MIN on the road during the first round of the Divisional series.

"Pick him off". Coach Fitz

by Sashulia on Sep 19, 2006 11:32 PM PDT reply actions

15,800?

I'm telling you, that was the loudest, most boisterous crowd of 15,800 if ever been in. I'm sure it didn't look like much on TV, but it felt great.

Hey left field bleacher crew: Great work on the drums and flags out there tonight. I made it around about the same time you guys were heading out. I think I'll do that more often. What a great way to cap an A's win!

A's 2006 record when I attend: 12-7

by peanut gallery on Sep 19, 2006 11:35 PM PDT reply actions

by the way, I meant to

compliment the drummers for marching out of the ball park last night drumming, even after a loss. it sounded great!

by OaklandSi on Sep 19, 2006 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions

I imagine

that would pick me right up after a loss.

BTW, I was one section over from you tonight, in 119, on the aisle between 118/119. Usually a pretty mellow area, but not tonight.

A's 2006 record when I attend: 12-7

by peanut gallery on Sep 19, 2006 11:57 PM PDT up reply actions

I'll be in 119/21/12 tonight...

...pls stop by and say hi.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 20, 2006 10:54 AM PDT up reply actions

I would, but

unfortunately won't be there tonight. I'm back on Friday though, way over in 211. And I'm trying to stop myself from going on Thursday. I want to see Harden, but really shouldn't (too much work to do).

A's 2006 record when I attend: 12-7

by peanut gallery on Sep 20, 2006 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions

That WAS a great crowd!

RF field level was a lot livelier than usual (at least, I think all that "Strike out! Strike out! Strike out!" etc. was coming from over there...)

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 20, 2006 7:32 AM PDT up reply actions

Nice story there

Strong game for the A's offense, despite leaving the bases loaded once and not hitting Lee in the first few innings. Chavez had a nice swing going for his first three AB's and Kielty once again came up huge right handed, strange that Saarloos had the type of game that he had but once again DP's aren't automatic.

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

by doublehustle22 on Sep 19, 2006 11:38 PM PDT reply actions

I love DVR

That was such a sweat grand slam that I had to rewind it about five times right after it was hit. I also went back to it for both my brother's in Oregon who unfortunately cannot see the game (they loved the call though, especially the "Oh My" from Foss). DVR rules!!!!

by asyouwish33 on Sep 19, 2006 11:49 PM PDT reply actions

GIFT

Tonight was gift wrapped via homeplate umpire, Bruce Froeming.

HBP on Swisher was strike 3 / Out 3 - Fortunately, Kielty took advantage of the situation, and we won the game.

Tonights Win feels a lot like Stealing.

I'll take it, but come on guys... String some hits together, please.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 12:01 AM PDT reply actions

yep

Same feeling, I would just love to see swish get a hit when we are down with runners in scoring position. When he came up with the 3 run lead I knew it was gonna be a homer

by Asjunkie on Sep 20, 2006 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions

don't Stoop to that

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 20, 2006 7:17 AM PDT up reply actions

Clarify

Same situation - 2 Outs, 2 On: If that HBP happens to Garrett Anderson, and Juan Rivera follows up with a Grand Slam.

AN CATCHES FIRE!

Again, I'll take it. But sometimes you have to see it from an opponents perspective.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions

you got the joke though right?

stoops

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 20, 2006 8:22 AM PDT up reply actions

Now I Got It

Thanks.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions

OU you got it, thought U would

Sooner or later

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 20, 2006 12:05 PM PDT up reply actions

You Are On Fire

Oregon Grad?

Too bad the Sooners can't take a bad beat every once in a while.

I hear the officials are getting death threats from Oklahoma Fans. Get a friggin' Life!

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 12:20 PM PDT up reply actions

utah state u. grad

but lived in oregon too...just half ass follow pac10 football, no big fan of ducks, as did some uni in corvallis too. way back.

Buff's not looking too good.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 20, 2006 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions

CU

Awful:

UC Davis 45
Montana State 0

Chadron State 35
Montana State 24

Montana State 19
Colorado 10

Colorado @ Georgia this weekend. Yikes.

I'm a Saint Mary's of California graduate (East Bay) - West Coast Conference (Gonzaga, Pepperdine, etc)...Not a lot of football, so I root on the PAC-10 as well. Preferably, UC-Berkeley. But I jump from PAC10 team to PAC10 team in order to hold conversation on Saturday afternoons.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions

bears are number one

pac 10 with me.....dad grad took me to games when i lived in sacramento...no affiliation other than that. next fav pac 10 teams are Beavers, and that's about it...though Bruins Nation blog is very good and i read that for general insight on college ball...and could, gasp, actually begin to like that team.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005...and 2006...is getting down to it!

by ak_A on Sep 20, 2006 2:43 PM PDT up reply actions

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

"Today, everyone did do what I wanted!!"~SportySpice

by baseballgirl on Sep 20, 2006 12:05 AM PDT reply actions

Saarloos plan b........

If ground outs aren't happing, strike out a s!@# load of fools.

Kielty plan a .........
Big hit, show them the hair for the first time this season.

Drummers plan a (like we have a plan b)..........
Ba, de, ya, rinse, repeat.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 12:09 AM PDT reply actions

Now we have a plan b.......

spell "happening" correctly.

by Duke of left field on Sep 20, 2006 12:32 AM PDT up reply actions

I like it how we won...

by kvn on Sep 20, 2006 12:21 AM PDT reply actions

QOTM!

"the reason why hitting the ball on the "sweet spot" of the bat feels so good is that the ball is contacting at the bat at a vibrational node." - salb918

by McFood on Sep 20, 2006 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

thoughts

I couldn't be home to see or listen to the game. Overall though, I hope we can go into Saturday's game with a magic # of 2, because I will be there, and I want to see us clinch against the Halo's.
We need some revenge against Lacks-an-ass-y
if he is pitching, because he embarrassed us at home last time.
It was good that even though he didn't record the out, it is good that Chavy hustled harder than any Raider player to that part of the field to make a catch in the 9th. (our bullpen, their endzone). Good thing he didn't hurt himself either.
I agree on Halsey. Keep his butt off the 25-man post season roster, or we'll be looking at another first round elimination.
Beddy-bye time for me. Peace. V

by wolffpackdavid on Sep 20, 2006 12:23 AM PDT reply actions

Signs of life

I think its great that we saw the offense from swish, chavy, and bobby boy. If any of these boys start to get hot come october, we should be lifting the trophy come series time...

P.S. I could have sworn that the chavez hit a homer in the sixth. somebody set me straight cuz the replay definitly looked like it wrap fairly around the pole, No?

by Asjunkie on Sep 20, 2006 12:43 AM PDT reply actions

Nope

Wide Right by 1 or 2 Feet.

Chavvy swung it very well last night, though. Kudos!

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions

maybe i should go to bed early more often.

everytime i do something exciting happens.

"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Sep 20, 2006 5:40 AM PDT reply actions

Lucky you!

...but some nights I'd rather watch baseball.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 20, 2006 12:22 PM PDT up reply actions

Our Entire section couldvnot believe it when:

Wedge left Lee in to face Kielty.

I said, "Here it comes!!!", then BOOM!!!! Right over my head!!!

When Kielty came out we played a beat for him, and even Payton was playing along with it and pumping Kielty up.

ANd guess what folks...THE HAIR IS BACK!!! As he walked out we all did the hair/fro mojo to Bobby and he responded with a hair pump for us!!!

I had my magic # posted and I let him know that he was the reason it would soon be 6!!!

After the game he signed my Magic # book right on the 7!!!

Last Night was Kielty and Loos's Night and I'm glad it was someone other than Frank!!!!

I am freaking exhausted, but I'll be right back out there tonight!!!

Let's Go OAKLAND!!!!!

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2006 7:11 AM PDT reply actions

I thought it was extremely cool...

...that whoever it was that caught the ball gave it to Kielty after the game. Do you know who that was?

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 20, 2006 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions

I must have missed something:

The ball went back onto the field.

Michaels, aka Chest Waxing dye job, tossed it to someone who dropped it.

Then Security tossed it to someone who dropped it back onto the field.

The security guard then picked it up again and handed it to a woman with a 9 month old in her arms.

I thought that was great!!! The baby got the GS ball!!

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2006 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions

Huh...

We were still at our seats in 215 while Bobby was being mic'd for the postgame TV interview (which we didn't see or hear), and someone that was behind the dugout tossed a ball to the production guy (I think) that was standing beside him.

"Production guy" gave the ball to Bobby, then seemed to be saying something to the person who had tossed it... it was hard to tell what was going on from our higher vantage point...

We were in the car to hear Bobby's postgame radio interview with Vince, and they said Bobby had gotten the ball back and had signed a bat (or promised to sign a bat) for the fan who gave the ball to him.

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 20, 2006 8:42 AM PDT up reply actions

Right ON!!!!

That means that the kid/mom combo got a signed BAT!!!!

Now, that is some Oaktown MOJO!!!

"I think we just feel that now is our time." - Nick Swisher

by saint @ Athletics Nation on Sep 20, 2006 8:47 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah--it was a throwback...

...to a simpler time. No fight, no lawyers (sniff!), no eBay, just a thoughtful, feel-good transaction. I saw her and the bat in the tunnel--she even let me touch it, although she kept a death grip on it--like I was a flight risk. Bobby wrote a nice note on the barrel thanking her for the ball and indicating it was his first slam.

It was an old-time Disney moment--I almost expected Old Yeller to come bounding out of the concession stand--ALIVE!

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 20, 2006 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions

So Saarloos struck out 11, huh?

"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 Sep 20, 2006 7:27 AM PDT reply actions

Tired subject, but you have to give it to Billy

Wasn't Saaloos straight up for Harville (and a designated for assignment Harville at that?)

The Chad who could stand up is out of baseball. The Chad who didn't stand up (Bradford) is with the Met's, but I don't think anyone here would want to send back the money we got for him (along with some guy named Payton)

by Bronx A's Fan on Sep 20, 2006 8:11 AM PDT reply actions

Ack

But the point was....

What's Kirk's Contract status?

by Bronx A's Fan on Sep 20, 2006 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions

Saarloos

http://www.ucscfootball.com/salaries.html

We own his rights for 3 more years. We will probably offer him a 1-Year Deal via arbitration.

However, I have a feeling he'll be dealt this offseason for a prospect. Just never seems like he's gained the trust of Macha/Beane because his WHIP is very, very high for a starter.

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 20, 2006 8:23 AM PDT up reply actions