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The Long Road Ends...And Another Begins

Martin_brodeur_300_tiny by Blez on in News Comment 280 comments

The A's have won the 2006 American League West Division championship.  It's a celebration that should last...well, at least seven days.  And we can celebrate into the offseason no matter what happens in October.

The A's won tonight because their offense was able to take advantage of a young pitcher that repeatedly caught too much of the plate.  This was a closer game than will ever show on the scoreboard.  And the reason it wound up being a 12-3 spanking was simple.  King Richard.  His performance in the third inning was just awesome.  He had a bases loaded situation and was down 3-0 to Raul Ibanez.  Not too many pitchers can throw five straight fastballs and still get a major league hitter like Ibanez on a strikeout.

If Harden has one more nice final tuneup, he could be the element that really helps the A's do something they haven't done in Billy Beane's regime and that's advance past the first round.

Kudos to Ken Macha on a great job managing this season and usually (note the use of the word) making the right decision with the bullpen AND the lineup night in and night out.  

Kudos to Billy Beane for assembling a team that had so much depth that it survived injuries that very well could've crippled other organizations.  You also built a bullpen second to none in the American League, had the foresight to build a defense that ultimately was the difference in the American League West and you stuck to your guns and kept Barry Zito despite a huge amount of outside pressure to deal the A's pitcher.  And finally, the decision to bring in Milton Bradley and A's MVP Frank Thomas.  Both were instrumental in this victory.  It was also appropriate that the guy who was possibly Beane's biggest under-the-radar steal of the year in Chad Gaudin wound up on the mound when the A's made the final out tonight.

If you'd asked me last night if the A's had a chance this postseason, I would've answered a resounding NO.  Course that would've probably been the tequila and emotion speaking.  I still think it's going to be tough sledding no matter who the A's get.  

But right now, I don't care.  The A's are one of the eight teams in the majors that will have a chance to win the World Series.  And that's all you can ask for.

Lucky baseballgirl, she made the trip to Seattle and is probably awash in champagne right now.  Lucky AN, I'm traveling for business tomorrow and baseballgirl will be able to probably regale you with tales from the Emerald City where I'm sure she will be partying late into the night.

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!!!!!!

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Celebration on Thursday
around 5pm? In ANaheim?
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Sep 26, 2006 10:57 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow
it's been so long since i've been able to see the team clinch. this was great. i love this team.

fyi, for those that asked in the other threads, check out this link for your AL West Division Championship gear. :)

Thanks Blez and everyone else for a great season. It's great to be able to celebrate with so many people without getting off the couch. :)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 26, 2006 11:00 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I woke Maya up
and she's pouring Skyy Vodka all over her Papi right now.

by Blez on Sep 26, 2006 11:01 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Well, she is 20 months old now
I figured what the hell, she's almost 21!

Wait, what's that, it's YEARS?  Oooops.  Here comes Child Protective Services.  I gotta go.

by Blez on Sep 26, 2006 11:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lmao
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 26, 2006 11:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A wee bit o' taste to the tounge
Never hurt a babe! It'd do her good to go back to slumber now, anyways.

by RenoTy on Sep 26, 2006 11:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

aw, how cute.....
soon she'll be as drunk as huston!  well, almost....he was pretty smashed....
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 26, 2006 11:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

can she finish her pitches?
If yes, let's clear space on the 25-man (uh, "-person") for the first round!
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 12:40 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

tonight's pasting
was the best response to last night's debacle. The A's showed an edge that their last few postseason bound teams might not have had.

by OaklandSi on Sep 26, 2006 11:01 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah Baby!!!!
Badges, we don't need no stinkin Badges!

by henry85 on Sep 26, 2006 11:03 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OK
Is the Coliseum store open tomorrow?  If so, I know where I'm going for my lunch break.
"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Sep 26, 2006 11:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

WOOT WOOT!
"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Sep 26, 2006 11:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is it open this weekend?
I can be there first thing Saturday morning....

Ooooh, maybe they have extended hours this week to accommodate all of us....

Hey, is AN going to have a special playoff t-shirt? ;)

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 26, 2006 11:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If the A's get past the ALDS
We then shoudl get AN playoff shirts.
"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Sep 26, 2006 11:17 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YAAAAAAY!!!!!
I'm so excited they won (even if I was in class the whole time haha)!!!!! This weekend is going to be amazing. I can't wait to show them how much we love them (even on the road! HA!) So do we have a card stunt that says "2006 AL West Champs"?? Because we totally should! Thank GOD they can get some rest now!

AAHHH!!! I want to go out and celebrate! I am definitely rockin' the green and gold tomorrow, even if I need to do laundry by this weekend. WEAR IT ANGEL FANS!! WOO!!!!

AN is amazing, I'm so glad I found this place. WOOO 2006 AL WEST CHAMPS!!! GO A's!!!!!!!

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

by drmmerchk on Sep 26, 2006 11:05 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

CLINCH VIDEO
Click here, and give youtube a little chance to work itself out.

LETS GO OAK LAND!!!

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 26, 2006 11:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

love it
I'm going to watch that every day for a week....heck, can someone be sure to post that in the DLD each day??
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 26, 2006 11:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How awesome is this?
Thank you Blez and Thank you A's.

Random factoid my bro just told me: Frank Thomas was the hot prosect that forced Mr. Baseball to Japan to play ball

I miss Bill King :(

by gojohn10 on Sep 26, 2006 11:06 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was a movie
so it was a character played by frank thomas that forced mr. baseball to play in japan.  it wasn't really frank thomas beating out tom selleck (although he does resemble mattingly, who knows maybe tom and don are one of the same and it was actually don who was magnum pi) for the yankee's first base job.

by methodrampage on Sep 27, 2006 1:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Special heads up to some AN originals
Blez, Jennifer, Sharon, Alaska A...obviously I'm leaving out a lot of people, but I'm typing fast and that's what I can remember. It's been a loooong two years, and I spent a lot of convinced we were the curse. But, actually, we're the fucking solution! There's been a lot of changes around here, but thanks to all the original peeps for making this a fun website that I'd want to keep checking out for that long.

Let's steamroll someone from the AL Central now....

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Sep 26, 2006 11:07 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I should add
That's not meant to leave anyone new out, either. There have been a lot of great additions to the site, and I really started to appreciate all the different perspectives, ideas, and thoughts this season.
I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Sep 26, 2006 11:09 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you're like the kotsay of AN!
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 Sep 26, 2006 11:44 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So if we poke Jennifer's back
it makes weird crunching sounds?
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Sep 27, 2006 12:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i just meant in terms of facial hair...
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 Sep 27, 2006 12:04 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

does this mean ...
... Jennifer's going to start complaining about the way we use her in a platoon with Sharon?
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 12:46 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<hugs>
And one other thing...This was the nicest win, bitches!

by Blez on Sep 26, 2006 11:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I work with BASEBALL GIRL...
and might I say darn her, cause as I am working tomorrow, she'll be recovering from her eventful night in Seattle

by Erocks on Sep 26, 2006 11:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN SportsCenter
And I Quote "last in the league in batting, not always top flite defense"  

What...?

Which one of these statements is wrong?

"Rebuild This"

by JSCHWAN on Sep 26, 2006 11:11 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

which of the following statements is right:
Fuck espn
"Straight outta Oakland, California where we sparkin on ya" - 2Pac

by Erik being Erik on Sep 26, 2006 11:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I agree
Feck USPN.

I'm just so happy right now, I feel like I'm gonna cry...  :)

"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 26, 2006 11:15 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

well played
I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Sep 26, 2006 11:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

espn news
Red sox high lights were before the a's high lights.

by Athletix Man on Sep 26, 2006 11:23 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I can't believe
I have to rely on Fox and that dumb "final score" show with the highly irritating announcers (at least one of them is outrageously despicable) because ESPN/Baseball Tonight is so damn weak and biased.

by Baseball Equals Life on Sep 27, 2006 2:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I also loved "A's clinch AL West..."
"Now if they could only avoid getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs."

Fortunately for our TV, I was too happy to care this time.

by gawker on Sep 26, 2006 11:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

how about
A's clinch AL west, we talk to Teixeira in a bit. It was Swisher interview they showed.

by Athletix Man on Sep 26, 2006 11:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

quick question
how do you post onto the main page?

by jakEjokeR on Sep 27, 2006 3:20 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

holla!
Let's go A's! Crack a beer and celebrate!

by ConditionOakland on Sep 26, 2006 11:15 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holla as in 'hello' or Holla as in 'holler'?
Holla holla holla holla holla holla holla holla holla holla..........dc show
"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Sep 26, 2006 11:20 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YAY!!!
I am SOOOOOOO NOT Sleeping tonight!!!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 26, 2006 11:18 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<cries>
<drunken rambling> I am so happy that I found this site and all of you guys. No matter what, this night will be one of my favorite memories. Not just because I got to see Jason Kendall in a wet, tight, AL West Champs shirt smiling his ass off(thud!), but because I got to celebrate with everyone here on AN. I really want to say how much this site has meant to me as an A's fan, and I can't wait for next Tuesday night!</drunken rambling>
"Get up!" ~ Ray Fosse, 5/31/2006

by KendallGurl18 on Sep 26, 2006 11:20 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

LOL
There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 26, 2006 11:22 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn...
An hour ago I couldn't stay awake, and now I've got insomnia, and ,best cure for that is to listen to Robert Baun drone on .AN RULES!

by Salvatore on Sep 26, 2006 11:21 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

There is nothing that I can say...
...that hasn't already been said. But I was sitting in a local Mellow Mushroom pizza joint here in Nashville on Saturday talking with a buddy about how sports takes on a profound depth by the fact that it is something that communities of people can rally around together. In a day and age which seemingly seems to endorse individual success and gratification over all else, sports then is one of the few bastions of society which truly is about community. Thanks to Blez, this site embodies that ideal perhaps as much a anything else in all of sports. It is a true privilege to be able to celebrate in community even while being physically located in TN. Thanks for that gift, Blez. And thanks to the A's for an amazing, unforgettable (Zito's game against Toronto right before the trading deadline and Milton's encore the next day, or the 17-inning marathon against the Dodgers and the Father's Day encore the next day) 2006 season. WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE AL WEST. Soak it up friends...this is a magical day.

by willcmatthews on Sep 26, 2006 11:22 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If anyone ever wants to ask me
why I created this site, they can always just read this post.  

Beautiful post, man.

by Blez on Sep 26, 2006 11:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

THANK YOU SO MUCH
Blez and nico and his goat and baseballgirl and tony who is bitchin' and louismg for the cartoons and monkeyball who inspires me and saint and duke for the rhythmic support and harold the doctor and the entire AN family for making this the best sports-related blog ever and such a fixture in my life.  Long may you run, friends.
1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Sep 26, 2006 11:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

thank you
for including me in that great list, I want to say one more time, that I really love AN and every single ANer, my A's life has changed for the better since I came here. Love you all.

LET'S GO OAKLAND!!!!

11 TO GO BABY!!!

OAKLAND A'S, AL WEST CHAMPS 2006!!!!

by haroldMD on Sep 27, 2006 11:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thanks, brother
Nice work this season.
I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Sep 27, 2006 12:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

one door closes, another opens
in the words of the old spiritual

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE, HOLD ON...
1972...1973...1974...1989...2006

by emperor nobody on Sep 26, 2006 11:23 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Fri. Sept 22
    One of the most thrilling games in the annals of the the Oakland  a's and certainly the summation of this great season.

by Graybeard on Sep 26, 2006 11:25 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it was
and i was there whooppeeee

by smasfan on Sep 26, 2006 11:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

DITTO!
And I have the baby ulcer to prove it!

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 26, 2006 11:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

a game for the ages
and to be on the field of dreams afterwards, it made me feel like a little kid

<tears up>

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

by emperor nobody on Sep 26, 2006 11:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Me too!
And I have the vocal fold nodule to prove it!

by gawker on Sep 27, 2006 12:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So
When's Game 1? I can't buy tix, but I might have to skip work...

by Philip Christy on Sep 26, 2006 11:27 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

games...
they are as follows:

10/3
10/4

10/6
10/7

10/8

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Sep 26, 2006 11:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

But
at what time(s) of day? And where did you find this info?

by Philip Christy on Sep 26, 2006 11:32 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Never mind
I found it, and the times ain't up yet. I was just being lazy, and will now hang my head in shame.

by Philip Christy on Sep 26, 2006 11:39 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I couldn't sleep very well,
so I thought I'd say thank you to everyone again.

You made my first year on AN one to remember for a LONG time. I hope to eventually see a few of you at the coliseum.

We can go apeshit in person!

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!

"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith

by Boonee on Sep 26, 2006 11:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I loved the first caller
on Extra Innings. Give Frank Thomas a raise! Give Billy Beane a raise! lol.
"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Sep 26, 2006 11:28 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also sounded like that first caller
was calling in lockdown from the Oakland County jail.

by Salvatore on Sep 26, 2006 11:33 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Got back from the game a little while ago...
Woohoo!  
We clinched!

Quite a few A's fans there to cheer on our team.

I nearly got another foul ball, too.

Got last night's foul ball signed by Zito, Blanton, Swisher and Melhuse.

Going to try to get a few more sigs tomorrow.

Hopefully, I will have some pictures worthy of posting.  Probably not. :(

Anyways, tomorrow a nice relaxing meaningless game at Safeco.

And, by the way.  Mariner's fans are classy and the staff at Safeco is top notch.  I think I will try to hit all the A's games there next year. (Maybe I should post that over at Lookout Landing.)

Donner
(Transplanted from the East Bay to Seattle this year via a lot of years in SoCal.)

by Donner on Sep 26, 2006 11:31 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Where's the celebration?
My wife is in Seattle, where should she go to find the cool parties with the A's?

by Wolverine on Sep 26, 2006 11:36 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Congratulations to the A's...and to AN
What an amazing feeling just 24 hours after that kick in the teeth last night. All day I was telling myself that last night would make the clinch all the sweeter, but I wasn't sure I really believed it. Man, this is awesome.

Thanks, Blez, for bringing us together and thanks to everyone here for your passion, insight and humor.

Enjoy the next week, everyone, then let's break through in the playoffs!

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

by dylantravis on Sep 26, 2006 11:39 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YAH!
Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Pachyderm of the Game:
EVERYONE!

Hahahahaha!

Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"
*Magic #: ZERO!*

by JLaff on Sep 26, 2006 11:40 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by streetfan on Sep 26, 2006 11:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and here to present the award
for pachyderm of the game, connie mack.


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 Sep 26, 2006 11:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh
So THAT'S what a pachyderm is.

by Philip Christy on Sep 27, 2006 12:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

lmao
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 27, 2006 8:38 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ask John McGraw....
....about the origin of the pachyderm as the Athletics mascots.
Macha is a great manager. -Ron Washington

by pachydermOAFC on Sep 27, 2006 2:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh... they're
just a bunch of White Elephants...

Thanks AN! Thank you A's!

Memo to Lew Wolf: Bring back Thomas!

"There's so much more to this game than just stats and OPS, PMS, whatever it's called," - Buddy Bell, KC Royals Manager

by fridaynightfan on Sep 27, 2006 3:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Beautiful, J... :-D
"I miss taking showers with Kendall" ~ Brian Giles

by Poppy on Sep 27, 2006 6:39 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Heh, I forgot about the Curse of AN
... and of AN 2.0, blamed by some for last year's miserable September.

Blez, you're off the hook now.  The A's were perfectly capable of losing in the first round of the playoffs without your site, so no one can blame you if the team loses this year.  And if they do win the ALDS, you get to take the credit.

by bear88 on Sep 26, 2006 11:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

and now, your moment of zen
The 2006 Oakland A's: Ridin' with the King

by tblazrdude on Sep 26, 2006 11:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My New Favorite picture EVER!!!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 26, 2006 11:47 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why cant I
have that photographer's job? Of course, I'd probably be too tempted to get plastered right along with them.
Asked where Zito's perfect fit would be, Hudson said, "Do they have a league on Mars?"
*Magic #: ZERO!*

by JLaff on Sep 26, 2006 11:50 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nick "Gene Simmons" Swisher!
A little makeup, a wig, electric bass and bloodspit would make it hard to tell the two apart!

by wolffpackdavid on Sep 26, 2006 11:51 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You mean...
...Nick "Chaim Witz" Swisher?
"You can throw your cocks if I don't care!" - Iggy Pop

by AlamedaAphid on Sep 27, 2006 11:21 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sent that to all my friends!
Kielty's goggles=Priceless!
Nick's tongue... hmmm...
"Maybe if I lay here in the dirt, nobody will notice I've forgotten how to hit" ~Crosby in ANtics

by streetfan on Sep 26, 2006 11:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

fricking priceless! champagne goggles?
drink it up, bitches!
"The guy's Far Eastern. Psychic. He knows what the hitters are looking for, and he relays that to me," Zito said.

by LAXile on Sep 27, 2006 7:09 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Kiko Kudos
he didn't pitch tonight, but helped us win the game.
I'm not talking about cheering either.
   Even though Calero was the losing pitcher last night, he helped us win today by knocking Susuki out of the lineup.  If I.S. plays tonight, Harden gives up at least 3 runs, and this game may have had a very different ending.
   

by wolffpackdavid on Sep 26, 2006 11:49 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

emotional roller coaster ... worth it
Congrats to the A's and thanks to AN for having a place where we can all share our collective joy.  What a last 24 hours!  It's why I love baseball and this team.  

In a way, our emotions mirrors the team itself. Like the team, we can rest up and enjoy a low stress week and build our energy up for the playoffs, where the A's are going to rock!

The last few days were getting US FANS ready for what will only be an even more intense experience next week, with every pitch counting.  Are we ready?? Of course we are.

Go A's!

by murlow on Sep 26, 2006 11:54 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They definitely need Harden for the post-season
So, forget all the nonsense about there being some question if the A's will keep him on the roster--gimme a break sportscasters.

by Salvatore on Sep 26, 2006 11:55 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

man, they work fast!

you can get your AL west champions gear at the mlb shop NOW!

by gotgreen on Sep 26, 2006 11:59 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

damn mlb.com
won't accept my a's giftcards!

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 12:00 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, I'm still up
EI gives subscribers a promotional code for a percentage off of any MLB.com Shop purchase. The stupid code isn't valid on these items.
"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 27, 2006 12:06 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Does anyone know
if these will be available at the team store at the coliseum, and more importantly, if it will be open over the next few days? If not, is there somewhere we can go to pick these up? I want mine NOW! Don't want to wait for shipping!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 27, 2006 12:16 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hey. those really are beautiful caps.
Get your lady one of those instead of some ugly burka.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 12:02 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How's this for a successful season?
Before the season I bet on the A's to win the West, the Royals to lose at least 99 games, and Ryan Howard to win the HR title...hahahhaaha, somebody's getting paid on Sunday, bitches!!!
I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Sep 27, 2006 12:04 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah,
aside from my complete emotional/spiritual fulfillment, I also have dough riding on the A's, but I only win if they take the AL Pennant and then, separately, if they win it all.  It was an easy choice when leaving Reno already down a few hundred bucks.

by Baseball Equals Life on Sep 27, 2006 2:14 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

First of all,
wooooooooooooohoooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Second, I'm making a pledge for this post season.  I will try my best to appreciate every inning--no matter what happens.

 

Nature's first green is gold...

by prana160 on Sep 27, 2006 12:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Everybody, keep trashing the A's
They keep saying in the locker room how everybody badmouthed them and never gave them a chance--seems it's motivated them--and a little liqour really brings out the truth.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 12:13 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And a lot of liquor will bring out the kind of
language only appropriate for HBO.

WOO!!!

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

by Kyli on Sep 27, 2006 12:19 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

YES!!!!!
Super, Super Pysched about this team.  Totally deserving of the Division Title, and more...

I've seen this team win plenty of division titles over the years, but this one seems extra, extra special.

Tears in my Eyes, Special!

Thanks A's!  Thanks AN!

Cheers,

CF

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 27, 2006 12:14 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

BIG FRANK
"I've been through these celebrations before, but this one? This might be the one I'll remember most when it's all done, and I hope we have three more just like it in the next few weeks."

YES!!!!

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 27, 2006 12:27 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

shit
if the starters are taking tomorrow off dont you think we should take off work also.  After all this clinch is just as much a clinch for us as it is the players right?

OK, well maybe I cant speak for everyone, but I am NOT going in tomorrow!

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

by pickinmachine on Sep 27, 2006 12:39 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm saving my day off
for playoff game next Friday!!

Yee-haw!!

Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Sep 27, 2006 9:44 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am just back from hanging out
in the Seattle Fairmont lobby.  No, I am not a stalker but I did hang out from a distance to watch our boys celebrate (I'm shy so I didn't approach them or even take pictures lest I give myself away!).  Most of the players came down to the lobby at one point or another after getting back from the game.  Kotsay (who was SO excited and could barely sit still!), Ellis, Chavvy, and DJ held a table with their girlfriends/wives in the bar.  One of the women had an A's division champ hat on.  Many of the other players came down for a minute and then headed out on the town.  Off the top of my head I saw Scutaro, Haren, Saarloos, Perez, Halsey, Zito and Street (the latter two together!) and others who I know I'm forgetting now!  I didn't take any pictures because I didn't want to make myself known and just wanted to sit and watch them celebrate.  It was fun to see and even better to witness this game in person!  Go A's!

by indigo on Sep 27, 2006 12:52 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shoot Indigo,,,
You had your ideal chance to ask them for some extra cash while they were all there and drunk out of their minds.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 12:59 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I know!
(And the drinks were flowing so I could have at least gotten a high five or something!)  That said, I was very happy to just sit there with nobody noticing me and observing it all.

by indigo on Sep 27, 2006 1:16 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Cool stadium moment...
I had great seats tonight...about 10 rows back right behind the A's dugout.  In the middle of the 9th a lot of A's fans came down to this section wanting to be part of the impending celebration.  There were tons of empty seats but the ushers would not let them down even though it was going into the bottom of the 9th.  In response to the ushers, the Mariners fans in the area started chanting "Let them down!  Let them down!"  That was very cool!  But it was to no avail and the A's fans had to wait further up until the end of the game.

by indigo on Sep 27, 2006 1:19 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

perhaps never in the history of sport
has one team loved another as much as the Mariners and their fans have loved the A's this year!!
Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Sep 27, 2006 10:02 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hey ...
i couldn't get to a tv so I didn't get to see the clubhouse celebration + interviews.  If anyone has it recorded and doesn't mind posting it, I'm sure a lot of people who missed the coverage would appreciate it.  Thanks!
RIP MAC DRE, BILL KING, AND 2006 FIELD

by jme on Sep 27, 2006 1:03 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

MLB.com
Has interviews and some pixs.  

by Leesa on Sep 27, 2006 5:54 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We celebrated good times tonight!
Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
"Macha hates you"- Tacoma fans heckling Kielty

by zaniac75 on Sep 27, 2006 1:05 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sheeeeeeit
You shoulda invited me! I was listening on the radio, at home, alone. (Poor me!)

by Philip Christy on Sep 27, 2006 1:28 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Has the apt. been like that since last Saturday?
Gotta love the devotion!
"The guy's Far Eastern. Psychic. He knows what the hitters are looking for, and he relays that to me," Zito said.

by LAXile on Sep 27, 2006 7:13 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sadly
yes it was like that since saturday We were getting very sick of the plastic
"Macha hates you"- Tacoma fans heckling Kielty

by zaniac75 on Sep 27, 2006 9:41 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

i'm both impressed and disturbed
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 Sep 27, 2006 7:24 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It looks like you could've
taken someone out mob-style in that house.

by Blez on Sep 27, 2006 9:33 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow!
I thought I was committed with my beers on ice celebrating with my friends... Now Thats commitment!

by asfan777 on Sep 27, 2006 1:31 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And after you're done celebrating...
...the room's already set up so you can paint the walls!  

Or not... :)

Rap Cat!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Sep 27, 2006 4:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

And when you're done celebrating...
...the room's all set up so you can paint the walls!

Or not...

Rap Cat!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Sep 27, 2006 4:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Paint the walls, have an orgy...
Both would probably work out okay.
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Sep 27, 2006 5:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yup--a few gallons of...
...Wesson Oil--fix you right up.  

Procuring the distaff partiers, however, is your responsibility--good luck on that.  

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

by The Dogfather on Sep 27, 2006 5:37 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lucky baseballgirl girl here
<disclaimer...I'm sort of sober>

Just got back to the hotel. In all seriousness, my main priority was getting back to a computer, because I simply had to read AN.

When I was a little kid, I used to grade days with a letter grade. Today earned an A+. No question. From the moment I arrived in Seattle (and I worked until 1 am last night to make sure I could fly out), to the moment when the Angels' lost, everything was perfect. You could feel the energy. The players were bouncy, if that makes sense, as soon as Texas took the lead that they would never relinquish. The players knew in the seventh. The only thing I was praying for was that Tex/Ana would be over before the A's, so they would know that they had clinched. And, of course, it worked out perfectly.

With no planning or direction, every A's fan in the stadium quietly made their way to behind the A's dugout (third base line?!) and simply waited for them to clinch. They did, and I honestly felt myself tearing up. What a moment. What a moment. I can't even describe how it feels.

For the good of AN, I took pictures; I'll have them developed. ;)

In all seriousness, I love you guys. Thank you for being with me the whole way; thank you for making this moment even more special than it would have been by myself.

I went to a bar right afterwards and the song 'Celebration' came on and I teared up AGAIN. I love this team; I love you guys.

LET'S GO OAK-LAND!!!!!!

<hugs, kisses>

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

by baseballgirl on Sep 27, 2006 1:11 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

P.S.
My best friend Marilyn couldn't get the game on TV, so she followed AN all night, and left me a message, "I'm relieved to know that there are other people as crazy as you."
"I have an owie; can I go to first?" ~louismg on Vlad

by baseballgirl on Sep 27, 2006 1:15 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

PPS
If the A's had won last night, it would not have been NEAR the fun of tonight, since they would have clinched in the 7th instead of winning the game.

Just .... FYI...

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

by baseballgirl on Sep 27, 2006 1:28 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wheeeeeee
Good that you are having such an excellent trip, baseballgirl :)

I was at the games yesterday and today, and will be there tomorrow too.  Gah, I wish they hadn't clinched, now I don't get to see Zito pitch!

I seriously considered wearing an A's shirt today just because I figured it'd be a pretty good party after the game, but figured the Mariners fan friend I was going to the game with would kill me.  Besides, saying that "every A's fan snuck up to the dugout" is almost like saying "every person left in the ballpark after the 7th inning"... man, that was one deserted stadium tonight.

Unfortunately, most of my pictures today didn't come out well because I was either stuck in the upper deck or working against a lack of light during BP, but here's a few from the clinch and from the pregame.

Melhuse in mid-air:

Kotsay is pretty happy:

King Richard the Brokenharden warming up (I swear, this is one of the weirdest baseball pictures I've taken, it's like "look at my cute smile while my arm moves faster than your shutter speed!"):

Smiling Cupcakes:

Mr. Zito:

We're not selling bats here!

A new shave for Swisher for good luck (it worked), but what's the deal with those sideburns?!:

"Swish, you're the best shortstop ever."

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Sep 27, 2006 2:15 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I hereby propose...
We adopt Deanna and Jeff as our own, and hold an AN indoctrination ceremony in the coming weeks.
More ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/ | Archive

by louismg on Sep 27, 2006 6:57 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think I've ever been happier
for a total stranger. I'm so happy you got to see Friday's game and lie on the field for the fireworks, that you got to meet Milton Bradley, and that you were right where you wanted to be when the A's clinched AL West.

It's like when I hike and I think of the insanely gorgeous backcountry I'll never be able to see because there's no other way to get there but by foot... it may be inaccessible to wusses like me, but major props to those who can find their way there. Strange analogy, but it's the only one I can think of right now. Apologies. The cheering and clapping are still ringing in my ears.

Soak it all up, bbg. This is as much your moment as it is the A's.

by gawker on Sep 27, 2006 1:13 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My Story
Well I am happy as SH!T. I thought I would feel a little left this year. You see I am in the Air Force and currently deployed to Cyprus until November. Finding this site has given me a bonding feeling. You see there are no A's fans here with me. There is a Tigers fan which could become interesting.
I get up in the early morning here hoping to catch a game or update on Armed Forces TV. I have been able to see quite a few games down the stretch luckily. I've been an A's fan since I was little guy watching the teams of the 70's win three in a row.
So I just want to say a big THANKS to AN for keeping me in some good reads and bonding with fellow A's fans. This is so sweet but the job is not done yet.

by afskycop on Sep 27, 2006 1:39 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wow didn't realize this site reached so far
I'm glad you can receive some happiness and comforts from home at this site. Thank you for volunteering your time to protect our country.  Let's see the A's do it this year!  

by rightbackin on Sep 27, 2006 1:55 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Dear Afskycop,
Thanks for being out there and serving our country.
You must be  a "lifer". I vividly remember those World Champion A's of the '70s, also.
Isn't Cypress a beautiful Greek island?  Hope you're also able to enjoy some of the island during your stay.
Well, if these guys are able to play as well as Charley Finley's boys did--then they'll be awesome--you and me know that.
Take care and God Bless.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 2:11 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yep a lifer
19 years in and soon to be done.

by afskycop on Sep 27, 2006 2:16 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is that a joke?
"Cyprus a Greek Island"
"Some people never go crazy, What truly horrible lives they must live" --Charles Bukowski

by eshock on Sep 27, 2006 9:03 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I looked Cyprus up last night after my post...
My Geographical Dictionary says Cyprus is basically owned by the Turks, but with apparently heavy influence by nearby Greece.
Obviously, Cypress is a Mediterranean  Island with a great tradition and ancient history behind it.
In my backpack/world travels days around the Mediterranean I witnessed many traders from Cypress along the Southern Turkish coast=a sight to see=their like a bunch of old gypsies or pirates right out o a Hollywood movie set.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 9:18 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

isn't Cypress ...
... all the articles about Johan Santana?
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 1:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gaaah!
You really are trying to start a war, aren't you?

First Cyprus is a "Greek island" and now it's "basically owned by the Turks".

It is neither.  There is a lot of Greek history on Cyprus and there is a lot of Turkish history on Cyprus. The two sides have often come to violence over the question of who "owns" the island.  Let's wish them success in coming to accept that it belongs to both.

"...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 Sep 27, 2006 10:10 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doesn't Cyprus belong to the Cypriots?
and neither Greece nor Turkey?
Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Sep 27, 2006 10:23 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This sounds familiar, somehow...
"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 27, 2006 12:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You are right. Go to the Cyprus Tourism site
they tell you it's the Cypriots. My probably outdated Geo-Dictionary says Turkey. Ask me during a spell of insomnia and I'll tell you Greece.
Folks, as of right now, until the next war, Cyprus is it;s own country with it's own Constitution run by people from both Turkey and Greece.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 1:29 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

my source was a greek cypriot
so she was in favor more on the greek side.

by MobiusKlein on Sep 27, 2006 4:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

So happy yet a little sad....
I'm so happy A's finally clinched the AL West but it looks like I have midterms in October...grrr I might  get some F's if our A's go all the way.  

by rightbackin on Sep 27, 2006 1:43 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stating the obvious
Blez, the AN community, and the A's rule! Word up!  Thanks to all; I appreciate this forum.

by Baseball Equals Life on Sep 27, 2006 2:18 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Its Been A Long Time Coming
I Remember When I Joined This Blog In 2004, One Of My First Thoughts Were Of How Rockin It Would Be To Celebrate A Championship With So Many Fellow A's Fans. I Am Very  Stoked Tonight. Its Been A Wild Ride Since That Summer In 2004, And Allot Of Us Have Been On It Together Through The Thick And The Thin, And It Feels Damm Sweet To Have The AL West Championship Once Again, And A Legitimate Shot At Another World Championship Here In Mighty Oakland. Fuck Rich Harden Really Could Be The Difference Maker For Us In The Next Few Weeks, And He Just Might Put This Team On His Back And Carry Them To The World Championship. World Series Or Bust.....
Bring back the Bash! Bring back the Mustache! Go A's in 2006!!!
Death To The Angels!!

by Shippee33 on Sep 27, 2006 2:51 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm happy
simply amazing.  Go A's.  Love this team.  Love AN.  Like a big bar full of A's fans.

by sprtsnwyn on Sep 27, 2006 4:38 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Finally!! congrats to jason kendall and Mark
Kotsay!
"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Sep 27, 2006 5:31 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How sweet it is -- I just wish..
Bill King was able to call it.  Just listened to the radio broadcast (online), and Korach made a comment about being in the clubhouse while King was in the booth during these moments.

I suddenly heard King in my head:
"Swung on! Deep drive to left field! It's at the warning track.... the wall... It's GONE!  HOLY TOLEDO!"  

Congrats to our scrappy team!  Now I don't have to constantly listen to the Yank fans in the office brag.

Tear down Mount Davis!

by polytician on Sep 27, 2006 6:25 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I heard that a few times last night too...
but only because I used my A's bottle opener to pop open a few cold ones :)
I miss Bill King :(

by gojohn10 on Sep 27, 2006 7:11 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Now I'm even dreaming about the A's.
Last night I dreamt that I was in the dugout after the clinch, chatting with Melhuse.

I wouldn't mind dreaming about the clinch every freakin' night.

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

by Kyli on Sep 27, 2006 7:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ZITO! on Thursday! YAHOO!!!
Much better to see Zito in Anaheim on Thursday than to have to wait that long (as I originally was sorta hoping) to see them clinch in person. I fucking love Barry Zito and the A's. I love the global celebration that is AN. Now let's see if Windsor can get a big league win (or at least a win against the M's).
"The guy's Far Eastern. Psychic. He knows what the hitters are looking for, and he relays that to me," Zito said.

by LAXile on Sep 27, 2006 7:23 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

For the first time
in a 160 days or so I can watch a game tonight and really enjoy it.  If I am really lucky, I will see Melhuse, DJ, D'Angelo, Perez, Bocachica and a few other guys I haven't seen in a year.  I don't want to see Street, or Duke, or Calero on the mound until Sat. or Sunday at the earliest, and then only for a few pitches.   I read this morning this morning that  both Bonderman and Verlander will not pitch again until the playoffs and THEY ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A FIGHT FOR POSITION.  Macha would do well to heed that advice.  Minnesota has said they will not start  Santana on Sunday no matter what their position or how important the game is.  Those two managers understand that their players and pitchers are tired, and exhausted after a late season run, I hope our ESTEEMED manager recognizes the same thing.

by china bob on Sep 27, 2006 7:35 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I couldn't sleep last night.
I'm still celebrating.
"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 27, 2006 7:48 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<segway dance>
I'm wearing an A's shirt today and I'm getting some sneers!
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 27, 2006 8:17 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh, and
<high five>
"Oh, shut up!" -Poppy

by ArakSOT on Sep 27, 2006 8:30 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I slept really well last night.
And that's unusual for me.
"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Sep 27, 2006 8:29 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I didn't sleep.
I had more of a nap. :)
"We did it, finally."

by Jennifer on Sep 27, 2006 8:45 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You also died a few times last night...
...so you're probably well-rested anyway. :)
"I almost landed in some lady's lap, which was kinda fun.'' -- Swish

by Sharon on Sep 27, 2006 8:49 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The A's have given me insomnia
the last couiple weeks--so I hope they fricken better suprise us all and finally win and put away that first team in the playoffs.

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 8:01 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I love this team
I love this website!!!
So, when is the party in Anaheim?  I live in Los Angeles and would love to get together with those down here who bleed green and gold.

by Alejandro on Sep 27, 2006 8:02 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Slusser on KNBR!
"This must be heaven," he says.
"No. It's Oakland."

by Kyli on Sep 27, 2006 8:09 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Harden is our best pitcher and should pitch game1:
I know that this organization is not going to do that.

But I would.

Harden
Zito
Haren
Loaiza
Harden/Zito

If you pitch him fourth it is possible that your best pitcher may never pitch in a 5 games series.

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

by saint on Sep 27, 2006 8:19 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm with you
Side Session for Harden Friday:  He could give us 6 or 7 innnings (90 pitches) on Tuesday Night.  If it's a shorter outing than that, bullpen is very, very fresh.

As the Leader, Zito should recommend this scenario to Macha/Beane.  

COME ON, OAKLAND, COME ON!

by Colorado Fan on Sep 27, 2006 8:42 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think
Game three should be on Friday...don't be suprised to see Rich out there on the bump.
Free Clarett Now!

by tresselfan on Sep 27, 2006 12:06 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

not to steal from Tony
but "Congratulations Bitches!" The best team won the division this year...

Good luck in the playoffs!

Visiting M's fan

by jtopps on Sep 27, 2006 8:21 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rock On
Had the computer off last night, but first thing this morning I came to AN to read and soak it in here.  Awesome threads from last night.  It's funny to me how I post here so seldom but totally feel at home here and part of things.  It's cool to see others who feel the same coming out of the woodwork to celebrate!

ROCK ON A'a!!!!!

I was afraid to type it when folks were having fun with it last week, but now I will:

2006 AL West Division Champions.  

Yeahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!

Nothing says fun like Premium Meat!

by lurkerD on Sep 27, 2006 8:22 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Angels fan base
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMDuYJCtHN8&feature=RecentlyWatched&page=1&t=t&f=b

Just for your viewing entertainment

by tankormike on Sep 27, 2006 9:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

typical...
And yet sooooo satisfying! Goes down smooth!

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 9:29 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Time to give congrats
The A's stuck out last night and played like a team, looking ready for October and I felt so happy watching Kotsay, Kendall, Bradley, and Thomas getting ready for a real chance in the postseason, thank you 2006 Oakland A's you have made this year one of the best in recent history, now it's on to face the central winner.
"Talk about impressive. My point is this: Break's over."- Josiah Bartlet

by doublehustle22 on Sep 27, 2006 9:12 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Radnich
Declares it "A's Time." And invites A's fans to call in. Welcomes them with "open arms." Brings a smile to my face. Well, a smirk to be sure.

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 9:31 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

HAHA!!!
Radnich keeps calling him Robert Braun. Silly man.

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 9:41 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Radnich always keeps a snifter nearby
or under his news desk.  Helps with the pronunciation!
Bill James on Duane Kuiper: "It's absolutely incredible that a player this bad could be given 3000 at bats in the major leagues." -- Baseball Abstract, 1982

by blueconversechucks on Sep 27, 2006 10:26 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Let's go Oak-land.
Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap.

Let's go Oak-land. Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap.

Let's go Oak-land. Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap.

Let's go Oak-land. Clap, Clap, Clap-Clap-Clap.

by the stare on Sep 27, 2006 9:47 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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

by The Dogfather on Sep 27, 2006 9:54 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The pace of the elephant is slow, but crushing

Motto of Cuban League team Cienfuegos circa 1955.

The Green and Golden Road to Unlimited Devotion

by FreeSeatUpgrade on Sep 27, 2006 10:19 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That's very cool.
And if you've ever seen a bull elephant in the flesh, you hafta wonder why anyone would call the lion "King of the Jungle."

It's impressive--...all those downtown ladies call him tree trunk lover..."

Do your own google image search.

But don't tell Nico.  

   

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

by The Dogfather on Sep 27, 2006 10:30 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<snerk>
That is soooooo naughty.
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 12:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Don't mess with the elephants . . .
. . . or Tony Jaa will kick your ass.

by aymlam79 on Sep 27, 2006 10:40 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

This Tony Jaa looks like
Nick Swisher with a hangover

by Salvatore on Sep 27, 2006 11:42 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Like this one better?
The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Sep 27, 2006 1:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awww.
So nice to see Milton and Swisher being playful with Frank.
"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 27, 2006 2:28 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quick! Deputize that elephant in the ...
... Royal Peninsula Ladies Lunch and Ultrasonic Cougar-Hunting Auxiliary, Junior League and Nonhumanoid Division.
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 12:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

A Choir of Fat Ladies
Looking back at the last game thread, there are SO many photos of opera ladies!
Absolutely hilarious and awesome!

I can't sit still I'm so happy today!

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

by streetfan on Sep 27, 2006 10:07 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I missed it! But I am very happy!
I was volunteering at an art festival last night and was a little sad that I missed the A's clinching! (I mean, dang, couldn't they have clinched on my schedule? ;D) But I am very happy that they got it done, and I'll be there at the first home game!

by aymlam79 on Sep 27, 2006 10:08 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have been grinning from ear to ear since last
night. It was nothing short of awesome. Got my tix to the ALDS on Monday. Thanks Blez and all of you on AN who made clinching that much sweeter. Also, feels good to rub it in and to go to LAAAAA with the division locked up. Lets do this!

by nfadil4 on Sep 27, 2006 10:10 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yay A's
I keep running into smiling people in A's gear today.  

Let's go to the WS this time, huh?

by Brian in 317 on Sep 27, 2006 10:24 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oh yahhhhh.
Last night was a joy. I wanted them to call it after the eighth just because I wanted that moment to come sooner than later. That moment when I knew we WON!

I also made my twice yearly visit to HH, and their bitterness was sweet. Apparently we should be thankful that "the superior team" (the Angels) let the "inferior team" (the A's) win the division.

Note to Halos Heaven: Superior teams usually, oh, I dunno... win, right? Oh, and also: noone gives a shit about the series in Anaheim. If it makes you feel better, sweep our B, C and D squads. Cuz we have playoff games to think about!

"Folding chair. Right to the base of the HR guy's spine. Incapacitates a man in seconds. Next question." --Catfish Stew

by tankerraid on Sep 27, 2006 10:28 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just downloaded the free game from the mlb site
It's a nice thought to put these clinch games up for the fans to keep (for free) but come on, they put up the Mariner's feed! What in the world makes any sense about that? I download almost a gig of data, and it's not even the sportscasters for the team that clinched.

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 10:42 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They also managed
to cut off the clubhouse celebrations and bubbly. Why couldn't they use the FSNBA feed anyways?
"I told them when the score got to be 12-2 that it was okay to put me in." -Huston Street

by lifeinleft on Sep 27, 2006 12:24 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I am so, so, so happy.
I ordered my A's AL West Champs shirt and hat yesterday, and I want them to ship NOW. I even shelled out for overnight shipping. Yeah, this was at 1:40 ET when I should have been in bed, but instead stayed up to watch - once I gave in and saw the score, no way was I leaving. NO WAY. And I'm glad that I did.

I was lying in bed last night, too keyed-up to go to sleep, literally tearing up and crying  because I was so happy. A couple times this year, things have been bad, really bad - enough that I question why I love this team so much and then they keep breaking my heart and leaving me lethargic and miserable, feeling as if I've gotten hit with a semi.

Did I remember why I love them? Hell yeah, I remembered.

"I could just kiss Marco on the mouth right now," Zito said. "What an unbelievable game. If that's my last one here, wow. How could I ever forget it?"

by Chavinator on Sep 27, 2006 10:42 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I WAS THERE
Hey all, just got back from Seattle. What a night. I guess there is a perk being an A's fan and living in the Northwest. (Portland) Sounds like Windsor will go tonight. Zito will rest a day extra.

Go A's  !!

by Bend It Like Zito on Sep 27, 2006 10:44 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Portland has lots of A's fans.....
We should unite for the up coming serie(s)
"hunting for fresh meat"

by Masaryk on Sep 27, 2006 5:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm up for it...
do you have a suggestion for a place?
"When it's moving, it's better than when it's not moving." Saarloos, channeling BZ.

by PDXAthleticsfan on Sep 28, 2006 9:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Monkey has been silenced
This game was a microcosm of the season.  A day after suffering a devastating loss, this team bounced back like it always does.

Although it was nice to see our guys celebrate, why did I find myself secretly wanting to see a camera in the Angels locker room, seeing Frankie and Donnelly fogging up their goggles with tears, or seeing Lackey slack jawed (oh sorry he always looks that way), or most of all that cry baby face on Scioscia.  The Monkey rallies no more in '06.  Let there be much rejoicing in Baseball Country.

by titaniumaardvark on Sep 27, 2006 10:45 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Street was hilarious in postgame.
I still worry about him physically, but psychic-ly he's fine:  "I told them when the score got to be 12-2 that it was okay to put me in."  

Balls of steel!

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

by The Dogfather on Sep 27, 2006 11:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

That was so funny!!
You know the only reason he said that was cause he had already consumed a lot of that champaign dripping off his head!! It was really cute though! At least he can laugh at himself! And Zito calling him his little brother, ADORABLE!!
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 27, 2006 11:13 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah, that was awesome!
Certum est quod certum reddi potest.

by oblique on Sep 27, 2006 11:14 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

mmmf. mmfggh. mmmmf.
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 12:54 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

me too
i posted last night i wish we had finished before angels so they could show players and fans in LA after it was shown on scoreboard.

by smasfan on Sep 27, 2006 5:11 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Congratulations everyone,
I'll just echo previous posters sentiments with a big WHOO FREAKIN WHOOOO!  
"so... I'll take that as 'none of your business'" ~ ArakSOT

by eamb on Sep 27, 2006 11:09 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

OMG! I thought I would have calmed down by now!
But I am hyper as ever! I have been listening to the club house audio on the website, and searching for pictures, and enlightening a friend of mine to the joys of GettyImages.com! It has been an AWESOME morning!!!!

Is it weird that I want to go home and watch the game again? I get chills when I watch the little clips and hear the feeds of the last catch!

I am such a sap! I get all teary eyed when I think of Kotsay and Kendall finally getting to celebrate! And then to think this may be Zito's last chance to win a WS Title in the Green and Gold... OK! Here I go again with the tears!!

I am just so happy right now! I am going to totally ride this high through the off season, well, at least until the high of winning the World Series comes in and replaces it!! WOO!!!

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

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 27, 2006 11:11 AM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Alas...
Both Macha and I sleep well. And niether one of us has to pick up Bradley off the ground and carry him to the dugout. I went to bed at like midnight and got up a 7 but felt like I had 12 hrs of sleep! Ohh so stress free. But what makes me sleep even better is when Zito the pacifist came to the mic telling everyone they can shove their A's choke in the post season crap cuz were coming out firing.
Peace.
The A's win another West.... Whats new?... Not rhetorical... waiting for answer from Halos Heaven. (Oh Angels, congrats on NOT having a losing season 3 years and running, a franchise record... HA)

by asfan777 on Sep 27, 2006 12:17 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Can't look away
ESPN, you are officially ridiculous.  You are stupid, media puppets bowing to T.O. the Madonna of the NFL.  He has a publicist.  There is real sports drama going on, and you don't care.  It is so ridiculous to hear Michael Irvin talking about these non-issues.
"Some people never go crazy, What truly horrible lives they must live" --Charles Bukowski

by eshock on Sep 27, 2006 12:45 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

FWIW
It's a pretty big story. I don't blame them.
Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 27, 2006 12:48 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's the media
blowing it out of proportion and running with conjecture instead of facts
Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Sep 27, 2006 5:36 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

plz
dont give it the time of day, I just hope Fosse and FSNBA cover our postseason instead of Fox Chnl. 2  jumping on the bandwagon like last Sat. against the angels. Let them ignore it. ITs our victory

by asfan777 on Sep 27, 2006 12:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Unfortunately
I think all postseason coverage is taken on by a "national" (sh*tty) outlet. Can anyone confirm this?

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 3:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Postseason is generally FOX or ESPN...
I think ESPN just picks up the extra divisional series games, with FOX taking the championship sereis and definitely the World Series. Or something like that. All I know is it's not gonna be Glen and Ray. ;)

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 27, 2006 4:02 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If you can get the radio feed
just mute your TV and listen to Korach, Fosse, and Cotroneo. Way better than listening to McCarver for 3 hours
"I told them when the score got to be 12-2 that it was okay to put me in." -Huston Street

by lifeinleft on Sep 27, 2006 4:08 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Anything is better than McCarver for 3 hours
well, except for Morgan for 3 hours
Goliath, dissatisfied with his size advantage, decided to buy David's sling, which took steroids.

by TexasAsfan on Sep 27, 2006 4:34 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah
that's usually what I do for those kind of games, I need to run the radio feed through my computer so it's synched up right with the delay of dishnetwork... I'll think of something.

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 5:16 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Under the radar
That's how suprise attacks work
Squeak!

by ArakSOT on Sep 27, 2006 12:53 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

<jumps out at ArakSOT>
<soaks him with Sam Adams>
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 27, 2006 12:57 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We need to have some viewing parties.
I'm going to work on finding a place with a big screen TV.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 27, 2006 1:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Atwoods...
Everybody there already knows I'm an A's fan. Slighly further away for you, tho'. Not humunguos sports-bar screens, but pretty big flats.
Squeak!

by ArakSOT on Sep 27, 2006 1:30 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I'm out of town 6-8th
Too late to concoct a scheme to sabotage the brother's wedding, I suppose
Squeak!

by ArakSOT on Sep 27, 2006 2:07 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

where is atwoods?
is that some place outside the bay area? forgive the ignorance...

by Jonny Oklnd on Sep 27, 2006 3:58 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

They're both in the Boston area
from what I understand. But one of them's got a Segway and should be arriving in Oakland any day now...

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 27, 2006 4:10 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

You know that scene from Remember the Titans?
When Gary, the injured guy, is watching the championship from the hospital on TV, and he sees them win, and just lifts up his arms and basks in it?

Yep. That's how I've been feeling all day.

by whiteshoes40 on Sep 27, 2006 1:32 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

All Day I have been
feeling the same way.  I have been feeling very elated to the verge of tears on more than one occasion.  

by Alejandro on Sep 27, 2006 1:49 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

you know that scene from RAISING CAIN?
Where the woman wakes from her coma -- only to see her husband smooching her doctor, and then dies from the shock?

I'll bet that's how Rev Halofan has been feeling all day.

I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 1:56 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brilliant.
Let's bask in the glory of a halo-free post season

by Alejandro on Sep 27, 2006 2:26 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I think it's more like
Raising Arizona, with Rev Halofan attempting to steal the AL West because he feels like we have too many.
Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Sep 27, 2006 3:25 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Lil' AL West, Junior!
He's an angel! He's an angel straight from heaven!
I've glittered my kidney. -- Jennifer @('.')@

by monkeyball on Sep 27, 2006 3:38 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

biology and the prejudices of others
conspired to keep them winless.
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 Sep 27, 2006 5:19 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Is it greedy of me?
To say that I at this point would be dissapointed if Frank Thomas didnt get 40 jacks by Monday?

by asfan777 on Sep 27, 2006 1:55 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Rev is too busy eating humble pie.
Feels good to shut that guy up. What a season...luckily, it continues.

by nfadil4 on Sep 27, 2006 2:08 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I made a wallpaper for everyone!!
[IMG]http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n226/Jennarae12/2006ALWESTCHAMPS.jpg[/IMG]
"I can't wait for tommorrow, cause I get so much cooler every day" - shirt worn by Swish

by Bigtoe on Sep 27, 2006 2:48 PM PDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Nice!
Got it on my work computer now. Thanks!! :-D
Chicks dig Moneyball.

by Kelly on Sep 27, 2006 2:52 PM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Awesome! Thanks!
I was just trying to update my MySpace profile, do you mind if I use this?
"This is the best hug in the major leagues, right here!" - Swisher Pics

by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Sep 27, 2006 3:14 PM PDT to parent up