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Open Thread - Game 2

Well, there are worse things than losing ugly on Opening Day (see: the outcome of last season), and worse things than losing our first head-to-head game against the Mariners (see: the outcomes of every other game against them last year). The best thing about baseball is the 24 hour do-over. Any heartbreaking loss early in the regular season can be made up for the next night.  

With that in mind, we’re going to try a do-over tonight, as Joe Blanton faces a team he likes a lot. In his career, he is 6-1 against Seattle with a 2.50 ERA, and last season alone, he was 4-0 with a 1.55 ERA in his four starts. If I thought those numbers really indicated a trend, I would start him every single series against the Mariners; why not?

Obviously, he was not originally slated to start in this series, but due to Loaiza removing himself from the rotation before his injury cost us every fifth start, Blanton gets the nod. If you still don’t have enough reasons to cheer hard for Joe tonight, just think: It could be injured Loaiza pitching instead.

I wish I had some sage advice for Blanton, who struggles with...well...getting hit a lot and hit hard, but I really don’t. Throw strikes, but don’t make them hittable?

Yeah, that’s the ticket.

Opposing Blanton will be a favorite divisional foe: Jarrod Washburn. Washburn had a couple of pretty good years in his career with the Angels, but is coming off a pretty dismal season in Seattle. I hope our offense is tired of striking out, and is ready to hit.

Facing Joe Blanton will be this crew:

Suzuki CF
Beltre 3B
Vidro DH
Ibanez LF
Sexson 1B
Guillen RF
Johjima C
Betancourt SS
Lopez 2B

The A’s will try to score their first run of 2007 with this lineup:

Kendall C
Stewart LF
Bradley CF
Piazza DH
Chavez 3B
Swisher 1B
Kielty RF
Crosby SS
Ellis 2B

I though about putting batting averages up, but that just seems mean. And I don’t think my keyboard has that many zeros. I kid, I kid.

However, while I like Kielty in the lineup tonight, it's hard to see Buck sit.

Nico will take you the rest of the way...LET’S GO OAK-LAND!

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I'm on Comcast, Southbay

What channel is FSBA again?

I missed yesterday's game, I got plunked at work.  I'm out of it, I know, I've been busy.

by paradox on Apr 3, 2007 6:24 PM PDT   0 recs

I get the teeveeland channel

I could be watching Gunsmoke.  It's like that move Pleasantville.

Here we go, scroll again on the tv of the channel list.

by paradox on Apr 3, 2007 6:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's channel 40, FSN

Sorry for the useless yap.

by paradox on Apr 3, 2007 6:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I thought Buck wasn't going to be platooned?

Don't know who I'd sit though, as Stewart seems healthy.

"The future's like, who cares?" ~Eric Chavez

by rebus on Apr 3, 2007 6:31 PM PDT   0 recs

Buck

He's not being platooned, he just happens to be getting the day off when the A's face a lefty. Just like Kotsay wasn't being platooned late last year. Seems like the right move, for now: Kielty as a RHB needs to be in the lineup.  Eventually Buck will need to get some ABs against southpaws, but that can happen when someone else needs a day off for whatever reason.

In the stands the home crowd scatters For the turnstiles

by andeux on Apr 3, 2007 6:31 PM PDT   0 recs

Exactly.

He'll get some time against lefties probably when someone else needs a day off, like Stewart. It'd be a really dumb move if we didn't start Kielty against lefties.

Overhearing one of his teammates mention a "rivalry" with the A's, Washburn snorted and said, "How can it be a rivalry when they beat the crap out of us?"

by Christine on Apr 3, 2007 6:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Kielty should hit #2

like they did last year.

by mikeA on Apr 3, 2007 6:34 PM PDT   0 recs

Well, I have no reason to watch this game.
"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 6:39 PM PDT   0 recs

He's that good, hmmm

Must have a great ass, too.

by paradox on Apr 3, 2007 6:47 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Obviously...

we're talking about Milhouse.

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 6:52 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I like Booby

Buck will get some ABs against lefties this season -- Geren isn't Earl Weaver.  But Kielty deserves to start against Washburn.

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

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 6:44 PM PDT   0 recs

can I just ask

Why is the Women's NCAA Championship game on both ESPN and ESPN2? What's the point of having two channels if they are going to show the same game???

There's no crying in baseball!

by gigglingone on Apr 3, 2007 6:49 PM PDT   0 recs

Remember whom you are talking about,

This is ESPN. The ones who employ such geniuses as John Kruk, Joe Morgan and Steve Phillips.

by Zonis on Apr 3, 2007 6:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I heard that ESPN2

was gonna show closeups of the coaches or something.

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

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 7:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I think I'd much rather see this lineup

Kendall
Kielty
Bradley
Piazza
Chavez
Swisher
Crosby
Buck
Ellis

or if I really had it my way

Ellis
Kielty
Swisher
Bradley
Piazza
Chavez
Buck
Crosby
Kendall

by Zonis on Apr 3, 2007 6:58 PM PDT   0 recs

FSNBA on EI!!

WOOHOO! less annoying!

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 7:00 PM PDT   0 recs

Booo!!!

I no longer have EI.

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

[sobs]

Sharon!

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 7:03 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

[sobs]

Jennifer!

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow, batting Crosby 8th

Macha would have had him (or Kendall) 3rd.

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 Apr 3, 2007 7:01 PM PDT   0 recs

I almost forgot about that

Kendall batting third...

by Zonis on Apr 3, 2007 7:02 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Man, Fox Sports are geniuses!

They make a one hour show that costs them basically nothing, where they simply count off a list of things that have happened while C and D Celebreties comment on how awesome they thought it was. And the show gets viewers because its always preceding a game!

by Zonis on Apr 3, 2007 7:01 PM PDT   0 recs

"c and d" is generous
That's what grown men do, This ain't my first rodeo. ...

by OAKobsession on Apr 3, 2007 7:08 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

mlb.tv's new "commercial break in progress"...

BreakOut® graphic is actually more annoying than last season's incessant Tom Petty.

Once again, mlb.tv manages the impossible!

My 2007 Prediction: 161-1...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 3, 2007 7:05 PM PDT   0 recs

why...

is the volume on their stupid breaks always twice as loud as the game broadcast itself?

by SuperBean on Apr 3, 2007 7:07 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

hi everybody

LET'S GO OAKLAND!!!

The year of the H guys (Harden, Haren, ... Harold???). Oakland A's, chapter 2007.

by haroldMD on Apr 3, 2007 7:08 PM PDT   0 recs

(Suppressing urge to comment...

...on why Sgt Wright finds himself in this position...)

My 2007 Prediction: 161-1...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 3, 2007 7:09 PM PDT   0 recs

Anybody been to SafeCo?

It looks like a nice park!

My 2007 Prediction: 161-1...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 3, 2007 7:12 PM PDT   0 recs

kendall is an automatic out

unless he makes two

That's what grown men do, This ain't my first rodeo. ...

by OAKobsession on Apr 3, 2007 7:13 PM PDT   0 recs

GAME OVER!

WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!
FIRE GEREN NOW!

...or is it too soon for that?

My 2007 Prediction: 161-1...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 3, 2007 7:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

It's never too soon.
"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 7:14 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Stewart looks good at the plate.
He's got a good eye. Hopefully the grass is good on his feet and he sticks around for another year or two.

by RenoTy on Apr 3, 2007 7:14 PM PDT   0 recs

Booo Kendall!!! Booo Stewart!!!

[smashes computer]

[sigh] I missed this.

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:15 PM PDT   0 recs

Woo Hoo!

WE'RE ALL GONNA LIVE!
REHIRE GEREN!

My 2007 Prediction: 161-1...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 3, 2007 7:16 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

WERE ALL GONNA GET

RADIO DELAYED

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Apr 3, 2007 7:16 PM PDT   0 recs

That's one of those times

You just lean in.

RagingHarden: Yeah if you get 20 starts out of me I'll be shocked. Like, I'll wreck my drawers.

by walk off bunt on Apr 3, 2007 7:18 PM PDT   0 recs

Too bad

that was a good AB by Chavez.  Washburn hung that one, and Chavvy stayed with it and hit is well.

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

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 7:20 PM PDT   0 recs

Yeah,
That was his nice smooth swing as well. Sometimes it goes far and other not. He hit it well, though.

by RenoTy on Apr 3, 2007 7:21 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

In other news:
These 30 second timeouts with Buan are starting to get old already. I hope they change them up A LOT this season.

by RenoTy on Apr 3, 2007 7:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Is someone giving MB shit in CF?
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 7:24 PM PDT   0 recs

I think so.

Let's go take care of them.

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 7:25 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

As long as BBG comes along!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 7:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

No, it was your typical SafeCo

reaction to any flyball out of the infield.  <HUGE cheer>  <disappointed sighs>

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Apr 3, 2007 7:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Dear Autorecrap,

Make up your mind. Wouldn't stop working last night. Won't work tonight.

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 7:24 PM PDT   0 recs

Dear Jennifer,

Kiss my ass.

Sincerely,
Autorecap

Don't shoot the messenger. Autorecap made me post this.

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:27 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

New AN can kiss my...

well, we've all heard this before.

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Apr 3, 2007 7:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

New AN = the devil

Oh, wait...Crosby is up.

Crosby = the devil

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

New AN = Crosby?
Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 3, 2007 7:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not really.

New AN = Scoot

It's never going away.

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:33 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Are you kidding?

New AN is soooo CLUTCH!!!

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

glen's comment of the year so far

would you rather have a pitcher who wins 5-4 or loses 2-1?....

ummmmmm. wow.

RIP MAC DRE and BILL KING

by jme on Apr 3, 2007 7:25 PM PDT   0 recs

That was so stupid

that is belongs in FJM's Pantheon of the Dumb

"Incidentally, this sort of helps confirm my belief that Mark Kotsay is the perfect "average" player." - FJM

by doctorK on Apr 3, 2007 7:26 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

fuckin joe morgan?
RIP MAC DRE and BILL KING

by jme on Apr 3, 2007 7:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll buy that for a dollar
"Incidentally, this sort of helps confirm my belief that Mark Kotsay is the perfect "average" player." - FJM

by doctorK on Apr 3, 2007 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

FJM = firejoemorgan.blogspot.com

A must read for any saber-wielding ANer.

by Rickeyfan on Apr 3, 2007 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Because the pitcher accounts for so many runs

on the offensive side.
In AL baseball.

by MobiusKlein on Apr 3, 2007 7:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

EI free trial 4/2 - 4/8

for all of youse who cares or needs the purty pictures

by greendatitiz on Apr 3, 2007 7:26 PM PDT   0 recs

Still waiting on In Demand...

...and MLB to ink the freakin' deal!

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 3, 2007 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Did the announcer on FSN just ask

(in defense of Blanton and his high WHIP last year and 16 wins) If I'd rather have a pitcher that wins a 5-4 game versus one that loses a 2-1 game?!? O. M. G. Give me the 2-1 pitcher any time.  Good grief.

by Rickeyfan on Apr 3, 2007 7:27 PM PDT   0 recs

yep.
RIP MAC DRE and BILL KING

by jme on Apr 3, 2007 7:28 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Post facto, I'll take the win.

When predicting who will do well this year, I'll take the ERA.

by MobiusKlein on Apr 3, 2007 7:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'll take the win...

...no matter which pitcher gets it.

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 3, 2007 7:30 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Lets go Bubble Boy!

by Amnesiac727 on Apr 3, 2007 7:30 PM PDT   0 recs

Goddamn

He didn't pull it!

"Incidentally, this sort of helps confirm my belief that Mark Kotsay is the perfect "average" player." - FJM

by doctorK on Apr 3, 2007 7:33 PM PDT   0 recs

amazing. once in a million
Bud Selig is the bravest, kindest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

by ak_A on Apr 3, 2007 7:33 PM PDT   0 recs

that was a good at bat for Crosby
"Very nice day in the Oakland A... Oakland A's? What's this stadium called again?" Nick Swisher on TWIB.

by larrysgurl on Apr 3, 2007 7:33 PM PDT   0 recs

Yep

Every swing was under control, and he took a low off-speed pitch (change?) for a ball.

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

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 7:34 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

He did it! He did it!

He took a pitch the other way!

Yay Bobby!!

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

by Nick on Apr 3, 2007 7:33 PM PDT   0 recs

Come on now.

Bobby doesn't deserve our support or positive reinforcement.

Why didn't you hit a homer, you stubborn jerk?

Stat Wonk Futurist

by salb918 on Apr 3, 2007 7:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

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

by Sharon on Apr 3, 2007 7:37 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Wow.

Keeo that stuff up

by SuperBean on Apr 3, 2007 7:34 PM PDT   0 recs

i wonder if he did that on purpose

or accident.

Bud Selig is the bravest, kindest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

by ak_A on Apr 3, 2007 7:34 PM PDT   0 recs

That ball girl and Crosby

have to be related.

"How dare Swisher take time off from his busy schedule of professional sex to draw a walk." Jeff, LL

by Jennifer on Apr 3, 2007 7:35 PM PDT   0 recs

HAHA

that actually made me laugh out loud!

by SuperBean on Apr 3, 2007 7:36 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Was that an indigestion type "Woe" or...

...a Joey Lawrence type "Woe"?

Second place in gigglingone's NCAA Tournament bracket contest!

by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Apr 3, 2007 7:36 PM PDT to parent up