You Have Got to Be Kidding Me
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 7:47 PM PDT
in News
224 comments
Just about the only thing that comes to mind is Tony's sig line: "I'll try not to swear."
Unlike many recent games, the A's much-maligned offense managed to score just enough to win today's ballgame. Early in the contest, every Cleveland run would seemingly be answered by a bomb from the A's. A first inning run? No problem. Jack Cust will hit a home run and tie this thing up. Two runs in the third for the Tribe? Ellis will cover you with a two run homer to again tie it up. Not an issue.
Then the A's actually took the lead and extended it with more help from Ellis, who had four hits, and a 9th inning would-be insurance run in the form of a Stewart shot, off the bat. The homer, his fifth, extended his hot streak, giving him three hits on the day, and pushing his average above .280.
And for a while, it seemed like our pitching was going to close the door. Haren battled through six and two-thirds before calling on Santiago Casilla who delivered a near-heroic 7th inning bases loaded jam escape and spotless 8th. The A's cruised into the 9th with a 5-3 lead, ready to add to the win column for the first time on the trip. But it wasn't meant to be.
As amazing as the Mother's Day comeback was in Oakland, with Bradley's game-tying shot and Cust's blast to win it, today's game was deathly. Would-be closer Alan Embree didn't just not close out the game, he gave it away in grand fashion, with a bow, and pre-addressed postage. Out. Walk. Out. Walk. Double. Walk. Homer. Game.
What could have been the collective release of a week's worth of frustration was evaporated and made all that more toxic in a few short minutes. What could have been a step back on the road to respectability in the standings was instead a kick in the stomach. And seriously... I'll try not to swear.
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I'll swear for you.
Fuck fuck fuck!
It's not just that Embree blew a save - it happens.
It's the fact he blew it when the A's were about to snap the losing streak that really hurts.
by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2007 7:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Now that is an honest, true perspective.
It's easy to bag on Embree because he was pitching when we lost ANOTHER game but he has been a bright spot this year. If people want to bag on individuals than they may want to choose a different guy nearly every night.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 26, 2007 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
personally...
I'd rather rag on Chavez tonight. But I'm guessing that was taken care of in the game thread.
by coffee roaster on Jun 26, 2007 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactamente, sen~or
Why I hated it, precisely that.
Well, Cleveland earned it. At least, Embree didn't balk in the tying run. For that we can feel some solice.
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What a night for Embree
First he removes Haren from consideration for starting the All Star Game. Then he gives the team a collective kick in the crotch for good measure. Can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!
by peanut gallery on Jun 26, 2007 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I almost said that...
I was going to say "kick to the nads" and I chose stomach. Some people here can be sensitive.
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, I hope
"crotch" doesn't offend anyone. Nice write-up, BTW.
by peanut gallery on Jun 26, 2007 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it removed Haren from...
...consideration at all.
by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2007 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, then
You have more faith in Leyland than I do. Personally, I don't see any way he values ERA over wins.
by peanut gallery on Jun 26, 2007 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not just ERA. It's the WHIP too.
But then again, too many people look no further than wins.
by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2007 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's my fear.
I really meant to say peripherals, but whatever. Usually, the managers get all enamoured with wins. It's not really important in the grand scheme of things. Just another reason to feel down abot the game tonight.
by peanut gallery on Jun 26, 2007 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You'll try not to ... I won't try not to
f*ck ... I park in my apt garage with Grady on 2nd, 2 outs ... by the time I get up to the apt, the game is tied, then walk, walkoff? sonoffapitch
by Rickeyfan on Jun 26, 2007 7:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
What can we get for him? Seriously I wonder.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 26, 2007 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not much.
He's overpaid and he isn't hitting right now. I'd rather wait until he starts hitting .270 again, but will that ever occur? Regardless, that kind of trade would just end up with us going sideways. We need to reload through our system.
by baseb3383 on Jun 26, 2007 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who the fuck cares?
He is worthless. Get him out of here.
by sprtsnwyn on Jun 26, 2007 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Someone would take his salary on because of his
glove and his "potential" that we have been waiting to see. I just don't see BB doing it because of the lack of return we would get for him.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 26, 2007 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anyone listen to extra innings tonight
when the second caller named Allan called in. He was a 90 year old man who played in junior high with ted williams. He made some very valid points concerning Chavez. So much so that Buan really couldn't say anything to defend the 'psychological wreck' who happens to sport the number 3. God, what a mess he is. I see in him a complete lack of confidence, an injury waiting to happen, and someone who has lost a great deal of bat speed. All of which just happened to occur in the last 2+ seasons? Come on. I wonder what's going on?
Allan also called out Geren for continuing to bat this joker 4th. All that Buan could say to this was that if you take out #3's 3 for 4 Friday night he is 1 for his last 25, the one being that garbage RBI that valentine dropped in a meaningless blowout. Pretty impressive numbers for a guy we call the franchise, eh?
Anywone else notice that most of the players Beane has acquired and who have been inked to big contracts happen to stink.
Kendall, Chavez, Loaiza, Kotsay (sorry Blez), Piazza... ? Maybe he'd be better served with a smaller budget? Anyway, this would be a whole different diary in and of itself so I'll let it be.
The season isn't over but Chavez better get his act together soon. Either that or sit on the pine.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
just to lighten up i had to
watch the berries and cream dance several times...better now.
by ak_A on Jun 26, 2007 7:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That was a great recap
pretty much summed it up perfectly.
Here's hoping the guys who didn't hit today will heat up with the rest of them and we can get a win.
by drmmerchk on Jun 26, 2007 7:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks!
I suffer from issues with insecurity, and this helps! :-)
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 7:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
here here, hip hip jario!
by ak_A on Jun 26, 2007 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the curse of Bradley
this just sucks, we were inches from winning this game with Sizemore nearly doubled off.
Billy has to designate Kendall and Kotsay. I'd like to see Chavez and Crosby start assuming some responsibility here. Some folks are just getting too comfortable. Bring back Milton.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 7:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you serious or just upset?
Kendall is making 8 mil this year and Kotsay is signed on for another year. That is not even an option at this point.
You're right about Chavez and Crosby needing to take some responsibility. They have been awful this year and they are too important to this team to be average at best.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 26, 2007 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course i'm upset
about the injuries, the sucky offense, the shaky bullpen, the losing streak, the angel's lead and more than anything the attitude of the senior players on this freakin squad.
Can the senior players bein to assume some responsibility for their actions on the field? They're dragging the team down. It's guys like Swisher, Stewart, Ellis, Casilla, Haren who are still keeping the team going.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 7:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh
what do you want them to do? Go to the press and say they suck right now? Will that make you feel better?
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
no lip service
i want them to start producing ON THE FIELD. i've had it with the endless quotes about how Chavez is fighting through injuries and about Kendall calling a good game as if it absolves them of the mistakes they commit time and again at the plate.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we are missing a BAD ASS like the Hurt
who would be lighting a fire under hacks like Chavez, Kotsay, and Crosby.
Thank God for Ellis, Swish, Garcia, and Stewart.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I forgot Cust,
he's a stud as well.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That would be the Swisher with the
.688 OPS in June ?
by green star oakland on Jun 26, 2007 9:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
by Helloooo 1st on Jun 26, 2007 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i think
we're missing a guy like Milton who can get in people's faces and bring some much needed fire to this squad.
Did you see Geren's face in the 9th. He's had that look the last few games -- a look of complete bewilderment. Just doesnt have a clue as to what's going wrong out there.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's tough to get in someone's face
When you're constantly on the DL. And not contributing anything.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
can be debated endlessly
and has been over the past several days. But the A's were a better team 6 days ago with Milton on this team whether he was healthy or not. and i dont buy one bit of what Billy's been selling to the masses about playing time crap.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, don't buy it, but so what?
You won't bring him back by saying you won't "buy it".
Just be ready to comment about what you were thinking, when more comes out.
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better, how?
I didn't see Bradley doing a whole lot to help them win while sitting on the bench.
If you're suggesting the team is somehow less without Bradley's presence, maybe they need to sack up and get over it.
by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2007 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
39-32 vs 39-37
those are the facts and we can all draw our own conclusions on what's wrong.
Bradley's DFA viewed from a team context just doesnt
make sense. UNLESS Bradley really screwed up behind the scenes (of which we have absolutely no proof but heresay).
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Word
Lead by example, that's the way it's done.
Bradley's not a future HoFer like Frank Thomas. Bradley isn't/would not be much inspiration.
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course
Bradley's not a HoFer, but you dont need a HoFer to fix this team. If that was the case, i would argue activating Piazza early as DH.
but it can be argued that Milton's presence changes the team dynamic sufficiently that it brings an edge that this team lacks and a dangerous presence to the offense. obviously when he's healthy and playing. but i wouldnt be surprised he stays healthy and produces the rest of the year with his new team given he's in his FA year.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm.
i wouldnt be surprised he stays healthy and produces the rest of the year with his new team given he's in his FA year.
You mean like he was supposed to do here?
by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2007 8:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
time will tell what happens with the a's and bradley and i would be the happiest person in the world if i'm wrong and the a's management are right. but right now i just dont see it.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't even care if the A's
win the World Series. I just want them to be in the race every year because it makes the Summer so much more interesting. And now I'm seriously worried that for the first time since 1998, I'm going to have to get used to watching meaningless games. And that's depressing.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 7:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Happy birthday Nico!
There. That's less depressing. Seriously, we will have up weeks and down weeks. We always get this way. I hate it too, but I don't foresee meaningless games in the near term.
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 7:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The A's have literally never
won a game in my 40s. I don't like being 40.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 9:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You share a Bday with Kendall?
Well happy birthday to you Nico... I thought Louis was joking. You are a gift to AN. Your jokes always make me smile. Now go do something fun on your birthday!
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 9:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Happy Birthday, kid
No offense to Blez or anyone else, but i think you're the MVP of AN.
As for turning 40, i can hardly remember doing that, even though it was just a bit over 2 years ago. That's the kind of thing you have to look forward to.
I'm going to go put my teeth back in.
by danh on Jun 26, 2007 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks guys.
I'd trade your compliments for a scoreless 9th tonight in a heartbeat, but...thanks.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 9:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
yikes, meaningless games!
(tries to contain self and does berries and cream dance)
by ak_A on Jun 26, 2007 7:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I blame it on you
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 7:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope it does not come to that
But if it does, here is a place you can go for lessons on how to enjoy meaningless games.
by Soaker on Jun 26, 2007 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No such thing as meaningless game
You always play to win. The only fans who don't understand that are fans of teams that have spoiled them by being contenders year after year for so long that we don't even remember what it was like.
Besides that, don't forget 1995. The Angels locked up the division early, way out in front for most of the season. Some time in August the Mariners were 13 games behind. But then the Angels started losing and the Mariners started winning, and on the last day of the season the Mariners knocked out the Angels and took the pennant.
We're only 9 games back and it's only June. Anything can happen.
by iglew on Jun 26, 2007 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this comment makes no sense.
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This was such a frustrating game
The A's should've won this game to end the four-game slide and get the vibe good in the clubhouse once again. Instead they gave it up in grand fashion to Kelly Freaking Shoppach of all people.
My wife just looked at me and said, "You look really just disgusted right now" without knowing what had happened. If I had a bowl I would've thrown up right then and there.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 7:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Come on, Blez. Keep your head up.
If anyone should have faith in our 2nd half runs, I would certainly expect it from you.
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 26, 2007 7:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right
I'd just prefer to lose the 10-2 games in New York than this kind. This hurts a lot more because you've basically mentally put it up as a win.
I just look at the roster right now and with Harden still a huge question mark, Loaiza no where to be found, Piazza seemingly three weeks away at the earliest, Calero gone (that should've happened a while ago), Duchscherer just now getting somewhat close and Huston Street nowhere in sight, it's got me down. Our team has a much smaller margin for error. Especially with all of our guys on the DL.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I concede the season
and lay it all at the fat feet of Larry "All-Star" Davis. These guys are repeatedly on the DL because of that sacred cow's inability to find stretching and training regimens that work and that's the truth even if no one wants to hear it.
Plus I think Beane thoroughly demoralized the team by cutting Bradley loose in such a humiliating fashion. I expect a massive fire sale in the next few weeks and to be in last place until the new stadium shrine to Cisco Systems opens in a few years.
Meh.
by emperor nobody on Jun 26, 2007 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Concede the season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nonsense. There is a long way to go .
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't concede
But Larry Davis is terrible at life. He should be fired and forced to undergo his own physical therapy regimens so he too can have shoulder inpingements, bulging disks, torn hamstrings, and tendonitis in his forearms.
by baseb3383 on Jun 26, 2007 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations. That's the most negative thing..
..I've seen someone say in a long time.
by Flashfire on Jun 26, 2007 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last place??
If there's one thing that would be even harder than catching the Angels, it's catching the Rangers!
by iglew on Jun 26, 2007 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has anyone in the media asked Beane et al
why the fuck Davis still has a job?
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unlike a lot of people, I don't blame Larry Davis
He's a trainer. He's the guy that sends the players TO the doctor and monitors them. He doesn't make the prognosis, doesn't assign the treatments, that's what the medical doctors do. He also doesn't assign the conditioning for the players, that's what the strength and conditioning coach does. All he is is a field medic. Nothing more. As for the medical staff, most doctors are cautious about muscle problems, but some times these things crop up and don't go away. If Harden doesn't improve, I'd suspect surgery will wind up being the answer.
by DMOAS on Jun 26, 2007 9:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you, DMOAS
But we need an easy scapegoat. :-)
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 9:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Personally I don't fault Larry Davis, yet
I think what's happening with the A's is happening around the league. All the guys got used to preparing to play baseball a certain way, this may have included steroid fueled workouts, hgh, enhanced recovery times, amphetamines during games, and who knows what else they were using to play.
now, with the new rules, everyone needs to remix their max performance cocktails, and a lot of these bodies are blowing up under the rigors of playing a professional sport every day.
I think the league and the A's will adjust and injuries will be reduced in the next few years, I also think a lot of players in their late 30's will be retired and borderline players 33-36 won't get that one last three year contract.
by connie mack on Jun 26, 2007 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just use "Larry Davis" to represent
all the various dumbf**k members of the A's medical team who masquerade as competent professionals.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 9:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As do I at times.
But this fire Larry Davis, as funny as it comes across, tends to be too serious and completely ignores the fact that he's doing his job well... which just happens to be escorting the dead to the cemetery. Granted, it would be nice to have a flashier Undertaker with a cooler looking hearse, but hey, we can't have it all, we are, afterall, on a tight budget.
by DMOAS on Jun 26, 2007 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dumbfucks?
Think of the kids!
In any case, if my kids ever want to learn math (probability, statistics), or the scientific method, I think I'll direct them away from the Berkeley hills...
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 11:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
as a vote of confidence ...
... you should send them to learn the healing arts and general anatomy on Hegenberger.
by monkeyball on Jun 27, 2007 12:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maintain the cool man
We are all fans here and suffered the same fate. Had the box score on yahoo and saw the changes... I could not believe Embry was out there after getting hit hard again last night. We just need to give the guy a break.
Frustrations are getting to all of us. I keep hoping that we will get something for Milton besides his curse on us...
by Charlie Brown on Jun 26, 2007 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ahh, ben & jerry's creme brulee ice cream.
it helps soothe the pain.
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 7:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
ahh, a $3.99 bottle of Trader Joe's chardonnay
is soothing my pain...a little bit.
by Soaker on Jun 26, 2007 7:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trader Joe's got good wine prices
Just in there the other day, not for wine, then...
Whoa, wow, wow, and wow! again.
Maybe some is crap, but I liked the possibilities!
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Aaahh, Humboldt outdoor
...eases the pain
by fridaynightfan on Jun 26, 2007 8:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't take the negativity around this place.
It's not surprising why everyone is upset but I love this team too much to read anymore negative stuff. Hopefully we'll ALL be happy later in the summer...
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 26, 2007 7:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow. Just now reading that one. Back at ya!
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 27, 2007 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We are all disappointed
but we will all be there watching and supporting the team again tomorrow. These kinds of losses really get people riled up.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
We're not even to the halfway point on the season, and it's not like we are 10 games below .500. We are still right in this with a win tomorrow.
by baseb3383 on Jun 26, 2007 8:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's right.
The other good thing is that ...we did hit tonight and if not for the blown save we would have won that game and deservedly so.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
We played well for 8 2/3 innings. It happens. We've had good pitching, and some good timely hitting; we just need to put it together for a game.
by baseb3383 on Jun 26, 2007 8:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I missed the game, but
looking at the box score, it looks like Ellis hit very well tonight.
by iglew on Jun 26, 2007 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ellis was a triple away from the cycle!
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavy was just 4 hits away from the cycle!
as was Swish, Kotsay, Crosby, Kotsay, Suzuki, Bradley, Giambi, Tejada, Menechino, Piatt, and T-Long
by danh on Jun 26, 2007 9:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and let's not forget
by flipgatey3 on Jun 26, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't read the game thread
so I am sure that I am being repetitive...but I hope if this season continues to go badly and we get rid of a bunch of guys...that they include Mr. Eric walks on water Chavez along with Mr. I don't care if I make an out, I hit my WAY Crosby!
As for Embree two games in a row that he didn't look sharp...hopefully he gets back to his winning ways.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:00 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
For all the praise that Chavez has received, he is a horribly undisciplined hitter. Easiest way to get him out? Slider way off the outside corner or in the dirt from a lefty. He just flails every freakin time. No wonder he hits under .200 against them.
by baseb3383 on Jun 26, 2007 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and Crosby
is a Chavez from the right side. we just have too many of these guys on our team right now.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FYI
Chavez broke all Billy Beane's hitting records at Mt Carmel High in San Diego. That's why he's got the inside "pass".
Crosby's another SoCal guy, and anointed by Peter Gammons; well, if Peter can't see a future HoFer, who can??
Yep, maybe we're getting a whole new infield, who knows?
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your recaps
are always excellent Louis. Great job.
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 8:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Excellent job, Louis.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent job
Good work Louis.
Plenty of pats on the back to help around here.
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Woo. At least there's something!
<wipes away tear>
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Go to hell!
Sorry, I was posessed by sprtswyn there for a second!
by McFood on Jun 27, 2007 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was about to write a diary
saying the A's should have a fire sale, but then I realized that the A's don't have anyone of value to trade.
Seriously, Beane really has to look at what he's been doing recently and back off it.
We would have to give away the player that we would normally have to trade away!
Crosby. Kotsay. Kendall.
Who has any value?
Embree? (before tonight...)
Kennedy?
by Zonis on Jun 26, 2007 8:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn this really sucks.....
I flew to Cleveland to watch these games and i just walked back to my Hotel room. Anyone who has watched the A's play this year who didn't see that coming is just fooling themselves. Sitting in the stadium it was so painfully obvious what was going to happen, I never really felt good about this one. When Stewart hit the home run in the ninth the fans here in Cleveland started filing out of the stadium and I almost felt like we might have a chance.
Damn, what can you say about these games. I would judt like to know if the A's and particulary Eric Chavez, are ever going to get a hit with runners in scoring position again this season? I mean WTF? I mean everytime I see Chavezs come up with nobody on base I think to myself ok here come the single or double, now when no one is on base.
And don't even get me started with Harden, again I ask WTF is wrong with him, maybe he just needs to retire, apparently he is way to fragile to be an athlete. Again there he was last night nothing appeared to be wrong with him and then we here that he is hurt again, give me a break.
I could just go on and on......There is an "A" in FrustrAted!!!!!!!
by wacchampions on Jun 26, 2007 8:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Don't sit in your hotel room tonight
Head on over to The Flats and enjoy the rest of your evening! A trip to see the A's should be fun, not frustrating...win or lose!!
by Soaker on Jun 26, 2007 8:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you for the advice.....
I wont let this ruin my trip but man was painful...and it so hot and humid here right now...that made it even worse....LOL!!
by wacchampions on Jun 26, 2007 8:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BTW
How about my favorite player, Mark Ellis? Sending him some love for stepping up his game.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha some guy ripping into Chavez on xtra innings
Sad thing is, most of the stuff he says is true.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn..I wish i could here it here...
by wacchampions on Jun 26, 2007 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh forget it.
Dude had some good points until he started accusing Chavez of using steroids. Chavez's got faults but being a roider isn't one of them.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Noone knows who is a roider ...
and who is not. Since so many guys used. Chavez may have been a roider but the caller has no way of knowing and neither do we.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
Haha but if Chavez is a roider, he must be taking the wrong ones cuz they sure as heck ain't helping him at all.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
was a roider is what was suggested.
Do you look at Mota, Franklin, Alex Sanchez, and Juan Rincon and think roider? No, not in a million years. They were skinny. The sad truth is a great many players were on the juice.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do we know?
I don't think Chavez was a juicer, but there is no way to know. That is the mess that MLB and the MLBPA created; every player who struggles with injuries while declining in performance is suspect because so many people were juicing and no testing was in place.
by BlameChannel53 on Jun 26, 2007 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I agree with you.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Allan was the man.
Buan got defensive as hell when the 90 year old Allan accussed Chavy of taking steroids. Allan is the man.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I bet Nico is a 'roider
A hemmorhoider.
by McFood on Jun 27, 2007 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
this smacks a bit of
Dotels walkoff fiascos in Boston couple years back.
by ak_A on Jun 26, 2007 8:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
No, because Embree is not supposed
to be our closer. Dotel was the guy, and no other.
And he failed. Embree never pretended he was a closer. He took it on, manned up, did pretty well.
Just unfortunate he simply didn't hit Pronk with a pitch. I think he could've gotten the next batter out, even with the bases jammed.
After all, sometimes teams don't score with the bases jammed (see Chavez, Eric, one out hitting man at third).
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 8:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
I was actually in Boston for that one, and the Red Sox deserved that game. It was actually fun to see the A's lose with such an amped crowd. Of course I wanted a different result, but what can you do?
This is simply payback for the Mother's Day game. What goes around, comes around.
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 8:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was there for that one..
sad sad day. Beautiful ball park though.
by SwisherSweet33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Make Some Trades Now
Trade DJ, Crosby, and Harden for some offense. I want Tejada back. This team is the worst A's team I have watched in a few years. Make some freaking trades BB. We have to many hitters who can't hit. Don't even get me started on Chavez. Damn
by Scooter on Jun 26, 2007 8:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Miggy is hurt
by 3Chavy3 on Jun 26, 2007 8:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He wont resume baseball activities till august
by 3Chavy3 on Jun 27, 2007 11:07 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez is just a lousy hitter period
He has power but it's like he just gives up and stikes out or pops up. Damn.
by Scooter on Jun 26, 2007 8:22 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm really glad that Suzuki stays on the bench
Without the KME, the pitchers' ERAs might start to rise and we might start losing games.
by BlameChannel53 on Jun 26, 2007 8:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
If Suzuki doesn't start tomorrow, I think I'll throw something. I don't believe it but the A's are well on their way to Antonio Perezing (aka Keith Ginterizing) one of their best prospects.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lucky Suzuki
He gets to catch DiNardo pitching against one of the best offenses in baseball. If DiNardo gets lit up, it will all be Suzuki's fault according to the KME folks.
by BlameChannel53 on Jun 26, 2007 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Remember the first game
that Dinardo pitched for us as a starter? I thought it would be a big L and yet he Won. So let's hope that we get a surprise again tomorrow.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what I don't get?
DiNardo and Kennedy are, in all likelihood, gonna stink it up anyways regardless of who's behind the plate. I'm pretty sure Beane and the rest of the A's management recognize this. Kendall can't help bad pitchers turn it into good pitchers (he might be able to help good pitchers like Haren and Blanton get better but there's no proof for this and I can't find proof to disprove it yet). So if DiNardo and Kennedy can't be helped by a catcher, why not let Suzuki catch all their games? That way, Suzuki gets start at least 3 times a week, which can be instrumental to his progress as a big league catcher.
Of course, we'll get a bunch of ANers screaming about how Suzuki's crappy pitch calling is making Kennedy and Dinardo suck without realizing the real reason why they suck: because they're not good pitchers.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
and i fully agree. Suzuki has just morphed into another Melhuse recently. it really doesnt help to keep him on the bench if he's going to be our starting catcher next year.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless....
He isn't going to be our starting catcher next year, and I'm starting to believe that more and more.
by nodaclu on Jun 26, 2007 9:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good stuff this week, louis!
by Jennifer on Jun 26, 2007 8:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
royals up 4-1 over the angels
in the top of the 5th.
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 8:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but...
The Mariners are winning.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 8:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Up 5-1 now... Go KC
The Mighty Angels in danger of losing their second game in a row to the lowly Royals... At home.
The Angels could easily go on a losing streak as well... This game is cyclical, and I wouldn't be surprised if the A's win 6 out of the next 7 or 8. It's the way baseball is.
I feel that this same thing happens every year - The team sucks, no way that can even remain in it. Let's blow the team up, they don't even deserve to be in the Big Leagues.
Game Over, Season Over.
Last Year at the break - wasn't their numerous arguments about trading the whole team...
Just give it time - maybe this is the year they don;t turn it around... But I refuse to buy in to the doomsday theory when year after year the team finds a way to stay in the race and compete.
by SD Erik on Jun 26, 2007 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course I agree, SD Erik
However, unlike previous years when we were just waiting to get guys healthy, I'm not convinced we will get that much healthier this year. Street and Harden are big question marks, Bradley is gone, and Piazza is coming back from a tough injury only to be log-jammed with Cust (neither of those guys will help the A's if they play the field). That leaves us really waiting on Loaiza and Duke, which I am, eagerly--but honestly is that enough to propel this team to a super-strong second half?
That being said, give me an 8-2 stretch and I'll be more optimistic. Right now, the team is close to .500 and looking too much like a .500 team for my comfort.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 9:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you Nico
We're playing about as well as you'd expect from a team fielding a AAA+ pitching staff and sub-par offense. When 5 of your top pitchers have been gone or will be gone for most of the year and for potentially the rest of the year, you simply can't expect them to compete in the long run.
If this continues towards the middle of July, I'd expect a reshuffling of the deck. Not necessarily a fire sale, but an attempt to use what we have in an effort to prepare for next year. This season is far from over, but the level of hope that a healthy team would give me right now is being scuttled by the simple fact that the we won't be healthy this year.
by DMOAS on Jun 26, 2007 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
casilla should be the closer for now PERIOD
gosh im getting sick of this shit
by buckfan6 on Jun 26, 2007 8:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the bullpen
looks really scary right now. i mean most of the guys in there were not even on the team to start the season. we lost our 7th, 8th and 9th inning guys in Calero, Duke and Street.
by oak1 on Jun 26, 2007 8:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I want to say "small sample size"
Every outing by a closer is magnified. Embree lost today. Casilla did well. If Casilla gives up a bomb in the 7th, this is a very different recap. The next time, when the shoe is on the other foot, are we calling for Embree to save us?
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 8:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Embree gives up runs two innings in a row.
As a closer, that hurts our fragile psyche
by MobiusKlein on Jun 26, 2007 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Casilla probably will be
Embree was annointed by default because there were no better options. Casilla is now a better option. Trouble is, he'll probably do about the same as Embree; ok but not Street or Duke. There aren't too many Streets and Dukes out there.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 9:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if Casilla is closer
who pitches with the bases loaded in the 7th ?
by green star oakland on Jun 26, 2007 9:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
what about tomorrow's bullpen?
jairo threw 30 pitches today. is he available tomorrow? embree threw 24 but also 22 yesterday. so if lenny doesn't go 9 (!), who pitches the late innings?
by danh on Jun 26, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
BA isn't the best measure of offense..
..but nearly every Angels hitter in the lineup tonight has a batting average higher than the hitters in the A's lineup (the exception is Jose Molina who at .239 is still higher than Chavez and Crosby). 7 of the 9 hitters in that lineup are hitting over .300
Stats are fluctuating due to the game currently in progress.
by lenscrafters on Jun 26, 2007 8:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
Other teams don't have Jason Kendall the God on them and they manage to win. Dinardo is new to our team. He should have Suzuki as his catcher every game. Haren as the ace has earned the right to request the catcher of his choice. Like Maddux did when he was on the Braves. He didn't like Javi Lopez so he was allowed to have Perez catch for him every game.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 26, 2007 9:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was ours!
I can't believe it. I thought it was bad when I had to cover my eyes numerous times before Stewart's HR....
but I basically couldn't breathe for about 5 minutes after the walkoff. I couldn't swear... I just couldn't breathe!
Ugh.
by streetfan on Jun 26, 2007 8:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
You need to foresee the possibles
and not get too taken in.
Baseball is that way. Know it. Just remember, it is on television to entertain you, not hurt you. It's tough to lose, but no one was hurt with an IED!
by One won lost won on Jun 26, 2007 9:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My dad said the same
"It's only a game"... then my mom reminded me "There are a lot of baseball games in a season"!
Yep.
by streetfan on Jun 26, 2007 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's gonna be OK
Baseball's a funny game.
by calvin on Jun 26, 2007 9:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Phil watching Embree
by LawDaddy on Jun 26, 2007 9:14 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
wow
billy moves FAST!!
from rotoworld:
Athletics acquired RHP Jermaine Van Buren from the Nationals for a player to be named.
Van Buren is typically one of the best relievers in Triple-A, but he had a 4.50 ERA and a 32/26 K/BB ratio for Columbus this season. In 13 innings for the Red Sox last year, he gave up 17 runs and walked 15. The A's might take a look at him in middle relief, but he'll have to throw more strikes in order to avoid being a huge liability.
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 9:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
And the player to be named might be.....
apparently not Chavy or Crosby.
by kapers on Jun 26, 2007 9:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
another '08-09 flyer/prospect ...
... who will be tossed in to give up lots of runs in mopup work this year.
I look at Beane's moves since the beginning of the season, and I don't think he expected to win more than 85 games this year. If that.
by monkeyball on Jun 27, 2007 1:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's been in AAA since 2004
but looks like a typical Beane pickup. I like the pickup, but I'm wondering when we get his teammates James Jefferson, Chuck Lincoln, and Henry Madison.
by jubjub on Jun 27, 2007 5:55 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giants are trying to get Zito a win
He pitched pretty well tonight but was down 2-1. Went 8 innings and kept his pitch count under 100.
by kapers on Jun 26, 2007 9:25 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I blame FSU...
Isn't that dude on vacation this week or something? We need to get him back!
by BruceBochte on Jun 26, 2007 9:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Didn't he go to Tahoe?
This is weird. He's not getting the hints.
by Jennifer on Jun 27, 2007 4:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't Chavez whiffing
because of a rib cage injury? I haven't kept up with the sports press recently.
I'd like to believe he's still hurting, so I can continue to nurture my fantasies of him realizing his (long held-off) potential.
Remember how Billy called him the perfect ballplayer in "Moneyball?"
by Checkswing HR on Jun 26, 2007 9:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Doyle hurt again
Damn.
If we're going to lose, I at least want to see him play. And I can't fall back on writing ill-informed, poorly-spelled, dumbass screeds.
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 9:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One at bat, one knee injury
He looks right on schedule. What a tragedy.
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
13th (knee surgery) time's the charm.
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 10:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Doyle" needs to be junked by AN
The "Doyle" nickname was an attempt by Mariners fans to change the karma surrounding Chris Snelling. "Maybe if we refer to him by his middle name, his luck vis a vis injuries will change." That was a nice idea, but it didn't work. By referring to him as "Doyle", all we are doing is importing bad karma from Seattle. I have used "Doyle" in reference to Snelling in the past, but I hereby suggest that its use be abolished on AN henceforth.
Surely, some of our creative minds can come up with a new nickname which will turn Snelling into the .300, 30 HR, 100 RBI player we all know he is destined to be.
by Soaker on Jun 26, 2007 9:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a bad idea
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I killed him with my penultimate sig
then I killed Milton.
then I killed Snelling again.
No pro-MaEl sigs will be forthcoming.
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
You should write your next sig about Vlad. Or the angels pitching staff.
by peanut gallery on Jun 26, 2007 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about George Herman...nah, too long.
Let's just use "Babe" instead.
by McFood on Jun 27, 2007 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ex Catcher > Ex Pitcher
Always.
by Hit4TheCycle on Jun 26, 2007 9:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe I'm rooting for Boston
to win this game.
by pam5981 on Jun 26, 2007 9:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
is it possible
the halos can come back from being down 12-3 in the 8th?? We had a chance to narrow the Grand Canyon in the AL west with a win tonight, but nooooo.
by kapers on Jun 26, 2007 9:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
A balm in Gilead
- E. German safe at first on third baseman C. Figgins' throwing error, J. Gathright to third, D. DeJesus to second, J. Gathright scored, D. DeJesus to third
----
- E. German scored, M. Teahen to third on wild pitch
----
- J. Gathright safe at first on third baseman C. Figgins' throwing error, T. Pena Jr. to second, T. Pena Jr. to third
- D. DeJesus hit sacrifice fly to deep center, T. Pena Jr. scored
----
- J. Gathright stole third, J. Gathright scored, D. DeJesus to second on J. Molina's throwing error
- E. German ground rule double to deep right, D. DeJesus scored
- E. Brown walked
- A. Gordon homered to deep right, E. German and E. Brown scored
----
by green star oakland on Jun 26, 2007 9:52 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I only feel sort of bad
laughing at the fact that FINALLY everything going wrong is going wrong for the Angels, and everything going right is going right for their opponent. It makes me feel slightly better knowing that if the Royals hang on to win this game the Angels will lose a series. Finally.
by drmmerchk on Jun 26, 2007 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My DVR cuts out after 3 hours, I thought we had the win sealed untill I came on AN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dammit!!!! 5 in a row sucks....
by Shippee33 on Jun 26, 2007 9:58 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
So you didn't see
the collision between Haren and Swisher? It was an ugly way for the game to end. It's no wonder Ellis had a heart attack, frankly.
by Nico on Jun 26, 2007 10:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if Ellis wasn't so goddamn *fragile*...
by Poppy on Jun 26, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rating of the 2nd game thread...
...despite the Very Bad Things in the bottom of the 9th:
This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:
pain (2x)
punch (1x)
Nice control, people! You must have been much more civilized in the game thread than I was in my living room...
by Poppy on Jun 26, 2007 10:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Pain and punch get you an R?
I remember when an R rating meant something. Geez.
by peanut gallery on Jun 26, 2007 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
piazza
i REALLY don't under this piazza-as-the-backup-catcher thing! why do the A's want him to be the backup catcher so badly that they'd wait an extra three weeks for him to work up his throwing arm when he's ready to hit now ESPECIALLY when we desperately need some offense right now!
and what about our future catcher suzuki? i thought they want him to learn from kendall??
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed
i dont understand how a team 10 games back can say we dont need the bat of a future HOFer who we're paying 8.5mil to
by faninphilly on Jun 26, 2007 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
from susan slusser
Piazza, a projected Hall of Famer who was signed over the winter strictly to DH, would have been ready to DH in this series had the original rehab plan held up.
link.
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would Piazza have pitched better?
Cust was the DH and Cust homered. I have less faith that Piazza would have done the same.
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know some disagree
But I would be willing to take Cust's defense in LF, take out Stewart or Johnson, and use Piazza at DH
by faninphilly on Jun 26, 2007 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't disagree
Despite Stewart's HR tonight, and his .283 average, I'm still in denial. As a fan, I reserve the right to avoid logic. It'd be great to see Cust out there for all 162. Imagine the possibilities. Heck, let's get Stairs back too, have Stairs and Cust patrol the corners, with Buck in center, and put Swish at first. That'd be entertaining.
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
i guess i'm still in denial about cust
i'm a little surprised the A's want his bat in the lineup badly enough to have piazza go back behind the plate. yeah, his 12 HRs are great but all those strikeouts are not!
and piazza as our catcher? oh man, that's going to be some interesting times on AN when that happens!
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Problem is:
Neither of them can play the field.
Explanation is: Cust is a way better hitter than Piazza.
by mikeA on Jun 26, 2007 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 out of 3 ain't bad
we lost, -1
Angles probably losing tonight, +1
we didn't lose anyone else to injury, Harden not completely gone, +1
2 out of 3.
by asfansince1989 on Jun 26, 2007 10:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Trade Eric Chavez and Bobby Crosby
for Tejada and move Scoot to Third.
Let Embree come up in middle relief and let Castilla close.
It's better than nothing.
by oaklandSMASH on Jun 26, 2007 10:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
WILL PEOPLE GET THIS THROUGH YOUR
HEADS, TEJADA WILL BE OUT UNTIL AUGUST.
by theblackpearl on Jun 26, 2007 10:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
I don't get all the sudden asking for the A's to get Tejada. They realize that he broke his wrist, right? Or do they just want another warm body on the DL?
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh
Miggy, Bradley and Harden could be like the A's Will Farrell and Cheri O'Teri cheerleaders.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jun 26, 2007 10:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really pressing for that new DL record of 22.
by Poppy on Jun 26, 2007 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's kind of like saying ...
... "I want Marvin and Wendy back!"
by monkeyball on Jun 27, 2007 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
He also has a WHOPPING 1 more HR than Crosby,
and 4 less than Chavy, but I guess he can will 4 or 5 runs a game.
by theblackpearl on Jun 26, 2007 10:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry
I guess I was to blinded by the loss to remember that happened.
by oaklandSMASH on Jun 27, 2007 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are SOOOOOOOOOOOO Right
but it won't be done, as Chavez and Crosby are the favored ones
by FanSinceKC on Jun 26, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In my gut I feel like this season is over.
I think the A's are hamstrung by Chavez' contract. I posted last night in a different thread trading Chavez is addition by subtraction. Tejada's contract gets over one year quicker than Chavez, and is for less money, and he's a better hitter in clutch situations.
So what if he hits less home runs, I'll take singles with the bases loaded.
Also, Tejada is right handed and would be real protection for Cust.
Frankly I don't think Crosby is going to evolve as a ballplayer in Oakland, and neither is Chavez. If we trade them and get what we can for them, (and I think the O's would take Crosby for Tejada almost straight up) They would get to dump payroll and his 'bad attitude' and he's on the decline.
I would love a left side of the lineup made of Tejada and Crede (traded for Crosby and Chavez) We come out ahead on salary over the life of the contracts.
by connie mack on Jun 26, 2007 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
trade chavez, put barton there
bring him up we got nothign to lose
by buckfan6 on Jun 26, 2007 10:35 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Face of the A's
Chavvy's ... and it's as dull and vacant as his hitting.
by FanSinceKC on Jun 26, 2007 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The offense did not do well,
This team is no closer to being better than it was the night before. If anything we're closer to being worse after a loss like tonight's. Do not let the 5 runs blind you, we won't hit 3 homers every night. In case you missed it, Chavez and Cust fucked up a golden opportunity early in the game by leaving the bags full. Another "clutch" situation down the drain as Chavez swung at a 3-1 pitch at his ankles, eventually striking out, and Cust grounded out feebly to Barfield.
by Helloooo 1st on Jun 26, 2007 10:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
the keeping chavez vs. keeping miggy discussions
= TIRED ACT.
by gotgreen on Jun 26, 2007 10:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Chavez
is the tired act, gotgreen.
by FanSinceKC on Jun 26, 2007 10:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let me save some time here...
... Is not!
... Is too!
... Nuh uh!
... Yuh huh!
... Liar!
... No, you are!
... Takes one to know one!
<fight ensues>
by louismg on Jun 26, 2007 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are indeed
above the fray, my lord.
by FanSinceKC on Jun 26, 2007 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well......shit
Sorry, louis, I tried.
A) Happy bday, Nico. You crack me up pretty consistently. I apologize for the miniature run of spats we had, like, 2 years ago.
B) I honestly can't say I'm that upset. For people who have been on AN for a long time, this probably comes as a surprise. See, I used to be sort of a glass half empty type of fellow. Now, ever since Bradley's walkoff v Ryan last year, and my ensuing positivity epiphany, I am a sunshine overflowing motherfucker! As long as Milt is on the squad, everything will be ........huh? Really? For nothing? Never mind.
I have to disagree with something Nico said at the beginning of this thread. I would actually be ok with meaningless games this summer IF IF IF IF IF I felt it was a "one step back, two steps forward" type of scenario. Most of our vets are pretty mediocre and aren't going to net much in return. HOWEVER, if the net return is getting valuable experience for Suzuki, Buck, Casilla, Barton, Melilo, etc, then I'm okay with it. I would rather finish in last this year and 1st in 3 years, then finish in 2nd or 3rd for all those years.
So, I introduce a new catchphrase to go with the familiar post-win saying. After losses from now on, it shall be 2 simple words: Fire Sale.
by Tony on Jun 26, 2007 11:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Facing the reality of our predicament
As Blez noted above, the A's probably falling to their natural level.
At the beginning of the season, most people - including me - picked the A's to finish second and fail to make the playoffs. Well, they are third, behind a better-than-expected Mariners squad, but that's not far off. And the team has had an almost comical number of injuries (i.e. the team's best three relievers last year). Still, the A's are over .500 because of some really outstanding starting pitching.
The problem is that the team - which used smoke, mirrors, and Frank Thomas to get by last year - isn't really that good. They're not horrible and not great.
This does not promise to be a fun stretch run. The Angels are better. Cleveland or some other second place team is also better. That means the A's don't make the playoffs, and probably are not a serious playoff contender.
So what to do? First, you wait until mid-July before doing anything drastic, because maybe things turn around. Even then, I don't think Beane has it in him to stage a fire sale. I do agree with Tony that it's important to allow the players who might be part of the team's future to start playing. There's no point in keeping Piazza on the team, because he's probably not better than the guy currently playing his position. There's no reason to call up your promising heir apparent catcher and not let him play. Suzuki needs to split time, and if he does okay, he should be the starter. If Kendall doesn't like it, Beane should dump him.
If Barton is ready, fine, call him up and play him every day.
These sorts of changes might hurt the team's 2007 performance a little, although it might actually help. But in a few weeks, barring a significant turnaround, it will be time to start planning for next year.
by bear88 on Jun 27, 2007 12:21 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"most people"? really?
Before the season started, I was saying 85-87 wins, tops, and was pretty lonely.
by monkeyball on Jun 27, 2007 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
well monkey, are you happy now?
<slam downs coffee mug and stomps off to work>
by ak_A on Jun 27, 2007 7:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can I have a
"88 wins will take the West" update?
by mikeA on Jun 27, 2007 9:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure! gladly!
Basic mathematics (of the sort they allegedly don't teach in the East Bay hills) tells us that if the second-place team only wins 87 games, then the first-place team need win only 88.
Snark aside, I'm surprised at how well the Angels have been playing; I'm still pretty confident that they're going to suffer some serious injuries and go through some injury-related as well as regression-to-the-mean plus random-ass cold spells. And, yes, you and andeux were absolutely correct that the Angels are logically "on track" to outpace my guess.
by monkeyball on Jun 27, 2007 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Walks
Why did Embree have to walk all those dudes? Was his stuff so bad that any strike would be a hit? A four pitch walk with two outs to V. Martinez? KME is dead to me forever.
by MobiusKlein on Jun 26, 2007 11:38 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
At least we don't have Todd Jones
and his 1.71 WHIP as our closer...
by jubjub on Jun 27, 2007 6:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
most saw this slide happening
no MLB baseball team can experience the same amount of injuries the a's currently have and not begin to slide below .500
nevertheless, come sept the a's will be right there for a playoff spot. i think most of us have been through these stretches with the a's.
the boys will be OK in the end.
go a's!
by bigelephant on Jun 27, 2007 8:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Posted on Halo's Heaven
nevah evah.
They compete, every year."
If only we had such faith
by chadgaudummy on Jun 27, 2007 9:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That HH user will be banned now
for not toeing their "Oaky Choaky" line.
by Poppy on Jun 27, 2007 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
P-A-N-T-H-E-R
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 27, 2007 2:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Season not over yet but....
I've thought for a while if they fall 10 back the division is gone. The wild card isn't gone but the wild card you battle 3-5 teams so that's not much easier than the division.
Chavez needs to have surgerey on what ever is hurting and we'll see him in 2008. He is Kendall with an occasinal solo homer.
My students gave me a framed picture of Chavez as a present and I said, "This guy is great catching the ball, hitting not so much."
Last night's loss has got to be the worst of the year in my opinion.
by Mr C on Jun 27, 2007 10:11 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh happy day we are only 9 games out ;-)
Chavy may really be this mediocre and it's gonna be tough to face when you look at our future operating budget. Ouch-eee-wah-wah!
by ohtobe21likehuston on Jun 27, 2007 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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