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4 Score! And 7 Years Ago, The A's Last Won A Baseball Game

Goat_tiny by Nico on in News

Perhaps the ultimate embarrassment came just a few minutes ago, when Mike Piazza requested to extend his stay in Stockton because he feels he needs a higher level of competition. OK, that didn’t happen but everything else did, such as:

• The A’s scored 4 runs in a game for the first time in 12 games—and they lost by 7 runs.

• The only time Joe Kennedy could find the plate was when he was trying to throw to third base.

And so on. But whether it was A’s pitchers giving up runs all 3 innings after the A’s had scored, or Suzuki unable to throw out a base stealer on a pitchout, or Crosby unable to handle a one-hopper to SS, or giving up triples to Vazquez, sacrifice flies to short RF, and a 5/5 to Michael Young, there is a bottom, bottom line and that is that the A’s tonight were not futile, they were utterly embarrassing.

And lifeless. I couldn’t help but note Chavez’ interview comment, aired at the start of the broadcast, about how Ron Washington brought tremendous energy and life to the field every day. I thought about how the A’s lost Wash in the off-season, then lost Milton Bradley three weeks ago, and now no longer seem to be able to show any life or win any baseball games. I’m not sure there’s any connection, I’m really not. I just know that the A’s look so bad, and so lifeless, right now that I can’t find words that could adequately convey how bad things have gotten in Oakland. Which is why I’m going to bed. G’nite.

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Ididn't think that they looked lifeless.

They just looked shitty. Lifeless can be fixed. Shitty can't.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 10:43 PM PDT   0 recs

Well said
Prince: This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?

by baseb3383 on Jul 17, 2007 10:47 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Thanks

I am going to Las Vegas next week... the timing is great. Can't stand another week of thinking about this season. Anyone else need a break?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 10:50 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

This was the first time

I thought they looked lifeless. Deer in the headlights lifeless, like they were waiting for bad things to happen and then making sure.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 17, 2007 10:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, in context

even shitty can be fixed, if players play at their potential.  Playing well below their ability could be fixed.  The trouble is, overlapping sub-par performances.  See Suzuki, not-Ichiro.  See pitching (pick any).

"Anger blows out the lamp of the mind" Robert Ingersoll, 19th C. American Orator

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:18 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

After looking at LL's "Sinking Ship" logo...

I decided to try, with my own limited photoshop skills. This is just tongue in cheek, for laughs.

"My conclusion is that sportswriters just fucking love food." - Fire Joe Morgan

by JLaff on Jul 17, 2007 10:43 PM PDT   0 recs

LOL JLAFF

That was so cool. Love it.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 10:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL, that is so funny!

Is Kendall on a life preserver, or was he so scared he crapped his pantalones?

A's Brand 2007 Titanic Baseball

Brilliant

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 10:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

None of the above...

He jumped ship, the lower half of his body was eaten by a shark, and his upper half gritted its way to the treeless island.

More than just ANtics: http://www.louisgray.com/live/

by louismg on Jul 17, 2007 11:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Nice
"It doesn't even say that on Wikipedia!"-Meredith

by CTAsGirl on Jul 18, 2007 7:04 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey, Lookout Landing

already uses a sinking ship. The Titanic, in fact.

Instead, show a railroad train on its side, with various Athletic players either squashed, or with an arm or leg caught underneath the wreckage of tumbled, jumbled passenger cars.  Show Larry Davis suveying the various injured, standing there scratching his head saying, "Who's next?? ...!!"  Show Kendall leaving the scene saying the clever equivalent to "Huh? I wasn't there.  What wreck?"

"Anger blows out the lamp of the mind" Robert Ingersoll, 19th C. American Orator

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:24 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Kendall...

...looks like he's in Southpark.  Only thing missing is an expletive.

by UncleLeo on Jul 18, 2007 9:33 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

OK, the A's lost

Just a warning Nico, I shoot to maim.

Why do I always have to be the one to suffer through your exibition streaks?

Yep. Warm and fuzzy... that's me.

by grover on Jul 17, 2007 10:44 PM PDT   0 recs

I just hope

you shoot at my "member," so that if your aim is off by an inch I'm guaranteed to come out of it unscathed.

'k, NOW I'm going to bed.

I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal

by Nico on Jul 17, 2007 10:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Did we trade Kendall for Cubs fans?

Because suddenly "wait 'til next year" seems so easy to say...

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 10:51 PM PDT   0 recs

Or Brooklyn Dodger fans.

Even. Did anyone see the great show on HBO about them?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 10:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

REAL FANS

Keep the faith.  

"Schilling is an A-hole. The End." Amnesiac727

by LilAnnieOaktown on Jul 17, 2007 10:52 PM PDT   0 recs

Real fans stick with the team...

and hope. But real fans don't have to be naive.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 10:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm a fan since 1968.

How many of you can say that.  So long you bunch of a-holes!

"Schilling is an A-hole. The End." Amnesiac727

by LilAnnieOaktown on Jul 17, 2007 10:56 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not me.

I started watching when we moved to Cali in 1977. But they've been my one and only team ever since. The A's have been fun to watch ,,,for us longtimers ey?

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 11:01 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

raises hand
Okay, ASB come and gone...time to make the run...or not.

by ak_A on Jul 18, 2007 8:06 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Me Too, Me Too

...But that won't stop me from raggin' on Crosby. I enjoyed my  A's then with the naiveté of youth, today I enjoy them with a hardened cynicism.

Oh yeah, uh...I was at the flower shop too. Yep. Getting drunk at the ol' flower shop. - Homer Simpson

by DCinWC on Jul 18, 2007 10:43 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Real fans

can be realists

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 10:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

There's a difference between blind faith...

...and realism.

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:23 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

There is also a real difference between

being a real fans and being a long time fan. Most people who are long time fans can be considered real fans, but I have met exceptions.

As for me, I've taught myself to be an A's fan. Does that make me less of a fan than someone who watched the move from KC to Oakland?

I believe if you spend your time here on AN you are probably a real fan. Although I respect the Athletic Fan Elders, I never buy the whole because I was a fan physically longer than you I am a better fan than you explanation. And the A-hole comment to your allies is not appreciated.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 11:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed.
Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:48 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

real fans will rag on their team but..

they will follow their team no matter the circumstances and care enough to talk about it no matter what the score.

"This guy threw at his own son in a father-son game." -Harry Doyle from Major League

by greenandgoldpolarbear on Jul 18, 2007 12:55 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That's about it

This isn't about choosing sides in Bosnia, or Hutus versus Tutsis.  No gunfire involved.

It's about entertainment.  Right now, the A's are increasingly void of entertainment.  I'll direct my attention elsewhere, for an increasing fraction of my day.

"Anger blows out the lamp of the mind" Robert Ingersoll, 19th C. American Orator

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:28 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

That's right.

Even when you're a big fan ...you don't get as excited over a losing squad as you would over a winning squad. Silly to think anything else.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 18, 2007 1:35 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Give Art Howe a bat

He's probably a better hitter than these stiffs. He'd be the most exciting guy on the team

"Flying a plane is like riding a bicycle...it's just a lot harder to put baseball cards in the spokes." --Airplane!

by SalParadise on Jul 17, 2007 10:53 PM PDT   0 recs

LOL..now that was funny.

Ty for the smile. A good place for me to say NYtol.

by IM4Oakgal on Jul 17, 2007 10:55 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

we really missed huston street tonight.

you know, it would've been fun if cust's sac fly would have been a grand slam.  sure, we would've lost, but it would've been fun.  while all hope for the a's may be lost, i'd still like to see custy get hot again.

Hi ho.

by danh on Jul 17, 2007 10:56 PM PDT   0 recs

If it was a GS, then they would have

used the better relief pitchers, like
.
.
.
uh
.
who are they again?
Embr.. no
Cale... no
Bro... no
Jo.. no
Casillia .. OK - one inning.
How many more innings do I have to cover?

by MobiusKlein on Jul 17, 2007 11:06 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I dont want to waste energy writing a Crosby rant

So...

<insert mandatory Crosby rant here>

"We were s--, pathetic," Guillen growled early in spring training. "We hit too many home runs."

by lenscrafters on Jul 17, 2007 11:03 PM PDT   0 recs

Good win today.
"Their batters are patient to the point that it's annoying." -Ryan Franklin, Seattle Mariners

by Helloooo 1st on Jul 17, 2007 11:05 PM PDT   0 recs

The A's lost but this pic still made me laugh...

[insert caption here]

"When they start the game, they don't yell, 'Work ball.' They say, 'Play ball.'" ~Willie Stargell

by alamedagirl on Jul 17, 2007 11:09 PM PDT   0 recs

I bet Craig Paquette is just hanging out.....

somewhere in need of a job, he could probably play SS...LOL...When do we ask for the return of Rickey....OH DEAR!!!!

There is no A in OFFENSE!!

by wacchampions on Jul 17, 2007 11:15 PM PDT   0 recs

Ken Macha

is probably chuckling right about now. I liked what someone posted earlier about why was Crosby batting 5th? That is just bizaare why Geren would bat him 5th and not 9th. For gawd's sake put Lachemann in charge and put Geren on the bench where he can be the rah rah coach and not be allowed to make any serious game decisions.

by pedoman on Jul 17, 2007 11:22 PM PDT   0 recs

Gaudin

When will it be time to remove Gaudin from the "untouchable because he's such an integral part of our future" club and realize that he's very quickly reverting to his pre-07 form. Namely, lots of walks, poor ERA.

Look, I'm not saying we get rid of him or anything, but let's call a spade a spade. The Gaudin we saw in April and May was not the real Chad Gaudin. I'm afraid this current Gaudin bears a much stronger resemblance to the Gaudin we picked up before last season. Even as a reliever last year, he had a low ERA, but the peripherals suggested a disaster waiting to happen.

It appears that this disaster might be upon us.

by Crosbino on Jul 17, 2007 11:23 PM PDT   0 recs

He just may be a reliever, not a starter.

At 24, it's far too early to throw in the towel.  His stuff is great, and command can improve.

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:24 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Not throwing in the towel

Just trying to slow down the "New Big 3" discussions a bit ...

As for command: what's troubling is that, yes, he's 24, but he's been pitching for a few years in the bigs and his command hasn't improved. It did spike a bit in April/May but he's back in what I would consider dangerous territory: walking for more guys than he strikes out.

I know he's got great stuff, but without control that's pretty worthless. I'm just thinking the league might have figured him out: not to bite on the wicked breaking stuff and let him walk you. It's like when teams realized that if they just laid off Zito's curve, they could rattle him and force a walk.

by Crosbino on Jul 17, 2007 11:31 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

it's too many innings

he only pitched like 80+ innings last year. He is over 120+ this year already. That jump in innings can easily explain his performance drop off. I thought as his innings climbed he would become less effective. That happens when you move someone from the pen to the rotation. They can’t expect 200 innings out of him. If they do he will not be effective next season or injured. He should start to be skipped in the rotation and limited in innings and pitch count from now on. I hope Curt Young reads Will Carroll.

In England all A's fans are "Athletic Supporters"

by Athletics Fan In London on Jul 18, 2007 7:51 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

AAA talent, Major League prices.

Not a good mix.

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:23 PM PDT   0 recs

I just read an article

which states that the A's have used nine different center fielders this year.  Wow.

Trying to guess who they are...

Kotsay
Stewart
Swisher
Bradley
Snelling
Putnam
Langerhans
Buck?

That's only eight, if Buck is even right.

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:29 PM PDT   0 recs

Kielty,

not Buck, according the baseball-reference.com.

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Jul 17, 2007 11:46 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Didn't Buck finish in CF tonight?

Or are they talking about who's started there?

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:53 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

If it's his first appearance there

he'd be number 10.  Somebody has to ride the bench on your all-CF team.  Plus, he'd be a good fit for the bench on your team made entirely of centerfielders, too.

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:56 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Yep, it was his first appearance there

I was at work so I didn't realize he'd played there tonight.

And that list is everyone who's spent any time in CF, Flashfire (Kielty's played only two innings there), but baseball-reference hasn't added tonight's games yet.

"We are a complete freak show." -- Billy Beane

by day-to-day on Jul 18, 2007 12:11 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Simple formula for losing...

(i know it's obvious, but still) Crosby at SS + Kennedy pitching in a close game = loss. If Billy Beane can trade Kendall for a major league player, why couldn't he do the same with crosby and kennedy? or at least get somebody for them.

by swisherroks33 on Jul 17, 2007 11:30 PM PDT   0 recs

They're next

I think Kennedy, Stewart, Piazza are definitely gone. Crosby might be but we'd have to get something in return. We have no real replacement for him now.

by Crosbino on Jul 17, 2007 11:32 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

replacements...

The A's could try Murphy, Scutaro, or Furmaniak at SS. With the season mostly lost, barring a miracle, it doesn't look like it would hurt a whole lot to try those.

Maybe they could get a shortstop in free agency next year, except i really don't know who the a's could get, does anyone have a list of possible FA shortstops the a's could get?

by swisherroks33 on Jul 17, 2007 11:44 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

according to the Cot's Baseball Contracts website

Free Agent Shortstops after 2007:
David Eckstein(STL)
Cesar Izturis (CHC)
John McDonald (TOR)
Neifi Perez (DET)
Omar Vizquel (SF)

Juan Uribe(CHW)and Ramon E Martinez(LAD)have options for 2008.

"When they start the game, they don't yell, 'Work ball.' They say, 'Play ball.'" ~Willie Stargell

by alamedagirl on Jul 17, 2007 11:51 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I wouldn't mind Eckstein.

The A's aren't going to do it, though, because Crosby makes too much money.

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:52 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Shit.

We're screwed.

by Crosbino on Jul 17, 2007 11:52 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

my thoughts exactly...

the free agent class of shortstops after 2008 looks better, but not sure we can wait that long...

Orlando Cabrera (LAA)
Alex Cintron (CWS)
Alex Cora (BOS)
Adam Everett (HOU)
Rafael Furcal (LAD)
Cristian Guzman (WAS)
Cesar Izturis (CHC)

Juan Uribe(CWS)and Ramon Martinez(LAD)if '08 options are exercised.
Edgar Renteria(ATL)and Craig Counsell(MIL)if '09 options are declined.

"When they start the game, they don't yell, 'Work ball.' They say, 'Play ball.'" ~Willie Stargell

by alamedagirl on Jul 17, 2007 11:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Izturis

take a flier...lost his job in Chi this year, and rightly so, but for like 1.5 mill or something, he's gold glove-caliber, at least he can bring defense, and not have to torment us with offensive talent that will never materialize.

If not...Neifi!

by Cutthemullet on Jul 18, 2007 1:52 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

just got back from the game...

crosby had an awful game.  during his last 2 at bats, the fans (what little were left) were booing loudly.  he wasn't just bad with the bat, but also the glove.  he muffed balls, made bad throws and made ill advised throws.  he looked totally lost in all aspects of the game.

johnson is the goat of the game.  how many guys did he leave on base?  end of story.

kotsay.  no place on this team any longer.

kennedy.  no place on this team any longer.

here's the game and the fans feeling a nutshell.  after the 5 run 7th inning, one fan in a section to my left (124) ran down the steps to the field and threw his A's cap onto the field.  he was SCREAMING AT CROSBY.  he was giving up.  security came and got him.  no worries.  as security was getting this fan, lew wolff was heading for the door.  he'd seen enough and was shrugging his shoulders as he walked up the stairs.

nice.

by inbillywetrust on Jul 17, 2007 11:36 PM PDT   0 recs

I totally sasw that guy too. I was sitting in

the second deck right above him and couldn't hear what he was yelling but was damn proud of him throwing his cap on the field in disgust and storming out.

He seemed to care about the loss 100x more than any of the players.  Seems like all the fans care more than the players right now.

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 17, 2007 11:43 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

best part was that

the guy got escorted out and then made his way back into the section somehow.  sure enough security found him again and escorted him out again...this time in cuffs.  awesome.

not sure i agree that the players don't care.  i do think they care.  they (crosby, kotsay, kennedy) just shouldn't be playing professional baseball.

by inbillywetrust on Jul 18, 2007 12:01 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Sure they should play

professional ball.  In Stockton.

Crosby should be back at Sacto, minimum.  Maybe the Double-AA team in Texas.

"Anger blows out the lamp of the mind" Robert Ingersoll, 19th C. American Orator

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:33 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

Too many goats

Name it, you got it.
(except Cust.  3 of 4 rbi, 2 walks.)

by MobiusKlein on Jul 17, 2007 11:49 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

a few other heroes

scutaro had a good game and almost hit a huge 3 run bomb.

cust was clearly the star.

ellis had a good night.

stewart had a decent night.

other than that, nobody played worth a darn.

by inbillywetrust on Jul 17, 2007 11:59 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I was there too and seen everything.

My season tickets are in section 124 the last two years. This was the first time I've ever ever left an A's game before the final out. I must have left before the fan snuck back in but did see him throw his hat on the field.

Now offering great deal...on a 2007 Chavy with no clutch. - Nico

by 66th ave tailgatter on Jul 18, 2007 12:29 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I can't believe I spent money to watch this

excuse for a baseball team.........oh wait I didn't I just got a really cheap jersey :) WOOHOO Danny!

ps that was the worst game I have ever witnessed in person and yes I have been to little league games.

You're killing me smalls!

by marco magic on Jul 17, 2007 11:37 PM PDT   0 recs

Do you know if the team moms had the...

...CapriSun and orange slices ready for the team after the game tonight?

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:51 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

I just got back from the game too

A lot of people left...but a lot of people stayed to the bitter end.  

This was the first time I've heard a significant amount of booing by A's fans of our own players, directed at Kennedy and at Crosby.  As a rule, I don't believe that fans should boo their own players -- but in this case I'm prepared to make an exception.  I saw Kennedy wiping his eyes as he went into the dugout and I wasn't sorry that I had just suggested to my section that the next time we saw Joe in a uniform in the Coliseum it had better be Aramark.

I did enjoy seeing the all-Hawaiian, all-Nikkei battery.  And Komine wasn't bad.  

Some people in the left field bleachers had pro-Kendall signs...."Kravin' Kendall" and I couldn't read all of the other one (because I wasn't sitting in the LFB where I belong).

At Badger Nation Magazine, our goal is for fans to trust and rely on our information, and feel if they aren't subscribing they are out of the loop.

by Englishmajor on Jul 17, 2007 11:49 PM PDT   0 recs

Kennedy in an Aramark uniform.

I think you're on to something--he does have a knack for putting things right in the middle of a plate.

So it goes.

by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:54 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

i call joe kennedy...

the human gas can.  no conflagaration he can't make worse.

by inbillywetrust on Jul 17, 2007 11:57 PM PDT to parent up   0 recs

he might throw it onto the ground.

i propose him working as pitching machine feeder.(unless he manages to find a way to put balls through the machine incorrectly)

"This guy threw at his own son in a father-son game." -Harry Doyle from Major League

by greenandgoldpolarbear on Jul 18, 2007 12:57 AM PDT to parent up   0 recs

QOTM

That is a perfect observation.

Love the "Aramark" think!  True LOL on both remarks.

One thing about AN.  Invention and creativity are great here.  Not to mention the stats.  Thanks, one and all!

"Anger blows out the lamp of the mind" Robert Ingersoll, 19th C. American Orator

by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:36 AM PDT