4 Score! And 7 Years Ago, The A's Last Won A Baseball Game
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.
0 recs |
132 comments
Comments
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 reply actions 0 recs
Well said
by baseb3383 on Jul 17, 2007 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by Nico on Jul 17, 2007 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 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).
by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:18 AM PDT up reply actions 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.

by JLaff on Jul 17, 2007 10:43 PM PDT reply actions 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
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by louismg on Jul 17, 2007 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice
by CTAsGirl on Jul 18, 2007 7:04 AM PDT up reply actions 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?"
by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:24 AM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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?
by grover on Jul 17, 2007 10:44 PM PDT reply actions 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.
by Nico on Jul 17, 2007 10:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did we trade Kendall for Cubs fans?
Because suddenly "wait 'til next year" seems so easy to say...
by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 10:51 PM PDT reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs
REAL FANS
Keep the faith.
by LilAnnieOaktown on Jul 17, 2007 10:52 PM PDT reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs
I'm a fan since 1968.
How many of you can say that. So long you bunch of a-holes!
by LilAnnieOaktown on Jul 17, 2007 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
raises hand
by ak_A on Jul 18, 2007 8:06 AM PDT up reply actions 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.
by DCinWC on Jul 18, 2007 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Real fans
can be realists
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's a difference between blind faith...
...and realism.
by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:23 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by oaklandSMASH on Jul 17, 2007 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:48 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by greenandgoldpolarbear on Jul 18, 2007 12:55 AM PDT up reply actions 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.
by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:28 AM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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
by SalParadise on Jul 17, 2007 10:53 PM PDT reply actions 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 up reply actions 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.
by danh on Jul 17, 2007 10:56 PM PDT reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs
I dont want to waste energy writing a Crosby rant
So...
<insert mandatory Crosby rant here>
by lenscrafters on Jul 17, 2007 11:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Good win today.
by Helloooo 1st on Jul 17, 2007 11:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The A's lost but this pic still made me laugh...

[insert caption here]
by alamedagirl on Jul 17, 2007 11:09 PM PDT reply actions 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!!!!
by wacchampions on Jul 17, 2007 11:15 PM PDT reply actions 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 reply actions 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 reply actions 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.
by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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.
by Athletics Fan In London on Jul 18, 2007 7:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AAA talent, Major League prices.
Not a good mix.
by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:23 PM PDT reply actions 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.
by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Kielty,
not Buck, according the baseball-reference.com.
by day-to-day on Jul 17, 2007 11:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't Buck finish in CF tonight?
Or are they talking about who's started there?
by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by day-to-day on Jul 18, 2007 12:11 AM PDT up reply actions 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 reply actions 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 up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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.
by alamedagirl on Jul 17, 2007 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't mind Eckstein.
The A's aren't going to do it, though, because Crosby makes too much money.
by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:52 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by alamedagirl on Jul 17, 2007 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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 reply actions 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.
by marco magic on Jul 17, 2007 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 0 recs
Sure they should play
professional ball. In Stockton.
Crosby should be back at Sacto, minimum. Maybe the Double-AA team in Texas.
by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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.
by 66th ave tailgatter on Jul 18, 2007 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions 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.
by marco magic on Jul 17, 2007 11:37 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Do you know if the team moms had the...
...CapriSun and orange slices ready for the team after the game tonight?
by Flashfire on Jul 17, 2007 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 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).
by Englishmajor on Jul 17, 2007 11:49 PM PDT reply actions 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.
by jeepers on Jul 17, 2007 11:54 PM PDT up reply actions 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 up reply actions 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)
by greenandgoldpolarbear on Jul 18, 2007 12:57 AM PDT up reply actions 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!
by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Were you in 119 by any chance?
Someone who fits my mental image of you was right behind us -- and stayed to the bitter end.
by The Dogfather on Jul 18, 2007 8:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I was in 220
right behind the kids who were horsing around and threw the (mostly empty) cup down into 119 in the eighth inning. Hope it didn't hit you! They did not even get tossed for it (which I was fine with, because they didn't intend it to go over the railing).
by Englishmajor on Jul 18, 2007 8:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the 8th inning, I wouldn't have noticed.
Earlier in the game, my GF and I were reduced to competing to toss peanut shells into a discarded beverage carrier in the gap between rows 20 and 21.
I officially had the third worst aim in the stadium last night -- and the very worst of anyone not a member of the A's.
by The Dogfather on Jul 18, 2007 9:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As a general rule
I, too, am against booing. But I did boo both Joe Kennedy and Bobby Crosby last night. I kept score for the first seven innings and then my daughter made me stop. What a poor excuse for a game.
I would much rather see Marco play ss for the rest of the year. I've had it with Crosby and Kennedy.
by luvsthecurveball on Jul 18, 2007 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is a good time to be an A's fan!
Well, it's better than about a month ago when we knew the A's were bad but they were hiding it. The reason: 2008! A month ago I was hurting during every loss. Now I don't care! Because I have given up on the season. I personally am excited about the trade possibilities, and how they can help the team for next year.
We've got an OK core: Haren, Blanton, and Gaudin starting (although Gaudin is still suspect), with Street, Duke and Casilla in the bullpen. I am hoping the front office gets smart and makes Harden a reliever; then the bullpen would be REALLY exciting. The offense is a different story: the nucleus is basically Swisher, Buck, Barton, and Suzuki, plus Chavez, who I'm sure isn't being shopped around. Plus Cust at DH. That's not as exciting as the pitching core, but Buck and Barton should be good players for years to come. If Beane can get a few good players in some deals in the next few weeks, 2008 could be REALLY exciting.
Also, if we drop a few more big contracts, like Kotsay's, we could have some real money to play with in the offseason. I don't really think we'll be big players or anything, but we'll have some options. Kendall's and Piazza's contracts will be gone, so that's $16 mil right there. That's not chump change at all.
To top it all off: if we keep playing this awful, we'll have a high draft pick next summer. A smart draft can help a team within a few years. Of course that won't help the 2008 season, but it's another reason for excitement.
In summary: forget 2007. If you're going to a game this year, enjoy the game of baseball. Hopefully, you'll see a new, younger team on the field by the beginning of August. Enjoy young players learning the game at the big league level. An A's win would be icing on the cake.
That's my take on things, anyway.
by Philip Christy on Jul 18, 2007 12:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree completely.
It's still a little hard to stomach the offense, but I'm getting better. Tonight was pretty bad though as right after Johnson's 1st inning DP I ran a red light and only realized about 30 seconds after.
by Helloooo 1st on Jul 18, 2007 12:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Robert Buan proposed on the radio
that Crosby misses Ron Washington the most on and off the field, but won't admit it.
My reaction: Quit with the excuses. He sucks.
by alamedagirl on Jul 18, 2007 12:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
at first i was pro-geren
but now i think the players appreciate and respect wash much more and are starting to be impatient with "billy" bob geren.
by greenandgoldpolarbear on Jul 18, 2007 12:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron Washington was a loss.
by atomopawn on Jul 18, 2007 12:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Bradley
Say what you want about Bradley, but the guy played his ass off. Every day. You can't say that about everyone on the team right now.
Bradley is exactly the type of guy the A's need right now, to try to get some life into the team after this freaking losing streak.
by rageon on Jul 18, 2007 6:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyday? Bradley? More like once a month. I'm
sure the team misses Bradley's monthly tantrums.
by Bacon on Jul 18, 2007 7:06 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's been more talk about Bradley...
since he left than there was while he was here. That's usually a sign of greatness...well, for authors and playwrights anyway.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 18, 2007 7:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bradley...
Would live to hear what Lachman has to say about this team.
by doubleplayer on Jul 18, 2007 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
kendall trade side effect
no, i'm not referring to poor pitch selection.
kendall was our own armando benitez style whipping boy. and now, it seems that all the anger that was pointed to him has to be re-allocated to other players. sure, people were pissed at others before, but i really believe that crosby and others just got bumped up the goat ladder. if we could just lower our expectations for crosby from tejada-esque to .230, we'd all be happier.
as for go-dan, for someone who was supposed to be our 8th or so starter (haren harden loiza blanton kennedy komine braden...), maybe not big 3, but i'm still happy with him and he's #5 on my list of..
brightest spots on your 2007 A's season:
- haren
- the cust surprise
- the kendall trade
- blanton
- gaudin
- early season 9th inning magic moments
- buck
by danh on Jul 18, 2007 12:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Well I'm really glad
I stopped checking the score on my crackberry when it was still 3-3. Knowing the rest until now really saved my night.
Today was the first time all season I didn't care about missing the A's game.
OTOH, Harry Potter 5 was really good.
by pam5981 on Jul 18, 2007 12:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I know something that could make things worse!
C'mon, dare me to say it...
by grover on Jul 18, 2007 12:18 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
well do it already
do you really need the bait?
by pam5981 on Jul 18, 2007 12:20 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I'm wanting the attention. Besides, the build up makes it that much better.
Or worse in this case.
by grover on Jul 18, 2007 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't get the attention I craved
by grover on Jul 18, 2007 7:42 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We love you, grover.
by Poppy on Jul 18, 2007 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
But it's too late. I was willing to make things worse last night, now I'm on to bringing the happiness.
by grover on Jul 18, 2007 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or the warmth and fuzziness, as the case may be.
by Poppy on Jul 18, 2007 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That goes without saying
Well... it could have gone without saying but there you go saying it so now that its been said, you know, there you go.
Bask in it.
by grover on Jul 18, 2007 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
First time in 4 years
I have left a game before it was over. Before that, I didn't have any control, since my dad held the car keys. But since I have had my own season tickets, I have NEVER left a game early.
I almost made it to the end. Even though it was 10pm, I have to work tomorrow and I am SUPER tired, I didn't want to leave. But when the 11th run was scored, I just couldn't take it anymore and I left. I was slightly ashamed of myself, and held my head very low as I left, but I couldn't take the torture any longer.
On another note, I don't agree with the booing, and not just because a good chunk was directed at my boy, but because we are not Yankees Fans. But Kennedy, I will proudly stand and boo him any time he steps foot on the mound. He is horrific!! I don't understand why Geren continues to insist on sending that man to the hill when he obviously has no idea what he is doing! That man need to be removed from this team PRONTO!
I am exhausted. I don't think I can take much more of this. I completely agree that the fire has been taken from this team and given to the Rangers, Padres, and Cubs. I completely believe that by trading Kendall, Billy was telling the team, 2007 is over, there is no hope. And with Billy raising the white flag on the season, why should the guys bother to fight any longer? Why? There is nothing left to fight for.
I don't want to give up on the season, but if Billy has, why shouldn't I?
by BobbyCrosbysGirl on Jul 18, 2007 1:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yankee fans
I watched Tor-NYY tonight, and even in the midst of the Yankees' resurgence, even down by only one run in a game that they would eventually win in extras (really good game, mind you, though I was rooting for FT and co of course), fans were booing Johnny Damon...granted, he's slumping, but he's done a lot for them, and wound up scoring the tying run in the ninth, I believe. I was surprised Abreu didn't also get booed after his fifth hitless AB; I guess he's at least earned a 2-week grace period or so.
As for giving up on the season, yeah, it's a tough pill to swallow if you have season tickets and such. AN Day won't be quite the same. But...I'll only be upset if the ONLY trade he makes is Kendall (and Bradley, though that was a gift, not a trade). As long as some more rebuilding is done to strengthen the team for 2008 (this is the one time I really don't think Billy could even offer the "we're buyers and sellers" argument), well, that's what needs to be done. If, however, he keeps Kennedy and especially Kotsay, with deluded plans to keep the latter as the starting CF for next year also, I'll be pissed.
But no matter what, I already won my bet with FSU, I just remembered...the Kendall trade qualifies as a "big move", does it not?
by Cutthemullet on Jul 18, 2007 2:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I toyed with the idea of leaving
after the 7th inning. I never leave games, either (except one I had to leave because my sister can't stay up late on weeknights and we were going into extra innings) (and I don't invite my sister to weeknight games anymore now), but last night I was tired, annoyed, bored, disgusted... the game was just dragging ON and ON and ON... so I thought I should probably just leave. I don't know why I decided to stay. It certainly wasn't because I thought they were going to be able to pull 8 runs out of thin air in 2 innings to win the game. Or, better yet, 8 runs in an inning and a half and end it earlier! Yeah! No.
by Poppy on Jul 18, 2007 7:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT: 34250 in PH2!
I'm on the "top scores" list!
by oblique on Jul 18, 2007 1:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't read many dld's
what the hell is that?
by Cutthemullet on Jul 18, 2007 1:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
A good distraction from a bad season.
http://www.mousebreaker.com/games/pi...
by oblique on Jul 18, 2007 3:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Regardless of records
is there any doubt that this is the worst team in all of baseball? By the end of the week we'll be in last place, and then KC and Tampa will blow by us sometime before September. Gross.
by sprtsnwyn on Jul 18, 2007 4:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
right now...
they are the worst. I don't expect that to continue for the rest of the season
by Cutthemullet on Jul 18, 2007 5:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
As totally crappy as they're playing right now...
...it's not going to continue for the rest of the season.
This season should be a wake-up call to the "powers that be", however, about which players are dependable... both physically and skill-wise.
by UncleLeo on Jul 18, 2007 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dead Men Walking-Last place defines the worst
The Rangers have better players at almost every position. Our best offensive player came off the minor league dung heap---too flawed for any other team. Even starters--now that our three best starters are worn down and will play back to their historic averages this could be a very ugly second half. For most of the young players this will be their first meaningless season--Welcome to Pittsburgh.
by Aparicio11 on Jul 18, 2007 6:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Last couple years...
...many people would complain at times of lifelessness and complacency and blame it on Macha and his wet-towell personality, and Washington and Bradley were around then.
I do think that attitude and "intangibles" do play a part, but I don't think any one person can be wholly blamed or credited, especially as a motivator of others. It has to come from within, and at some point players have to suck it up and be responsible for themselves. I understand they're still human beings, and everybody has emotional ups and downs in their day-to-day lives, but this is the major leagues where that should be minimized, not little league with a bunch of immature 10 year olds. They either want to win, and get excited about that, or they don't.
by UncleLeo on Jul 18, 2007 7:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The new Rincon
I liked Geren until he found his Rincon. Why has Joe Kennedy been allowed to be so terrible in close games in the Majors. Can't he go to Stockton to work things out or just get cut.
I know it is not really fair to look back like this but how does Tejada at SS, Teahan at 3B, and Andre Ethier in the OF sound about right now. Ethier is the toughest one to think about because he went to the Dodgers and we now officially have nothing to show for it.
Another one we have nothing to show for is Hudson. Boy would he look good in the rotation right now. But I guess the Mulder deal cancels that bad decision out. Speaking of the Mulder deal, can we call Barton up already so we have a reason to watch.
Lord I pray there are lots more trades coming. Lets get what we can for Stewart, Johnson, Piazza, and Kotsay. Hell, maybe even Crosby and Chavez.
by steeraw on Jul 18, 2007 7:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Off
I turned my MLB.tv off as soon as Kennedy threw that ball away. This team is pathetic right now...I can't believe we just lost a series to the Rangers...and only scored 5 runs in 2 games so far against them (with Cust driving in all 4 last night)...
by johnspaz7 on Jul 18, 2007 7:47 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
oops
by johnspaz7 on Jul 18, 2007 3:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Time To Trade Stewart
presumably his value is high, right?
by solotar on Jul 18, 2007 8:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Looking ahead
The fire geren chats will start next week. Piazza comes back for bobble head day and then is traded. A's ERA goes up and Beane rethinks signing Kendal in the off season. Bobby crosby back goes out after a dancing with the stars audition. Joe kennedy joins the service and causes a accident when he throws a gernade into the wrong building. The A's signs Arod in the offseason but he is injured in a freak golfing accident and sits on the bench for the next 6 years.
by Arcman on Jul 18, 2007 9:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm surprised the 'fire Geren' chants...
...haven't already started in earnest. There are some things he's done that are questionable, but every manager does, and overall I think he's a big part of why they have done as well this year as they have. I'm pleasantly surprised with him, so far.
I'm accepting that Crosby probably needs to go, probably just for a fresh start somewhere else, though I don't think Kotsay is as much of a liability as many others seem to.
Chavez is my quandary. I love his defense, and it's not that I question his desire to win, but sometimes I just can't shake the feeling that offense isn't all that important to him, anymore. Almost like he feels he's carved out his niche as a supreme defender and that'll have to be good enough. I know that's not right, but I can't shake the perception. Thing is, I want to like him...
by UncleLeo on Jul 18, 2007 10:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We need to change our focus--and it won't be easy
A's fans have been spoiled with winning--and fun teams in recent years. Watching the mess that was on the field last night was not easy. I was one who booed Kennedy and Crosby and left the game after the 8th--things I never do. But thinking about it this morning has made me realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but it is a long tunnel right now.
I am ready to focus on 2008 and I think that will still make for some good baseball in 2007. First, the dead wood needs to go. Hard as it is to watch Suzuki after Kendall behind the plate, I would rather do it now and not in April 2008. I think he will be fine. Perhaps we can find a veteran catcher--Piazza?--to tutor him. If bringing in Kennedy last night was to showcase him, I guess it didn't work. He was horrific. Can you believe he turned to throw again to 3rd on a bunt after his error? Billy, get rid of him. A bag of peanuts will be fine. The fans don't want to watch him anymore.
Crosby may have worn out his welcome in Oakland. He is a complete headcase right now. He is back to flailing at pitches that are out of reach. He needs a shrink or some new scenery. I would rather see Ellis and Scutaro at SS and 2nd. They usually don't make stupid plays or give up at-bats.
There is a nucleus that Billy can build on. I love Travis Buck and think he is a future star. Cust seems to be working hard at improving--and his homeruns are so fun to watch. I am not a Kotsay hater and wouldn't mind him around next year. He is gritty and a good veteran presence. Bring up Barton now.
Billy has some work to do, but I believe he has a plan. If the worse that we have to endure is a rebuilding year for the rest of 2007, I will take it. I will also stop booing and leaving early as I watch the new A's unfold.
Billy doesn't like to lose--and his team won't for long.
by oaklandcrazy on Jul 18, 2007 9:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Very good post, and I agree with you
that if dead wood members Crosby, Kennedy, and Kendall (already gone) were adequately replaced, you could do fine with Kotsay in CF.
I also think that while Suzuki may not be as good as many fans are hoping, he is much better than he has been the last two nights. He is both raw and nervous right now, a bad combination. Soon he'll just be raw, and if he's smart (as I believe he is) he'll learn quickly.
I think some people are being a bit hard on Gaudin. He has very little major league experience, even less starting, and his arm is being tested as the innings mount. As far as I'm concerned, he's still part of the nucleus of the rotation and one of the season's most pleasant surprises.
Personally, I think the position player nucleus is Chavez, Buck, Swisher, Barton, Suzuki, and Cust (DH), with Ellis and Kotsay possibly back for one more season in 2008. That means you need at least one more OFer and one more INFer; you also need two more real hitters. A tough task for Beane, indeed.
by Nico on Jul 18, 2007 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I second "We need to change our focus..."
I cut Suzuki slack because he is a rookie + he may be rusty. This is the 1st time he has caught on consecutive days since he left Sacto. I also cut Kotsay slack + his trade value is very low. Let's wait to see whether he can benefit from a post surgery off-season conditioning program. However, if he doesn't show improvement next season don't give him AB's that should go to someone else. Right now even with Kotsay's diminished skills I don't see a better option in CF. Swisher is not a CFer
As for waving the white flag. Rollback to 1999 when Rodgers was traded and remember that was the 1st move. The A's almost got back into contention and at least became more interesting.
by NoeValley on Jul 18, 2007 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just wonder if...
SellingJeans was right. That Gaudin is pitching too many innings and may be getting a tired arm.
by IM4Oakgal on Jul 18, 2007 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Excellent posts
Nico ... I think we all feel your pain.
I find it interesting though that you (correctly, I might add)point out a lack of effort (calling it lifelessness) and you didn't receive one post calling it "wrong" or "horses***" or any other such ridicule ...
It's funny to see how some AN'ers have earned a reputation for "glass half-full" or "glass half-empty." Some of the rest of us make a comment about half-ass effort, or "lack of committment," and there are 50 angry posts in response...
The truth of the matter is this -- the A's are "playing" as if they don't care. Wear it.
by Vacafan on Jul 18, 2007 10:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They're playing as they always do
VERY LAID BACK. It looks UGLY when they are losing, though. I think Geren should show some balls and kick some butt, which he won't do. More changes are going to happen very soon, so let's all just change our perspective for this season and maybe read a book instead of hang on every pitch.
by A'sfansince1970 on Jul 18, 2007 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check out Joe Posnanski's Blog on Jason Kendall
Not the very first entry. The second entry.
http://www.thesoulofbaseball.blogspo...
by One won lost won on Jul 18, 2007 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
one comment
I hope this guy is in the hacking mass:
Jason Kendall was a top five draft pick for my roto team this year and thus it is no surprise that I'm last in my league. Kendall has been horrid!
by jubjub on Jul 18, 2007 11:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, it's raining in Santa Clara
Maybe we'll get rained out today.
by doctorK on Jul 18, 2007 11:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs





















