Dare We Dream?

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 23, 2007 10:54 PM PDT in News Comment 58 comments

Nah, just kidding. But it was fun for a night. I honestly don't remember seeing an ump with a tighter strike zone. For both sides. I'm not saying that Gaudin was good because he wasn't, but man, that strike zone was miniscule. Gaudin was obviously having a lot of issues. Suzuki would call for a pitch inside and it would inevitably wind up outside. And vice versa. It happened all night. Even the calls that Gaudin was getting strike calls on weren't where Suzuki wanted them.

Speaking of Suzuki, I LOVED the drag bunt down the third base line for a hit tonight that helped lead to Piazza's three-run bomb. That's something that seemed to be rarely executed successfully around these parts the past few years. He also had a nice double.

As for Ellis, he was a monster tonight, hitting two bombs and nearly hitting a third. Pretty much everyone except Cust and Crosby got in on the act tonight. I guess that's something that happens when an ump happens to force the opposition to go right down the middle with the ball in order to get a strike.

It was really good to see Street get back in the game and kudos to Calero for coming through huge in the fourth inning and stopping the inning that could've easily made it a game. Thanks to Guerrero and Anderson who kind of helped Gaudin in that inning as well. I thought for sure that Guerrero was going to come through because that's the way it has been going for our Athletics lately.

All in all, a great night despite giving up six runs. It always feels good to beat those guys and even better to take Shrek down early.

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Mark Ellis is good people.

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

by walk off bunt on Jul 23, 2007 10:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Kennedy may have upped his trade value a little.

Thanks to the official scorekeeper for crediting him with the win.

Bottom of the 9th - Baseball photojournalism by James Venes

by Flashfire on Jul 23, 2007 10:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

why did he get the win anyhow?

by NVAngela on Jul 23, 2007 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the starter doesn't go 5 innings,

the win automatically goes to the ugliest pitcher.

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 23, 2007 11:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Colon took the loss!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can lose after going less than 5

just not win. I knew that but think that Calero should have gotten this win - he saved an ugly inning from getting much uglier

by NVAngela on Jul 23, 2007 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but Kiko's not as ugly.

No, I agree. Usually the first reliever gets the win, unless he only goes, like, 0.1 IP and someone else pitches a lot more. Calero clearly qualified and I assumed he'd get the win.

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 23, 2007 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ziegler implied

that the pitcher who pitches most or all of the 5th will usually get the win in those situations, but I think the rule just says that the official scorer gets to decide who deserves it.

See the latest dumbass thing I've done -- camUra

by hunter on Jul 24, 2007 8:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thing is,

Kennedy came in with the Angels trailing by 6 runs, with 9 outs to go.

Calero came in with the Angels trailing by 4 runs, with 3 runners on, and with 16 outs to go.

Kennedy mopped up; Calero helped the A's secure the win. The win, IMO, clearly should have gone to Calero.

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 24, 2007 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

JoKe is A's Ugly

Colon is Ass Ugly

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was wrong...

glad to see Piazza in the line-up. Wish Cust would have taken better advantage of the protection he offered, though.

Nice catch by Buck, too.

These friggin' unclutch losers will never, ever win another game! Ever!

by FoolshGame22 on Jul 23, 2007 10:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Any chance Billy snags Dontrelle at the deadline?

That'd make my season...

The one about being a below-average team, the wins sure feel sweeter.

by Pucking Insane on Jul 23, 2007 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Come back home Dontrelle

You'll feel right at home at the multi-purpose stadium of your youth!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

It's always nice to beat the angels. I'm actually surprised that the A's put up that much offense, considering how horrid they've been this month. It was nice to see Ellis with his 2 HR's and Piazza hit a bomb. Here's hoping Gaudin can get a grip on his control problems soon.

Question: If Calero came into the game in the 4th with the A's up, and the A's never gave up the lead, why did Kennedy get the win? Wouldn't Calero the pitcher of decision since Gaudin didn't get past the 5th?

by swisherroks33 on Jul 23, 2007 10:55 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

When starter leaves in the 4th

with a lead that is never lost, it's scorer's discretion to name the winning pitcher.

"...but we're also always open to hearing about other sandwiches if it can make our lunch better." -- Nico, channeling Billy Beane

by iglew on Jul 23, 2007 11:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, Gaudin's control issues

are definitely becoming worrisome. It seems like in the beginning of the year he'd get guys to swing at the fastballs and sliders out of the zone but now, hitters are taking more of those pitches and working the count against him into their favor. I'd reckon the scouting reports are finally starting to catch up to him. Gaudin just needs to control that insane movement on the fastball and he'd be pretty unstoppable but of course, that's easier said than done.

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

by lenscrafters on Jul 23, 2007 10:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Couple thoughts...

In Minnesota and again tonight, it looked to me like Gaudin was tight up until he was about to come out anyway and "had nothing to lose"--in Minnesota it was the Mauer AB, tonight the Guerrero AB--and then his stuff looked like the old Gaudin. Just interesting.
Overall, I wouldn't be too hard on, or worried about, Gaudin. He's about where Haren was in 2005: 24 years old with good stuff but still very little major league experience starting. Right now, he's pitching about how Haren pitched in May, 2005, but also with a bit of a dead arm. Gaudin really is quite young (24 IS young!) and very green as a major league pitcher. I think he'll be fine.
I thought Street looked great. His fastball velocity is still down a bit, so it got hit some, but his slider and change looked terrific and the pitch Kotchman hit was a good pitch. Really, really, really nice to see him back out there!
I really like Unicorns.

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 23, 2007 11:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of unicorns

Is there any chance that Ellis may be recovered enough from his shoulder injury to try playing shortstop again? I think he should test out the shoulder in the offseason and if the move works, the A's can trade Crosby and sign a second basemen or call up Mellilo. Good second basemen are much easier to find than good shortstops.

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

by lenscrafters on Jul 24, 2007 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course you would defend Gaudin because

he was your little project. Most complained that his control would limit him from being a good starting pitcher and it seems that there is now some truth on both sides. He's much better than most anticipated but they guy has been great overall.

o2b24likegaudin

"No comment."

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 24, 2007 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

"and the guy"

"No comment."

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 24, 2007 8:05 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a little insulting to suggest

I would defend someone for any other reason than I objectively see reason to defend them. (As if a stretch of Gaudin not throwing enough strikes could not have been anticipated even by his staunchest supporters.)

He's also not my "pet project" anyway. All I ever said was that I thought he should have been in the mix with Kennedy, Windsor, and Komine for the #5 spot in spring training, not even that he should have been handed the spot.

But I'm defending him because people's expectations are unrealistic. Just because Gaudin was a top-10 ERA pitcher for half a season doesn't mean he won't struggle during part of his very first season starting every 5th day. Haren did, Blanton did, and no one is suggesting that Gaudin, at 24, is better than those two right now.

Gaudin has already proven that he CAN start. Right now he isn't proving that he can't start; he's struggling. That's what young pitchers do.

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 24, 2007 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude... I'm actually giving you "props"

on that one and agree. I think people are out of their tree if they have a problem with his season overall. He has come down to earth lately but he has a bright, bright future ahead of him.

"No comment."

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 24, 2007 1:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Woo hoo!!!

< cradles "props" to chest, rocks and snuggles >

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 24, 2007 2:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Top 2nd

Did anyone else notice how HUGE the 2RBI Double by Stewart was? I think if we don't score in the second, it might have been the only runs all night. However, keeping the runs coming kept the offense churning all night. It was nice to see them score in each of the first 6 innings.

by Lostprophets on Jul 23, 2007 11:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Suzuki improves every game

That bunt was awsome ! I actually got out of my easy chair and pumped a fist ! that's a threat other teams have to consider when playing the A's..ya cant have too many weapons.

"This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball" ~ Bull Durham

by panamanianexpress on Jul 23, 2007 11:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, if that was Kendall

the third baseman probably would've been on the infield grass.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 23, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kendall

pop up.

"This is a very simple game. You throw the ball, you catch the ball, you hit the ball" ~ Bull Durham

by panamanianexpress on Jul 23, 2007 11:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone needs to tell the A's

that when it comes to weapons, there isn't a mandatory 5-year waiting period.

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 23, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lets keep Piazza

the Twins are the only team out of our division in the AL who need a big RH bat and they're likely to be tough to trade with. i'd rather keep Piazza on our roster and have his influence permeate the clubhouse and make this season one to remember in a good way even if dont make the playoffs.

by oak1 on Jul 23, 2007 11:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Or do what Billy is probably doing:

Only trade Piazza for the player Beane wants, not the player Minnesota wants to trade, such as,

"Want Baker?"

"No, but we'll take Slowey."

"We'd rather give you Baker."

"I know. We'd rather have Slowey."

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 23, 2007 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slowey would be good but....

i dont think the Twins will trade him. they view him as the next Radke in the making. and Baker is just not good enough.

by oak1 on Jul 23, 2007 11:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But that's my point--

We don't have to settle for Baker; we can just keep Piazza. If they really want Piazza, they can part with someone we want.

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 23, 2007 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree

hope the a's front office plays it that way too.

by oak1 on Jul 23, 2007 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't disagree more

Piazza is not going to be a Type-A free agent. He won't net us any draft picks, and he's a free agent next season. Given that we aren't making the playoffs, his only possible value to the club is in a trade of a prospect. Beane should take what he can get, save the $3 million in salary Piazza's still owed, and count himself lucky.

by MrIncognito on Jul 23, 2007 11:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Minnesota v. Oakland

Records Games Back / in Wild Card
Min 51-48 9 / 7
Oak 47-52 10.5 / 11

As far as Division goes, I'd much rather be behind the Angels and Mariners.

In 2006, Minnesota was 10+ games behind the Tigers on Aug. 1st... they won the division. At this point, I'm not saying the A's can comeback. But, I'm not saying they won't, either.

Just keep running out this lineup, and see what happens...

Buck/Stewart

Swisher (CF)

Cust (RF)

Piazza

Ellis

Chavez/Scutaro

Crosby

Suzuki

Add a little E-Lo in early August. A couple starts from Harden in Aug/Sept...to go along with a strong & healthy bullpen of: Brown, Calero, Street, Casilla, Embree, Dinardo, Marshall (Loogy Only).

(Let me dream)

by Colorado Fan on Jul 24, 2007 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yay for us

Let's keep the runs coming in.

PLEASE!!

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

AHH!!!!!

That game was so much fun!!! I had been looking forward to this game all year (well since I knew I had the good seats for it), and the past couple of days I haven't been looking forward to it as much because of how bad our offense is. BUT THEY CAME THROUGH!!! It was great! If you had told me yesterday that the Angels scored 6 runs today I would've thought there was no WAY we won. But we did! It was GREAT to see them score in almost every inning. Everyone helped out (except for Crosby... we were kinda hoping he'd come up again to make the last out for the A's because it just seemed so fitting). Suzuki looked great with his double and the drag bunt single (HOT!) and I can't believe Mark Ellis hit 2 bombs! He is easily my favorite player right now. ::sigh:: this game was just so much fun, and just what I needed to help me feel better. I was joking that I should just stop watching games now to end on such a high note, but I know I won't be able to stay away. Yeah it would be nice if we could've given up less than 6 runs, but I don't even care about that because for ONE NIGHT at least we had OFFENSE!!!!

When we were leaving some guys were making fun of the fact that we suck so bad and are so many games back and I was like "yeah that's why I'm so happy! We WON a game! We scored TWELVE runs! And against a division rival!" he was like "yeah I guess that's true, you can keep celebrating" haha it was funny.

AHHH I'm just so happy! The game was FUN! I hope you guys have a game like this on AN day :)

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

by drmmerchk on Jul 23, 2007 11:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I wish I were there

I'd love to gloat (safely inside a gang of muscular ANers).

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like me.

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 23, 2007 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Once again

Electronic strike zone anyone??

I just don't like umps to position themselves so poorly that they cannot see pitches.

A buzzer in the pocket. If it buzzes, call the strike. Otherwise, watch the batter's swing, catcher interference, etc.

I saw a few high strikes that helped Gaudin, that in many games would not have been strikes. By definition, they were strikes.... but seldom called.

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 23, 2007 11:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Let the robot call it

and let the Wookie win

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not just go one small step further

and have electronic pitchers who throw strikes? Of course then you'd have all these electronic Crosbys who would have nothing to swing at...

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 23, 2007 11:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We'll find a way to win the first World Series

in Cybertron.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cybertron = Fremont

"No comment."

by ohtobe21likehuston on Jul 24, 2007 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why is there a need

or any reasonable feeling for "a small step further"?

Simply by driving down the road, does a "small further move over the dividing line into oncoming traffic" become a reasonable "one small step further"?

Does a pleasant soak in the tub up to the chin, call out for a "one small step further" and get the water level up to your eyeballs??

In this world, a table has an edge. It has a flat surface with a definite demarcation. It is unreasonable to claim,

"All my arguments are based on the fact that I declare this wine-barrel, laying on its side, a table. Thus any item on 'a table' is but a moment, a slight nudge, away from crashing off the table and destroying itself upon impact! 'A table' is destined to destroy that which sits upon it, given the least 'push' by factors or agents foreseen or unforeseen, upon the 'table'."

"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer

by One won lost won on Jul 27, 2007 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it would be interesting

to do something like that for a couple games to see if the batters or pitchers benefit more. Just out of curiosity.

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

by drmmerchk on Jul 23, 2007 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It should definitely be tried out

during Spring Training games. That's the time for all new things.

Green Hulk Fists

by oaklandSMASH on Jul 23, 2007 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

The only thing this meaningless game shows...

is that the Angels will score 6 runs in each of the next two games and the A's will be lucky to score 3 total in the next two...

Bring up Barton NOW!

by OaktownRajah on Jul 23, 2007 11:41 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Because Gaudin's performance is a good indicator

of DiNardo's and Blanton's, eh?

I like your logic. I've got some friends you should meet... (Mike Celzic, that guy who writes for the L.A. Times about the Dodgers, some other garbage reporters)

See the latest dumbass thing I've done -- camUra

by hunter on Jul 24, 2007 8:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Something interesting that happened

I was sitting in the field level section on the third base side, between third and the left fielder. G. Anderson kept getting heckled by Angels fans for not catching Piazza's three run jack. On another play the next inning, Anderson bobbled (at least thats how it looked from our seats) a ground ball. He came really close to the fans and once again the fans heckled him and he snapped at one of them, telling them to shut up, I wouldnt be surprised if the Angels show him the door sometime soon.

You gotta love the class Angels fans showed by boo'ing their own player, not to mention the loud boo's that where heard after every run that Colon gave up.

DiNardo: Hey Kurt, do you eat babies? Suzuki: Yes.

by Amnesiac727 on Jul 23, 2007 11:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I thought it was weird, too

I was on the 1B side so I didn't hear any of the GA boos... but I thought it was kinda weird they were booing Colon so loud. I don't think I've ever heard Angel fans boo their own players that much. I guess that's what happens when you expect your team to win and be perfect all the time, though.

And I am pretty sure I will never understand why Mike Piazza gets the most boos out of everyone on the A's.

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

by drmmerchk on Jul 24, 2007 12:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

because he was a Dodger...

... and he's the player most associated with Tommy LaSorda.

by vk on Jul 24, 2007 7:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I know I know

the whole Dodger thing blah blah but I still don't understand why they hate him SO MUCH. He has never done anything to their team. Up until now he's never even been in the American League. I just really think it's stupid and they have no reason to boo him other than that "everyone else is so I should too". It's not like he's a bad guy with a terrible reputation or something. People can say whatever they want but I'm really never going to understand it.

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

by drmmerchk on Jul 24, 2007 2:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course

this game was not on Extra Innings. <pouts> I'm not sure I believe it really happened.

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

by day-to-day on Jul 23, 2007 11:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

A's

All i could think about at 9-5 with the bases loaded was the post by (I believe) Baseballgirl which stated "I'd rather lose 10-9 than 2-0". I actually believed that our A's were going to let that happen.

the problem is not "too many left handed hitters" but "too many suck handed hitters"-Zonis

by ohad on Jul 23, 2007 11:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Alright

Keep swinging that wood Pizza man. HOpe we get something good for you come trade time. I will miss the resident Clown.

I think religion is a neurological disorder that prevents people from thinking on their own.--B. Maher

by sf drift king on Jul 24, 2007 12:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Yay

Good to finally see the A's score a bunch of runs, especially since I was dreading this 3 game series.

Did anyone else notice that Piazza looked kind of out of it? Especially when he hit the home run and afterward, kind of like, did that just happen, and, where am I?

by Shut it Down on Jul 24, 2007 1:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Gaudin is toast

he's been awful his last few outings with no control. I've even stopped using him on my fantasy team.

When Lo comes back (if?), I'd put Gaudin on the shelf for a few weeks to get him some much needed rest. Then, put him back in the rotation in September to see if he can find his groove again.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Jul 24, 2007 5:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs