May The Best Manager Win

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:00 PM PDT in News Comment 158 comments

Score one for the rookie. The story is no longer about offensive ineptitude, it's about how it all ended so differently from how it started and continued, with the A's, shutout right down to their last strike, finally scoring--and then scoring again to win it 2-1.

Bob Geren made all the right moves while Ozzie Guillen made all the wrong moves. With Gaudin slayed by the pitch count, Geren rolled the dice with his front end pitchers, who were rested enough to buy the A's time to try to score that elusive run or two. Then with two on and none out in the 9th, Geren correctly let Chavez hit away--knowing that a bunt would take the bat out of not one but two hands, Chavez and Swisher, leaving it up to the bottom of the order to come through. That move didn't look too great when Chavez and Swisher each got out, but then Geren surprised me by doing something I can't believe Ken Macha ever would have done: He pinch hit for Bobby Crosby with the more experienced, and far more left-handed, Todd Walker. Great move, and this one paid off in spades.

That's when Ozzie Guillen took over. He committed a complete and total blunder, ordering the intentional walk of the rookie Travis Buck. By loading the bases, Guillen put the pressure squarely on his own pitcher putting him in a situation where a HBP or walk would lose the game. IBBs to load the bases should be used sparingly, not to bail out rookies who have struck out in half their major league at-bats. Now when Jenks fell behind in the count 2-1 he had no choice but to groove one to Mark Ellis--and this time Ellis didn't bounce back to the mound. Redemption for the man whose bunting failures in Anaheim, hitting and fielding failures earlier tonight, must have made this game-winning hit all the sweeter.

All's well that ends well, eh?

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Unicorn Magic:

Organic Cumin
Iconic Gun Arm
Ironic Gnu Cam
Cumin On Cigar
Cog In Cranium
Gain Comic Run

by Philip Christy on Apr 10, 2007 9:59 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

So...

I don't post here often, but I missed the unicorn thing, but now I see it referenced all over. Please explain.

by DrDoom on Apr 10, 2007 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ellis is a unicorn or something

"Every time he's in that position, he gets a hit." ~Justin Duchscherer

by scutaroknowstheway on Apr 10, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

easiest way to explain...

click the "ANcillary Terms" link on the menu on the right.

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

if Macha had Walker on his bench in

that situation I wouldn't be surprised to see him pinch hit for Crosby...

but whatever, the A's saved what little offense they could muster for when it counted.

And let's not forget: it wouldn't have been enough had it not been for the terrific pitching.

by OaklandSi on Apr 10, 2007 10:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Melhuse

Are you sure he doesn't turn to Melhuse? Yeah, me neither. But, who cares. We Win!

by Colorado Fan on Apr 10, 2007 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

of the two I'd choose Walker

based simply on past performance

by OaklandSi on Apr 10, 2007 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You and I would

But would Macha?

by Colorado Fan on Apr 10, 2007 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who gives a fuck?!

Macha's gone. Be happy and rejoice.

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

by grover on Apr 10, 2007 10:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Move On. Nothing to see here.

That's what I said two comments above. Just posting some stuff. Move over, Grover.

by Colorado Fan on Apr 10, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

grover becomes oscar, sheesh!

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

macha would have used melhuse

melhuse leads baseball in final outs made / career at bats. yes i made that up.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

speaking of crappy fat closers

first jenks blows it, and then armando blownitez just gave up a 2-run bomb to gonzalez (his second today). still 6-5 giants in the ninth inning.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:01 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

DAMMIT

Benitez is on my fantasy team!!!

Yeah I'm desperate for saves.

by lenscrafters on Apr 10, 2007 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's your fault

i have no sympathy for anyone who drafts benitez.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ahaha

I didn't. Autodraft did. And I'm so desperate for saves that I haven't dropped him yet (the wonderful autodraft also selected David Weathers and jose valverde to complete my relief corps).

by lenscrafters on Apr 10, 2007 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh man, this game took a lot out of me

Good night, kids.

Go A's!

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

by hunter on Apr 10, 2007 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Last Year

Our 1st Home Win was a Walk-Off. I love Walk-Off Wins!

Put it on the Board..... YES!

by Colorado Fan on Apr 10, 2007 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

What a rockin game

The crowd was kicking so much ass in the bottom of the ninth, and it was awesome to see the A's finally bring home a run when it mattered most. Its hard to believe that it is April when the action gets down to the wire, and your living and dying on every pitch. Our pitching if outstanding right now, both Gaudin and the bullpen. If Gaudin keeps pitching the way that he has been, and Kennendy is staying solid as well, The A's are going to have to make a big decision if and when Loaiza ever returns...

"I Will Not Relent, I Am Driven"... Clutch

Bring Back The Bash!!!

by Shippee33 on Apr 10, 2007 10:04 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Makes 2008 much easier (knock on wood)

Haren, Harden, Blanton, Gaudin, E-Lo

by Colorado Fan on Apr 10, 2007 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Impressed with Geren

for pinch-hitting for Crosby rather than using the entitlement system Macha used. I will really be impressed with Geren when he starts pinch-hitting for Kendall in key situations.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Apr 10, 2007 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Like lead-off situations?

First inning at bats?

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Billy Martin did that!

WIth Rob Picciolo and Chicken Stanley.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Talk about making lemonade with lemons

What he got out of that '81 team is still incredible.

Of course, he more or less destroyed an entire starting pitching staff doing it, but still....

My (Revised) 2007 Prediction: 157-5...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 10, 2007 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was Billy's specialty...

of course, you wear out your welcome pretty quickly doing it that way, but it's worth it if you're desperate to win.

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 11:00 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ken Macha did it.

Anyone remember the Frank Thomas 1st inning defensive replacement last year?

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice win, bitches!!!

That didn't feel right to post....I'm happy they won, obviously, but that offense is a fucking joke. That inning with the Buck triple was probably the most pathetic thing I've seen from an MLB team in awhile.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Apr 10, 2007 10:05 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

To be fair,

The Giants loaded the bases with no outs a few days ago and didn't score. Zito K'd, then a GIDP.

by danmerqury on Apr 10, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol, A's do that every other day!!

We're under the Perez line with RISP!!!!!

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 10, 2007 10:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would have to agree

The A's offense is pathetic at best. The sad thing is not that they cant hit because the can hit the ball. the coachig is so bad that they dont play solid baseball ie. sac flys. or moving runers going from 1st to 3rd. The A's need to fire their hitting coach because he is obviously is stupid.

www.GamingDomination.com

by 3Chavy3 on Apr 10, 2007 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Read the White Sox board

Laugh Out Loud!

They all saw it coming. Blame for Ozzie.

What the heck is with Chavez?

"- J. Duchscherer relieved J. Duchscherer" per Yahoo! Sports Box Score

by One won lost won on Apr 10, 2007 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Agree

though to be fair, Macha didn't have a Walker on the bench

by OaklandSi on Apr 10, 2007 10:06 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

cough let walker start cough

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

noooooo

love his bat, hate his glove

by OaklandSi on Apr 10, 2007 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

funny, what do you think of stewart?

don't like has bat, don't like his glove

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has got to have

the weakest arm I have ever seen.

by Khmi on Apr 10, 2007 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Larry Davis strength training.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of...

a halfway decent throw from Posednook easily gets MB at the plate. That guy must be Eric Byrnse's secret twin brother. Hell, he even runs tippy-toed like Byrnsey. And, like Byrnsey, he spazzes out in pressure situations and airmails the throw into the radio booth. He almost broke Ken Korach's Bill King bobblehead with that catapult.

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

see

Damon, Johnny

"I'd like to reference a brilliant post from Left Coast Lumber today" - notsellingjeans

by methodrampage on Apr 11, 2007 8:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

besides

walker would be starting at the least important defensive position, in terms of defensive win shares.

get an upgrade for your OF defense along with an upgrade in the lineup for a downgrade at 1B D.

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I credit your

Walker-in-the-lineup-for-Stewart suggestion with tonight's win. Stewart sucks.

by mikeA on Apr 10, 2007 11:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's got a lot of company in that clubhouse.

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I love it!!

I've been waiting for Ellis to get an RBI for a few days now. I'm so happy he finally got one, and it was when we needed it the most!

I hope this means the offense is going to wake up now. We're going to be really tough to beat if we can keep this pitching madness going.

And I've really liked the way Geren has been managing. Hopefully it will pay off in the future too!

GO 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 Apr 10, 2007 10:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Milton Bradley

Is he OK? That tie-game limp off got me worried. Any word?

I bet Swisher is our CF tomorrow afternoon. Todd Walker at 1B doesn't sound so bad right now.

by Colorado Fan on Apr 10, 2007 10:09 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i don't think bradley was limping

i think he just jogs like that.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

bradley

looked like he was grabbing his hammy crossing home, i hope not though

by pieful35 on Apr 10, 2007 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

ugh

anyone tivo it?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Clutched his left hammy before he got to the plate. If Pod's throw isn't air-mailed Bradley would have been out.

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

by grover on Apr 10, 2007 10:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

plus

he wasn't in the post game celebration, he's usually the guy in the middle of that good stuff

by pieful35 on Apr 10, 2007 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lets get the injury pool ready

im going to say initial diagnosis of dtd that translates to 4-6 weeks.

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I rewatched it....

Bradley most definitely was hurt on the play....He grabbed his hammy and limped all the way. You can tell from the fact that he ws not fired up at all. Saw the highlights again too and he was definitely not ok.

Bring back Hammer.

by OaktownPower on Apr 10, 2007 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good question

I Tivo'd the game... watched the last inning (starting with Chavez's AB) because I couldn't help myself. Nico says all's well that ends well... not until the injury report gets posted!

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

by grover on Apr 10, 2007 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't let this cloud the fact that....

Our offense isn't going to score enough runs in every 9th inning. There are still some big problems with everyone in the order. There are only two players hitting the ball hard: Bradley and Piazza.

The batting order must be switched. Kendall and Stewart should be hitting 8 and 9.

by brenarlo on Apr 10, 2007 10:10 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I meant...

Chavez and Piazza.

by brenarlo on Apr 10, 2007 10:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Little known fact:

Piazza is o-for-the-season with RISP (0/8?). Nonetheless, he's been one of the few brights spots with a bat.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nico, did you just turn Canadian on us, eh?

"Congratulations to the Oakland Athletics on their 2007, 2008 and 2009 Western Division Championships" --Rev Halofan

by BruceBochte on Apr 10, 2007 10:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

You should see me cook bacon, eh.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hoser.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Take off!

"(Zito) swings like a girl and runs like a woman." -- Dan Haren, January 27, 2007.

by Englishmajor on Apr 10, 2007 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still think player of the game

Is Gaudin. He was incredible. But like I've said before, expect a lot of these kinds of games this year with games decided ultimately by the bullpen.

It's going to be dependent on Geren to make wise choices though.

by Blez on Apr 10, 2007 10:17 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

He looks really good.

When his location is good, he's unhittable. That fastball just keeps running and that slurve/slider of his seems to defy most physical laws.

by baseb3383 on Apr 10, 2007 10:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, Gaudin

Is another reason to annoint Billy Beane as a genius. The A's scouting department is unbelievable, being able to pick up diamonds in the rough like him and using them to fill critical spots on the team.

by baseb3383 on Apr 10, 2007 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup. We got through

the first 7 innings with pitchers nobody else much wanted.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's wierd

In Gaudin's rookie year (at the tender age of 21), both Buster Olney and Peter Gammons wrote articles talking about how Gaudin had a "special" slider and was a real up-and-comer. Somehow, two organizations (Devil Rays and Blue Jays) who consistently lack in pitching let him go despite the fact that he was young and had good stuff. Not sure Beane was a genius on this one, but I am sure that these are exactly the kinds of players that a team like the Devil Rays should never let get away, and Toronto should not let a 40 man roster crunch get in their way of keeping an arm with the upside of Gaudin.

I'd like to eat my lunch, but Billy just kicked me out of my office.

by BlameChannel53 on Apr 10, 2007 10:46 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Proud of Chad Gaudin - Former High School Coach

Hey y'all from Texas. I taught and coached Chad from '98-'00 when I was a young coach at Crescent City High School near New Orleans. He was a great kid, but as most kids do, he did silly things sometimes, especially in class. He was impulsive and had a quick temper. He was sometimes easily frustrated by small things. I remember sitting him down and telling him he had the talent and work ethic to do great things, if he just got the gray matter between his ears straight. I explained how it was more important to be a good man than it was to just be a good ball player. I am so proud to watch this young man now and see how far he has come. Baseball is a fickle mistress, and though we love the game, fortunes can always turn. It's my fondest wish that he can keep this success going.

I can't claim to have much to do with his baseball success, as I didn't know much about coaching pitchers back then. I'd say most of that credit should go to the head coach there, Steve Ceravolo. He taught me most of what I know about coaching baseball. While I never taught him anything about pitching, I like to think I was a small part of guiding him in the right direction as a man.

Not many coaches of small schools get to turn on ESPN and see one of their former players give up a homer to Vlad Guerrero :) What makes me the most proud was how he has learned to deal with baseball's ups and downs. I never saw him flustered.

I'll never forget getting home late from football practice last fall and turning on the A's playoff game. I began jumping up and down and yelling. It was the first time I got to see Chad pitch in the majors, and he did great.

I'm near Houston, and not likely to ever get to see Chad play again in person, but I wanted to tell the world just how proud I am of this young man. I'm hoping for an interleague series between the Astros and the A's next year.

Growing up in New Orleans, my dad guided me to becoming a devoted Cardinals fan. Chad has made me an A's fan as well. You should have a favorite in both leagues right? - Coach Sandy Law

coachlaw@yahoo.com

by coachlaw on Apr 11, 2007 8:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

awesome

Thank you for posting that!

by popcornjames on Apr 11, 2007 9:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Awesome

That is really, really cool. As a big fan of Chad Gaudin, I too wish he has much success in the Big Leagues.

Chad has fit in perfectly with the Oakland Organization...and most importantly, he's listened to his coaches. Last year, Chad was giving up a ton of walks as a relief pitcher. The coaching staff (Curt Young & Co.) asked him to pitch from the stretch to correct his wildness. He took that advise to heart, and his K/BB Ratio improved dramatically.

It looks like Chad Gaudin is here to stay, and all A's fans are happy for him.

Thanks for Sharing!

by Colorado Fan on Apr 11, 2007 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for posting, Coach

If I get a chance I'll tell Chad what you posted.

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 11, 2007 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Y'all and McFood

I appreciate the comments y'all. I missed Chad's senior year in high school so I could get a job in Texas. I'm sure there were plenty of times he couldn't stand me because I was always on his case for something or other. Now that I've got 7 more years under my belt, I wonder just how much he hated me sometimes. We all had those coaches or teachers who we didn't like all that much when we had them, but later we realize just how much they cared, and that's why they spent so much time trying to iron us out. Whenever baseball season rolls around, I always think back to my days at Crescent City. We had some truly great kids on our team. I was a rookie teacher and coach, and I made a lot of mistakes learning to do the job right, but I always had the kids and their futures in mind with everything I did. I at least had the smarts to let the people who knew pitching teach him that stuff. Though I've learned a great deal since, I'm sure he could teach me a thing or two about coaching pitchers now.

McFood, If you do talk to Chad, pass along my email address. It's on my original post. I'd love to hear from the kid again some day. Tell him Coach Law has been watching and rooting for him in Texas.

by coachlaw on Apr 11, 2007 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He can't seem to do that with many

offensive players

by Bleeding the Green and Gold on Apr 10, 2007 10:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

how many other teams wanted frank thomas

last year?

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think thats why he said 'many' nt

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

does fine with free agents that he can afford

drafting power sluggers is another story...

by baseb3383 on Apr 10, 2007 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, there's nick swisher

and of course justin smoak!

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:42 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big props also for Embree,

who not only "retired" all 5 he faced but also shrugged off the lead-off 3B-error to keep it 1-0. Great job.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, good point

He's been incredible so far.

by Blez on Apr 10, 2007 10:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the arguments against Kennedy starting

was that as a reliever he'd be better than Embree. I'm not so sure--even at 37, Embree's fastball has a lot of life, and he seems to have learned how to pitch as he has gotten older. We may be seeing him in his best years.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was okay with the embree signing

but i've never seen the guy pitch this well before. it's looking like a great move so far, same with jay marshall. even with the crappy offense, the a's could win a bunch of games just with five really good pitchers in the bullpen.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

if Gaudin is #1 POG

then the bullpen is #1a POG

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got to watch parts of the game

Gaudin pitched well overall, but he started to tire in the 5th. He hung a slider to Uribe and his fastball was running 88-90, down from the 90-92 he was pumping in the early innings. Still didn't see much of a change-up.

Point is he still needs to build endurance and a 3rd pitch, even if its nothing more than a Show Me pitch, is going to be necessary.

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

by grover on Apr 10, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's true.

But for now, in a crunch, he's a good option.

How good will he be in 2008? I'm betting great.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, gaudin was really good

our starting pitching (actually, our whole pitching staff) has been incredible so far. if gaudin keeps this up, he should seriously be considered for the #5 spot once loiaza is back.
great win in general, but i'm worried about milton. definitely looked like a hamstring injury, though maybe he just tweaked it rounding third. god, i hope so.

"welcome to ME, motherf*^*er!" - tim hudson

by guy incognito on Apr 10, 2007 10:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, Ozzie screwed up last night

Pitching Jenks for no apparent reason last night, with the game pretty much in hand. The guy didn't look fresh at all tonight. Total micro management....

"I try to figure this team out, and if I could, I'd be a genius," Mark Ellis

by Little Lebowski Urban Achievers on Apr 10, 2007 10:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

didnt jenks start warming up when it was 2-1?

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't it micro management...

when sal is in charge?

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, how much was Milton in pain on that run?

I wonder how many muscles he pulled? Well, there goes his season...

Still no home runs or BASHES outta the park, where is the power? I guess the A's don't need no stinking BASHES!

Wish Gaudin could have gotten a win... but it was a great win nonetheless.

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 10, 2007 10:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Walk-off header?

Walk-off bean bounce?
Walk-off domer?

We need to coin this. Any ideas?

"robots with way too much intelligence, this chick, a healthy Eric Gagne..." ~cutthemullet

by LAXile on Apr 10, 2007 10:27 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Walk-off domer? - LOL!

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

by doctorK on Apr 10, 2007 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

walk off domer!

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm going with Pod-Off.

"Kotsay is 31... Kotsay's back is 127." - Jeepers

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

walk-off domer is excellent.

by mikeA on Apr 10, 2007 11:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doink-off or bonk-off

parallels walk-off and sulk-off pretty nicely.

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

by hunter on Apr 11, 2007 7:43 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd have to say that Bonehead's biggest

blunder putting playing Scott Podsednik at all. Let's look at Podsednik's night:

Top 1st - K

Top 4th - leadoff single. After the Punter boots one to right and Konerko strikes out, he steals 2nd, taking the bat out of Thome's hands just in time for Crede to strike out looking.

Top 5th - K

Top 7th - tries to bunt for a hit, but gets called out for interference.

Bottom 9th - Airmails throw home by about 10-15 feet allowing the base runners to move up on the RBI single (BTW - that throw home tells me that he won't be getting a lot of respect from third base coaches this season). After the intentional walk, he then does his best Jose Canseco impression by mis-timing his jump at the wall, then playing the ball off his head for the game winner.

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

by doctorK on Apr 10, 2007 10:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, last nite, he could do no wrong...

Single, double, HR, SB... what goes around, comes around...

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 10, 2007 10:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

True, but

Given Scotty's career numbers, I'd guess that White Sox fans will be seeing more games like tonight than like last night.

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

by doctorK on Apr 10, 2007 10:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, the chance of podsednik

hitting a home run and a double in the same game ever again in his career is like 10%. the chance of him ever hitting another home run is like 25%.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eric Byrnes v.2.0, I tells ya'!

He even wear #22!

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'd much rather have byrnes

podsednik has no power.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 11:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction: 'Next' to no power.

Ask Harden.

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 11, 2007 11:57 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

is that really guillen's fault they didnt go out

and get another OF'er?

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:47 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clearly, Guillen should have

predicted all this and benched Pods--but playing him last night was pure genius.

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

by Nico on Apr 10, 2007 10:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Insert comment about...

...regression to the mean.

Initiate weeks-long fight over what the expression means.

My (Revised) 2007 Prediction: 157-5...and at least the Wild Card!

by GreenNGoldSooner on Apr 10, 2007 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, can we all agree that

Ozzie is a moran?

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

by doctorK on Apr 10, 2007 10:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yikes

I hope he's not a Moran, I don't want him in my Irish family.

by baseb3383 on Apr 10, 2007 10:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate to cliche, but

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

by doctorK on Apr 10, 2007 10:54 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

That Cardinals fan is racist against the Irish

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Apr 10, 2007 10:56 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We'll give some land

to the (attractive and intelligent African Americans) and the (equally attractive and intelligent Americans of Chinese ancestry), but we don't want the Irish!

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

by doctorK on Apr 10, 2007 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aw prairie shit.

by Philip Christy on Apr 10, 2007 11:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey! Where all the white women at?

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

by hunter on Apr 11, 2007 7:54 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mad props to Geren!

He made all the right moves. Pulling Chad at the perfect time. Then pulling Embree for Duke even though Embree looked good. A very well managed game I would say.

Also, Ellis really does not deserve the error. The ball was clearly Bucks to catch. Buck looked hesitant to call the ball even though he was in a much better position to catch it. Rookie mistake, won't happen again.

by roscoe on Apr 10, 2007 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Did Ellie get that error called back?

I thought I heard something about that on the post-game show...

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 10, 2007 10:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i dunno, he certainly should have it reversed.

by roscoe on Apr 10, 2007 10:44 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

guesses for tomorrows lineup?

If the A's got shutout, I could see Geren ditching his "wait a month" theory and try something different. But now I don't think he will, unfortunately.

Kendall, C

Stewart, LF

Kielty, RF

Piazza, DH

Chavez, 3B

Swisher, CF

Crosby, SS

Walker, 1B

Ellis, 2B

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 10:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That looks about right

Kielty might not be in the 3-Hole, but he probably should be///

Mine:

Kendall

Stewart

Piazza

Chavez

Swisher

Kielty

Walker

Crosby

Ellis

But, I like yours better.

by Colorado Fan on Apr 11, 2007 12:08 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

the error

it was buck's fault, but i don't blame him. he's a rookie, ellis is like the best 2b in the league, he saw ellis going for it and slowed down to avoid a collision instead of taking charge and calling him off. it was a long run for him, but he was running in and it would have been an easy play. i'm sure they'll talk to him about it.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 10:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Orlando Hudson has insane range...

Ellie is the best in the American League, unless Kendrick keeps making crazy plays...

With the Oakland A's, the intravenous drip is always half full!

by OaktownRajah on Apr 10, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

league = american league

if i meant both leagues i'd have said "in baseball".

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 11:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

These are the games....

where I am amazed at the people who leave in the seventh inning. Hell, it was a run game at that point. Why are all these people clearing out? It's the reason I go to the park to see every game I can. It's not the same when you are sitting at home.....It's just not the same.

by roscoe on Apr 10, 2007 10:49 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

one run game. I should say.

by roscoe on Apr 10, 2007 10:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

SouthSideSox Recap

South Side Sox

by The Cheat on Apr 10, 2007 10:50 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh man

That recap was hilarious

by Feeba on Apr 10, 2007 11:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ellis' Hit

That ball hit the scoreboard 1st, then Pods' head, then rolled onto the outfield grass, right? It didn't directly hit Pods' head, did it?

by Colorado Fan on Apr 11, 2007 12:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Geren = Awesome

Crosby hater or no, getting Walker to PH for him was an awesome move by Geren. Crosby is the kind of person who would be "Home run or nothing" in this situation. With two outs, you need a guy less likely to K.

Big props to Geren; Macha would have never done this and would have let his subs rot on the bench.

Big props to Buck, Ozzie Guillen was scared of a rookie who only hit 9 HR in AA last year. Welcome to the Show, Rook.

Finally, let's give a hand to our world-class pitching, both in rotation and the bullpen. Let's hope that our offense will start to emulate them.

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Apr 10, 2007 10:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

i agree, how much you want to bet though

if Walker makes an out there and ends the game you will hear plenty of people here questioning Geren and saying things like:

"Why on earth would he go to someone who clearly hasn't been playing everyday and is therefore not game-ready for a situation like this?"

"OMG Fire Geren! Crosby has to learn how to play in these types of situations. He's been going oppo field so much better recently, you just have to put your faith in him. No way they should have gone with Walker there"

etc etc

by fadedash on Apr 10, 2007 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

In a situation like that the Manager will get flamed if the move backfired. But the fact Geren was willing to take a chance and use the players on your bench. Besides, look at the stats; Walker doesn't K alot, Crosby does.

Again, if there was only one out no outs, keeping Crosby would make sense, but with outs you have to yank him.

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Apr 10, 2007 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was saying that Walker hasn't been on the...

team long enough for the clutchy suckitude to rub off on him, so he was our best chance. Voila!

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 10, 2007 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

But how does that explain Stewie?

"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb

by secret ASian man on Apr 10, 2007 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's just naturally unclutch.

"Okay, now I know who drank the rest of my six-pack of Bitchy McSnarky's Snarkalicious Snarkade..." -Poppy

by McFood on Apr 11, 2007 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

grrrr...

i'm hoping for a rotoworld bradley update before i go to bed...

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 11:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Day to Day

They probably won't know the extent of things until tomorrow. Bradley should take tomorrow off either way, then there are 3 off days over the next week. So, even if he needs a full 8 days off, he'll only miss 5 games.

Best Case Scenario: Cramp

...but i doubt it.

by Colorado Fan on Apr 11, 2007 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

some late night reading

lew wolff interview:
http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.p...

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 10, 2007 11:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

One thing Geren should of done...

But really not a big deal is have someone else run for Piazza so Scutaro coulda played short if they hadn't won it in the ninth

by Haren I mean Harden on Apr 11, 2007 12:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Ellis the...menace? Uh, sure.

These headlines are getting pretty bad.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/wrap.jsp?ymd...

by danmerqury on Apr 11, 2007 12:26 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Even Better News: Angels lost too

Maybe this was already mentioned somewhere up 300+ posts that I missed, as I am a little late to the party, but I thought I'd throw it in -- the fact the Indians took care of the Halos made this a very good day for the Athletics.

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 11, 2007 12:54 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Anyone Tivo the game?

Did anyone Tivo the game? I fogot to set my Tivo before I left for the game tonight and wouldn't you know it, I caught a foul ball in the top of the 8th (Erstad batting, fouling off behind the plate). If you have the game in some type of Tivo'd fashion and are able and willing to share, please let me know -- thanks.

by daveman on Apr 11, 2007 1:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

That win was totally thanks to Ozzie

I was really surprised that Ozzie let Mackowiak, who is a lefty who can't hit lefties, bat against Embree in the 7th inning with an insurance run on 3rd base.

The Sox also have one of the best defensive outfielders in the game on the bench in Ryan Anderson, and Ozzie left Podsednik's horrible defence in the game for the 9th inning. That turned out to be the crucial mistake, as any decent OF either throws out Bradley or prevents the ball from hitting him in the head by catching it.

That was also the 3rd day Jenks pitched in a row, and his FB velocity never got above 92.

Just a really poorly managed game by Ozzie. I love it!

by MrIncognito on Apr 11, 2007 4:03 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

{pretty sure} Ball was over Pod's head

.. it hit the wall, then bounced on Pod's head .. but you're right, his throw to home was horrible ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 11, 2007 4:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

There' s a slow motion replay on the A's site

It looks like Pods mistimes the jump, and he lands right when the ball gets there, at which point it clangs off his head on the fly. If he just stood at the base of the wall, he probably could have just stuck his glove up and caught it.

by MrIncognito on Apr 11, 2007 4:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

We Can Get Others' Opinions but ..

.. no big deal, we won the ballgame is all that counts .. on TV in realtime, and in the replay, it surely looked to me like it hit the wall (scoreboard) then hit Pods on the head - but I don't have high-def or anything - Ozzie said the same thing - but Ozzie could have been wrong {he was there, yet a long ways away}. Maybe other A's fans will chime in and tell me I'm all wet {Grin} .. Go A's !!

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 11, 2007 5:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

a member of southsidesox ...

cut the replay and has it on repeat (towards the bottom of the page). looks like it bounced directly off his head.

by truelements on Apr 11, 2007 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops.

here's the link http://www.southsidesox.com/story/20...

by truelements on Apr 11, 2007 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't really matter... it was clearly catchable

by MrIncognito on Apr 11, 2007 11:23 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

{change subject} Ozzie afraid of the Rook ..

.. I love it! .. {g} ..

.. the Athletics may be small-market but they have BIG-heart! ..

by Randy Bell on Apr 11, 2007 5:39 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Have a beer, Ozzie--HA!

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Apr 11, 2007 7:13 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

by Jennifer on Apr 11, 2007 8:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Header, no way Macha

My vote is that the ball bounced off his head on the fly. Ala Canseco.
Macha never would have pinch hit for Crosby.

by Mr C on Apr 11, 2007 8:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Sox site vid: apply directly to the forehead

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Apr 11, 2007 9:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Scoreboard

That ball hit the scoreboard/blue padding first... look at the padding below the "1" - It gets discolored for just a split second.

by Colorado Fan on Apr 11, 2007 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good eyes!

by mikeA on Apr 11, 2007 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shadow? Trajectory looks straight. But...

...maybe it's different on any of the half-dozen other posts that link this clip.

The meaning of life is not so much 'found,' as it is 'made.' --Opus

by The Dogfather on Apr 11, 2007 10:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't look now

but Travis Buck has an obp of .370 and an OPS of .848. Granted, he's striking out about 2x per game, but he's putting up good numbers.

The remarkable thing about Buck:

27 Plate Appearances
-4 BB's
---
23 AB's
-11 K's
---
12 balls in play
-6 hits
---
6 outs on balls in play

So, he's batting .500 when he puts the ball in play. Adam Dunn without the power? Is that Youkilis?

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Apr 11, 2007 8:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Based on the current trend

I'm going to guess we score 1 run today

4/6 A's 2 Angels 5
4/7 A's 1 Angels 2
4/8 A's 2 Angels 1
4/9 A's 1 White Sox 2
4/10 A's 2 White Sox 1

If we subract one from our scores at the end of the season, I bet it spells "Kenny Macha's Revenge" in binary.

Signatures? We don't need no stinking signatures.

by jubjub on Apr 11, 2007 8:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

binary is 1s and 0s

i think you mean ternary / trinary.

A's v Giants "is kind of like the difference between going to see the Ramones and going to see the Bee Gees. A's fans will go see the Ramones." -BB 07/27/05

by xbhaskarx on Apr 11, 2007 9:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs