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May The Best Manager Win

Goat_tiny by Nico on in News

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   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   0 recs

of the two I'd choose Walker

based simply on past performance

by OaklandSi on Apr 10, 2007 10:05 PM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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   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   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   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 Oaktownmagical07 on Apr 10, 2007 10:28 PM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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   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   0 recs

noooooo

love his bat, hate his glove

by OaklandSi on Apr 10, 2007 10:09 PM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   0 recs

He has got to have

the weakest arm I have ever seen.

by Khmi on Apr 10, 2007 10:13 PM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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   0 recs

I meant...

Chavez and Piazza.

by brenarlo on Apr 10, 2007 10:11 PM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   0 recs

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

by Ozzz on Apr 10, 2007 10:26 PM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   0 recs

awesome

Thank you for posting that!

by popcornjames on Apr 11, 2007 9:35 AM PDT to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   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 to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, good point

He's been incredible so far.

by Blez on Apr 10, 2007 10:20 PM PDT to parent up   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 t