ANtics Episode 3.18: Joe Blanton, Enigma

by louismg on Jun 25, 2007 12:11 AM PDT in News

There wasn't much to celebrate with the most recent series against the Mets. But on Saturday, Joe Blanton put up eight scoreless innings in yet another remarkable pitching effort by him this season. The only problem? The A's hitters matched him zero for zero. Why does this keep happening? We investigate...

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Poll

Why Can't the A's Score for Blanton?

His rhythm is entrancing.

59 votes

Other (Write-In Below)

23 votes

They like to keep games close.

36 votes

He lacks cross-department leadership.

18 votes

Half the team took "Under" in Vegas.

58 votes

194 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Can we stop the fat jokes?

Its beneath Joe's and our collective dignities. He deserves more respect for his pitching, and three years of "cupcakes" ribbing is juvenile. More creativity, please.

"We're Menudo," -BB

by eshock on Jun 25, 2007 8:05 AM PDT reply actions

Pitching vs. Ribbing

I can't undo the "Cupcakes" moniker, as that's got legs and history. To replace it, Joe would need a new nickname. Note the lack of Cupcakes above.

The "Mmm... pie." note was the last thing I added before completing the comic, and I did consider not including it, for the same reason you note above. But it made sense. I think you'll find the most recent ANtic is extremely favorable to Blanton and lauds his pitching ability, pie joke aside.

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

by louismg on Jun 25, 2007 9:36 AM PDT up reply actions

It's the pie

that helps him last into the late innings.

My last sig was about Doyle.

by mikeA on Jun 25, 2007 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions

No Worries

All in good fun.

I think ANtics is quite creative. Do better, if you can, eshock.

by Dan_Honolulu on Jun 25, 2007 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

It's not just Blanton

The A's can't score for anybody. Their offense was weak the entire series, and most of the year. They scored a total of 3 runs in that whole series, to a team that hadn't won a series since May! I'm sick and tired of seeing quality outings by an A's pitcher day after day and have the offense sleeping. Other than Joe's solid effort the pitching wasn't exactly a box of chocolates either, giving up 19 runs in the other two games. Something needs to be done, if Billy doesn't make a trade at the deadline,(or unless the offense suddenly wakes up) this team will fall out of the playoff hunt.

"His kind of baggage makes Bradley's look like a Hello Kitty backpack." - Mychael Urban on Sammy Sosa

by Mulderfan on Jun 25, 2007 9:18 AM PDT reply actions

I think its very funny...

Poor Cupcakes lol...

We all think we're much smarter than we really are...- Huston Street

by iloveoakland on Jun 25, 2007 11:54 AM PDT reply actions

Run support?

What's that?
I have been a die-hard A's fan for a loooong time and it kills me to see our guys not hitting... and getting injured these past few years. Regardless...
Go A's!

by letsgoas on Jun 25, 2007 3:25 PM PDT reply actions