The A's have scored only two runs in 43 1/3 innings against the Angels starters in the last two series. That's a 0.42 ERA. Amazingly, the A's could finish 3-3 even with that stat.
Crikey, a hit! Quick, someone get this on tape! Then we can replay it over and over and tell ourselves that we're actually scoring runs. [Just forget about the little detail that it would be the same guy hitting each time. We don't need to keep one foot in reality or anything.]
That was unexpected. And a bit disappointing. DJ took the bat out of his hand. I understand trying to get the tying run to the plate, but at least make Rodriguez throw some pitches.
The part I "watched," anyway. And why, oh why, would DJ bunt off K-Rod, who is working for his 3rd straight day (I think), when DJ's one of the best at taking pitches and making the pitcher work?? Down by 3, with 1 out in the 9th. I. Don't. Understand.
<sigh> Tomorrow's another day, another game, another 9 innings of offensive agony... or, if the "good A's" show up, offensive majesty. We shall see.
the A's do make it to october their inability to play small ball will be their death. How does Macha not send Bynum to at least prevent the double play that turned out to be a rally killer. Managing scared deserves loses, and that is how Macha is managing. I don't care if that is A's baseball or not, walks and three run homers don't come off great pitchers in October, and apparently they don't come off erratic pitches in semtember either. I'm even more upset because I payed $4 to see this game!
have to give the Angels' starters credit. All three not only shut the A's down, but looked great in the process. It's a "tip your hat" series in that regard.
Add to that the A's didn't really deserve this one, with two defensive miscues costing a run each and two failures to score guys from 3rd with one out.
One bright spot to me: DJ's bunt in the 9th was smart baseball. If he has a 40% chance to beat it out, that's a heck of a lot better than the league OBP against K-Rod, and with the shift on he only needed to elude the pitcher to beat it out. Just didn't quite get it close enough to the line, but at least the "thinking man's play" (in contrast to his ground out to 2B the previous AB).
3 teams tied, 2 playoff spots available, 29 to play. Should be a heck of a sprint to the finish line.
Not only did the A's went South to play the Halos, the offense went South too, again.
Was it me (when it was 2-0) or was the A's hitter trying to hit a 2-run homer with no one on base? No disrespect to Lackey and Santana for pitching outstanding games, but the A's seem like they were trying to hit the long ball, which isn't there MO, except for lately.
We shouldn't be shut out by ERVIN F'ING SANTANA. And DJ? Trying for a BUNT SINGLE, WHAT? You are not fast, you are Scotty Jr. Guess there's acid in the Gatorade again.
I disagree. Down by 3 and we needed baserunners. If DJ gets on, Payton is the tying run. K-Rod is not exactly the easiest to hit against, so the bunt is a pretty good move, except it didn't work, so it looks stupid!
if you're wondering "did he have the element of surprise?" ask yourself, were you surprised? I was, like, "Woah!" Keep in mind that the (modified) shift was on and that really only K-Rod could have made a play.
I'm a fan of getting base runners in EVERY way possible, even the bunt. And yeah, it was one HELL of a surprise -- but while DJ is faster than some guys on our team, it would still take a DAMN good bunt to get him on base in that situation. There's a lot of guys on this team I could see bunting for a single right there, but DJ just isn't one of them. Surprise or not.
came rolling into Oakland and it wasn't pretty. We made Kevin Brown look good. I'm hoping for better fortune this time around. Hopefully finding Kotsay in the lineup will stabilize the things somewhat and allow an inactive Boobs to fluff his hair more in the dugout
Because they play ugly baseball. They have pitchers with absolutely TERRIBLE peripheral numbers and just slug their way to wins. I HATE that kind of baseball.
As much as I dislike the Angels, I appreciate that they play smart, solid baseball with GREAT pitching.
should play into the A's strengths. They do well against lefties and against guys who don't throw a high pct of strikes. Leiter has been both this year (and one for most of his career).
It seems that every time one of the A's pitchers pitch an incredible game, 75% of them are wasted because our offense is asleep and we lose 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, etc.
I'd "go for broke" tomorrow and play it like a game 162, figuring that if we can win Friday, we can win the series (1 of 2 at home against Small and Chacon) and be in a strong position with 26 to play. Losing both key series, one at home, would be most ungood.
The great thing about getting Leiter in the opener is that he is likeliest to get knocked out early due to pitch count. If we can get into the Yanks bullpen in the first game, it sets up the series. Meanwhile, both Duke and Street are nicely rested.
it doesn't matter. I would assume that righties have a better average against Leiter. With that thinking, I would stack the lineup with righties, except for Chavvy and DJ.
Kielty cam in on a bloop flyball by Anderson. He went into a slide and basically missed the ball entirely. Fosse said on TV that he didn't need to slide at all and could've caught the ball and kept his feet.
Did I mention that it was an ugly play? This was after the ump made a bad call on Cabrera's soft liner that Ellis dropped. The 3rd base ump said that Ellis did it on purpose. The 2nd base ump, who was right in front of Ellis, called it differently and called the force out at 2nd. That would've left Cabrera at 1st for the Anderson bloop and he would've never made it to 3rd on the Kielty blunder.
The biggest series of the year is this one. After the optimism following Kielty's homerun on Tuesday, the reality has set in. We're down three KEY players and the Evil Empire is battling us for the Wild Card. Can our boys pick it up? Let's hope so.
My opinion of this past game, that strike zone was freakin' ridiculous.
rally thread
andeux - September 1, 2005
Just unreal....
Kendall throws it away.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Actually, it hit Vlad
More accurately, Vlad's hand got in the way of the catchRickeyfan - September 1, 2005
It would have been in LF either way
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Now K Rod is up.
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
to everyone
who tries to say kendall should be starting instead of melhuse Youve got to be kidding me.bballfanr33 - September 1, 2005
does Melhuse make that throw?
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
This game sucks!!
Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
This will be the only post of the year
asking why Castillo wasn't in the gameDKNJ - September 1, 2005
actually I asked way back when
why take out Melhuse if you're not going to send Bynum in motion.I feared seeing Kendall in this one.
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
Goodness gracious
stop the unravelinginterior decor - September 1, 2005
Haha
I know...they must have signed him for a reason though. Isn't one inning defensive replacement the time to use him? Kendall butchered that playDKNJ - September 1, 2005
I can't watch
and listen to the announcers fawn over the Angels.nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
They are right...
Exceptional play by them the last 2 nights...plain and simple.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Beyond Weak!!!!
Kendall comes in to air mailone to left field. Damnit. A double steal with Guerrero? Macha would never make that callnatsirt - September 1, 2005
Well....
...at least the A's will still be tied for 1st. Ugh.Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
Yea, we needed 1 of these 2
for a 2 game lead with our slew of injuries to key guysOaktownPower - September 1, 2005
They're playing like someone died.
At least we got one game out of this. By the way, I dig your posts!Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
I love Kendall, but
every time Jason tries to throw out a baserunner, somewhere in the world, a baby harp seal gets clubbed.Kyli - September 1, 2005
Lol
Thanksnatsirt - September 1, 2005
lol
thanksnatsirt - September 1, 2005
It's a Wonderful Game
"daddy, teacher says every time Jkendall throws at a base an Angel gets a run"ak_A - September 1, 2005
Unbelievable stat
The A's have scored only two runs in 43 1/3 innings against the Angels starters in the last two series. That's a 0.42 ERA. Amazingly, the A's could finish 3-3 even with that stat.Tyler Bleszinski - September 1, 2005
that's crazy
Sharon - September 1, 2005
Holy shit.....Thats insane.
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Castillo probably doesn't know our pitchers yet.
We played not horrible but not good.Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
Kendall + Melhuse=easy steal
When was the last time we throw out someone stealing?24leadingoff - September 1, 2005
the last game Melhuse caught
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
kendall + melhuse= easy steal
that was when? I swear both Kendall and Melhuse have got be throwing out less than 20% of baserunners24leadingoff - September 1, 2005
considering Melhuse has hardly caught
his throwing out baserunners % is higher than Kendall'sOaklandSi - September 1, 2005
confused?
i thought KRod wasnt going to be available today?Devina - September 1, 2005
Well, hes warming up
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
It's not gonna be easy
GO A'S IN THE 9THinterior decor - September 1, 2005
if we score three runs i may cry
Pucking Insane - September 1, 2005
I'll cry if we don't.
salb918 - September 1, 2005
3 runs,
2 thanks to speed. Speaking of which, I definitely picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines.Nico - September 1, 2005
I thought it was glue!
Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
We've got
FRaud's number this year. Payton Grannie timenatsirt - September 1, 2005
Surely...
...you can't be serious!spal - September 1, 2005
Okay, replied
to the wrong post.spal - September 1, 2005
too bad
its still santanaDevina - September 1, 2005
Kendall should maybe not try
I know I'm being ridiculous, but when he DOES get a throw off it seems like a bad one that trickles away.I may be overreacting, but I'm still trying to find more love for Kendall.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
My beef is...
...there was two outs! Let them run! Who cares? Concentrate on the batter!Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
Marco!
Rickeyfan - September 1, 2005
Santana still in
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
no he isn't
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
Yes he is
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
didn't they announce F-Rod?
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
Im watching..trust me :-)
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
King is saying F-Rod is pitching
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
We're watching, it was Santana
NOW they're bringing in KRodnycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Hes wrong...
They just took Santana out after Chavez's hit.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
They look alike
natsirt - September 1, 2005
I mean K-Rod
and now Scioscia is taking him out for Donelly, my least favorite Angels pitcherOaklandSi - September 1, 2005
I'm not watching
but i swear, Bill King said K-Rod was pitching, and now Donnelly is pitching.Now Bill King is admitting that Santana was pitching, not K-Rod.
That is very Greenwald-esque.
At least King admitted it, but that's a big boo-boo
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
I recant my previous statement
if scutaro gets on base i'll cryPucking Insane - September 1, 2005
I want KRod over Santana
That's how desperate I am against these Angel starters.nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
wow
you totally just ready my mind.Devina - September 1, 2005
well
looks like we got our wish.Devina - September 1, 2005
One down.
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
one away already
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
This sucks...
We need at least one run...Some kind of momentum going into the Yankee series, anything...PLEASE!
OaklandInvader - September 1, 2005
Theres one hit...
And here is k Rod.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
SINGLE!
YESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
woo hoo
donnelly coming in. we can do this!!miguel - September 1, 2005
Ok, Goggle Pen, lose it...
OaklandInvader - September 1, 2005
Nice hit, Chavy
GLIMMER OF HOPEIT'S K-ROD MELTDOWN TIME
interior decor - September 1, 2005
Douche Chill
tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
oh god
not the goggles guy again! i can not stand k-rod!!!gotgreen - September 1, 2005
K Rod?
I was hoping for Christiansen, or at least Donelly.salb918 - September 1, 2005
Cheater's coming in.
C'mon Oakland!secret ASian man - September 1, 2005
Wow, there were about 13 pitches in about .1 sec.
on gameday just now. Spastic.Crikey, a hit! Quick, someone get this on tape! Then we can replay it over and over and tell ourselves that we're actually scoring runs. [Just forget about the little detail that it would be the same guy hitting each time. We don't need to keep one foot in reality or anything.]
whiteshoes40 - September 1, 2005
Let's make Scoscia regret this move
Rickeyfan - September 1, 2005
Back to back Homers
Here we go.tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
The score should be 1-0 right now.
Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
So Bill King,
who has been calling Santana K-Rod the entire inning, just announced that Donnelly is coming in. This should be interesting.Nico - September 1, 2005
My god, what is he doing?
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Bill King got me.
I thought something was wrong!Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
Man, that extra run sure is big.
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Rally!
Positive vibes... c'mon!!!JLaff - September 1, 2005
Anyone actually
watching the game know who is commimg in? Donneley, FRod, Nolan Ryan?natsirt - September 1, 2005
K Rod is in...
2 outs..DJ out buntingOaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Scoscia wants to slam the door
and KRod is still his best bet.effing hell.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Hoping for a miracle.
Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
I'll take five consecutive walks.
Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
Oh, Bill King messed up
it's K-Rod.Light him up!
secret ASian man - September 1, 2005
What the fuck was that
Pucking Insane - September 1, 2005
all slegna starters have gone into the 9th...
this series...unacceptable...OaklandInvader - September 1, 2005
Great bunt...
Exceptional play by K RodOaktownPower - September 1, 2005
I am speechless.
Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
Bunt?!!!!!!!!
natsirt - September 1, 2005
Took a great play...
Need baserunnersOaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Light him up!
secret ASian man - September 1, 2005
Anyone have any Lysol?
This game is about to smell.Hit4TheCycle - September 1, 2005
I don't like that play. Low percentage. You
don't know how wild k-rod will be. shit if you try it. It better work.Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
Wow
That was unexpected. And a bit disappointing. DJ took the bat out of his hand. I understand trying to get the tying run to the plate, but at least make Rodriguez throw some pitches.Tyler Bleszinski - September 1, 2005
We're bunting NOW?!?!?
WHAT IS WRONG WITH MACHA?!?nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
DJ did that on his own
boilerdan - September 1, 2005
Dang, TV is on a split second tape-delay
Rickeyfan - September 1, 2005
arrgg
i know he was desperate, but bunts waste outs if you already have 1 out.Devina - September 1, 2005
I think they're just trying to get A run.
tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
And down by 3!
Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
It Was A Buntfor a Hit
and it almost workedEck - September 1, 2005
Ummm...
maybe I'm missing something, but why was DJ bunting there? Has Joe Morgan really taken over their minds or something? ... anyway. Let's go Jay!whiteshoes40 - September 1, 2005
Way to bunt
Makes no sense.tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
Phew
K-Rod seems to be having difficulty with that slider, lets hope that keeps upJLaff - September 1, 2005
Shit payton swinging at ball 3. Test his command
for God's sake.Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
I cannot BELIEVE he gave himself away
with a bunt like that, down THREE in the 9TH.nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Ballgame...
Props to the Angels....great series.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
suck
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
Swinging at ball 3 again. Fuck!!!! Fuck Fuck
Sorry guys.Testy1212 - September 1, 2005
His pitches move a ton...its not easy to not swing
K Rod is nastyOaktownPower - September 1, 2005
wow
what a depressing game.Devina - September 1, 2005
ESPN/media blackout in effect in SE Alaska
as i slink off to bed.ak_A - September 1, 2005
Just don't pick up dipping again...
this team could lead you towards it...OaklandInvader - September 1, 2005
Well a Joe got ZERO run support...
I guess it's our M.O.OaklandInvader - September 1, 2005
Blame it on the injuries if you want
But they didn't fucking score. 4 runs in 3 games? What's their record against playoff teams of late?Does this team deserve to be in the playoffs if they're going to perform this way?
tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
Oops
I meant 3. My bad.tblazrdude - September 1, 2005
The pitching does
As does Payton because he kept us in the game earlier with 2 GREAT plays.Everyone else was beyond atrocious.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
*pulls hair out*
--------l 1
l K 1
l Zone 1 o - NOT K Zone
l 1
--------
Damn outside pitch popup
JLaff - September 1, 2005
wow that came out horrible
that shows MY graphic expertise :-(JLaff - September 1, 2005
Not worth
12:30. I hope we do better this weekend.natsirt - September 1, 2005
Not depressing...
Got outplayed.....They played a great series.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Still a good road trip
Time for the SkanksHit4TheCycle - September 1, 2005
I guess I'll join...
...the "A's can't win because Bobby Crosby is hurt" bandwagon. I can't wait to hear what the pundits have to say now.Coach Cleats - September 1, 2005
I'm Mr. Brightside...
So what was that...a 7-3 road trip? I'll take itfranks a lot - September 1, 2005
Well that was no fun.
The part I "watched," anyway. And why, oh why, would DJ bunt off K-Rod, who is working for his 3rd straight day (I think), when DJ's one of the best at taking pitches and making the pitcher work?? Down by 3, with 1 out in the 9th. I. Don't. Understand.<sigh> Tomorrow's another day, another game, another 9 innings of offensive agony... or, if the "good A's" show up, offensive majesty. We shall see.
whiteshoes40 - September 1, 2005
Ok, so reading other comments,
looked like the bunt thing almost worked. I don't know, I didn't actually see it. Oh well, what's done is done....I'll stop talking to myself now...
Let's go A's tomorrow!
whiteshoes40 - September 1, 2005
Isn't the Home Team ...
... supposed to win two out of three?Eck - September 1, 2005
no injury excuses, enough A's
should be hitting.Tomorrow is another game.
Better hitting, worse pitching opponent tomorrow.
Good night
OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
Our offense against the Yanks
Oh lord. <shudder>nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
if
the A's do make it to october their inability to play small ball will be their death. How does Macha not send Bynum to at least prevent the double play that turned out to be a rally killer. Managing scared deserves loses, and that is how Macha is managing. I don't care if that is A's baseball or not, walks and three run homers don't come off great pitchers in October, and apparently they don't come off erratic pitches in semtember either. I'm even more upset because I payed $4 to see this game!CyberFT - September 1, 2005
for me if you aren't going to send the
pinch runner, then why take out Melhuse?OaklandSi - September 1, 2005
They couldn't save some offense for
The Angels series, that's alright...Hit4TheCycle - September 1, 2005
Freaking Al Leiter tomorrow
If the A's don't make him look as bad as he really is, all my arteries will explode.Not having Kotsay and Crosby is NOT AN EXCUSE tomorrow.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Agreed to a point
Kielty full time and Scutaro are not exactly solid replacements. The A's have been very risk averse trying to get Ginter going. Now is the time.DKNJ - September 1, 2005
I absolutely agree.
Ginter should be seeing more playing time. And I really don't want to see Kielty batting against a righty.Sharon - September 1, 2005
Scutaro's act though basically solid gets
real old with me on a regular playing basis.ak_A - September 1, 2005
I think you really
have to give the Angels' starters credit. All three not only shut the A's down, but looked great in the process. It's a "tip your hat" series in that regard.Add to that the A's didn't really deserve this one, with two defensive miscues costing a run each and two failures to score guys from 3rd with one out.
One bright spot to me: DJ's bunt in the 9th was smart baseball. If he has a 40% chance to beat it out, that's a heck of a lot better than the league OBP against K-Rod, and with the shift on he only needed to elude the pitcher to beat it out. Just didn't quite get it close enough to the line, but at least the "thinking man's play" (in contrast to his ground out to 2B the previous AB).
3 teams tied, 2 playoff spots available, 29 to play. Should be a heck of a sprint to the finish line.
Nico - September 1, 2005
Absolutely, Ive been saying that...
Sometimes u just get beat by great pitching..Tip your cap and move on.great job by the Angels all series, period.
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
Went South
Not only did the A's went South to play the Halos, the offense went South too, again.Was it me (when it was 2-0) or was the A's hitter trying to hit a 2-run homer with no one on base? No disrespect to Lackey and Santana for pitching outstanding games, but the A's seem like they were trying to hit the long ball, which isn't there MO, except for lately.
Bring on the hated Yanks!
Fongpay - September 1, 2005
I can't believe how much that sucked.
We shouldn't be shut out by ERVIN F'ING SANTANA. And DJ? Trying for a BUNT SINGLE, WHAT? You are not fast, you are Scotty Jr. Guess there's acid in the Gatorade again.Kyli - September 1, 2005
Bunt
I disagree. Down by 3 and we needed baserunners. If DJ gets on, Payton is the tying run. K-Rod is not exactly the easiest to hit against, so the bunt is a pretty good move, except it didn't work, so it looks stupid!Fongpay - September 1, 2005
And furtherless,
if you're wondering "did he have the element of surprise?" ask yourself, were you surprised? I was, like, "Woah!" Keep in mind that the (modified) shift was on and that really only K-Rod could have made a play.Nico - September 1, 2005
AND....He made an excellent play
OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
He's not the easiest to bunt off of either.
I'm a fan of getting base runners in EVERY way possible, even the bunt. And yeah, it was one HELL of a surprise -- but while DJ is faster than some guys on our team, it would still take a DAMN good bunt to get him on base in that situation. There's a lot of guys on this team I could see bunting for a single right there, but DJ just isn't one of them. Surprise or not.He ain't like Ramon. ;-)
Kyli - September 1, 2005
I recall the last time the Yankee fat cats
came rolling into Oakland and it wasn't pretty. We made Kevin Brown look good. I'm hoping for better fortune this time around. Hopefully finding Kotsay in the lineup will stabilize the things somewhat and allow an inactive Boobs to fluff his hair more in the dugoutfranks a lot - September 1, 2005
The Yankees infuriate me more
Because they play ugly baseball. They have pitchers with absolutely TERRIBLE peripheral numbers and just slug their way to wins. I HATE that kind of baseball.As much as I dislike the Angels, I appreciate that they play smart, solid baseball with GREAT pitching.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Am I the only one who wants to cry?
AsGirl - September 1, 2005
I'm with you
Tears of frustration!Fongpay - September 1, 2005
I did until I saw we have Leiter tom.
If we don't win that game, I'll have a nervous breakdown. But right now, I'm just looking forward to facing some mediocre pitching.Also, I think it benefits us to get the Yanks away from Yankee stadium with the ridiculously short fences.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Al Leiter
should play into the A's strengths. They do well against lefties and against guys who don't throw a high pct of strikes. Leiter has been both this year (and one for most of his career).Nico - September 1, 2005
Leiter
I like the A's chances tomorrow.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
ANers
I hope that 100% of the ANers (that can possibly make it) are out there screaming their heads off tomorrow!Fongpay - September 1, 2005
There's a reason
the Angels have the best ERA in the league - they have GREAT pitching. So do we, but we just shot ourselves in the foot with little things.nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Agreed
but it's still frustrating because you know the A's can hit anyone in the league.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Not true at all
We hit the White Sox when everyone was drooling over them. We've hit against good pitchers and bad pitchers.The thing is, that's why they say pitching wins championships - because THIS is what great pitching does: shut you down.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Santana
We sure made the rookie look like the Cy Young Winner from last year. Oops, sorry, wrong Santana.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Look at his numbers
He's a good pitcher. Look at his ERA at night. Absolutely ridiculous.Furthermore, I'm sure no one expected this Angels lineup to only score 2 runs against Blanton or Kennedy either.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
A's Pitchers
It seems that every time one of the A's pitchers pitch an incredible game, 75% of them are wasted because our offense is asleep and we lose 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, etc.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Vlad
Even more frustrating is that they keep Bad Vlad pretty much under raps this series. It was Quinlin, Figgins, and their pitching that beat us.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
If I were Macha,
I'd "go for broke" tomorrow and play it like a game 162, figuring that if we can win Friday, we can win the series (1 of 2 at home against Small and Chacon) and be in a strong position with 26 to play. Losing both key series, one at home, would be most ungood.The great thing about getting Leiter in the opener is that he is likeliest to get knocked out early due to pitch count. If we can get into the Yanks bullpen in the first game, it sets up the series. Meanwhile, both Duke and Street are nicely rested.
Nico - September 1, 2005
Rivera
As long as they don't have to face Rivera.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Ginter
Will Ginter get a start against the lefty?Fongpay - September 1, 2005
No, Ginter
only gets to start behind the Yabu/Melhuse battery.Nico - September 1, 2005
Funny!
Though, I think they should give Ginter a chance. Do you know what his stats are against Leiter?Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Al Leiter's brains are probably still in
the National leauge.Hit4TheCycle - September 1, 2005
No, I don't know
where to look up head-to-head stats.Nico - September 1, 2005
I guess
it doesn't matter. I would assume that righties have a better average against Leiter. With that thinking, I would stack the lineup with righties, except for Chavvy and DJ.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Ginter vs. Leiter
In 5 at bats, he has 2 hits and one walk.Sharon - September 1, 2005
All in 2003...
He didnt play in 2004 in the one game Leiter pitched vs Milwaukee.OaktownPower - September 1, 2005
I'm like 80% sure
he won't play, because Macha seems to have an aversion to putting him in the lineup.We all love Scoot, but his offense will not fill the hole. We need some POP.
nycfan @ Athletics Nation - September 1, 2005
Hatty
Does this mean Hatty will DH?Fongpay - September 1, 2005
I don't think he'll play either.
And I certainly don't think that those stats are enough to justify playing Ginter.Ginter should simply play b/c you need production. He's not a bad hitter like his current stats would suggest. He's been terribly unlucky this season.
Sharon - September 1, 2005
Could someone explain, since I refuse
to watch ESPN (even if they showed it) Kielty's fielding blunder tonight.ak_A - September 1, 2005
Bloop
Kielty cam in on a bloop flyball by Anderson. He went into a slide and basically missed the ball entirely. Fosse said on TV that he didn't need to slide at all and could've caught the ball and kept his feet.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
Thanks. Coming from an AN'er is
far better than having to watch it.ak_A - September 1, 2005
Ugly
Did I mention that it was an ugly play? This was after the ump made a bad call on Cabrera's soft liner that Ellis dropped. The 3rd base ump said that Ellis did it on purpose. The 2nd base ump, who was right in front of Ellis, called it differently and called the force out at 2nd. That would've left Cabrera at 1st for the Anderson bloop and he would've never made it to 3rd on the Kielty blunder.Fongpay - September 1, 2005
now the real test....
The biggest series of the year is this one. After the optimism following Kielty's homerun on Tuesday, the reality has set in. We're down three KEY players and the Evil Empire is battling us for the Wild Card. Can our boys pick it up? Let's hope so.My opinion of this past game, that strike zone was freakin' ridiculous.
BruceBochteBiyatches - September 1, 2005
All over
Agreed, today's strike zone was the worse. Up, down, inside, outside, whatever...Fongpay - September 1, 2005
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