OK, I give up -- how
does one count split-squad games?
I guess my solution would be ... to just not count them at all.
(If you do want to start counting things, I'd suggest starting at "1" for
the first 2008 appearance in print of "more serious than ... originally thought" with regard to an A's injury.)
So, here we are at A's 2008 Spring Training game N, with the A's hosting the Rangers, Gio Gonzalez (aka "GioGolo") vs. Sidney Ponson.
Sidney Ponson? Jeez, the Rangers really
are going to suck this year. Interesting to see that the A's are giving Sweeney a look in center today, and Conrad at second.
Lineups:
Rangers
Kinsler 2B
Mench LF
Young SS
Hamilton DH
Byrd RF
Blalock 3B
Murphy CF
Broussard 1B
Laird C
A's
Denorfia LF
Barton 1B
Brown RF
Cust DH
Sweeney R CF
Hannahan 3B
Murphy SS
Bowen C
Conrad 2B
"Sweater weather" in Phoenix, 56 degrees
Gosh, the one day the weather there would suit me.
Kinsler singles.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
To be honest with you, it was cold.
We had seats in the shade, and got up in the 3rd inning to walk around. From there, it was hoping the sun would peek out from the clouds. So we largely strolled and picked sunny spots. But we stayed all 9 innings and the A's won!
louismg - March 16, 2008
Ponson only got a minor league deal I think
So this is basically a tryout for him.
56... I wish it were 56 degrees here. I believe we're in the 30s today.
thejd44 - March 16, 2008
if he can stay on the wagon
and control his weight he might be a good option for the Rangers this year.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
3-0 Mench, Bowen consulting with Gio
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Mench walks.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
what's for lunch?
(sorry, once this is out of the way I'll continue on the game)
me; angel hair pasta with shrimp, scallops, onion, spinach and walnuts in a butter-olive oil sauce. (I eat well on weekends, not so well during the week).
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
leftovers
Homemade meatloaf (ground turkey, turkey Italian sausage, Jimmy Dean spicy sausage, oatmeal, celery, onions [always remember to grind the onions in with the meat], garlic, bread crumbs, S&P), sauteed mustard rabe, homemade sourdough bread.
monkeyball - March 16, 2008
yum!
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
nice double play
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
DP!
5-4-3, Hannahan did a nice job.
Turkey sandwich, strawberries, grapes.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
5-3, wasn't it
andeux - March 16, 2008
Gameday has it
5-5-3
Syphon - March 16, 2008
It was 5-3
Grounder to 3rd, step on the bag, throw across the diamond.
louismg - March 16, 2008
The same thing..
The first 5 indicates who fielded the ball,, the second 5 is out at 3rd and 3 out at first.
Syphon - March 16, 2008
Denorfia LF, Sweeney CF
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Hmm Lunch...
Im still undecided.
Syphon - March 16, 2008
Byrd K's
No score, going to bottom of 1st.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Denorfia leads off with a single
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
I have a feeling we are
gonna light Ponson up big time.
Syphon - March 16, 2008
not sure about that
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Good Start
Syphon - March 16, 2008
then again...
Sweeney's hit the best of the four
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
4-0 A's
Syphon - March 16, 2008
E-Meal singles
Cust up.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Cust singles
Denorfia scores. 1-0 A's!
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
R Sweeney doubles to center
E-Meal scores, Cust on second, Hannahan up, 2-0 A's.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Ken describes Sweeney's double: "That ball was smoked!!"
...and Ponson looks around for some mustard.
Nick - March 16, 2008
sounds like alight...
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
4-0 A's
Ponson gives up five hits, two that sounded like very solid hits.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
I believe Ponson's wheels have now come off
4-0 A's at the end of the first.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
let's see what he does second inning
the first was nowhere near as bad as Zito's start against the A's (or the Giants' starting pitcher yesterday).
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Murphy
Were you able to tell if Murphy getting out was due to a good throw or a bad error in judgment from Murphy?
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
DeFrancesco sent him
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Ah okay thanks
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
No, I think he sent Brown from 2nd
I think Murphy headed to 2nd on the throw home, saw the ball get past Laird, rounded the bag too far, and got caught when Young slid in behind him and took the throw from Laird for the tag out.
Nick - March 16, 2008
Korach was talking about DeFrancesco's
aggressiveness in sending the runner home, right after Murphy was out
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
then again, I can't see the game
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Murphy slipped going back to 2nd
He was being aggressive, and turning back to beat the throw, his feet didn't get out of the dirt quick enough. He ended up with dirt in his shirt and pants and was shaking his head. Embarrassing, but the RBIs still counted!
louismg - March 16, 2008
mmmm
quiznos.
oakinboston - March 16, 2008
sounds good what kind of sandwhich?
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
baja chicken
or something like that
oakinboston - March 16, 2008
man....all I had was a few soft tacos from taco bell
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
not enough taco bells
in boston.
oakinboston - March 16, 2008
but quizonos is better than tacos
MMMmmmm.....toasty
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
I think I know what Im getting now..
very soon.
Syphon - March 16, 2008
Ellis would have had that
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
and Laird makes the A's pay
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Conrad gets charged with an error
as Ken and Ray go into a digression about Ray's relationship with Kuiper.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Oops. Laird 2-run homer.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Unearned run
Oaktownflav - March 16, 2008
Go Go
Unearned Runs.
Syphon - March 16, 2008
Vicente Padilla has a pain in the ass ;-)
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Bowen K's
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
Conrad singles again
Denorfia grounds out to 2nd. Conrad to second. 2 out.
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Over on the Met's broadcast today
Wayne Hagin (yes, the same guy from my sig line) spent 2 innings talking about the Columbine massacre. He might want to avoid that kind of filler material in the future.
Nick - March 16, 2008
Speaking of the two shooters....
one of the video's shows one of the killers wearing a Boston beanie cap. Just saying.
alox - March 16, 2008
Wayne Hagin...
is horrible. The day that he left Cardinals radio was one of the single greatest days of my life.
mynameistyler - March 16, 2008
Barton walks
1st and 2nd, 2 away
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Ponson misplaces the strike zone
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
He's working on his waste pitches today.
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Or maybe his waist pitches
doctorK - March 16, 2008
Brown Walks
Bases loaded for Mr. Cust.
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Cust lines to center.
Sounded loud though!
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Bad Luck there
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
I think Korach mentions Bill King
at the just the right frequency with just the right mix of honor, fondness, and sarcasm.
salb918 - March 16, 2008
Gio struggling a bit today
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Texas Arm / Lunch
Who is up in the pen for Texas?
Lunch? I am enjoying a Pork rice onion and peas concoction...
...how are those strawberries? I'm afraid to fork out the cash if they're no good...
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
sounds good
early for strawberries in California, they might be imported
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
I had the first Cali strawberries of the year this morning
organic goodness
Buck Turgidson - March 16, 2008
nice!
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
made sure I inspected 'em real good first
Buck Turgidson - March 16, 2008
One of them could have had a cocaine habit
Nico - March 16, 2008
S'berries
wow...great feedback! ...I think I'll wait til later in the spring however....fuji apples are like candy right now...
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
Yes, I think they were from Mexico
Trader Joe's, quite good.
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Tied game 4-4
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
I made breakfast for lunch. Eggs,bacon, hashbrowns, rye toast.
TheGreenGoldCrush - March 16, 2008
AN food club
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Josh Hamilton has now reached base
in 12 consecutive plate appearances (9/9 with 3 BBs). And...I'm guessing Ryan Goleski hasn't. :-(
Nico - March 16, 2008
Gio's wheels came off
it happens
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Luckily for me, that never happened
back when I drove a Geo Spectrum.
Nico - March 16, 2008
at least it wasn't a Yugo
not only the company, but the country went out of business
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Kind of like Vallejo is going broke?
If I buy something from Vallejo and the whole city goes bankrupt, can I still return the item if I keep the receipt?
Nico - March 16, 2008
historical precedent
during the 1850's Marysville hired Jim Beckwourth to plan a new road through the Sierras. He did the job, but the town was partially destroyed by a fire. That mayor got voted out, and the following mayor told Beckwourth that the contract was with the former city govt., and didn't have to be honored. Beckwourth sued but the court case dragged on, and he died without ever getting paid.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
also, Marysville was bankrupt
that was part of the new mayor's excuse
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Rangers lead 6-4
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
I'm off to the movies
it's that time of year. Hope the A's battle back!
Englishmajor - March 16, 2008
Greg Smith threw another 1-2-3 inning with 1K
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
Smith has basically done nothing wrong -
He keeps being efficient, effective, impressive.
Nico - March 16, 2008
Barton walks, Brown doubles
6-5 Rangers
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Hamilton having a great spring at the plate
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
but not running the bases
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Just turned on the game
Gio gave up 6 runs on 5 hits huh? Guess it doesnt help that Conrad and Murphy both had errors.
asfaninpismobeach - March 16, 2008
Conrad's error on a two-out grounder
led directly to two runs, since Laird hit a HR right after
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
finally bought mlb audio
Ah, Korachian goodness coming through my crappy old iMac!
Also took the opportunity to craft my Cheapskate's Delight season ticket package: all 6 $2 Wednesday night games.
monkeyball - March 16, 2008
I travel alot
mlb.com audio has definitely been one of the better baseball-related purchases I've made.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
outside corner K looking ends inning
nice job by Smith to limit the damage
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Rangers' pitcher aimails throw into centerfield
A's getting a break and a chance to score; Barton sac flies, Conrad tags and comes home, and now it's 7-6 Texas, with two out. Denorfie is at first
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
but Cust K's, after six Rangers lead 7-6
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Cust's BABIP doesn't fall!!!!
It's the little victories that keep me going.
Nico - March 16, 2008
Pitchers and throwing...
If they're throwing anywhere but home (see 1st and 2nd), it seems pitchers have a rough time of it. You'd think they could figure out how to hit a target...
louismg - March 16, 2008
for top of the seventh
Murphy and Sweeney are out. Emil Brown shifts to centerfield, Linden now in right. Petit takes over at shortstop.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Options
If Sweeney, Denorfia, Fiorentino start the year in AAA do they save an option, or does it not matter? is one option good throughout the year and a guy can go up and down an unlimited number of times?
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
I'm no options expert
however I seem to recall that one option is good for several up and down callups during one season
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
40 Man
Assuming M. Sweeney will make the team; who comes off the 40 man? The initial fall guy was DJ, but with three Bombs he may have saved himself; I'm looking at Fiorentino as a guy the A's could pull off the roster and not lose to waivers.
Regarding Linden, if he starts the year on the big club; first they have to find another guy to move of the 40 man; also, the As have to keep him on the roster all year or risk losing him through waivers. The A's may start him in AAA and go with Den and/or RSweeney and keep them on a short leesh; if Linden continues to hit at AAA then BB can feel more confident making a move down via options with the young guy(s) and can brind Linden up feeling more sure that he'll be a contributor throughout the remainder of the season.
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
Another way to look at it,
Another way to look at it is DJ's three bombs increased his trade value and he is now MORE likely to be traded. I hear Sabian is desperate for a first-baseman across the bay.
Threepwood XX - March 16, 2008
2008 A's Team Outlook
Came across a solid preview of the team for next season. Breaks down the lineup, rotation, pen, and even some prospects. Also has a reader poll at the end about the win total. Solid read.
http://mlbfleecefactor.com/2008/03/16/the-2008-oakland-athletics-the-beane-identity/
ET90210 - March 16, 2008
Hmm...I wasn't so impressed with this writeup
Of course, referring to Dan Jonson and Milton Bradly didn't help. But neither did analysis like, "Gaudin’s fastball is only around 90 mph, but he has solid placement of the pitch, so he can get by with it most of the time." Actually, he throws 92-93 without solid placement and relies heavily on his slider, but thanks for playing!
Nico - March 16, 2008
spam....
mikeA - March 16, 2008
LOL
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
I've seen Gaudin hit 94, maybe 95 ever now and again, too.
thejd44 - March 16, 2008
lots of error
for example, that Gaudin's first half numbers had fans talking about a new Big 3, together with Blanton and Hardin?...uh, no, Hardin was not a factor in the rotation past April.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Harden, Harden, Harden
see I Kin spel
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Devine Intervention -
Joey K's the side!
Nico - March 16, 2008
Is Devine a quarter arm delivery guy?
asfaninpismobeach - March 16, 2008
No, you're thinking of Dave Dravecky
Sorry, sorry, I couldn't resist.
Nick - March 16, 2008
Linden continues to sizzle
as a late game replacement in spring training games
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Erik Plunk!
asfaninpismobeach - March 16, 2008
Please, I just ate dinner!
Nick - March 16, 2008
A's get 3 in the 8th..
Lead 9-7
Syphon - March 16, 2008
in part due to a throwing error
by Chris Shelton
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Poor Melhuse.
We were at the game and cheered when Melhuse came in as a defensive replacement for the Rangers in the 8th. But then the A's scored 3. He never got to bat, and I'm sure he feels somewhat responsible for the loss.
louismg - March 16, 2008
Im reading about Emil Brown
He shot a beat reporter in the eye with a BB gun last year?
asfaninpismobeach - March 16, 2008
Uh, link?
Pleeeease? Sounds fun.
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
actually he missed the eye
still, it's not cute to shoot those things in the lockerroom
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
They were reneacting The Christmas Story
You'll shoot your eye out
theblackpearl - March 16, 2008
plastic pellet gun
here's a link for you
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Thanks
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
Did the reporter later apologize?
oblique - March 16, 2008
A's Win!
Have a spring, boys.
HigherPie - March 16, 2008
game over, A's win!
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
The Pennant is ours!
Syphon - March 16, 2008
As long as he didnt hit an eye its all good.
asfaninpismobeach - March 16, 2008
He might have dotted an eye,
but you're supposed to.
Nico - March 16, 2008
Robert Buan just said
on Extra Innings that there is a division of opinion among the A's decision makers (Billy +?) over whether to keep Dan Johnson or Mike Sweeney.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
That's hard to believe -
One's a career .300 hitter who feels physically great and the other...sucks.
Nico - March 16, 2008
March 19th
It is my understanding that in Sweeney's contract, if the A's don't put him on the 40 man by the 19th, Sweenay has the option to become a Free Agent....this, I'm sure, is not exactly how the deal reads, but its something like that, so I'm guessing a decision will be made by Wednesday.
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
obviously it has to be made by then
most writers have been assuming that Sweeney was going to make the club. A few thought both Sweeney and DJ could make it initially if several players start on 60 day DL, even if a few are on the 15 day DL. Buan's comment was the first I'd heard that there might be any question about Sweeney.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Actually
the decsion doesn't have to be made til the 24th....the A's and Red's can carry 28 guys on their big league roster til then...or do they get to have 28 for those first two games in Japan, shich woould mean they could put off the decsion another week...anyone know the specifics about the 28 player rule surreounding thsi Japan deal?
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
but it does have to be made for Sweeney by the 19th
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Got it....this will be very interesting....I am part of that group that simply assumed MSweeney was a lock....hmmmmmmmmm
BleacherGuy - March 16, 2008
it seems that the decision to bring him to Japan
will be considered by Sweeney's agent to make the March 19 deadline irrelevant, according to Slusser's latest article. Everyone is assuming that it means Sweeney makes the club, although Forst wouldn't commit to that. But it does allow the A's to put off the decision on what to do about DJ for a little longer.
OaklandSi - March 17, 2008
yeah it was a bit surprising
the way he mentioned it sounded like he actually heard that...perhaps it's just a rumor
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
I am not nearly as bullish on Sweeney as most of you seem to be...
but I am very tired of DJ. I don't want to turn on the TV and watch him hit.
mikeA - March 16, 2008
The thing about Sweeney is that like Piazza,
we know that when healthy and not over-the-hill, the guy can hit .300 with decent power and a great professional approach - he could actually bat cleanup for us and it wouldn't be a joke. At 34, he's not over-the-hill and his back problems are actually 2 years old - and as far as we know his knee his 100% healed. If he could make it to the All-Star Break healthy, even if he broke down he could be replaced by Carlos Gonzalez (Cust to DH). I think the A's would be foolish not to break camp with him - the A's just don't have that many guys who even potentially belong in the 3-4 hole.
Nico - March 16, 2008
at least the A's didn't give him $8 million guaranteed
and to think...the A's wanted to sign Piazza for two years
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
I would be very surprised if he hit .300
34 actually is pretty old, and he's had one injury or another every year since 2002. Plus, whatever boost he would give the offense would get cancelled out by Cust in the OF. If they platoon Emil Brown/Sweeney, that's going to be 20+ runs better than Cust, and I think it's very unlikely that Sweeney would be 20 runs better with the bat than the Brown/Sweeney platoon. I wouldn't be upset if they went that direction, but it doesn't excite me. And of course Piazza was healthy when he was playing, and was worse than DJ... That was worse than expected, but not really surprising, and I don't know why we'd be surprised if Sweeney continues his mediocrity of the past two years. There is something to be said for upside, though...
mikeA - March 16, 2008
I'm a bit concerned about the middle of the order myself...
In the 3 spring training games we've seen, we had Crosby at #3 and #4, and today, Emil Brown was at #3. Now, granted, Emil Brown had a great game, but we can't expect him to go 3-4 all the time. I call fluke. So, if I have Buck and Ellis at #1 and #2, I would follow with Barton and Cust... but then what? That's why Sweeney needs to be there, and DJ can go away.
louismg - March 16, 2008
We still have Chavez
hard to know what to make of that.
mikeA - March 16, 2008
A difference of opinion.....hmmmmm.....
I'm betting Billy's wins. This sounds like voting in the Soviet Union.....kind of a forgone conclusion.
alox - March 16, 2008
what we don't know
is which side he favors...perhaps the difference of opinion is within himself...
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Bu Bye....
RIP DJ....Languishing Dan needs to go bu bye. To not keep Sweeney would just be stupid at this point. I think we have had more than enough of Dan Johnson. Please God make him go away
since72 - March 16, 2008
This lineup looks good to me:
This lineup looks good to me:
Buck - RF
Barton - 1B
M. Sweeney - DH
Cust - LF
Chavannahan - 3B
Ellis - 2B
Crosby - SS
Suzuki - C
Denorfia/R. Sweeney - CF
Or, if you prefer (for L/R balance):
Buck - RF
Ellis - 2B
Cust - LF
M. Sweeney - DH
Barton - 1B
Chavannahan - 3B
Crosby - SS
Suzuki - C
Denorfia/R. Sweeney - CF
Defensively, tha group is great up the middle and it has two fast/good OFers to mitigate Cust's deficiencies. I think it's the way to go for now.
Nico - March 16, 2008
I don't think R. Sweeney will be a 4th outfielder
either he is a regular or he goes to AAA. Brown will likely play quite a bit as well. If they like Denorfia in CF they'll probably give him the opportunity to prove himself (rust or AAAA?) on the big club.
OaklandSi - March 16, 2008
Where is Emil Brown?
Coffee13eans - March 16, 2008
Crap, he was here a moment ago
Nico - March 16, 2008
zing
flipgatey3 - March 16, 2008
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