Athletics Nation

I think Gallagher will give up some HRs

on some hanging breaking balls (he hung one to Vlad that could have gotten lost). But I really suspect the A’s will focus on his changeup and that soon he’ll throw it more and the breaking pitches less, partly to avoid giving away runs on mistakes as easily. He’s very talented and poised, and he’s 22. Yummy.

Mmmm!

Yeah! But his breaking ball actually looked ok tonight too. Just think! He can be with us for years!

sounds like...

will focus on his changeup and that soon he’ll throw it more

sounds similar to what they did with Rich Harden….

..you know, that pitcher who started the season with the A’s??

agree

he looks very good for a 22 year old. the positives were obvious and out weighed the negatives (4 balls that were crushed) with a bit more experience he looks like he can be a solid #3 guy and if he can become more consistent with his off speed pitchers maybe even a #2.

Wow

We’re going to have this kid for the next 5 1/2 years? Really? I’m just loving what this organization is looking like these days. Starting pitching depth better in the A’s organization that any organization I’ve seen in a long, long time.

Tyler Bleszinski - July 12, 2008 reply

Eh, I'm not sure about this

My uber-amateur grading of his pitches was as follows:

Fastball: Plus, good movement and velocity but weak location
Slider: Plus, chance to be elite—I loved this pitch
Change: Average, good deception but not much movement
Curve: Subpar, seems like a pitch to discard

The pitch I wanted to see more of was that slider. He was snapping them off like Calero or Casilla on a good day.

ohtobe21likehuston - July 11, 2008 reply

I agree on the slider/curve

mikeA - July 12, 2008 reply

“he didn’t even have great command on his curveball tonight.”

just tonight? i don’t remember where i read it, but i got the impression he has trouble throwing his curveball for strikes.

xbhaskarx - July 11, 2008 reply

Yeah

his command looks like it could be spotty. He looked great tonight, but none of those guys have seen him before. Hitters will adjust to him and are going to learn to lay off of his curve out of the zone and square up the fastball. He’s young with a lot of potential, but I’m predicting some rough starts in the not too distant future.

humdinger - July 12, 2008 reply

could have been a long night

if the Halos hadn’t been so swing-happy.

oakinboston - July 12, 2008 reply

A's run differential +69. Angels +17.

Wow… it makes your head spin when you see that we are in 2nd place!

A big tip of the cap to Gallagher

And one for Murton too.

And a song in your honor

The same song Swish had on his site after he was traded. Baseball is a funny world

Hegenberger Road - July 11, 2008 reply

One game doesn't indicate long-term success, but...

...tonight it was exciting to watch Gallagher and Murton!

UncleLeo - July 11, 2008 reply

As the French say

“Impressive”.

Say, could it be that the A’s hit best when there’s a big crowd?? Any correlation?

I know they did zilch in a big crowd game vs SF the other week, but any correlation, at all???

AAH! EARL HOLLOWAY!!!

What is this you refer to?

Please do let us in on the silly…

It refers to a radio commercial

played during A’s broadcasts, featuring a cardiologist named Earl Holloway who, ironically, sounds like he’s about to collapse of a heart attack.

In more recent broadcasts, they have electronically sped up Dr. Holloway’s voice, which makes him sound like he’s really about to collapse of a heart attack, and we better hurry. The net effect is that I have to type faster.

OK

I think I tune out the commercials mostly. Too many of those ghastly coors ads over the years.

I've never heard it

but your description made me laugh, so it must be good.

How long will Kirk's bad hair insult his prospective boss?

Interestingly, the Pepsi commercial that played constantly last year is gone.

Gorgonzola!

iglew - July 12, 2008 reply

bacon!

Gaijin_Suketto - July 12, 2008 reply

Pretty good start

Showed a great fastball and a lot of promise on the other pitches. I have to say I was a little worried after the long 3rd inning when the A’s batted around, but he looked sharp when he came back in the 4th.

It’s interesting to think that if Sweeney hadn’t gotten hurt yesterday maybe Gallagher gives up 0 runs today. But then Emil probably would have been in LF in that case and would never have made thos plays that Murton did.

OkayJay81 - July 11, 2008 reply

I'm glad to see Murton up

& that Emil is hitting again. I think we need to get Patterson up here & see if he can take Davis’ place.

connie mack - July 11, 2008 reply

Well, it might be tough to add Patterson as well as Thomas and Crosby

I am not certain that Davis will be kept around especially once R. Sweeney is healthy AND E. Brown keeps hitting.

What makes you think Brown will keep hitting?

Well, he is hitting better than Raj Davis.

The Outfield will be full once R. Sweeney is ready.

Think about it. We will (including Cust) have 6 OF. No doubt the team can’t fit 6 OF on squad. Thus the choice is Brown or Davis. Brown has this year and in the past hit better than Davis.

Devil's advocate: They both OBP under .300

but Davis gives you both a great pinch-runner (except when he gets picked off) and defensive replacement – more of an issue if Cust is in the OF, obviously.

Yes, that.

Ok, but many other offensive stats are in Brown's favor

Also, we will probably end up with one of the following OF on the bench each game
(Murton, Gonzalez, Sweeney) once Cust is in LF upon Thomas’ return. Thus, one of the 3 in parenthesis could serve as PR or defensive replacement to Cust.

Also, I would imagine that Brown could run for Frank and then play out the last inning or so at DH.

While Davis is better as PR, Brown is a better hitter.

I think Brown's "better hitting" is a bit of a mirage

When you get down to it, about 72% of the time he makes an out and the rest of the time he hits with moderate power but nothing special. He HAS had several huge hits, which I can’t explain and did enjoy, but I don’t think he’s a good hitter. The A’s could probably find 2-3 guys with his hitting ability on the waiver wire throughout a season.

Davis doesn't need to hit.

He’s a very, very good defensive outfielder, and he’s fast.

Brown is neither.

Davis has more value as a 25th guy on the roster, whether it’s to pinch run for Hurt when he comes back or be Cust’s personal 8th inning defensive replacement.

Brown gets constant playing time, and sucks. Davis shouldn’t need to hit, like ever.

You know it may come down to personality

No doubt at a certain point the team will have to choose between Brown and Davis.

Arguments can be made for either.

It could come down to team chemistry and attitude. I would have no clue who was a better guy in the club house so who knows.

I do know that the A’s choose to dump M. Bradley over some other guys with worse stats in part because of personality.

If all things are equal for a spot that is obviously the last man on the team I think the team will look at team chemistry.

absolutely not

what the hell? why would you pick a personality over who is the better player when you are talking about your fifth outfielder?

(please no bonds replies)

flipgatey3 - July 11, 2008 reply

He didn't say over the better player

He said all things being equal, chemistry could play a factor. That’s reasonable. I think it comes down to whether the A’s want more speed/defense or hit LHP/”power” on the bench. Speed/Defense is probably the more useful skill for a “25th man” to have.

Thanks

I think with the high number of injuries with the OF and Thomas at DH, the 5th OF will probably get more at-bats.

Thus, that might impact the decision.

I think that Brown would be a decent PR for Thomas and then play out the rest of the game as DH, if it went to extra innings the man who replaced Thomas (who would be batting 4th) would end up with 1 or 2 AB.

Murton, Sweeney or Gonzalez could replace Jack Cust in LF.

This may sound odd but if one of the two could play an infield postion in an emergency that might tip the scales as well. Also, pay. I would imagine the A’s are paying Brown more money.

Who knows?

i agree, Yellowhorse

Davis doesn’t bring much at all. he has no instincts as a baserunner. & Brown’s rh slugging (i use the term loosely) is more of a need

connie mack - July 12, 2008 reply

Well, I don't think Davis is better anyway

I took the position that if it was determined that both players had even value I would consider personality/ attitude as would just about every other manager.

That being said the 5th OF is pretty much a player that rarely plays. I think the team would be better served (IF ALL THINGS WERE EQUAL) with a guy on the bench who was a positive team member as opposed to a jerk.

I have always heard that the A’s had good team chemistry. I would then think that personell decisions have at times come down to attitude.

Agreed - Davis has value as the 25th man on the roster

The ceremonial Dave Roberts role.

(Yes, I realize Roberts has been a valuable starter in his career, but most of you know what I’m talking about).

Big night for the Harden 4

Patterson went 2 for 5 with a HR and Donaldson is currently 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.

Get used to Murton hitting singles to right field...

He was one of my favorite players on the Cubs – and I railed on and on for a couple of years about the team treating him like last week’s runny shit – but the occasional single to right and base on balls is unfortunately all he is at this point. I have no idea what happened to him, but even in ‘06 and ‘07 he only managed ISOs of .147 and .157…if those were high-water marks (and his performance this year makes that seem possible), I’m afraid he’s not going to pan out. Although I sincerely hope that he does.

ohtobe21likehuston - July 11, 2008 reply

If Gallagher could be this good than I'm okay with the trade.

Expectations for an A’s outfielder probably aren’t the same here when you compare the payroll to the Cubs.

A guy who can hit like Kurt Suzuki and play a good OF is a massive improvement around these parts

WaddellCanseco - July 11, 2008 reply

Totally fair

I didn’t mean to come across as negative – Murton’s a nice guy and I hope he succeeds. And I’ll be happy if he gets some playing time so he can finally prove whether or not he can play. I’m just a lot more pessimistic about that than I have been at any point in the last three years.

How about Hannahan!!

He has really turned it up over the last few days. We really need production from him as I am sure that Chavez will be out for a few more weeks.

Furthermore, when/ if Chavez returns he will be right on the line of returning to the minors.

He seems like a great guy. I am happy that he has been hitting better.

By the way, I see that Bankston was sent back down. I totally support adding the addional OF with Sweeney hurt. However, I preferred sending down the 12th pitcher and giving Bankston a few more games.

Interesting, he was hitting in the 3 spot on Thursday, sent to the minors on Friday. That is probably pretty rare.

Greg Smith

could have been sent to AAA for 10 days. With the ASB, he would not be needed until 22 July. And he has already used an option this year.

Exactly. Seems like overkill to have 11 pitchers for the All Star Break period.

Then again there probably wouldn’t be any room for Bankston once Thomas returns. Still he could have gotten a start or so over the next week.

Would sending him down just for that cost another option?

If so, then it’s absolutely not a good idea.

Flashfire - July 11, 2008 reply

No, a player only uses 1 option per year

He can be moved up and down from Oakland to Sacramento as much as the team wants this year

Ah, thanks.

Flashfire - July 11, 2008 reply

No

You can send someone up and down as many times you want in a year, and it’s only one option. See Dallas Braden.

True... but Smith has not used an option this year

He was called up straight out of the minors. Purchased contract, immediately put on 25-man roster. No option.

Not that I’m thinking it’s a big deal, just stating the facts.

PaulThomas - July 11, 2008 reply

You're right

He started the year in AAA, but was not yet on the 40 man. Thanks.

Turned it up cause he was on the DFA bus heading out of town

and he would like to play a while longer with the big boys in Oakland

Minors report

Carter having a day by going 3-3 with 2 2bs and a BB. However HRod was taken out of the game after 2 IP; and I don’t know why. It may be time for some more callups (Carter, Cobb, Richard come to mind; though to make room for Cobb and Richard, Horton would have to come up as well).

On another note, anyone want to trade for Brown after this nifty 3-5 night? Pretty please?

vignette17 - July 11, 2008 reply

HRod

Short night for Henry Rodriguez was probably to keep him fresh for the Futures Game on Sunday. Anderson and Cahill both pitched an inning or so in Midland’s game tonite as well.

OkayJay81 - July 11, 2008 reply

Don't forget the GW HR on Thursday.

The man’s a dynamo!

WaddellCanseco - July 11, 2008 reply

Bad night for B. Anderson.

1.1 ip, 0 r, 3 bb, 1 hbp, 1 k. and pulled from game. HOPEFULLY no injury.

calas - July 11, 2008 reply

He and Cahill both threw just a bit, because of the futures game which is Sunday

mikeA - July 11, 2008 reply

I watched Carter play one game this year, at Bakersfield

And he’s a beast – he physically looks like a young, pre-flab Frank Thomas. He hit a double off the wall in right-center on a ball that I swear was off the plate away – just reached out and poked it, and hit it off the wall to the opposite field. However – don’t mean to appear pessimistic – but realistically there’s maybe a 25% chance he overcomes his contact issues to become a valuable player at the big league level. I wish him luck.

Oh – and he also CREAMED the Bakersfield catcher on a play at the plate. It was freaking awesome (although the catcher did hold onto the ball).

My outfield

LF Murton R
CF Gonzales L
RF Brown R
4 Buck L
DL Sweeney 15

connie mack - July 11, 2008 reply

If Sweeney can play by the time of the Yankees series then

I would hate to not have him if healthy for some key games vs. NY and TB

If this was the WS Sweeney would be out there

saw him in the dugout with his uniform on, and just two wraps of tape around his fingers. He could play if really necessary.

I hope that's Willard Brown in RF

Otherwise I’d rather have Cust in LF and Bankston at DH. Hell I’d rather have Smith at DH.

WaddellCanseco - July 11, 2008 reply

+1

Pat Burrell

When I first saw Murton get into the batter’s box, I thought, “Hey, he’s built like Pat Burrell!!” But then, he seemed to get smaller and smaller. Is he muscular, or just wears his uniform well??

Excellent question man.............................................................................................................................

SwampyD - July 11, 2008 reply

He is not muscular!

I’ve seen him play tons of Cubs games, and I actually saw him at O’Hare airport earlier this year (unfortunately, he was there to catch a flight to meet up with the Iowa Cubs). He’s a small guy.

On one of his catches you could really see the baggy jersey flying around in the wind….

Great game.

But the A’s will have to retaliate for the HBP’s. Up seven runs, I can’t see why they would put off the inevitable. Eh, the old man Embree will probably have to serve up justice….which is to bad for us as it means he’ll be pitching. Any takers on who it will be and in which game that gets hit? I think it’ll be Vlad, tomorrow, in the back.

It should have been tonight.

Seriously

9-2 lead in the 9th. Why wasn’t Braden throwing at someone. I know Scioscia tok out all his good players, but hit someone.

Why motivate the Angels?

Right now the A’s have more than moral high ground on their side – the Angels look like petulant losers while the A’s have all the momentum. You want to change that? Just keep winning.

You and your morality

Don’t like the newspaper ad, don’t want to drill an Angel. No fun!

Yeah, but the point of this post was

the best reason not to bean someone didn’t have to do with morality.

+1

Yep!

When the A’s won this game, it was retribution enough.

Not a matter of motivation Nico.

The Angels have been playing baseball a long time. They know it’s coming and they expect it. Why? Because it’s exactly what they would do in the A’s place. They know it has to be done.

If the A’s don’t do it, they leave themselves open to be exploited by every team in baseball. In any high leverage situation the opposing pitcher will take advantage of their “morality”. That can’t be allowed to happen.

There will be retalliation - but it doesn't always happen

same game, or even same series. Next time the A’s are down 7-2 to the Angels, sure. But wait until things aren’t rolling your way. Teams have good memories – if the retalliation takes place in August, both teams will know exactly what happened and why.

Agreed.

But the A’s are in contention now. Who knows what’s going to happen in August? Geren is going to have to support his team of young players. Bad vibe to let them think he’ll let the team soak up 3 HBP’s, especially when everyone knows that more than one was intentional.

My question about the two HBPs by Speier

is WHY? Totally out of the blue, hitting guys who don’t show up others, done (especially the one to Ellis) after nothing had happened.

Good question.

Dude’s a prick maybe? More likely Scoisa put him up to it. He’s an old school type of hardass….so I wouldn’t put it past him.

I don't get it

Was it an attempt at a beat down?

You wonder if Scioscia was TRYING to bait the A's

into getting involved. In which case, I applaud the A’s for just taking their base and going about winning.

Old school intimidation more than likely...

I don’t really know. But I do know that Sciosa’s a prick….at least where opposing baseball teams are concerned.

The “Why” factor is not nearly as important as the response though. The A’s absolutely have to send the answer that they will not tolerate that kind of bullshit. Tit for tat so to speak. Baseball is a game of detente after all. Targeting Vlad would send the message loud and clear.

The problem with targeting Vlad

is that he swings at any and everything near him and the plate so beaning him could be a difficult task

Speier is a thug

He routinely hits guys who he dislikes or who have done something to him or his team.

PaulThomas - July 11, 2008 reply

So uh....what you're saying is...

that he has redeeming qualities?

So maybe his HBPs

were retaliation for something done earlier this year or last year or in his mind.

It should have been as soon as Gallagher came out.

Put in Embree for one batter, have him plunk the guy and get tossed, bring in Brown as planned.

It sure does seem like dear old

Bob missed the expected opportunity. Perhaps he has his reasons.

I'm surprised

Gallagher didn’t do it himself in the sixth or seventh . . . young kid, throws fast, good way to earn the respect of your teammates.

humdinger - July 12, 2008 reply

Or

you could just throw 7 innings of 2 hit ball.

He's obviously doing well with the baseball

female afficicionado,.....let’s see how he does with the post game spread

sunday

might be a good time. i say kendrick would be an excellent late game target.

I'd be surprised if it was Vlad

everyone likes Vlad.

Probably Kotchman. He gets on base anyway.

I don't like Vlad.

At all.

I love watching Vlad hit.

It sucks that he’s an Angel, but dude… he can hit a homer OFF A BOUNCED PITCH

No doubt he's a phenom...

but he’s always doing that shit against the A’s. My distaste for him has nothing to do with his as a human being or a ballplayer.

If he was an A I would love him unconditionally. He could sleep with my wife if he wanted too…(albeit his average better be above 300 and on course for 40 HR’s)

I hope your average is .300

and that you’ve hit 40 HRs this year (with your wife).

You mean other guys hit HR's with their wives

on days other than their birthday, Valentine’s Day and anniversary? I’ve been lied to.

Where's Pam with her expert opinion...

when you need her? Eh, she’s probably passed out by now.

Yes, he's been lied to.

LOL...truly the wives

have served up some hanging breaking balls….that someone else took out of the park. Damn it.

My wife's cooking may suck, sir

But I will be damned if you suggest she serves balls.

With both your wives

Stop it.

Geez, you're no fun.

LOL. Thanks.

Hot?

I do allright...

which is not to say that I haven’t ever wondered if she’s ever called up a pinch hitter off the bench. The smart girls always make a guy wonder just a little bit!

LOL

Good one, Alox

Trainman - July 11, 2008 reply

Amen.

Lyn is obviosly hooked up with .....

a smart girl.

If you are going to hit someone

I would say in the thigh or the rear.

In Vlad’s case. The wrist or the elbow would be a good place but make sure it’s 95 mph. Wouldn’t want him to forget about it right away. I certainly don’t advocate injury but in this case, I would not be upset if he had to miss a few months. It’s the Angels so that’s one way to level the playing field.

Trainman - July 11, 2008 reply

Exactly.

Sciosa’s the idiot who opened up this little dance. Why not make him pay where it hurts the most? As long as we don’t aim for his head, I’m good with it. Or the nuts, but only because he’ll probably be wearing a cup.

I kind of like the Angels looking tired and lifeless,

and the A’s looking relaxed and scrappy. I just think the A’s should consider whether it will help Oakland or LAA to retalliate.

+1

The Angels are scuffling right now. The LAST thing we need to do is give them a reason to forget that they got their asses handed to them tonite and instead help them get fired up over an intentional hit batsman (esp if it is Vlad—that could really wake them up).

Wait until we are down by a decent margin and do it then. We will play them many times this year, and can get our payback then.

AsFanInLA - July 11, 2008 reply

The ideal thing would be to win tomorrow

Be up by 4 or 5 runs when Duke pitches and nail Vald or Kotchman in the 8th or 9th inning with Embree.

You are right Nico, not a good idea to nail an Angel and get them wound up tomorrow

The point is, if you are going to nail an Angel, when you do it, it better be good and hard.

Trainman - July 11, 2008 reply

"If you are going to nail an Angel, when you do it, it better be good and hard"

Just ask Lee Majors

As someone who has been

“Touched (Inappropriately) By An Angel,” I agree.

Angels and animals

Have you been working out?

I've never been touched inappropriately by an Angel..

Every time it’s happened, I’ve found it pretty damn appropriate.

If you are inappropriately touched by an angel,

especially in your no-no place, tell an adult.

Bragging is childish

Rickey says

it ain’t bragging if you can do it.

So you're the greatest of all time?

I don't want to brag,

but I set a little record back in 1982…

Little?

I hope it wasn't a

phallic record.

It does seem absolutely amazing

to me that he stole 130 bases that year.

I know what you mean

It was a different era, though. Before Canseco, McGwire and the explosion of HR’s. I would love to see the A’s run more (like Anaheim and the Mets). With the better steroid testing, and offense way down all over baseball this year, maybe the running game will become important again to more teams.

That's strange, I was

just reading that very theory put forward, about how it was considerably more valuable to have base runners than RISP because of the explosion of ~~steroids~~ home runs, so the stolen base became a thing of the past. Again.

One of the incredible things about

baseball. It’s the only sport in the US that has an extensive history of record keeping. Old things become new again all the time. I wonder if the statistically inclined could make something out of the “post steroid” era. It should prove to be interesting over the next couple of seasons as baseball already seems inclined to move towards youth over veteran experience. Great time to be a fan!

It's a great time to be an A's fan

I know we don’t have the money the other clubs do, but we’ve got an exciting group of young ballplayers here that really might be the chosen ones. Even when they lose, they almost always are fun to watch.

Hah...I'm telling anyone who will listen.

He's the asshole

for sure. Do we really need to sink to his level?

"dominates"

isn’t the right word. if it’s as warm as it was 2 nights ago the Angels might have had 3 HR’s. Gallagher looked great at times, but the Angels hit many balls very hard.

the result was very good though even if it didn’t look quite as good in person as it does in the box score.

And that very well could be the difference

between someone calling Wrigley home and the Coliseum home. Balls fly out of Wrigley if the wind’s blowing out.

Wrigley is a schizophrenic ballpark, depending upon the weather and wind patterns

When it’s warm and the wind is blowing out, any medium-deep fly ball towards the power alley is gone – and the older I get, the more this bothers me. HOWEVA … when the wind is blowing in, it’s actually a very fair park. When the wind is howling in, it’s a pitcher’s park.

on average though,

it tend to blow out significantly more than in.

Mental note: Wear briefs when visiting Wrigley

Cubs fan here...

you guys should be very happy in getting Gallagher. He his thrown quality starts all season, bound to be a #2 or #3 starter for years, maybe better in my eyes. I honestly wouldnt expect Murton to hit over .270. Donaldson has alot of upside, but still 2-3 years away. And E-Patt is a Patterson, no idea what to expcet lol. Ill be cheering for these guys and as well as the A’s. Very glad to see Gallagher doing well.

LPLancer23 - July 11, 2008 reply

yes, but

.270 would vie for the team lead…

just below our awesome catcher who is

hitting an astonishing .288 roughly

TheGreenGoldCrush - July 11, 2008 reply

Yup

I still feel that this trade is a win-win. I knew Gallagher had potential, but I didn’t know that he could bow us away on his first night, in a new part against our arch-rivals.

Murton also gets my bravos!!

I can’t wait to wake up tomorrow, tune into CSN-Bay Area and watch Harden pitch against Correia the cubs!

It is awesome that my two favorite teams get what they need with a mutually beneficial trade.

I hope it stays mutually beneficial.

I'm raving about now

Gallagher pitched a very nice game tonight, especially after being thrown into the middle of a rivalry and taking the start over from one of the best pitchers in baseball.
I’m all tingly in anticipation.

Morgasm - July 11, 2008 reply

Despite the great results from tonite...

the Angels did come to town late last night after the 4 hour game in Texas. Gallagher was pretty pumped for the start so that as well as the fact that the tired Angels haven’t seen him before gave him the advantage.

The Halos will be well rested tomorrow. Santana vs Eveland looks like lopsided win for the Angels especially following a robust offensive night for the A’s.

Oaktownflav - July 11, 2008 reply

You're a negative Nancy, Mr. Hat,

You’re staying in the drawer.

I almost want to say

That eventually, Santana will be figured out by the A’s. Tomorrow might be it, considering how fired up they got from the two HBP’s yesterday. Eveland should at least keep us in the game decently enough so we should be alright.

Morgasm - July 11, 2008 reply

*today, not yesterday

I’m tired.

Morgasm - July 11, 2008 reply

It must be all the morgasms.

Ha

LOL...

Where were you 20 plus years ago?.....Please don’t answer that, I feel old enough already!!

Hah...

I knew that chick would pass out hours earlier than I did. Too bad it took me twenty minutes to typ[e this without error…...

Suuuuure.

You asked me not to answer that, so I didn’t.

Geez....you picked a fine time

to respect your elders.

I was just trying not to upset

your delicate old man sensibilities.

Now get off my damn lawn!

the pitching match-up does indeed...

seem to favor the Angels. Which is why Eveland’s first pitch should hit their leadoff batter. Shake them up a bit right from the start.

FoolshGame22 - July 11, 2008 reply

Figgins?

No. No, I don’t believe he’s the guy you want to be hitting.

Does Murton's batting stance

remind anyone of another red head we had a while ago? Murton doesn’t hit like him, but he certainly reminds me of him…

i thought

the same thing tonight….i will say that so far Murton plays a better left field than that other guy though….

I am new guy, I like the Oakland Athletics. Especially David Stewart. Not Bob Welch really because he was a dumb Dodger.

Hi.

Good Game A’s!

And just what are your feelings on

Storm Davis?

lol

Or Mike Moore?

That is a funny joke,

Honestly IF I were to pick a guy who had been a Dodger (Or lost various games to the Dodgers, in Storm’s case), I would have to go with Rick Honeycutt. I like ~~cheaters~~ innovators.

Mike Norris?

If you like guys who lose to the Dodgers

shouldn’t Eckersley be your favorite? (I know, too soon.)

MUCH TOO SOON

hissssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

Brilliant

Where do you think Dave Stewart started? If you don’t like Welch for that reason, it doesn’t make any sense to like Dave Stewart.

Monday Fan - July 11, 2008 reply

It ALL leads to the Dodgers, Mulder

DON’T YOU SEE?!

yeah but he SUCKED on the dodgers.

also let me clear this up right now so there are no “problems” in the future: “reasons” don’t really apply in this household.

Wow

Your English improved fast ~~Nico~~ the_front.

I will admit to being a long-time lurker up in this piece, but

I am a man of my own. I can prove it: I will never make excuse for the As being shitty.

So the English comes and goes

Yes, I know…that’s what she said

Oh man, and how!

I’m currently at “six pack.” You might hear things in Thai from me later.

I've always wondered why Pedro

the pool boy was replaced by O’Shannon…..but he’s not really English either…is he?

Pedro the pool boy

would be a fantastic username.

Makes one wonder

how many “replies” of familiarity he would receive…

I always wanted to make one

named “Creepy Pete in a Van”

I don't know

But as I indicated earlier, I am only getting “replies” of familiarity 3 times a year.

Better talk to Pedro...

and find out what he knows….rat bastard that he is.

Evidently.

Monday Fan - July 12, 2008 reply

Welcome

Don’t let the usual gang of clods on this site dissuade you.

In time you’ll be one of us.

Welcome to the family portrait in Blez’ living room.

We're in his living room?

Does that mean we have access to his fridge?

You have a fridge in your living room?

I asked my wife if I could, but she threatened to drop the replies of familiarity to once a year.

From three to one?

Versus a fridge in the living room? I know the choice I’m making there.

You make an excellent point

Excuse me while I find my dolly. No, not the blow up kind.

The cloned kind?

oblique - July 12, 2008 reply

Ewe

Where's Nico?

About to start speaking Thai

Can we get some Thai food then?

I’m hungry, and there is no good Thai food here in:
~~God-forsaken land~~
~~Hellhole~~
~~the end of the earth~~
~~proof of mans folly~~
~~redneck heaven~~
Florida

Florida?

Have you people figured out how to vote yet?

No

and don’t include me in that “you people”—I live here under duress, and as soon as I’m allowed to leave, I will. I’ve never been to a more backward state.

North Florida no doubt.

Special place.

Florida: The further north you go, the further south you go

Is florida considered a land?

It’s not quite liquid and it’s not quite solid.

it scares me

I'm not sure what its classification is

though I can assure it brings up nothing but feelings of loathing with me. It makes it even worse that I’m surrounded by people who move here from all over the Midwest and the east coast and they all continually insist (in some cases, obnoxiously so—see: Ny and/or Boston) how fricking wonderfully this cesspool is.

Possible rationales

NY = strong urine smell

Boston = perpetual bean fart cloud

Florida = The scent of Ben Gay, crocodile leather and cocaine

Florida wins—cocaine is a helluva drug!

Which only goes to show...

how miserable the east coast is when Florida becomes paradise. Never mind 10 foot lizards with an appetite, it’s freaking warm. And never mind the rivers that move a foot a day and breed malaria…it’s warm damn you…...365 days a year. And Pedro is so nice, the wife loves the young lad! He’s going to be a school teacher you know….

If they only wait a few years

NY and Boston will be plenty warm too.

Prison?

close.

brother’s business

His name isn't Pedro by chance....

is it?

Vote for Pedro!

...

Cheney and Rumsfeld had tons of experience

Strong argument.

And yet the Pedro ousted the ruling party

giving the Napoleonic forces a personable, yet easily manipulatable figurehead.

That’s the geopolitical history lesson I learned from that movie.

Stay tuned for a detailed analysis of United States relations with modern China when we take a look at Wayne’s World 2.

why yes

he owns a pool cleaning service…how did you know?

I've always wondered if "Florida"

was spanish for “you freaking idiot”.

It might be

Spanish for “F*^%, it’s hot here!”

Or "Damn, those are big F&^%& Lizards.

Or Jews for Buchanan

it ain't just the lizards

I’ve never seen such bugs—roaches, just a ton of roaches. this place is disgusting.

Reference to Lizzards with

big freaking jaws. Hopefully their inclined towards prey by the name of Pedro the pool boy.

That might be fun

perhaps I should start a male escort service. Booming Grannies and the such.

I am not sure what booming involves

But ewww.

Grannies need love too.

And a living will.

and heirs

lots and lots of heirs.

Actually,

one would be best. See to it.

This sounds like a job for Syhph

Or the Lizzards.

God didn’t make them for no reason.

Explain the reason for the appendix

Surgeons need to make a living too.

Hello!

LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn - July 12, 2008 reply

I'm assuming Blez still has the dorm fridge from his college days

Party over here!

Never mind that....

does Blez have a pool?

Pool or a pond

Pool’s good, but…you know….pond’s good too…

Green and Gold, Baby!!

Just don’t ask how the liquid gold got into the pond…

Well, that's what made the green grow.

And thus the need

for the fridge in the living room. See, we’ve come full-circle.

It's good to recycle

There's nothing all that interesting in my fridge

Other than lots of beer and real peanut butter.

And I don’t have a pool. I do have a hose and a Dora sprinkler!

Tyler Bleszinski - July 12, 2008 reply

Dora sprinkler?

I thought that was a Maglio Ordonez action figure with real perspiration action!

Well dammit....

Pedro has a hose too….and he knows how to use it. So you just better be damn careful.

There is a hose/wet joke in there somewhere

But I can’t figure out how to make it PG-13.

I wanted some revenge for Speier hitting Ellis

But I think it wasn’t necessary.

I remember quite a few of these incidents with Shosha. Seems like he encourages this stuff. Was it Shields that broke Crosby’s hand? Assholes.

I will always respect Kendall as a ballplayer for going after Lackey. I mean, in the AL pitchers don’t hit so if you have to stand up you may as well go grab the dude in a headlock and see how many shots you can get in. If I was Geren, this is what I would say – if you think somebody is throwing at you, then charge the mound. We will all be behind you.

That was really cool

when Kendall charged him. Makes me miss him.

I agree, but

I miss his post-lasik Avg more

Its so funny in a way...

small punch and judy hitter that he was….the Angels always gave him a wide berth after that little incident. You can’t help but love the guy…especially now that he’s gone.

It was just the right note too--

It was exactly the wake up call the team needed. it was punching the school bully in the throat (though I don’t tend to think of the Angels as the school bully, but I digress)

Did ya'll see Hannahan in the dugout, he was cursin and yellin, he almost went out there!

LiZaRdReVoLuTiOn - July 12, 2008 reply

The guy who broke Crosby's hand was...

Justin Speier.

He’s a classless piece of s**t. I have more appreciation for this fact the more I watch him.

Yeah I remember now

That’s why I think it doesn’t make much sense to start throwing at hitters, especially when we are winning. But somebody needs to take a run at Speier the next time he comes inside. I’d like to see Hannahan or Brown throw a couple of rabbit punches at him and teach him a little respect.

Buck Turgidson - July 12, 2008 reply

I was at the game where Kendall charged

the best part was seeing Hurt throw people off the pile after coming in from third base.

springbrook - July 11, 2008 reply

See,

this is exactly why we need to have MLB on the youtube.

But, I would like to see Kotchman get knocked down

I don’t like his stupid face. And Hunter too. And Panties as well. Or Anderson.

I'd rather see the A's take the high road

and beat them on the scoreboard instead of in the pissing contest.

Monday Fan - July 12, 2008 reply

Me too.

Except I want to see the A’s pissing on them on the high road. Or the low road.

(Green and) golden showers?

Infection?

Anti-biotics. Syhph is still a killer when left unchecked.

I dated a Syhph sophomore year of college

Totally harmless. Unless you count the 4 state killing spree she went on a few years ago.

See, that's the one you should have married....

familiarity being the same and all….

Familiarity breeding contempt?

It alway does...

What’s Vlad’s average again? Should have never married a baseball groupie….

Someone call me?

Syphon - July 12, 2008 reply

KILLER!!

Pedro....is that you?

Infection?

Urine is sterile. You can drink it.

[/Fight Club public service announcement]

I've waited past a movie and a commute home to finally post this

oaklandSMASH angels into angel dust

Gallagher SMASH Garland and Angel hitting like they were watermelons

GOODNIGHT!!

Good pic!

Reminds me of OaktownPower's sig line

Bring back hammer

Omigod, I am so sick of that stupid watermelon guy

I like the new pitcher, but I want to trade him just to stop seeing stupid watermelon pictures on AN.

iglew - July 12, 2008 reply

Sorry

But Comedian Thor will have to rear his bald head whenever Sean G. comes to hurl.

Just back from the game

I was rather unhappy when I arrived at the ballpark tonight, since up until two days ago I was expecting to see Rich tonight (on my birthday, which usually falls during the All-Star Break so it’s a rare treat to go to a game today.) But of course, things changed. I don’t think I’ll ever be quite reconciled to the trade - Rich was my favorite pitcher—but at least I don’t feel like we got hosed any more. Gallagher was great. Murton looked very good in left field; sharp and alert, even when he wasn’t making awesome catches. Good energy in the stands and far, far fewer of the loathsome Angels fans than in the past.

As noted in the early game threads, Lew Wolff came and sat with us in the bleachers (in the seat usually occupied by Bobby, who was taking a rare night off). He came over about 6:30 and said he’d been watching us for the last two years and finally got up the courage to come and say hello; he ended up staying through the fifth inning, I think. He was very sweet and friendly, and had the stadium people bring about 100 hot dogs for sections 135 and 136. I took some pictures but my camera is recharging now, so I’ll probably post them tomorrow.

And as always, the fireworks were fabulous.

Englishmajor - July 12, 2008 reply

Wow!

Happy Birthday! Nice present for you ;-)

Get to hang out with the owner of the team AND you get a nice drubbing of our most hated rivals.

Tyler Bleszinski - July 12, 2008 reply

If Lew Wolff thinks he can buy our affection with a few hot dogs,

then he knows how to sweet talk this old dollar dog softie…

Free Kraut would win my affection.

mikev - July 12, 2008 reply

Happy BirthDay!

And Lew is awesome. I woulda loved to been out there. To bad Im stuck in New York.

Syphon - July 12, 2008 reply

Dear old Uncle Lew...

damn but the guy plays it so well! Gotta love the old guy, he’s the best thing the A’s could ever hope to receive in an age where capatalism has run amok. I mean that too….in the alcohol imbibed state I’m currently enjoying.

Really

I wonder how awesome A’s fans will think he is when he moves them to Portland.

What part of Fremont does Portland exist?

Maybe it’s near the San Jose suburb of Las Vegas.

Fremont? That's pretty funny.

"The Future"

always seems so mysterious to those who live in the past. What will be is what will be….Lew plays his hand so well, I’ll wait and see if he means me any harm.

Doris Day?

Doctor Doom

sans armor

He (and she) runs in the same circles as

you and I. The old guy does his part. He wants the team here….and unlike me, he’s backed up his opinion with millions of his own dollars. So I offer him a bow of gratitude. He visited the bleacher creatures and assumed a role of visitor in his own house. Crafty wiles….or wisdom of age? You judge the matter….but we could have done a lot worse.

Englishmajor - July 12, 2008 reply

Great pics.....is Lew as personable in person...

as he appears on TV?

I'm in awe

Hey Lew, you can sit next to me on Sunday while we wear matching Dave Stewart SGA’s together!

designatedforassignment - July 12, 2008 reply

Odd

You never see 510 guy and Lew at the same time. And now Lew is in 510 guys seat, hmmmm…..

DCinWC - July 14, 2008 reply

would love it while im living in PDX

it would suck hardcore for everybody else. Also Portland will never spend public money on them not with Sam Adams as mayor.

PDX?

You live in the airport? Are you the guy they made that movie about?

designatedforassignment - July 12, 2008 reply

lol pdx is like oak

I live in SE but PDX is an amazing airport

Happy co-birthday, Englishmajor!

Nick - July 12, 2008 reply

A's firework show

everytime i watch one of the A’s fireworks show, i think they really do have THE best fireworks show! good job, A’s fireworks people!

harden vs. the giants tomorrow at 10am.

< tear >

but yay new A’s guys! :) very impressive A’s debut!

gotgreen - July 12, 2008 reply

I can't wait to see him pitch

for my other favorite team!

Go Cubbies!

I'm SO glad that Gallagher and Murton made strong debuts for you all

I’ve always liked both of them a lot.

With any luck this trade works out well for both of us. Can’t wait to see Harden’s debut tomorrow against the Giants!!!!

slcathena - July 12, 2008 reply

from very far away

I listened to the beginning of the game. (it starts so late here!)

Gallagher’s total domination of the first batter (blazing fastballs and that caught-em looking changeup on the corner to ring him up) sounded so impressive—and the crowd sounded so enthusuastic – that I went to sleep happy! While not all of his starts will be this good, we know that the kid has good stuff.

Welcome, Sean!!!

As for Harden, I wish all the best for him, especially good health and success in Chicago…and the same for Gaudin.

OaklandSi - July 12, 2008 reply

Interestingly,

whenever “hot streaks”, or some other baseball topic that can’t be proven through statistical analysis is suggested on this site, it often gets shot down as nonsense. But many are now suggesting that hitting an opposing player serves to “fire” the other team up and makes them play better.
I don’t think so … in fact, I think a case can be made that an athlete “fired up” or angry plays worse.
If they hit our guy—we ought to hit their guy. It won’t effect the outcome of the game one bit.

Vacafan - July 12, 2008 reply

I think it affects a player

but I think the effect is basically random… some guys, like Milton Bradley, seem to play great when they’re pissed off. Others start trying to hit home runs on fastballs over their head.

On average I’d guess that playing “on tilt” is a bad thing, but there are clearly exceptions to this principle (just like there are poker players who play better after getting drunk).

So how do you gauge when Bradley is happy or mad?

i dont think there are happy periods there are just less and more pissed off periods for Mr. Bradley.

I was at the game...

I was impressed with what I saw last night from Sean Gallagher. He threw hard and kept the Angels off balance. Kurt Young should do a fine job with him.

smellofgrass - July 12, 2008 reply

BOTH hits Gallagher gave up were tainted

Not only did Brown play Figgins’ very catchable fly ball into a triple, but the infield single that preceded that play was a bad call. No one picked up on this on the broadcast or on the game thread, but I freeze-framed it, and while it was a bang-bang play (so you can’t give the ump too much grief for missing it) it was nevertheless unambiguously an out.

Gallagher did benefit from a few nice plays the A’s made behind him; still, with a bit better defense and luck, maybe he’d have gone 7 giving up no hits and no runs (in which case he’d obviously have come out for the 8th). A no-hit bid in his first start for the A’s would have been way cool.

I will also say that his stuff was way better than I expected, given the relatively tepid tone of the reviews and projections I’d seen of him. He was a lot of fun to watch, and while it was only one measly game (sample size! sample size!) it’s pretty hard not to feel optimistic about him.

Faust - July 12, 2008 reply

I thought it was a pretty ambiguous outcome on the infield hit,

because the throw bounced and Aybar’s foot hit the bag sometime right around the time between the short-hop and Barton’s catch. Hard to see exactly when the ball is in the 1Bman’s glove on a short-hop, even on a replay. Call aside, it was certainly a play that could have gone either way and the triple absolutely should have been caught.

Nico - July 12, 2008 reply

Thought from last nights game as i was not part of the Thread

Man if Cust had of hit the catcher on E. Browns double it would have sent him into the stands. Gallagher looked good in the game and in an Oakland uniform.