it is obviously the Angels’ year. Apparently the way you win a division is to hit a couple infield choppers and throw fastballs off the plate that accidentally hit the other guys’ bats.
However, having Barton bunt was a mistake, IMO, given who was coming up – when your options are Hannahan, Murphy, and Bowen, and you have the infield in at the corners, I think you have to let Barton hit. Just my opinion.
in fact, Barton probably should have showed bunt, then swung away.
I don’t mean this in the “20-20 hindsight-we-lost” sense, I mean because, as you pointed out, it was doubtful that having a man on third with one out, was really going to be fruitful, given the players coming up to bat.
Terrible loss. But this has been the Angels MO this year. Pulling it out in the last innings.
make the same moves, it will eventually bite your asss.
I give Geren credit for shaking up the batting order, a lot. That fits my thinking. But I think once Ziegler was in, he should have just stayed in. He’s a bigger unknown to the Angels than Street, by far.
And who have the Angels been losing to? Pitchers they haven’t seen (see Gallagher, etc).
The A’s and the umpire’s calls got you out of that you pompous asshole. UGH FRod gets on my nerves. I hate that he’s setting closing records when he is such an overrated piece of shit.
...considering they’re basically a AAAA team, they’ve been playing over their heads this first half. They’re an exciting team, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking they can actually win this division. This was a disappointing loss, but not surprising.
I hope he falls down after his little slider twirl and fractures his ankle into hundreds of tiny pieces. Then after rehab, toils around in AAA for awhile before being cut.
I’m glad that other people feel this way too. I don’t wish injury on any player… but I would make such an exception for him. His stupid behavior makes my blood boil.
If he was crappy it'd look even worse but he wouldn't be doing it all the time, would he?
“Act like you’ve been there before.” Words for him to live by rather than him acting like he just saved Game 7 of the World Series every time he gets a save.
Eck did the finger-point but he didn’t wave his arms around and yell like a fucking douchebag.
Why does Suzuki fall down everytime he strikes out? Call up Powell or something, and get rid of this guy. I’ve never seen anyone come up so short all the time like this loser. Bring back Kendall even. Atleast he stays on his feet after swinging
“We would rather have a red-hot minor league journeyman pitcher close the game against the division leaders instead of Huston Street, even though he was rested and ready. How much would you like to offer for him?”
Ziggy has a 0.00 ERA and he was already in the game – there’s your answer. But you don’t need one – you aren’t playing these games to showcase people’s trade value; you’re playing these games to win games. I think the whole “upping x’s trade value” is nonsense. You try to play guys where they’ll succeed, to win games and keep their value high – in that order.
if you decide it’s Bullpen by Committee. Street isn’t the closer. Geren will go with the hot hand, et cetera.
If we were playing for this season, and thought we had a legitimate chance to win the division, then I’d be all for it.
But Billy Beane has decided that this A’s team can’t win this season. He decided it in the offseason, he confirmed it earlier this week by trading away Rich Harden.
Message: We aren’t a real contender. We’re building for future seasons, and winning games now is of secondary importance.
Street is the closer, is under club control, and has been fairly successful. But if he’s the demoted closer, he has less value.
Besides, there’s no guarantee that Ziggy would have succeeded where Street failed. The Angels got two dribbler hits, one solid single, a sacrifice, and good baserunning. The same thing could have happened to Ziggy, a newcomer to the ninth inning in the major leagues.
“Call up Powell or something, and get rid of this guy. I’ve never seen anyone come up so short all the time like this loser. Bring back Kendall even.”
We’re all supposed to magically know you’re not being serious?
as for you getting into pointless arguments in the middle of this long thread on an A’s blog does raise some unpleasant questions about your intelligence, or perhaps more likely about your age.
Regardless of what intelligent things you say in the future, regardless of somehow you are a closet genius, whatever you say in the future will mean nothing to me.
You are truly an uninformed waste of the keyboard you are typing on. I’ll take a strike per the CGV for the team on this one. You are a moron.
illustrates some of the differences between the teams.
The Angels got lucky. Hunter’s hit was a 45-foot fluke. That was followed by a solid single, sending Hunter to third and Willits into the game as a pinch runner with nobody out. At that point, I mentally conceded the tie and worried about Willits.
They get the sacrifice fly we didn’t get in the bottom of the inning to tie the game. Angels then order their backup catcher to bunt to take one shot. The next hitter hits another dribbler for an infield hit. Willits never stops running, Barton hestiates (it looked like Suzuki was ready) and the game is lost.
But the real reason the A’s lost has nothing to do with that. The A’s lost because we couldn’t score more than two runs off their AAA starter while we had the hottest starter in baseball on the mound.
But that’s the team we have at the moment, a bunch of weak hitters prone to rookie mistakes up against a team that takes advantage of every glitch.
The key blunder, IMO, was Murphy throwing the ball at all
In that situation you have to know that both the runner and batter have plus speed and that the best play is to ensure the runner stops at third. You just walk into disaster when you throw the ball to first. The A’s had one hit in innings 2-8. That’s ridiculous.
They lost because their awful offense once again did nothing to help out the staff. A freaking joke that they only had one hit between innings 2-8. Fucking pathetic. I keep telling myself “rebuilding year” but every year is going to be more of the same until we can get a big time offensive player or 2.
Can someone give me a link to highlights of HRod, Cahill, and Anderson?
Because I need something to watch besides this game. That the Angels are lucky is the only way to explain this loss. Two infield hits, a SF and a bloop. We got our bloop, but we didn’t get our SF. It’s no one’s fault (except perhaps the ump, some very questionable calls), not even Street’s, but it sure does hurt. And, damn Geren, don’t have Barton bunt on 0-2. Please, for my heart’s sake.
I don't know if you know what you're talking about or not.
But you may have noticed that up until last season the A’s were traditionally a second half team. So who’s to say that last year was merely an abberation.
But the A’s had different teams throughout the era of second half runs. Just having Chavez and Hurt back would make us a different team. Hope springs eternal.
I like your attitude! I hope they do have some magic. I know it’s probably not the A’s year but I really really hope they make it interesting all the way to the end and at least have the possibility of winning the division (or the wild card if that is an option haha)
for a change. But Chavez and Hurt would make a big difference in our offense. We have some arms in the minors that could through the division for a loop.
Lot’s of baseball left. At the end of the series we are only down one more game than when we started. We will know where we stand in two weeks.
Though it wouldn’t surprise me a bit. If Chavez has to have another shoulder surgery, it’s likely he’s done as a ballplayer. At least an elite level ballplayer.
Getting tired of losing seriers after series to ...
the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. What will the second half bring from the A’s? Either you make the move to go for it or it is time to look to move some people (already mentioned above), because the lack of hitting on a consistant basis will sink them. Especially with more road games than home. The TRUE test begins in Yankee stadium. Heading there from MIA to see the A’s next Saturday. I am sure I will be one of 50k plus. GO A’S!
Hitters have a pretty decent impact on it based on their speed and ability to hit line drives while for pitchers it has mostly to do with the defense behind them.
if Sweeney couldn’t play (which he obviously couldn’t) – which is why bunting was a bad idea, because no matter how much you’re down on him Daric Barton was probably our best bet going forward for a hit off of K-Rod.
Yes, why not bring back Bankston & send Barton down????
Does anyone understand the A’s thinking in sending hot hitting Bankston down instead of Barton…..especially when the team needs more right handed power and Barton continues to contribute little to the offensive and not much to the defense??? Could someone please shed some light on this mystery?
and I’m not impressed with Barton at the plate at all…not my call, though. I’m just pissed off in general at the overall pathetic nature of the offense and seemingly late inning brainlocks of some of these guys. Shitballs!!!
Suzuki’s job is to be ready for the throw. Barton’s job is to throw it. If Barton throws it and it whacks Suzuki on the head, that’s not Barton’s fault or problem. I’m wondering if he didn’t have a good grip on the ball – because he sure as heck shouldn’t have been surprised.
is that it makes difficult to maintain the pretense that the A’s are in contention for anything this season. We all know they’re not, and Billy Beane reminded us of the facts when he traded away Rich Harden.
It’s more fun to think we’re in a race. The reality that we’re not will be no fun to think about over the next five days.
is it me or does kurt not look like he has any idea or plan at the plate at times like these? and always screwing himself into the ground. try a lighter bat kurt and have a idea of what you’re going to do at the plate.
Watching Cahill right now, looks awesome. Nasty, nasty two-seamer at 88-90, massive sinking action. 4 seamer is at about 92-93. Good slider at around 80-82, Gaudin like in that it seems to levitate as it slides across the plate. Overall, looks really tough to hit, like a Brandon Webb.
and the lower half of the order. who went 0 for 10,000. Add Murton and Suzuki at the top and it’s1 for 15,000.
Injuries have made the bottom of the order as patehtic as you will see in a game. Also by not Swinging and being aggressive early enough against Moseley, the A’s hitters put themselves at the mercy of the umpire and we saw how that turned out. Some teams have hitters who can hit with 2 strikes. This team is short in that department.
but i’m really excited for the second half. we hit a bit of a roadblock this weekend, but we’ve got a really good solid young team. if i were the angels, i’d be afraid, very afraid
If the A’s, chasing LAA, wanted to establish themselves as contenders, they need to win one of the two series, not lose ground each time. And they had a chance, they got a huge break with Moseley for Saunders, and they blew it – and now they’re 6 games behind a team with a rotation unlikely to allow them to go into a deep slump. It’s game, set, and match – at least for now.
But we are A’s fans. We have been fans of a team that has been a winning team for 8 of the last 9 years (including this year). I have faith in the ability of the front office to improve our team, and I also have faith in the talent that has been assembled throughout the system. It’s hard for me to watch these series losses, but I’m reminded every day in baseball that anything can happen. All it takes is a series sweep to level the playing field. That’s how quick the game of baseball can turn. And anything it possible.
Today, however, it feels like we gave one away when we could least afford to. Calling ourselves “in the race” 4 down with this club was going to be a stretch. 6 down? Hmm…how are those wild card standings again?
was at the game (am slightly buzzed) – ziegler saves the game. Street is garbage if he’s not “on.” He is rarely “on.” Bring him in, why? Because he is the “closer.” Just pathetic Geren.
I wouldn't even be saying that if the trio coming up
weren’t three right-handed hitters with power/pop. It was perfect confluence for Ziggy, who isn’t “hot” he’s on fire – 20 IP scoreless doesn’t happen too often.
did anything impressive against him. He looked pretty hittable yesterday and today – I have no idea why his velocity and overall stuff seem to vary so much from day to day.
I am still so upset I and mind flustered that I lost my dinner that I made
No I didn’t vomit. I made a sandwich put it on a plate and set it down. I went to get the fries out of the oven and then couldn’t find the sandwich on a plate. It was literally 10 seconds to get the fries but I couldn’t remember where I put the sandwich. It took me nearly 5 minutes to find it.
I was not happy when Harden was traded but accepted it due to his health
I will celebrate when Street gets traded.
Didn’t Billy say closers are an overated commodity?
God these losses are so hard to get over.
4 games out with a win
6 games out because of inept hitters, inept fielding, inept umpiring and a pathetic effort at closing a game out.
I will never give up hope. Hurry back Frank and company and get rid of the shit we have at the bottom of the order because it stinks. Crosby will ensure Murphy sits on the bench but why was Petit not playing? I think he is an upgrade on Murphy, right?
Geren waives white flag with who he is starting after the break
From ESPN game wrap
Game notes A’s manager Bob Geren announced the A’s will open the second half with a rotation of RHP Joe Blanton, LHP Greg Smith, Duchscherer, RHP Sean Gallagher and LHP Dana Eveland. .
How about skipping Blanton altogether. We have 4 days off
epic meltdown
first first first.
AustryaN41 - July 13, 2008
What a joke
Ziggy should have stayed in
Murphy shouldn’t have thrown that ball
Barton shouldn’t have double clutched
Suzuki still can’t block the plate
Pathetic.
mikev - July 13, 2008
LET'S GO OAKLAND!
Please?
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
Wow....
Two weak rollers, one bloop, and one sac fly leads to two runs. That’s lucky crap. How on earth do the Angels keep winning like this?
vignette17 - July 13, 2008
I hate F-Rod. :( I was hoping I wouldn’t have to see his stupid face today.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Boo.
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride
I’m getting sick of losing to these asshats. Here’s hoping it doesn’t happen again today.
Joey C. - July 13, 2008
Ew gross don’t say that. Some asshole Angel fan said that to me after a game in Anaheim.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Shit
Sorry.
Joey C. - July 13, 2008
It’s OK. I then asked him how many world series they have and how many we have and he didn’t say anything else lol
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
un-click i will suffer through some more
damn, those little fundamentals of execution like that silly double clutch….can make a difference.
ak_A - July 13, 2008
Garbage!
mrod - July 13, 2008
Street's your closer get over it
athleticsBB4life - July 13, 2008
yeah but he sucks, so there
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
Yes, we know he's the closer ... your point?
Vacafan - July 13, 2008
Ziegler is not
athleticsBB4life - July 13, 2008
"Hee's our closer"
Hee’s our closer”
“Hee’s our closer”
Before Eckerseley and LaRussa, NOBODY hung with ONE CLOSER.
Eckerseley was extraordinary. But teams that have “no Eckerseley” in his prime, ought to mix it up.
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
good start...
whiteshoes40 - July 13, 2008
GONZO
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
w00t!
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
What was that 2 infield hits?
That’s why you need your hitters to put up more than 3 runs a game.
because there will always be bad luck runs scored against you.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Okay. Let's do this.
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
Paging a run
you are need at the scoreboard now
A'sfaninNC - July 13, 2008
Foul pole blast
doctorK - July 13, 2008
LETS GO OAKLAND!!!!!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Honk Honk HonkHonkHonk
SkipT - July 13, 2008
Stay away from DP
Trainman - July 13, 2008
As soon as I heard Street was up in the pen, I said "SHIT"
HURRY UP AND BOARD THE PLANE TO TAMPA!
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Agreed
Whats happened to him?
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Hit and Run.
Plz?
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Run, plz?
Zonis - July 13, 2008
I would
Be happy with a walk here…
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Does anybody else ever want to just punch Kry-Rod in the damn face?
mikev - July 13, 2008
Or have him get struck by lightning?
You betcha.
baseballnut020 - July 13, 2008
100000 times.
Syphon - July 13, 2008
yes.
and I am normally a very peaceful person.
whiteshoes40 - July 13, 2008
All. The. Time.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Come on. I don't want to have to stew on this for 5 days.
Seriously.
Meurs - July 13, 2008
EXACTLY!!!!
Gotta get this win!!
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Bunting here?
that would mean we would need a hit from Barton or Hannahan
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
mission impossible
ak_A - July 13, 2008
DON'T FUCKING GIVE UP AN OUT GEREN.
sigh.
Just because LAAAAAA lucked into a run by doing it doesn’t mean you should
mikev - July 13, 2008
He might not have too.
Syphon - July 13, 2008
Iits passable in the bottom of the 9th in a 1 run game
SkipT - July 13, 2008
Except it's Ellis, and the next 2 batters are Barton and Hannahan.
mikev - July 13, 2008
it was a bunt tease move
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
terrible Huston
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Ohhh Lord.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
Walk on 4 pitches while the guy tries to bunt?
wtf?
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Go Ellis!
mrod - July 13, 2008
LETS GO A’s!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Do you have Barton bunt?
Zonis - July 13, 2008
YES
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Yes
2 runners in scoring position = win with a single.
Joey C. - July 13, 2008
also removes dp
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
now do you bunt?
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
Haha Barton and Hananananan
odds strongly against the A’s
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
He must have seen Barton.
Damn.
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Let's stay positive, guys.
First and second, no outs!
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
I hope jnewman is still watching even though he already called the game over.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Well, F-Rod appears annoyed...
...which I find strangely pleasing.
a tad askew - July 13, 2008
the suicide tease is on
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
Don't. Even. Joke.
I need this.
Joey C. - July 13, 2008
now 180 feet to tie
come on go A’s
A'sfaninNC - July 13, 2008
Does this count as a tease?
Zonis - July 13, 2008
No!
We will win!
Syphon - July 13, 2008
Ha. Yes.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
yes
we kinda know how this is going to end, right?
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
in the most major way
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
It's like putting JD into a Maker's Mark bottle.
mikev - July 13, 2008
How bout Barton
makes up for his bone headed play by hitting a 2 run double.
Syphon - July 13, 2008
LET'S GO OAKLAND!!
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
congrats huston
we are now sellers at the deadline. unless daric barton closes his eyes and makes solid contact
ohad - July 13, 2008
Normally I read all the comments before posting when I come in late, but...
no time for that now! Yay Mark!
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
Yeah, Barton Bunt
If we’re gonna give up outs it’ll be on his terms
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
LETS GO A’s!!!!!!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Terrible looking bunt attempt
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
x2
doctorK - July 13, 2008
Ya, why not just swing. He sucks as a bunter and is more likely to K than GIDP
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
Barton
needs to work on his bunting…
C-Gon - July 13, 2008
you suck @ bunting Barton
don’t GIDP
Zonis - July 13, 2008
IS there anyone who can pinch hit?
for Murphy if it gets to him?
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
watch
he’ll bunt again
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
wow
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
HONK HONK HONKHONKHONK
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
just go around me!
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
Good enough
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
wtf Barton did it!
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Wow. Ballsy, Geren.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
Bart On!
Bunt On!
a tad askew - July 13, 2008
PH
Trainman - July 13, 2008
Alright!
I’ll take it!
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
Ah come on Barton! I would like anything that does not lead to an out here, please.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Street's ERA is now 4.07
Swooney's Left Foot - July 13, 2008
Thanks K-Fraud
doctorK - July 13, 2008
No kidding. That was a terrible play.
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
Bout time Barton!
mrod - July 13, 2008
I like this blown-save thread
better than that blown-save thread
iglew - July 13, 2008
WOW, now that was a break!
Thanks for not turning around a-hole.
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
he can't turn around
his head is too large
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
Well...
Fair enough
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Trade
Trade street now…......................
Stu 73 - July 13, 2008
PLEASE OH PLEASE PH FOR MURPHY GOD NO!
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Announcer says he is being called back?
R. Sweeney??
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
They should walk Hannahan and face Murphy
Done.
NEed to pinch hit for Murphy!!!
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Wow
Hannahan’s struck out 77 times this year. Christ.
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
Hahaha! IBB for Hannahan?
Make us proud, Donnie.
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
Fear the Hannahananananannaan
A'sfaninNC - July 13, 2008
LOL they are walking Hannahan
Now PH Geren
Trainman - July 13, 2008
up 2 D-Murph
athleticsBB4life - July 13, 2008
Yay Daric!
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
That’s because F Rod doesn’t know how to field the ball because he sucks.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Bases loaded, one out
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Sweet, merciful crap, just a sac fly, that's all I'm asking
Joey C. - July 13, 2008
LOL.
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
Don't let murph hit
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Pinch hit Ry-Dog
Vacafan - July 13, 2008
who do we have to pinch hit?
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
Really?
IBB to JACK HANANNAHANANHNA?
CoryC123 - July 13, 2008
with the A's penchant for GIDP's....
Zonis - July 13, 2008
DONNIEMURPHY!
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
um nevermind. ;)
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
Walk-off Slam after the IBB
Murphy redeems himself – by getting pulled for a pinch-hitter
doctorK - July 13, 2008
Let's go Rob!
baseballnut020 - July 13, 2008
NO NO NO NO
GEREN DO NO LET MURPHY HIT HE IS A WALKING STRIKEOUT
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
...
except he doesn’t really walk either.
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
LETS GO OAKLAND!!!!!!!!!! DO THISSSSSS!!!!!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Thank god, Jack doesnt have to hit
SkipT - July 13, 2008
Rob Bowen pitch hitting
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Is Swooney available to pinch-hit?
iglew - July 13, 2008
Available, yes, technically.
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
please please please A's
SwisherThresher - July 13, 2008
Hannahan would have had my respect
If he walked across the plate and just whacked the ball.
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Don't know about Bowen guys.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
Bowen. Interesting.
GIDP waiting to happen. He’s SLOW.
mikev - July 13, 2008
Smith PH?
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
COME ON, BOWEN!
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
Why Bowen
and not Sweeney WHY
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
WTF...Bowen
athleticsBB4life - July 13, 2008
tease! tease! tease!
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
It's Rob FREAKIN' Bowen!
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
LETS GO A’s!!! GET ARUN!!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
If he hits into a double play something in my room
is getting broken!
Syphon - July 13, 2008
Come on Bowen!
Don’t GIDP!
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Bowen will win it
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
This is an unorthodox decision
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
BUNT!!!!
theblackpearl - July 13, 2008
ala
ramon
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
ugh best pitch of the at bat
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
looking for that catcher PH mojo
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
Bowen?
Hmmm … OK.
iglew - July 13, 2008
anything here. anything. no outs no outs.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
I smell a sulk off in the near future
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
AGHAGHAGHLGAHSDHKL
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
aw crap 0-2
Zonis - July 13, 2008
0-2 count
that’s bad vs FRod
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
or any pitcher
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
but it will be sweeter if we get some runs on an 0-2 count lol
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Time to channel Greg Myers.
iglew - July 13, 2008
Good call!
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
We could really have used Bankston here
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
No shit.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
Did they ever explain optioning him rather than Smith?
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
Smith was called up directly from minors
Hasn’t yet used his option this year.
iglew - July 13, 2008
So has all three options right?
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
I think so.
I guess they figured it wasn’t worth it to blow a year.
iglew - July 13, 2008
I respectfully disagree
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
Disagree with the decision
or disagree that that was their logic?
iglew - July 13, 2008
Jesus. Nice take.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
Remember to breathe, everyone.
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
gaaaaaaaaasp
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
knew I was forgetting something
whiteshoes40 - July 13, 2008
bunt
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Boy sending down Bankston is looking good right now
We could have kept the extra hitter!!!
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
I still don't understand it
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
Wild Pitch or HBP Please
Syphon - July 13, 2008
haha retaliation...
..did i spell that right? aeghshdaowji!
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
DUES EX MABRY?
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
WE'RE ALL GUNNA DIE!
Zonis - July 13, 2008
shoulda coulda woulda
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Please God
Trainman - July 13, 2008
no out no out no out no out
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
2-2...low pitch
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Just tie it at least
Trainman - July 13, 2008
close enough to swing that's why you don't play
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Sulk-off part deux?
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
I love games like this.
iglew - July 13, 2008
I love them sometimes
And hate them the rest of the times.
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
Enh,
More fun to win, definitely, but win or lose, this is what makes baseball fun.
iglew - July 13, 2008
me too!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
LETS GO A’s!!!!!!!!!!!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
STrike 3 fuck
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Bowen K's
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
WTF
LOW!!!
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
Bull. Shit.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
...
...
C-Gon - July 13, 2008
FUCK THAT.
mikev - July 13, 2008
LET'S GO SUZUKI!
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
looking for that catcher mojo
again
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
Tough spot for Bowen. Damn Buckner.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
FUCK!
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
Low Low Low Low Low Low.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
there were no apple bottom jeans this time
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
fucking terrible umpiring
terrence long special
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
So fucking low.
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
Fuck the umpire
Trainman - July 13, 2008
Let's go Suizuki
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Kurt Klutch.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
I hate that my feed is later than you all. :(
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Borderline, but too good to take right there
Vacafan - July 13, 2008
wow
...just wow.
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
1-0
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Base hit, Zooks.
or walk of grand slam, I dont care.
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
LETS GO ZUKI!!!!!!! GET ON BASE!!!
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
2-0
Zonis - July 13, 2008
keep callin it
you are faster tahn gameday
oakinboston - July 13, 2008
that 3rd strike was BS
A'sfaninNC - July 13, 2008
I thought Caning was illegal
Hit4TheCycle - July 13, 2008
It shouldn't be
WaddellCanseco - July 13, 2008
2-0 high fastball
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
F-Rod needs to stop falling to the ground after every pitch.
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
2-1
Zonis - July 13, 2008
BS strike, 2-1
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
2-1 on a close strike
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
antoher terrible strike
mikev - July 13, 2008
son of a btch. this boils my nerves to no end.
ak_A - July 13, 2008
2-2 kurt check swing foul
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
Nice late foul call
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
ROFL he called it a ball!
Zonis - July 13, 2008
AHH!! hahaha
3-1 now i guess
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
If F Rod gets this save he should point and talk to the umpire instead of God.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
He did tip it, though
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
close game excitement
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Game Over
Zonis - July 13, 2008
Kurt Ks
BigTuna - July 13, 2008
Crushing.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
wow
we just got robbed
C-Gon - July 13, 2008
I fucking hate K-Rod.
What a dickhead!
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
Fuck you Bucknor!
cocksucker!
31Boots - July 13, 2008
FUCK YOU K-ROD, FUCK YOU ANGELS
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Ew.
pam5981 - July 13, 2008
RUN OUT AND FUCKIGN KICK KRY-ROD IN HIS FACE
I swear, he’s the most classless fucking dirtbag I’ve ever seen on a baseball field.
mikev - July 13, 2008
No doubt.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
not crushing, we lost when Huston Street entered the game
TRADE HIS FUCKING ASS
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
That makes me sad :(
OH MY GOD f rod could you be MORE of an asshole please?
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
SHUT THE FCK UP KROD.
You’re antics are getting old.
AustryaN41 - July 13, 2008
I need to go get drunk
Joey C. - July 13, 2008
dang
RuQ - July 13, 2008
The offense
Have to score more than 3.
As to Street. Terrible but several of them were lucky hits
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
How does Krod load the bases every time he comes in for
a save not not blow games.
Syphon - July 13, 2008
Because the hitters get him out of his messes by swinging at his crap in the dirt.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
because the A's offense is minor league caliber
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
This is pretty much true. Unfortunately.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Whelp.
Street/Murton/random guy for Brignac, Hellickson, and another 1/2 guys. With power.
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
I think I will have to get HAMMERED in order to write the Wrap Up for this game.
Wow. Just crushing, in every way.
Taj Adib - July 13, 2008
Don't even bother writing the wrap up.
This is painful.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
just make a post titled wrap-up
and make it write-it-yourself.
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
I think the best way to put it is
it is obviously the Angels’ year. Apparently the way you win a division is to hit a couple infield choppers and throw fastballs off the plate that accidentally hit the other guys’ bats.
However, having Barton bunt was a mistake, IMO, given who was coming up – when your options are Hannahan, Murphy, and Bowen, and you have the infield in at the corners, I think you have to let Barton hit. Just my opinion.
Nico - July 13, 2008
case can be made for that
in fact, Barton probably should have showed bunt, then swung away.
I don’t mean this in the “20-20 hindsight-we-lost” sense, I mean because, as you pointed out, it was doubtful that having a man on third with one out, was really going to be fruitful, given the players coming up to bat.
Terrible loss. But this has been the Angels MO this year. Pulling it out in the last innings.
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Exactly, the bunt was a bad move because Barton was more likely
to get a hit than Hannahan and the PH/ Murphy.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Make it some sort of Mad-Libs thing
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
More poor execution and push-button managing.
They deserved to lose that one.
Monday Fan - July 13, 2008
yes, if you relentlessly predictably
make the same moves, it will eventually bite your asss.
I give Geren credit for shaking up the batting order, a lot. That fits my thinking.
But I think once Ziegler was in, he should have just stayed in. He’s a bigger unknown to the Angels than Street, by far.
And who have the Angels been losing to? Pitchers they haven’t seen (see Gallagher, etc).
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
I'll say it again.
Huston Street, you fucking broke my heart.
Kimberly - July 13, 2008
I agree with this comment :’(
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
scared my kids yelling
Mostly at Barton tho, the stupid score from second on a infield hit.
They’ve done that to the A’s before too.
MobiusKlein - July 13, 2008
What a horrible turn of events
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
The A’s and the umpire’s calls got you out of that you pompous asshole. UGH FRod gets on my nerves. I hate that he’s setting closing records when he is such an overrated piece of shit.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
Well that pissed me off
lerei - July 13, 2008
Ouch, that one was tough.
Going to take a shower, then take a walk in the forest.
iglew - July 13, 2008
Street may not be long for the closer position.
I’ve always thought he was a good closer but we can’t keep giving away games that should be wins.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
No!
Bad Huston! No!
(smacks Huston on snout with rolled up newspaper)
Leopold Bloom - July 13, 2008
I love the A's, but...
...considering they’re basically a AAAA team, they’ve been playing over their heads this first half. They’re an exciting team, but let’s not fool ourselves into thinking they can actually win this division. This was a disappointing loss, but not surprising.
gregorymark - July 13, 2008
i guess
but they had the win and blew it. Nuff said.
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
I agree with this. Plus it was Huston Street, the major league closer, who blew the lead. Not a AAAA guy.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
You may be right about our team but I simply will not admit that the
Angels are that much better. They have a closer that did his job today. We didn’t.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
Yes, but our all-star pitcher threw a great game
We had 2 runs before they had 2 outs.
A terrible loss.
True, Too many guys on the team who are not major-leaguers though.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
What does winning the division have to do with it?
How bout just winning a ballgame they had no business losing?
Vacafan - July 13, 2008
Seriously, just a crushing, crushing loss ...
I’d be very surprised if the A’s can rally back after this one. Just inexcusable.
Vacafan - July 13, 2008
SHITBURGERS!
Buck Turgidson - July 13, 2008
Attention Attention fire sale on aisle
Oakland
A'sfaninNC - July 13, 2008
Bowen
What the fuck has he done that deserved him going up there more than Petit?
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
Or, you know, Sweeney.
mikev - July 13, 2008
Being left handed
You can’t send Petit up there, you just can’t.
Nico - July 13, 2008
I guess.
Bowen is a different kind of left handed?
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
And lefties
Hit .120 points (OPS) better than righties against K-Rod over his career.
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
ha.
nevermind! I gotcha.
LOL I AM AN IDIOT LOL
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
ONe more.
I thought Petit was a switch hitter as well.
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
What has Petit done?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
...
Or shit even Murphy?
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
Well, I'll say this about the first half
Blanton, Street, and Embree should be gone. Barton should be demoted. And we need to get a 3B and a SS by the deadline if we expect to win this year.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
I think you might be on to something
I’ll add Hannahan to that list. Fucking Chavez for being hurt. We need SOMEONE who can play third better. Is Sean Doolittle versatile?
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
I heard that
They have Chris Carter at 3B alot now. 3B of the future maybe? That’d be a badass pair of corner infielders in Carter/Doolittle.
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
Dolittle is not ready for the Majors
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Give both of them
A little more time. I think they could both work as September callups next year.
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
And Brown too I should add
Cut his ass.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
I believe that Blanton will have a great 2nd half. Not sure for what team.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
2 good starts in a row and Blanton is gone
No room for him here next year.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
So embarrassing.
Trade off the guys on this team that have some good value, and please get some HITTING.
My god this is just awful
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
I F'n HATE RODRIGUEZ
mills16 - July 13, 2008
There is almost no player I will root for to get injured
Almost nobody. K-Rod is an exception. Pompous piece of shit disgraces the game.
Nico - July 13, 2008
He always wiggles out of these bases loaded jams
that WILL catch up with him at some point.
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
Yeah, to be honest
I hope he falls down after his little slider twirl and fractures his ankle into hundreds of tiny pieces. Then after rehab, toils around in AAA for awhile before being cut.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
I truly wouldn't mind - and I don't say that often
Nico - July 13, 2008
I’m glad that other people feel this way too. I don’t wish injury on any player… but I would make such an exception for him. His stupid behavior makes my blood boil.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
I'd prefer he gets hit on his pitching hand with a come back line drive.
OldhamA - July 13, 2008
the halos have other competent people to close.........
wouldnt be a big deal
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
Doesn't really matter. He's a classless POS.
mikev - July 13, 2008
But can they act
like clownish buffoons? That’s the real question.
SportySpice - July 13, 2008
so you only hate him because of his antics?
if he was crappy they wouldnt bother you would they?
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
If he was crappy it'd look even worse but he wouldn't be doing it all the time, would he?
“Act like you’ve been there before.” Words for him to live by rather than him acting like he just saved Game 7 of the World Series every time he gets a save.
Eck did the finger-point but he didn’t wave his arms around and yell like a fucking douchebag.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
if he was doing this for your favorite team.......
i’d doubt you have such a problem with it…........
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
Actually, I think I would.
Douchebaggery is douchebaggery. He looks like a stupid child every time he spins around, throws his hands up to the sky and yells like a retard.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
ok then........
well i disagree…...but respect your position
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
That's fine. You can go on enjoying your closer looking like a twit.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
all i care about is if he get the three outs he needs........
how he does it…....is not my concern
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
How he does it has nothing to do with how he acts after he does it.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
In fact, as a photographer I'll shoot a lot of things, even if it's something to...
...cause my favorite team to lose.
One thing I won’t shoot is a K-Rod celebration.
He could stand to take a few lessons from someone like Mariano Rivera in how to act when you do your job.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
I would, actually - if he were on my team
I’d be unconditionally embarrassed every time he acted like a retarded ferret – and I say that knowing full well that I’m insulting retarded ferrets.
Nico - July 13, 2008
The prescription for f-rod is a non-retarded ferret with an excellent sense of direction.
mikeA - July 13, 2008
I hate the Yankees
but Rivera is class all the way and I admire him. K-Rod is despicable.
SportySpice - July 13, 2008
Good point.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Yep
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
True.
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
i know the A's have has some classy players............
Canseco and McGwire come to mind…....
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
Fuck off troll
That is all.
green star oakland - July 13, 2008
Canseco and McGwire didn't go into hysterics with every homer
On the spectrum of how to act, there’s
humble
confident
arrogant
and then
F-Rod.
I’d have a hard time rooting for him on my team. I’d rather root for Street and his blown saves before F-Rod’s douchebaggery.
Rickeyfan - July 13, 2008
now you're going to far
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
No, Hanrahan crossing home plate on a wild pitch
knocks the guy five feet coming in with a cut block low, then continues on and lands on FRod’s shoulder, like Lowell did to Piazza.
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
I just hope he ends up in the NL eventually
so he can’t pull these shenanigans.
rebus - July 13, 2008
Agreed. I hope he does something during one of his celebrations and is done forever.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Not only that
but he gives the rest of us “Rod’s” a bad rep….
Just wait, someday one of our guys or someone from another team is gonna snap and knock his ass into next week.
He’s weak, totally fucking weak.
Oh, and Street has turned into dogshit…..that’s all.
mrod - July 13, 2008
Beane probably start a mass trade after this
That was the straw that broke the camels back
Trainman - July 13, 2008
I agree
Can’t sit idly after watching something like this. Just sickening.
AustryaN41 - July 13, 2008
Is the trade deadline my birthday again this year? July 31?
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
don't hold your breath
Street probably and Blanton. I don’t know for what, though.
Crosbino - July 13, 2008
Oh I’m just asking if it’s the same date. I don’t usually see it being a good birthday present, since it’s usually players I love being traded away.
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
will someone get desparate enough to want emil brown?
(also, i don’t think murton is meant to be kept.)
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
Tampa Bay
they’ve lost seven straight. It’ll be a “TLong add-in” situation.
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
Once agian Halos prove they are
the luckiest team in baseball.
Syphon - July 13, 2008
When the playoffs come, they will be exposed
The AL West (including us) is not good this year.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
The west in general
Sucks
Morgasm - July 13, 2008
They'll get swept....again!
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
I can't think of a worse turn of events for the team
Closer gives up lead
young 1b blunders on not throwing home,
Offense fails in both 8th and 9th to get home a much needed run.
now we are 6 back. (also, the rangers are closing in).
Awful
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Our catcher
Why does Suzuki fall down everytime he strikes out? Call up Powell or something, and get rid of this guy. I’ve never seen anyone come up so short all the time like this loser. Bring back Kendall even. Atleast he stays on his feet after swinging
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
So, I guess you missed his pinch hit homer to tie the game in the bottom of the 9th the other day?
mikev - July 13, 2008
Suzuki demoted?
That ain’t gonna happen.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
Suzuki isn't bad
There’s just no way he should be a leadoff hitter for any team. We have a poor lineup.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Suzuki has been one of the team's better hitters this season
Not a very good opinion in the heat of any frustration.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
exactly. He is one of our 2-3 good hitters on the team
I think you may just be frustrated.
Look at our production from the corner OF and corner If and you can see where we need an upgrade
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
No reason Ziggy couldn't have pitched the 9th
3 righties coming up, and the guy just hasn’t been fallible yet. “Convention” cost us big time today, IMO.
Nico - July 13, 2008
However, think of this in another team's shoes
Are they going to want Street if we can’t trust him in the 9th?
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Fair point
“We would rather have a red-hot minor league journeyman pitcher close the game against the division leaders instead of Huston Street, even though he was rested and ready. How much would you like to offer for him?”
bear88 - July 13, 2008
I don't think it matters.
Ziggy has a 0.00 ERA and he was already in the game – there’s your answer. But you don’t need one – you aren’t playing these games to showcase people’s trade value; you’re playing these games to win games. I think the whole “upping x’s trade value” is nonsense. You try to play guys where they’ll succeed, to win games and keep their value high – in that order.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Amen
At the very least Ziggy could have started the inning.
DKNJ - July 13, 2008
That's fine
if you decide it’s Bullpen by Committee. Street isn’t the closer. Geren will go with the hot hand, et cetera.
If we were playing for this season, and thought we had a legitimate chance to win the division, then I’d be all for it.
But Billy Beane has decided that this A’s team can’t win this season. He decided it in the offseason, he confirmed it earlier this week by trading away Rich Harden.
Message: We aren’t a real contender. We’re building for future seasons, and winning games now is of secondary importance.
Street is the closer, is under club control, and has been fairly successful. But if he’s the demoted closer, he has less value.
Besides, there’s no guarantee that Ziggy would have succeeded where Street failed. The Angels got two dribbler hits, one solid single, a sacrifice, and good baserunning. The same thing could have happened to Ziggy, a newcomer to the ninth inning in the major leagues.
bear88 - July 13, 2008
It's a rebuilding year.
It’s a rebuilding year.It’s a rebuilding year.It’s a rebuilding year.
Still hurts, though.
SportySpice - July 13, 2008
Sorry it's not a rebuilding year
It’s the same kind of year as the last ten or eleven according to Beane.
It’s just a painful loss, and slapping an repetitious mantra on it doesn’t negate the reality of it.
One won lost won - July 13, 2008
EXACTLY
Send him out there and if he gets in trouble bring in Street.
In defense of Street the hits were infield hits/ dinks.
I still say keep a guy in until he gets in trouble.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
2 dinks, one hit
one solid sac fly
Lots of 2 strike pitches, no third strikes.
MobiusKlein - July 13, 2008
you are right. A strike-out somewhere in that inning and we should be in extra innings
Good point
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Mikev
I was there.
It was precious
AustryaN41 - July 13, 2008
change your tag line
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
I dont care...
he just struck out today. what have you done for me lately suzuki?
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
Oh, okay, so you just don't have any clue what you're talking about.
Roger that.
mikev - July 13, 2008
try not reading everything at face value
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
What else are we to do when it's in text?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
ummm, use a little common sense?
everyone’s just pissed off cuz we just handed them a victory. i knew i shouldn’t have said that cuz everyone would get soooo offended by it
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
Then don't say it.
It’s quite simple, really.
mikev - July 13, 2008
Maybe you could try that
“Call up Powell or something, and get rid of this guy. I’ve never seen anyone come up so short all the time like this loser. Bring back Kendall even.”
We’re all supposed to magically know you’re not being serious?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
um... yeah
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
not even an angels fan would be dumb enough to want kendall back
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
And I'm sorry, but your sig is just not based in any form of reality whatsoever.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
yeah it's really stupid actually
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
you kids are all brilliant, really
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
you guys are happy with Barton's production?
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
nuff said
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
So tell me
Are you a troll?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
no, i was just making a sarcastic comment and everyone freaked out
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
And when people don't know you enough to know how sarcastic you are or not...
...don’t be surprised when people react the way they did.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
wow... i never knew a's fans that needed to get over themselves like you guys
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
Well, you could always just leave.
mikev - July 13, 2008
Always
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
He/She/It just did
Or as Hawk Harrleson would say…”It gone!”
Nico - July 13, 2008
Are you saying you're not an A's fan?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Guys.
He said “nuff said” if that isn’t an argument, then what is?
Emmett89 - July 13, 2008
who me or swampyd?
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
I was wondering as well
but then I realized it doesn’t matter because your sig is stupid whether it’s sarcastic or not.
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Please go away
baseballnut020 - July 13, 2008
you guys are acting like Giants fans actually
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
You're acting like an Angels fan
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Exactly
A clueless idiot.
baseballnut020 - July 13, 2008
all angels fans are clueless idiots?
well color me dumb then….....
norcaliangelsfan - July 13, 2008
You know, it's probably not the best idea for you to be posting here right now.
I’m just sayin. You seem like you’re not trolling, but there are some pissed off A’s fans around right now.
mikev - July 13, 2008
No kidding - any Angels fan
who would post on an A’s site right after a tough loss for the A’s is only adding to the notion that Angels fans are idiots. Or jerks. Take your pick.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Good advice
mrod - July 13, 2008
Not all Angels fans....
as for you getting into pointless arguments in the middle of this long thread on an A’s blog does raise some unpleasant questions about your intelligence, or perhaps more likely about your age.
mikeA - July 13, 2008
RAUL = 0 credibility
Regardless of what intelligent things you say in the future, regardless of somehow you are a closet genius, whatever you say in the future will mean nothing to me.
You are truly an uninformed waste of the keyboard you are typing on. I’ll take a strike per the CGV for the team on this one. You are a moron.
33SwisherSweet - July 13, 2008
Chill - he's already been banned
Nico - July 13, 2008
Well, I'm not gonna CGV you for it
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
I feel numb
Today should not have been a loss. And the way it all went down was just…awful. Quite nearly a ‘worst case scenerio’
SwisherThresher - July 13, 2008
The ninth inning
illustrates some of the differences between the teams.
The Angels got lucky. Hunter’s hit was a 45-foot fluke. That was followed by a solid single, sending Hunter to third and Willits into the game as a pinch runner with nobody out. At that point, I mentally conceded the tie and worried about Willits.
They get the sacrifice fly we didn’t get in the bottom of the inning to tie the game. Angels then order their backup catcher to bunt to take one shot. The next hitter hits another dribbler for an infield hit. Willits never stops running, Barton hestiates (it looked like Suzuki was ready) and the game is lost.
But the real reason the A’s lost has nothing to do with that. The A’s lost because we couldn’t score more than two runs off their AAA starter while we had the hottest starter in baseball on the mound.
But that’s the team we have at the moment, a bunch of weak hitters prone to rookie mistakes up against a team that takes advantage of every glitch.
bear88 - July 13, 2008
Angels
are not a team that takes advantage of every glitch, and the A’s aren’t even close either
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
The key blunder, IMO, was Murphy throwing the ball at all
In that situation you have to know that both the runner and batter have plus speed and that the best play is to ensure the runner stops at third. You just walk into disaster when you throw the ball to first. The A’s had one hit in innings 2-8. That’s ridiculous.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Let's put it this way. We had several gaffes that led to our demise today.
It’s tough to blame one person and that is what makes it so damn frustrating.
ohtobe21likehuston - July 13, 2008
Thank you for mentioning
the hitting because Beane HAS to do something about this
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Absolutely.
The 9th inning was bad luck. infield hits and such happen.
The game was lost when we didn’t score in the 8th/ 9th or more than 2 runs off a AAA pitcher.
If today’s game isn’t a glaring indication that the team needs some upgrades on offense what is?
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
A's didn't lose because of Huston
They lost because their awful offense once again did nothing to help out the staff. A freaking joke that they only had one hit between innings 2-8. Fucking pathetic. I keep telling myself “rebuilding year” but every year is going to be more of the same until we can get a big time offensive player or 2.
sprtsnwyn - July 13, 2008
They still scored enough to win.
mikev - July 13, 2008
Evidently, they didn't.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Put it on Street, though.
They had a lead going into the 9th.
mikev - July 13, 2008
Huston looked really bad today though IMO
Couldn’t throw strikes and looked very hittable.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Why can't we have nice things?
SportySpice - July 13, 2008
Can someone give me a link to highlights of HRod, Cahill, and Anderson?
Because I need something to watch besides this game. That the Angels are lucky is the only way to explain this loss. Two infield hits, a SF and a bloop. We got our bloop, but we didn’t get our SF. It’s no one’s fault (except perhaps the ump, some very questionable calls), not even Street’s, but it sure does hurt. And, damn Geren, don’t have Barton bunt on 0-2. Please, for my heart’s sake.
vignette17 - July 13, 2008
H-Rod hit 100 today I heard
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Yes he did.
Syphon - July 13, 2008
http://mlb.mlb.com/mediacenter/index.jsp#20080713
You’ll have to find innings 2,3, and 8.
mikeA - July 13, 2008
snatching defeat from the jaws of victory
silly Duke, I thought you learned after your last start: You gotta throw a CG if you want a W.
marco magic - July 13, 2008
As sickening as this loss was....
I’m not ready to concede just yet. Wonder if the A’s have any of their second half magic left?
alox - July 13, 2008
When is the Big Hurt due back?
He IS coming back…right?
SwisherThresher - July 13, 2008
Yes, i predict Daric Barton hits
20 2nd half homers and Joe Blanton isn’t traded and wins 12 games
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
and I don't know what I'm talking about???
raulhukilledu - July 13, 2008
hey it's you, I missed you
go to your room
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
I don't know if you know what you're talking about or not.
But you may have noticed that up until last season the A’s were traditionally a second half team. So who’s to say that last year was merely an abberation.
Try not to be such an ass.
alox - July 13, 2008
different teams
The hitters on the team now are not even close to those on the teams you’re fantasizing about.
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
I know.
But the A’s had different teams throughout the era of second half runs. Just having Chavez and Hurt back would make us a different team. Hope springs eternal.
alox - July 13, 2008
don't doubt the Oaktown mojo!
Just maybe think about a new closer
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
you really created a new account just for this?
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
What?
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
Maybe this?
tradestreetnow
joined Jul 13, 2008
last login Jul 13, 2008
posts 0
comments 2
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
Hey, trolls are just like the rest of us
Only without lives.
Nico - July 13, 2008
i really dont know what you're talking about, i just joined yes, i was catching up on all the comments
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
You wouldn't happen to be the guy who wanted Powell up here for Suzuki, would you?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
haha no, thats ridiculous
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
isnt he hitting like .220 down in sac?
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
Ouch!
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
I like your attitude! I hope they do have some magic. I know it’s probably not the A’s year but I really really hope they make it interesting all the way to the end and at least have the possibility of winning the division (or the wild card if that is an option haha)
drmmerchk - July 13, 2008
A lot of "ifs" have to break our way....
for a change. But Chavez and Hurt would make a big difference in our offense. We have some arms in the minors that could through the division for a loop.
Lot’s of baseball left. At the end of the series we are only down one more game than when we started. We will know where we stand in two weeks.
alox - July 13, 2008
We don't need arms
to throw the division for a loop, we need BATS
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Exactly. Surely there can be someone out there that we can bring in to hit
I hate to say this but why not give Richie Sexton a chance.
Can he do any worse than Barton?
Now, if we bring him in and the team is like 8-10 GB in early August then go with the youth.
There is still time to make a run at it but the offense has to come around.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
I'm kind of hoping that
Chavez and Hurt are those bats. They have the prerequisites for the job.
alox - July 13, 2008
I would be really surprised to see Chavy
make a meaningful impact this year.
Nico - July 13, 2008
So just a bunch of meaningless homers than ?
green star oakland - July 13, 2008
Exactly. We need Chavez back.
That is the best chance for an upgrade in the line-up. Chavez over Hannahan,
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
All I'm saying is, don't count on it
I predict Thomas back around August 1st, Chavy back Sept 1st or not at all. If he needs surgery on his right shoulder he should get it now.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Uggh. I sure was hoping Thomas would be back sooner
I thought that Chavez’s shoulder was just going to be rehab.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
It may be - I'm just saying
don’t be surprised if Chavez can’t come back as soon or as strong as he currently hopes.
Nico - July 13, 2008
I hope your wrong on this one.
Though it wouldn’t surprise me a bit. If Chavez has to have another shoulder surgery, it’s likely he’s done as a ballplayer. At least an elite level ballplayer.
alox - July 13, 2008
The Halos are still owners of the biggest choke job in AL history
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
WTF kind of rotation shuffle is that?
Blanton/Smith/Duke/Gallagher/Eveland? Really?
Is Geren high?
mikev - July 13, 2008
Mixes up the lefties, puts a hard thrower between Duke and Eveland.
How would you prefer it?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
I'd switch Duke and Blanton.
But I’m weird, I want the best pitcher on the team to throw more.
mikev - July 13, 2008
I'd like to see Blanton matched up
against other teams’ #3 starters for a while – that’s the main reason I’d hold him back. I don’t care who starts the first two games.
Nico - July 13, 2008
That would be 3 days rest, not counting a possible AS appearance
I’d put Gallagher or Smith first, then Duke, then the other of Gallagher/Smith, then either of Blanton or Eveland.
mikeA - July 13, 2008
Duke pitches Sunday. The ASG can be considered a side session, since it'll likely be 1 IP
That pretty much puts him right on track to pitch Friday.
mikev - July 13, 2008
ok, I was thinking they started on Thursday
yikes. bad time for this game to happen….
mikeA - July 13, 2008
Yeah but several of the A's starting pitchers are going to be getting into uncharted
waters as far as innings go so starting Blanton first (and more) makes sense, since it allows for some innings control on top on pitch counts and etc.
A'sfaninNC - July 14, 2008
That's just keeping everyone on turn,
which seems a bit dumb, but it’s not like he re-ordered it to be optimal and came up with that.
mikeA - July 13, 2008
wait, no it's not....
keeping everyone on turn, and throwing Duke in… yeah… not so good..
mikeA - July 13, 2008
Getting tired of losing seriers after series to ...
the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. What will the second half bring from the A’s? Either you make the move to go for it or it is time to look to move some people (already mentioned above), because the lack of hitting on a consistant basis will sink them. Especially with more road games than home. The TRUE test begins in Yankee stadium. Heading there from MIA to see the A’s next Saturday. I am sure I will be one of 50k plus. GO A’S!
OakFaninFL - July 13, 2008
The only A's fan of 50k plus Yank crowd.....
OakFaninFL - July 13, 2008
... BABIP can't be completely luck, can it?
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
It isn't entirely
Hitters have a pretty decent impact on it based on their speed and ability to hit line drives while for pitchers it has mostly to do with the defense behind them.
SkipT - July 13, 2008
Bankston???
Very sloppy front office work. You can’t have Rob Bowen pinch hitting in the biggest at bat of the season to date.
This was a season changing loss. Street was unlucky, but he does seem to blow an inordinate amount of games.
DKNJ - July 13, 2008
Bankston was sent down when Murton came over.
The only other options were Petit, or Sweeney without a pinky.
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
I'd have taken my chances with a 9 fingered Sweeney.
mikev - July 13, 2008
9 fingered Sweeney would be a great name for a band.
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
That's even better than One Week of Langerhans.
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
The problem is there was no good option
if Sweeney couldn’t play (which he obviously couldn’t) – which is why bunting was a bad idea, because no matter how much you’re down on him Daric Barton was probably our best bet going forward for a hit off of K-Rod.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Bowen
The A’s should never send a backup CA to pinch hit in a big spot ever again. I got an Adam Melhouse flashback against Derek Lowe.
DKNJ - July 13, 2008
Yes, why not bring back Bankston & send Barton down????
Does anyone understand the A’s thinking in sending hot hitting Bankston down instead of Barton…..especially when the team needs more right handed power and Barton continues to contribute little to the offensive and not much to the defense???
Could someone please shed some light on this mystery?
Vegas Ace - July 13, 2008
Barton plays good defense, and is actually
a future prospect for us at 1B. Rebuilding is rebuilding.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Good defense left him today
and I’m not impressed with Barton at the plate at all…not my call, though. I’m just pissed off in general at the overall pathetic nature of the offense and seemingly late inning brainlocks of some of these guys. Shitballs!!!
mrod - July 13, 2008
if you're talking about that one play,
i have a feeling kurt had his back turned to him. i haven’t seen an angle with both of them yet, but … just a feeling.
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
And he made a terrific play on the GMJ DP
Nico - July 13, 2008
Saw reply, Kurt was ready
MobiusKlein - July 13, 2008
for sure?
then …. why?
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
because Daric Barton
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
And really it doesn't matter -
Suzuki’s job is to be ready for the throw. Barton’s job is to throw it. If Barton throws it and it whacks Suzuki on the head, that’s not Barton’s fault or problem. I’m wondering if he didn’t have a good grip on the ball – because he sure as heck shouldn’t have been surprised.
Nico - July 13, 2008
And the A's have a winning record with a rebuiding year.
What any team would kill for. Ask the Giants.
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
No they should have sent down a pitcher - just until after the ASB
They should have gone down to 11 pitchers. They could have used Blanton and/ or Smith in an emergency out of the pen.
When we return from the break we should have Sweeney back and then they could have sent down Bankston.
Not having a decent PH hurt us today. Also, maybe he could have had a start and gotten a hit.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Bowen Hitting...
Reminded me of Melhuse in 03 against Lowe
jax a's fan - July 13, 2008
The trouble with this loss
is that it makes difficult to maintain the pretense that the A’s are in contention for anything this season. We all know they’re not, and Billy Beane reminded us of the facts when he traded away Rich Harden.
It’s more fun to think we’re in a race. The reality that we’re not will be no fun to think about over the next five days.
bear88 - July 13, 2008
Exactly - I know full well the A's aren't playing in October this year
But I’m hoping to fool myself as long as possible, and crap finishes like this don’t help.
Nico - July 13, 2008
susuki
is it me or does kurt not look like he has any idea or plan at the plate at times like these? and always screwing himself into the ground. try a lighter bat kurt and have a idea of what you’re going to do at the plate.
john reinert - July 13, 2008
You know, he did hit a tying homer just a few days ago.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
true
but more often than not, he looks bad at the plate
john reinert - July 13, 2008
No, actually he was hitting .385
over his last 12 games or so.
Nico - July 13, 2008
careful dude, you might get banned like that other guy
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
Is "that other guy" you?
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
um no
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
lols "that other guy"
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
so be it
what’s his avg. in situations like we just saw. an observation is an observation.
john reinert - July 13, 2008
and for purposes a rookie. I mean he has played less than 200 games in the majors, better d will come
A'sfaninNC - July 14, 2008
i doubt the a’s will let anyone go up, especially against a division rival, without a plan at the plate.
i mean, you heard what emil brown said after his walk-off …
Jjjsixsix - July 13, 2008
Speaking of good news...
Watching Cahill right now, looks awesome. Nasty, nasty two-seamer at 88-90, massive sinking action. 4 seamer is at about 92-93. Good slider at around 80-82, Gaudin like in that it seems to levitate as it slides across the plate. Overall, looks really tough to hit, like a Brandon Webb.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
I'm going to check out Anderson and H Rod next
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
We lost today because of Street, the umpire
and the lower half of the order. who went 0 for 10,000. Add Murton and Suzuki at the top and it’s1 for 15,000.
Injuries have made the bottom of the order as patehtic as you will see in a game. Also by not Swinging and being aggressive early enough against Moseley, the A’s hitters put themselves at the mercy of the umpire and we saw how that turned out. Some teams have hitters who can hit with 2 strikes. This team is short in that department.
Trainman - July 13, 2008
good point. You need 4 runs or so a game if you want to win
The bottom of the order is a joke.
Good news is that Crosby moves Murphy out of it.
R. Sweeney moves in soon hopefully sending Brown or Murton to the bench.
F. Thomas comes back and then sends the other (Brown/ Murton to the bench).
I still think the team would be fine hitting if they get the people above back – AND bring in an upgrade for Hannahan or BArton
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Ziegler would have saved it. You can't say otherwise against a pitcher who has never allowed a run to score.
jwnewman - July 13, 2008
Anderson picked a guy off today
Man these guys from Arizona have nice pickoff moves… geez
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
He picked off two, I heard.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Make that two
Watching the archive feed now
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Picked off two, didn't he?
danmerqury - July 13, 2008
i don't know about all you guys
but i’m really excited for the second half. we hit a bit of a roadblock this weekend, but we’ve got a really good solid young team. if i were the angels, i’d be afraid, very afraid
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
this is ofcourse after trading huston, i'm over that guy
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
I wasn't sure how you felt on that one. Thanks for clearing it up.
Flashfire - July 13, 2008
yeah no prob, we'll go get em next time, and we won't be all so angry afterwards
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
Yeah, since we're pretty much out of the race now
our future game-demonstrated AAA offensive skills won’t have us ripping our hair out and swallowing our tongues
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
our = The A's (sorry)
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
i'm still holding out hope, makes the summer more fun! :)
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
Basically its this.
We had to tread water while the good hitters were on the DL.
(Thomas, Sweeneys,) We have.
Unfortunately, they were all out much longer than expected. That plus Chavez got hurt again.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
Let's not fool ourselves, though
If the A’s, chasing LAA, wanted to establish themselves as contenders, they need to win one of the two series, not lose ground each time. And they had a chance, they got a huge break with Moseley for Saunders, and they blew it – and now they’re 6 games behind a team with a rotation unlikely to allow them to go into a deep slump. It’s game, set, and match – at least for now.
Nico - July 13, 2008
I understand your rational thinking
But we are A’s fans. We have been fans of a team that has been a winning team for 8 of the last 9 years (including this year). I have faith in the ability of the front office to improve our team, and I also have faith in the talent that has been assembled throughout the system. It’s hard for me to watch these series losses, but I’m reminded every day in baseball that anything can happen. All it takes is a series sweep to level the playing field. That’s how quick the game of baseball can turn. And anything it possible.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
is* possible
Can’t regress to cavespeak while I’m trying for a motivational speech here.
baseb3383 - July 13, 2008
Absolutely, I really think that they could make a trade
and not deplete the minor league prospects.
I think if they could get an accurate report on Chavez and Sweeney then they would know if they have room to add a good hitter for the stretch run
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
I'm sure that by Friday I'll agree with you
Today, however, it feels like we gave one away when we could least afford to. Calling ourselves “in the race” 4 down with this club was going to be a stretch. 6 down? Hmm…how are those wild card standings again?
Nico - July 13, 2008
Agreed.
Coach Cleats - July 13, 2008
QOTYear...PUSH BUTTON MANAGING...
was at the game (am slightly buzzed) – ziegler saves the game. Street is garbage if he’s not “on.” He is rarely “on.” Bring him in, why? Because he is the “closer.” Just pathetic Geren.
33SwisherSweet - July 13, 2008
amen
tradestreetnow - July 13, 2008
lols "am slightly buzzed" after you state you were at the game
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
Exactly. Also Street pitched last night.
Which was dumb.
Seriously, why not keep Ziegler in.
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
I wouldn't even be saying that if the trio coming up
weren’t three right-handed hitters with power/pop. It was perfect confluence for Ziggy, who isn’t “hot” he’s on fire – 20 IP scoreless doesn’t happen too often.
Nico - July 13, 2008
thing is, that's also perfect for Street
mikeA - July 13, 2008
True - and it's not as if anyone besides Rivera
did anything impressive against him. He looked pretty hittable yesterday and today – I have no idea why his velocity and overall stuff seem to vary so much from day to day.
Nico - July 13, 2008
Geren should have just put himself in
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
I am still so upset I and mind flustered that I lost my dinner that I made
No I didn’t vomit.
I made a sandwich put it on a plate and set it down. I went to get the fries out of the oven and then couldn’t find the sandwich on a plate. It was literally 10 seconds to get the fries but I couldn’t remember where I put the sandwich. It took me nearly 5 minutes to find it.
Stinking A’s causing me to lose my mind
Yellowhorse - July 13, 2008
You =
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
god wtf
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
SwampyD - July 13, 2008
I was not happy when Harden was traded but accepted it due to his health
I will celebrate when Street gets traded.
Didn’t Billy say closers are an overated commodity?
God these losses are so hard to get over.
4 games out with a win
6 games out because of inept hitters, inept fielding, inept umpiring and a pathetic effort at closing a game out.
I will never give up hope. Hurry back Frank and company and get rid of the shit we have at the bottom of the order because it stinks. Crosby will ensure Murphy sits on the bench but why was Petit not playing? I think he is an upgrade on Murphy, right?
Trainman - July 13, 2008
Street is worthless
His fastball isnt what it was, its 88 to 90, time to move on and find another one
buckfan6 - July 13, 2008
Geren waives white flag with who he is starting after the break
From ESPN game wrap
Game notes
A’s manager Bob Geren announced the A’s will open the second half with a rotation of RHP Joe Blanton, LHP Greg Smith, Duchscherer, RHP Sean Gallagher and LHP Dana Eveland. .
How about skipping Blanton altogether. We have 4 days off
Trainman - July 13, 2008
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