Well the A's Smith was better than the Mariners Smith tonight, even though Rowand-Smith has that extra name thrown in. Greg Smith didn't nibble as much tonight. Or maybe he did, but he wasn't facing a lineup that you can call "patient" or even "good". It was the matchup of bottom dwelling AL West teams and even though I'd love for the A's to move up more in the draft, I still find myself rooting hard for this team to win.
And for as much hate as Emil Brown has received on AN, often rightfully so, to be fair to him, I don't think the A's brought him in with the idea that he was going to be a full-time player this season. I think Beane signed him with the idea that he would be a player to face left-handed pitching and spell some of the A's younger guys like Travis Buck when facing a tough lefty. Yet, Brown has played in 104 games this year thanks to the A's new record of times they've used the DL. Yes, AN, believe it. Oakland has now used the DL a whopping 23 times this year. I really didn't think it was possible for the team to top 2007, especially with the infusion of young talent. Still, it's happened. Pound a shot of whiskey tonight to dull the pain. And hopefully the A's realize that they need to re-re-examine the medical procedures this offseason. I mean once again this team has hit the DL more often than they've hit the baseball in 2008.
Brown hit the home run in the crucial sixth inning, where I think the game turned. The A's had the 1-0 lead and Ichiro led off the bottom of that inning with a double. Cairo then bunt popped out and Carlos Gonzalez made a very nice running catch on a shot by Raul Ibanez to deep center field. I would hope that Smith learns that he can trust his defense enough to be willing to be, forgive me Barry Zito, FITZy. You know, a little more fearless in the zone.
Course, after I say that, then Jack Hannahan opens the door for Seattle in the ninth. Yet I just knew that Ziggy was going to slam the door shut as soon as Betancourt came up to bat. It's just what Ziggy does. Especially to right-handed batters.
It's tough to read anything off a Smith start against the Mariners, but I do want to see him get back to being aggressive. Tonight was a good start.
0 recs | 154 comments
It is great to get a win...
especially this time of year when your the A’s. We were pitching our ace tonight I guess it was only justice that we win this game.
mattman - August 21, 2008
Our nick for Justice
was Hally Berry Beater.
lynnzgal - August 21, 2008
Sorry,
We’re bad.
lynnzgal - August 21, 2008
Are you serious
mattman - August 21, 2008
Umm . . . well
Thats the story
lynnzgal - August 21, 2008
Oh Lode!
Not a record you want to own up to.
lynnzgal - August 21, 2008
Hey, look!
There’s another team that sucks even more than we do!
iglew - August 21, 2008
The difference is that we're moving towards something great
Seattle? Um, yeah.
Tyler Bleszinski - August 21, 2008
Seattle is a mess!
No direction, no farm system. Yuck!
A'sfansince1970 - August 21, 2008
At least they have hope...
now that Bavasi has left.
Philip Christy - August 21, 2008
We would have hope if Beane left.
I don’t mean to be a downer here but Beane has worn out his welcome in Oakland as far as I’m concerned.
The greatest farm system in the world (which we don’t have) isn’t enough to put a Major League team in world Series contention without balancing the team out with a couple of proven veteran stars. Beane has never shown the ability (or willingness) to make the two or three necessary veteran player transactions together to get that team.
Developing players is fantastic if you keep them and then go out and get the proper veteran players to put you over the top. I’m not only disgusted with the offense but now our starting pitching staff is years (and major transactions) away as well.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
I don't think our pitching staff is years away, at all...
Our pitching staff will be top third next year. And, prolly #1 in 2010. The lack of power hitters to develop is somewhat troubling, but we weren’t the Rays or Marlins the last few years… so, we didn’t get the draft picks they did.
But, you are correct. Billy is not willing to throw money against the wall and see if it sticks, like Arte is willing to do. They’re in a bigger market. We’re always going to be the little sister unless somebody like Charlie O comes along. He was cheap, but he was smart.
Oh, and I’m waiting so impatiently for Blez’s interview with Wolff to find out if he confirms my rumor that he’s on the way out.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
I doubt that but...
I am also looking forward to the interview by blez.
mattman - August 22, 2008
of course, he won't confirm it in so many words...
but, we’ve got a lot of “read-between-the-liners” on AN who will tell us what he’s really saying.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
You being one of them?
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Hoping for Draft picks in baseball is ridiculous.
Fielding a horrible team to get a “Draft Pick” is not worth the tradeoff. It makes a big difference in basketball and football to get a number 1 draft pick. Not so much in baseball.
Tory Hunter will “stick”. The A’s should go and get someone of his caliber.
Unless Wolff shows some balls and spends some money, AND KEEPS THE TEAM IN OAKLAND, I hope he is on the way out.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
draft picks and trades for veterans rule...
ask the Rays and Marlins.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
I can along with that.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
go along
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Steinhemorrhage is spending lots of money this year...
and, going to the same place we are… third place in their division (if they’re lucky).
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
I'm not talking about "Steinburner" money. Nobody has that except for them.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Agreed on Charlie O...
That dude could always go and get a great veteran player. But it’s a HUGE stretch to think that our pitching will be in the top third next year and #1 in 2010 (in my humble opinion).
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
well, that's the plan, apparently...
Billy has stockpiled young pitchers (who are supposedly good) at an alarming rate. I share your skepticism about prospects… well, because that’s all they are. Maybe Daric Barton will pan out, maybe he won’t. But, Billy has a lot of pitching prospects to try out.
So, we’ll see.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
It will be painful to wait and see unless he makes some necessary bold moves
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
the rest of this year and 2009 are going to be painful...
for A’s fans, regardless of what Beane does. So, resolve yourself to the pain… because it’s going to come.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
Obviously the rest of this year will be painful. It didn't have to come to this. That's why Billy needs to make some bold moves before the season starts next year or get out.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
if by "bold moves" you mean...
trading the pitching prospects for hitters, I doubt that happens. He thinks he can pick up a Scott Hatteberg or Frank Thomas here or there who can contribute to an otherwise mediocre offense. And, with the pitching he’s hoping to have… that’ll be enough.
Don’t look for the Bash Brothers or Tejada, Giambi and Tejada in their primes on this team for any years in the near future on this team. Beane thinks he can win with pitching, defense and a decent offense.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
ooops...
Tejada, Giambi and Chavez…
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
And he has none of it (pitching, defense, or a decent offense) in the near future unless he pulls off some smart moves (something he hasn't done since this season started).
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
I don't see a decent offense in the near future...
with that I would have to agree. And, no doubt, Beane missed some opportunities like Hamilton and Quentin, who a “genius” would have hopped on. Because, they were available, good, and relatively cheap.
Maybe he tried for both and failed. Maybe Blez will ask him next interview.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
I sure hope so (Blez questions). I want answers damn it.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
So it's been fault that we don't have the money to spend?
mattman - August 22, 2008
He's a multi-millionaire, or billionaire, or whatever...
He has money to spend (and, in turn, make) or he shouldn’t own a big league team. He should’ve bought a semi-pro team if he didn’t want to play with the big boys.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
there are very few owners (if any)...
who are going to run their teams at a net operating loss. They don’t have to and they won’t, regardless of their individual wealth.
It ain’t gonna happen, so quit with “he’s a multi-millionaire” stuff. It doesn’t matter.
FoolshGame22 - August 22, 2008
He'd make money if he put money into the team.
It’s the first rule of business.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
You have no idea what you're talking about
I come to that conclusion after reading your last ten or so comments on this.
Money IS being put into the team, just not how YOU want it to be.
Things aren’t going to be fixed in one season. If you can’t grasp that, then maybe you’re the one who should stop following the team until they’re better again.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
+1
The money is going towards the farm system, over slot bonuses, and international singings. This is the best place to put the dollars IMHO
shooting4life - August 22, 2008
It's all being set up that the team should be coming together as something good within...
…the next 2-3 years, tops.
I hate to try to sound like I’m an authority on this or what I say is right, but all the people who want the A’s to go out and get some big bat right now are missing the big picture.
It’s going to take more building to get to the goal of winning than what one or two bats that cost a lot will be able to accomplish alone. They are trying to set the foundation for this in the minors right now, a big reason why the team has traded for so many prospects instead of Major League ready talent. That’s how their minor league system has been rebuilt into a strength in less than one full year.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
The constant "rebuilding" thing is tired and old.
R. Sweeney, C Gonzalez, and Suzuki have the ability to become great players and probably (hopefully) will. In Beane’s system he will trade them by the time they all reach the ripe old age of 26, just as they begin to reach their peak. In return he will get minor leaguers that may “help the team in the future”. It’s a perpetually losing system.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
A perpetually losing system that's had a lot of success, right?
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Not enough success.
Let’s, at least, get to the world series. We would if he would keep some players once in awhile.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Would you rather be Pittsburgh?
At least the A’s have had chances. That’s more than most teams in their situation can say.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
No, I would not rather be Pittsburgh
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
No team will win the WS
When they use the DL 23 times. The 2006 team (and the 2000-2004 teams) had a real shot at the WS.
I’ll be concerned about “perpetually rebuilding” when there’s more than one team in a row.
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
That also points to some changes needing to be made in conditioning and how players are used.
You can’t do much about sprains and broken bones, but I can’t believe there aren’t better ways for some of these guys to take care of themselves.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
agreed
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Well, there's last year and this year.
That’s two years in a row. Be very concerned.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
No idea...
Uh huh, ok, I see your the protector of all things Billy Beane and you know exactly what you’re talking about.
Maybe things won’t be fixed in one season. I’d sure like to see him try. Things wouldn’t have to be fixed to such a monumental extent in one season if Beane didn’t trade away 3/5ths of the opening day starting rotation for nothing (well ok, we did get an injured rookie pitcher and Murton and Patterson who won’t fix anything for this team ever).
He could’ve kept those guys (Harden, Gaudin, Blanton) and ADDED some field players to improve the offense this year and next year etc. while we wait for the young guys to grow up.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
No, I am not the protector of all things Billy Beane
I just think you’re full of something that smells.
What would your solution have been in keeping Harden, Gaudin and Blanton while adding good offense?
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
I'll make it real simple for you.
The result in keeping 2 proven quality pitchers (who are now contributing nicely to Winning teams) and one absolute stud (Harden) plus adding quality offensive position players would’ve racked up a whole lot more wins and could’ve most definately put us in wild card position. At the same time we would still be rebuilding for the future. The future and the present are not mutually exclusive (well now they are after the trades), they can co-exist. Beane needs to learn this.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
That
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
That's nice, but you didn't answer my question.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Your question is not clear..
“What would your solution have been in keeping Harden, Gaudin and Blanton while adding good offense?”
Please re-state.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
And I'll toss you a cookie as well
If you go out and bring some better hitters in, who do you trade? Some of those pitching prospects in the system? They’re going to have to at some point but part of it is doing it at the right time.
At the moment, trading any of them too soon probably brings you a player who is only going to be here short-term. As poor as the offense has been this season, do you really think a couple hitters would’ve made that big a difference? I don’t. Any more than that and you’re probably looking at having to trade most of those pitching prospects.
Then, you’re looking at only a slightly higher chance of making the playoffs, let alone actually winning it all, and in the process you’ve lost many of those pitchers in the system.
Is that really worth it right now? I say no.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
cookie toss...
Here’s just an idea. We could have traded one of the starters (not all three), plus throw in a Cust, Brown, Barton, Crosby, some minor leaguer, or something creative there to get one or two quality hitters. Plus, maybe pick up a Bonds (as unpopular an idea that is).
Yes, a couple of hitters would have improved the team immensely to go along with the stronger staff that would’ve still been there. A wild card would not have been out of the question and who knows what’ll happen in the playoffs? Someone could get hot and carry the team thru it all.
No, I don’t want to trade the pitching prospects. Maybe one if we got a good hitter. Not looking to sell the farm here.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
The players you mention don't hold a lot of value to other teams.
At least, that’s my belief. As it is, as much crap as Cust has taken here from me and others, he’d be a great fit lower in the order with some legit hitters here.
Brown? Again, you lose someone who, regardless of the criticism he’s received here, is one of the best on the team at driving in runs – for whatever that’s worth.
What value does Crosby have to others? Even Barton’s got a lot of question marks. I don’t see what the A’s have to deal with from a position of strength when it comes to sending position players at the Major League level out in exchange for quality hitters. I just don’t.
Even if you do bring in two quality hitters, the holes in the lineup are still huge. You’ve got Suzuki who’s doing well. Sweeney hits for a good average but he’s been dinged up all year long. Gonzalez is still learning how to be a Major League hitter. Their entire infield has hit like crap all year. How are a couple better hitters going to make the whole team good enough to be a contender? It’s going to take more than that.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
You make valid points
but, we’ll have to agree to disagree. I think a stronger staff (which we had) and two really solid offensive position players would’ve put us in contention. After all, we were one Huston Street pitch from being 4 games back of the Angels at the all-star break. We could’ve run for the wild-card. Seems like a lifetime ago.
As far as value – the Dodgers got Manny for almost nothing. Point being it can be done – you can improve the present without forefeiting the future.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Fair enough. Thanks.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Now, here's the alternative
Trade from a position of strength: pitching. Get some prospects in return and draft well.
They haven’t drafted completely well in terms of shoring up the problems at 3B/SS but they’re trying some things there within the system. There are some good-looking young hitters on their way up the ladder that will have a chance to earn a spot.
Meanwhile, they sacrificed things completely by trading Harden, Blanton and to a lesser extent Gaudin in exchange for MORE prospects and young talent, reinforcing their system even further. We already mostly know what we have from the Haren/Swisher trades and the early returns on those deals are pretty favorable.
Now we have a situation where a few of these position players are most likely going to develop further and be of value to the team whether that means wearing an A’s uniform or not. Then, the team will be able to, if they choose, move some pitching AND hitting prospects for better players.
It’s a risk, but no greater risk than shipping some of these guys off now and going for broke. I don’t want to go for broke like Florida did twice only to return to last place after winning the World Series. I want a team that can be built back up into a consistent contender.
I think that’s what Beane is trying to do. Knowing how he operates, he’s not going to do it in what many think is the conventional way. He’s taking some chances that could succeed or fail, but he’s trying.
This is my interpretation of the plan I see within the organization. Agree with it or not, that’s up to you.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
fair enough
I disagree wholeheartedly with Beane’s approach
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Do you like Sabean's? Because that's more or less the alternative.
Look at the money they’re paying Rowand. What difference is he really making on that team? All he’s doing is saving them from being even worse than they are now. They have a couple excellent starters, a few good hitters, one or two decent bullpen types, and the rest is crap with a minor league system that’s improving but still poor.
They’re going to be bad for a few years without much to hope for while the A’s are bad now with a good outlook for the near future.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
No, I don't prefer Sabean's.
There are definately other alternatives
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
I don't see any that would realistically work here.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
No. They can't
A year ago we had a bunch of injured players, a couple real stars, and a bottom-third farm system.
We could patch with expensive players and try to sneak into a wild card until we lost our stars and suck for the forseeable future (see: Giants, SF) or we could trade those stars when they have a ton of value.
Now, we have no stars, a bunch of injured players, and one of the two best farm systems in baseball. I defy you to lay out a way to pass over 20 teams in the organizational rankings without giving up quality at the MLB level.
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
You have to give up quailty to get quality.
I point to the Kochman for Texiara deal as an example. You don’t have to give away 3/5ths of the pitching staff and get very little pitching and no offense in return now or in the future. Beane has left us with 5 rookie starters and a crappy offense for no good reason.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
If that's your analysis of those trades
I think this conversation is over. You’ve clearly proven you have no idea what you’re talking about.
In what universe is Cardenas (as ONE example) “no offense in return now or in the future”?
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
This universe.
You are clueless.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
We were going to loose either way...
are offense wasn’t good enough…all your plan would’ve done is just delay our rebuilding which would be stupid.
mattman - August 22, 2008
Not stupid
I’ll say it again. The future and the present are not mutually exclusive (well now they are after the trades), they can co-exist. Beane needs to learn this.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
You need to accept that you're wrong.
Beane (almost alone amongst GMs) does understand how to rebuild.
If you don’t completely tear down you have a few mediocre (at best) years as you hang on, with no future in the pipes. If you do (like we have) you have a bleak year or two with a LOT of talent coming right afterwards.
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
I don't need to accept anything.
Definately no more wrong than Beane or, especially, you.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
I am certainly no Beane apologist
He has done great in certain areas and horrible in others.
His track record in signing players long term is less than stellar. Esteban Loaiza, Eric Chavez etc.
Hailing how great Bobby Crosby was, as he has done for the last few years.
We know the “take walks and wait for the three run homer” philosophy does not work because of what we have on the field.
Only this year we are starting to see a little more aggressive style of play. Minnesota is a good example of speed and they have a few players like Mauer and Morneau who know how to hit above .220. They have a low payroll. Their GM is pretty good I would think.
My biggest complain about Beane is he has done nothing to improve the left side of the infield. He has not even drafted anyone in case Chavy was hurt (LOL) and has a SS that couldn’t hit his way out of a paper bag and who cannot throw to 1st to save himself.
I like and accept the rebuilding of the team and am excited about the young prospects we have.
I have alway been against trading Harden. With the way the payroll has been trimmed, 7 million next year is a drop in the bucket. People will say he would have gotten injured had he stayed. They may well be right considering the how every second player is DL bound on this team but I think he was worth the risk. Pitchers of his talent are obviously few and far between. Having said that, I am hoping Gallagher and co work out, it is way too early to judge that trade.
I certainly like what he got in the Blanton trade. If he had gotten a bag of popcorn, it would have been a win for the A’s on that one.
Trainman - August 22, 2008
Nice post
I can accept everything you said here except that Blanton has been, and can still be, an effective pitcher when matched up against opposing number three or four starters. He’s not made to be a number 1 pitcher matching up against opposing number 1 pitchers. He’s worth a whole lot more than a bag of popcorn.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Ok
Then we traded an effective number 4 (of which we have plenty who have more potential than Blanton) for an absolute stud of a middle infield prospect.
This is bad why?
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
I'd argue
… that Blanton’s an effective and proven number three starter. The trade was bad because it was coupled with the Harden/Gaudin trade – therefore eliminating three quality starters with nobody to take their place in the heat of a playoff race. Pile on the fact that we got no immediate offense (and maybe only one good offensive player in the future) in those trades.
That is why it was bad.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
"in the heat of a playoff race"
I think Beane would say, accurately, that there was no playoff race – that the A’s were bound to fall back with or without those pitchers.
Nico - August 22, 2008
And that we got a lot more than one good offensive player
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
Please name the second
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Donaldson
nevermoor - August 23, 2008
Well then I would say...
that you and Beane are wrong. Six games back of first place and even less than that for the wild card spot at the all-star break is not insurmountable. A couple of shrewd moves and we’re in it.
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
I meant to post this here...
Well then I would say… that you and Beane are wrong. Six games back of first place and even less than that for the wild card spot at the all-star break is not insurmountable. A couple of shrewd moves and we’re in it.
jdub69 - August 23, 2008
I agree
With revenue sharing + real investment in core players to build around they could draw enough fans to at least cover costs. But, and I posted this to a chorus of angry posters yesterday – I am losing faith that Billy Beane is on the right track. I love the A’s but I question whether you can make a serious run with 90% rookies/sophmore type players. You have to be able to draw in the casual fan and that takes name recognition or a winner – they A’s are neither and are unlikely to be so or have this any time soon.
bajablue - August 22, 2008
I couldn't have said it better
jdub69 - August 22, 2008
Maybe you can't
And if that’s true we won’t compete next year (unless we make a FA splash – which I think might make sense).
2010, however, is still what the organization is shooting for.
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
nice win to savor tonight
ak_A - August 21, 2008
Indeed!
lynnzgal - August 21, 2008
I thought you were done for the night
mattman - August 21, 2008
nope, but this is Friday morning and THIS is ze last post from alaska for me!
ak_A - August 22, 2008
Travel safe!
GreenSocks - August 22, 2008
hot diggity
Yay for wins! Yay for wins!!!
gigglingone - August 21, 2008
Buan's lead in tonight
“somebody had to win this game”
thanks to Emil for putting a run on the board, otherwise this game might still be going on
OaklandSi - August 21, 2008
Interview
Yes, Emil talked about that in the post game interview – hit the ball to me I’ll get it done, don’t want to have to play 10 type talk. When he could get in word in edgeways…. Tho don’t get me wrong, Ii do love the Foss. And I don’t mean to drag up topics AN has laid to rest. So yay and rejoice – we won!!!
LibrariAN - August 21, 2008
Maybe we can win two in a row!
An honest to goodness winning streak! I hope we don’t lose the next 3, which is what seems to be the pattern! For tonight, let’s savor every victory. Loved hearing Ziggy Stardust shut the door in the bottom of the 9th with the bases loaded. Nice win! Go A’s!
A'sfansince1970 - August 21, 2008
A's... win?
grover - August 21, 2008
DID YOU JUST WAKE UP?
LibrariAN - August 21, 2008
Shh!
No yelling in the Library.
grover - August 21, 2008
I'm sorry G
I’ll read after I type and before I post.
LibrariAN - August 22, 2008
Does BUAN ramble on and on because he likes to hear himself talk
or is it because he is trying to kill time before someone calls?
Tonight’s topic is actually interesting (Should the A’s bring back the Hurt next year?), but he has yet to take a call in two segments now.
33SwisherSweet - August 21, 2008
Wake me up if he ever takes a call.....
good night y’all
33SwisherSweet - August 21, 2008
Maybe no one is calling
Since the bandwagon is noticeably empty.
Tyler Bleszinski - August 21, 2008
I like how he always says what line the caller's on, as if it matters.
Flashfire - August 21, 2008
Too funny...
Eric saved him and I’m sure “Eric” works for the show because prior to “Eric” he was asking his producer/engineer her opinion.
God, I love Buan.
33SwisherSweet - August 21, 2008
Heh
Actually, it might be good if he does stop saying what line they’re on. When you always hear “Line 1” you know it’s a slow night.
Flashfire - August 21, 2008
I'm sure Robert Buan is a nice guy ...
but he’s awful on the radio. He doesn’t help our reputation for being cheap and second-rate in the media market one bit.
Yes, he does love to hear himself talk, and he’ll ignore several callers in order to do so. I always get the impression I’m listening to some intern from a local college do the post-game. He’s really, really bad.
Vacafan - August 22, 2008
Basically, if you have a call-in show that is supposed to encourage interaction...
…then you have to open the floor to more callers first and put yourself on the back burner.
That’s probably going to lead to some more uninformed people getting on the air, but that’s what leads to further debate and discussion. When he does most of the talking and pushes his beliefs first, it just ends up with less people listening or wanting to waste their time with a call. It has to be more listener-friendly.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
I don't think the team really cares about the EI segment.
Hell, half the time 106.9 doesn’t even carry it, so you have to switch over to AM if you want to hear it.
On top of that, Buan is pretty much the most gigantic apologist the world has ever seen, and he NEVER agrees with anything detrimental to the team that is ever said by a caller.
I stopped listening some time last season.
mikev - August 22, 2008
No kidding
All the same, having a good postgame show is one of those things the team really suffers in compared to the Giants, but that’s also a byproduct of not being associated with KNBR.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
That's exactly why I don't bother listening.
If they can’t be bothered to put a quality postgame show on the air, I won’t bother to listen.
I still find it fascinating that a team like our A’s, one that is built on sabermetrics and thinking outside the box, has such a low quality radio show (and the occasional TV show).
Why is it that we are forced to endure guys like Shooty “I Wish I Were Joe Morgan” Babbitt, or Jaymee “Can’t Conduct An Interview” Sire? There’s got to be a reason that we don’t see (or hear, on the radio) anybody more forward thinking, right? Why? I mean, it seems like it would be a pretty good idea to have somebody that’s a little more informed and can do a little educational bit now and then, right? I got sick of hearing Buan talk about batting average and RBI. Get somebody that can explain OPS+ on the air and not sound like an idiot when they do it. I’ll start listening again.
mikev - August 22, 2008
What's worse is if someone tried calling in to explain it, Buan would probably...
…wave it off as insignificant.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
bingo.
That’s why it’s so unbeliveable to me that the team keeps that POS of a postgame show on the air.
mikev - August 22, 2008
I agree with everything you said ...
’cept I love me some Jaymee Sire … she just needs some discipline … you know, in proper journalistic technique, of course.
Vacafan - August 22, 2008
It could be worse
I’m not a fan but he’s a million times better than the turkey he replaced. What was that sad-sack’s name? …. Rich Herrera or something like that. A total know-nothing blowhard. At least Buan is familiar with the players and the things the front office is trying to do.
Monday Fan - August 22, 2008
Buan and Shooty are horrible
Period.
bajablue - August 22, 2008
I initially thought bringing in Frank was a good idea...
however the more I realized that we were officially in rebuilding mode I thought to myself why the hell did we sign him. I think it would be sad but at the same time something that is necessary to move on. I’m not listening to BUAN but thats just my take.
mattman - August 21, 2008
Good veteran presence, had a positive year here before, etc.
Flashfire - August 21, 2008
Whats Guam saying about it
mattman - August 21, 2008
Buan took one call on it....
buan went on for 2 segments talking about how he wanted the callers inputs but continued rambling for 2 segments about what he thought ….bring him back of course.
I must say that I’m impressed with Street’s interviews. He’s very candid about things with Buan. Even though his performance has been down this year, his stock is up in having the right perspective on life. If you haven’t heard his interviews you should take a listen because he really has the right outlook on life.
33SwisherSweet - August 22, 2008
Also very cheap again
Flashfire - August 21, 2008
well
he is not blocking anyone, so there is no downside for this year. Next year Thomas at $$$$ or cunningham at $. I say no on next year.
Future Ed - August 21, 2008
A real FA at $$$$$$ for a multi-year is way better than paying Hurt market.
If he’ll sign for the league minimum, though…
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
I think it's the second
OaklandSi - August 21, 2008
Eric from Petaluma...your first caller.....
he’s gonna keep him on the line for as long as possible because nobody is calling, I’m certain of it.
33SwisherSweet - August 21, 2008
A's explode for 2 runs!
gregorymark - August 21, 2008
espn
just showed footage of pavano pitching for the yankees. I think there was a shot of him striking out edgar martinez.
Future Ed - August 21, 2008
Aw, that makes me more sad then the outcome of this game.
Apathy has surely set in.
Omerta - August 22, 2008
I get home at 11:30 tonight, turn on the computer and see that the A’s have won 2-0. Oh frabjous day! I thought to myself. Today is one of those few post-ASB days wherein the baseball gods decide to smile upon the Oakland fans! Of course the opposing team being the former Bavasi squad, and the A’s offense having only scored two runs themselves (thereby showing no improvement or giving any signs of future improvement) only goes to show that the A’s are still following the law of averages in baseball, in that even the worst teams will still win about one out of every three games, and therefore this win really shows no real signs of this team getting any better, but HEY! THE OAKLAND A’S WON A FRIGGIN’ BASEBALL GAME! CALLOOH! CALLAY!
Philip Christy - August 22, 2008
I know it's awesome..
we should all celebrate together or something, we might not get very many more wins based on our pitching staff and lack of offense, but who cares.
mattman - August 22, 2008
They won and I missed it! I should try not to fall asleep next time, well if there is a next time…
justarebelheart - August 22, 2008
so we got our two-run allotment
and still won?
huh
ArakSOT - August 22, 2008
A couple pitching observations from last night...
1) Smith is better than his won-lost record indicates. Granted, he has had a few very rough outings, and I would agree he still has some learning to do, but I have great hope for him for the future.
2) Ziegler is merely mortal again. He didn’t “get out of a jam” in the 9th last night… he was damn lucky! Don’t get me wrong, he’s still good, but last night was luck.
UncleLeo - August 22, 2008
I really wouldn't consider that luck...
Ziggy is a groundball machine and him getting a double play to end the game was just another groundball…how is that lucky? The only thing that I can say about Ziggy is that he will not continue to get a save every time he takes the mound for a six-out save, it’s just too difficult.
mattman - August 22, 2008
How lucky are you when the leadoff man reaches on an error?
Monday Fan - August 22, 2008
It wasn't an error. It was a high chopper that was ruled a hit because of the difficulty of the play.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
I didn't see the play (still on the east coast) so I don't know if this applies
But I really wish official scorers would call a few more errors. I’ve seen so many pretty egregious plays ruled “hits” in the last couple seasons.
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
Call it what you want...
I think you still got to make that play…especially when you got Ziggy in, you better be ready because you know that ball is coming to you on the ground. I still don’t know why the hell they took out pennington in the ninth.
mattman - August 22, 2008
Yeah, but did you see it? The only times I've seen a ball chopped that high is in places like the Metrodome.
Very tough play.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
yeah okay...
I think I was just too hyped up after watching pennington play so well, did I mention I thought he should have been playing defense in the ninth inning?
mattman - August 22, 2008
You might have
The first play Hannahan made was a nice dive to his left, wasn’t it?
Finished off the game-ending double play routinely as well.
The guy’s a capable 3B. That’s not his weakness. Pennington’s only really just started playing 3B. I’d still rather see Pennington get the most time out there the rest of the season.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Ziggy
Ziggy has shown even when he’s not as sharp, he’s still very good. If one looks at his stats, you can see he’s increased the number of walks he’s issued per inning in each month. (2 walks in 12 innings in June; 5 in 17 innings in July; 8 walks in 14 innings in August.) Sometimes that means a pitch catches more of the plate than he’d like. He’s still fairly new with his delivery so the bottom line is he actually has room for improvement, even though he’s only given up 2 earned runs all year in 44 innings.
SA - August 22, 2008
Some of those have been IBBs, but there have been times he's just lost control for a batter or two.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
BB...
I’m really not that surprised his walks have gone up a little, even though he does need to try and get a few less. Guys are starting to get a second look at him he’s been around for a little longer, plus he does loose his release point every once in a while.
mattman - August 22, 2008
Does anyone know who is starting the Bronze Medal game?
Will it be Anderson?
buddahead9 - August 22, 2008
Thats what the announcers said during the Cuba game
When I watched it on tape delay today.
nevermoor - August 22, 2008
Yeah it should be anderson...
let’s hope he shuts them down…I’m looking forward to watching the game as well because we hear so much about him but I don’t get to see him pitch at all.
mattman - August 22, 2008
Looks like it'll be 7:30 Pacific tonight, live online.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
really...
that’s awesome especially considering I just watched yesterdays game on tape delay a few hours ago, where will it be?
mattman - August 22, 2008
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/index.html
You need Silverlight, though.
I’ve watched a lot of stuff on that in the past week and it’s worked great.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
That was for mattman
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
yeah it works pretty good
I watched Anderson pitch against Canada via the website last week.
buddahead9 - August 22, 2008
By the way, the live games generally run without voice commentary. You get the other sounds though.
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Interesting...
well that will be different, I guess I’ll have to work on my play by play skills…fun. You guys think anderson will be here in two years?
mattman - August 22, 2008
Probably
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Oh, no commercials either
Flashfire - August 22, 2008
Yeah...
its probably like on milb.com during the break between innings they just show some really awkward shots of fans, it’s actually pretty funny.
mattman - August 22, 2008
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