First the good news: Brett Anderson pitched a great game today; going seven innings, allowing just five hits, two runs, two walks, and five strikeouts. His only real mistake pitch was the two-out homer to Mike Lowell after Bay had singled in the second inning.
Now the bad news: Anderson will take an extremely tough loss for his effort, because the A’s didn’t get a single hit until the eighth against knuckleballer Tim Wakefield, who was phenomenal today against a tired and ragtag A’s team (that featured Crosby at third and Landon Powell at first base --remember when we were worried about everyone’s playing time?). Wakefield lost the perfect game when Lowell muffed Suzuki’s easy grounder in the sixth; lost the no-hitter with Suzuki’s single in the eighth, and lost the shut-out when Powell singled in the A’s first run, also in the eighth. He would go on to pitch the complete game.
The irony of this game is had the deficit stayed at just two runs, the A’s would eventually get the tying run across the plate in the ninth on a double by Holliday, but the A’s bullpen ensured it wouldn’t matter. In a performance that was exactly the opposite of last night, the pen (featuring Jerry Blevins and Sean Gallagher) gave up six runs in the eighth inning to seal the victory for Wakefield; if not the no-no.
Anderson started the game by retiring the first five batters, but quickly a single and a smoked homerun put him and the A’s in a 2-0 hole in the second inning. After that hit, Anderson blanked the Red Sox the rest of the way through his seven innings; getting out of a tight spot in the seventh thanks to a 5-2-3 double play with the bases loaded and one out (Crosby to Suzuki to Powell).
The A’s only scoring opportunities came in the 8th and 9th, and they put single runs on the board in each, but thanks to one horrific bullpen inning, they would fall far short in their bid for the sweep.
But aside from hanging this loss on Anderson, I think this series was a success. I will take 2 out of 3 from Boston every time out, and be happy with it. The A’s showed a lot of good things in these three games, and I hope their offense--and pitching!--is ready to match up with Toronto.
I imagine we will continue to get injury updates on Chavez and Nomar as the week wears on.
No game tomorrow; play resumes in Toronto at 4:07 on Friday. Outman vs. Purcey.
0 recs | 172 comments
Apparently Nomar told Slusser he'd be ready by Friday in Toronto
Link
I’m pretty happy with the first nine games. They’ve got offense, Anderson and Cahill look like they belong and the pen is awesome…mostly. And there are no major injuries except maybe to Devine.
WaddellCanseco - April 15, 2009
I'm measuring our success through metaphor
With every win or close, hard-fought loss we are described more and more as the Rays of 2009, the Rays of the West, ect. FP Santangelo did it again tonight on the post-game show. If we do make it into the postseason I think ESPN will just start calling us the Oakland Rays.
GoA's - April 15, 2009
RA's
ElQuesoCapitan - April 15, 2009
coincidentally,
(or perhaps not), my initials.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
I have stacks of glass R's and A's for the Houston project.
I would ask the guys to put them up together for you, but I’m afraid. T.hey hated that project
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
I am a sun god, you know.
and I’m the beginning of Rawr.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
You ARE the beginning of Rawr.
Rawr! And you know damn well you’re not a sun god, initials notwithstanding.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Good point.
Although whilst in Chicago, I was known for having an ice cave in the middle of summer.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Thats not an although,
thats a point proven. Do tell, bf. You know we love to hear your stories.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Well, I was completely out of my mind on diet pills.
I had forgone and forsaken boring, sanitary thesis for exciting, unpredictable weight loss and online poker.
Previously, I’d lived quite comfortably without humidity for the 15 summers. The apartment, while affording a good view and quite pleasant in aesthetic terms, was on the 10th floor. Chicago, contrary to its moniker, get quite unpleasant in the summertime. Owing to the fact that my building was in fact a converted luxury hotel, circa 1925, there was no room in the spacious interior for central air. In fact, the 15 ft. ceilings probably would’ve priced me out anyhow.
Despite having well over 1,200 sq. ft., I cordoned off the hallway and kept one of the bedroom doors shut. I moved my elliptical machine, my laptop and my television into one, 300 sq. ft. bedroom, secured a window unit and continued to keep that baby humming full blast 24/7. While the humidity was present throughout the greater midwest lakes region, Leopold Bloom, aka The Polar Bear, was quite content in both being naked and 60 degree Alameda-County-like goodness. It was, to steal a turn from James Lipton (or maybe Will Ferrell doing James Lipton), a delight.
It was a glorious time—a summer to remember, though the diet pills make that a harder task than it probably should be. And the student loan people don’t seem to be real thrilled with me at this point. I’ve tried to explain to them the concept of existentialism and that the poker played and lost was quite a growing experience, and I felt quite like Dostoevsky in my sickness and passion. They say they don’t care.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Haha! Delightful!
You’re a crazy boy!
I know about the Chicago extremes, having been there two winters ago, in January! If I’d have had nuts, they’d have been frozen. I loved the signs on the street that warned of falling ice. But I do love that town! Will September be okay? October was perfect!
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
September's kind of a wild card,
capable of being very beautiful, but more prone to being hot. Occasionally, it’s cold then. Not too often.
They told me to dress in layers when I first moved there. I moved there from the layer capital, though, so…
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
You were prepared.
I will be then too. Wrigley! This will be the best birthday weekend ever!
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
fp santangelo, really?
xbhaskarx - April 15, 2009
Really
Apparently for the whole year. Can’t wait to hear his tales of batting .197 as a utility player in ’01 for us.
GoA's - April 15, 2009
while on steroids!
stormtown - April 15, 2009
The Bobby Crosby story
theblackpearl - April 15, 2009
technically
i think this is a simile, not a metaphor.
oakinboston - April 16, 2009
Yeah, but it's LIKE a metaphor.
iglew - April 16, 2009
I'm unhappy with:
1. poor fundamentals in the seattle series
2. Geren playing Chavez on sunday
faninphilly - April 15, 2009
Seattle is a very fundamentally sound team, and I picked them to win the AL West. The A's are gonna be worse in that area.
The crappy stuff, like Gallagher and Blevins, Cust batting too low and Orlando too high, the platooning of Buck…I’m thinking that will all work itself out eventually.
WaddellCanseco - April 15, 2009
I think Geren played Chavez on Sunday to help Cahill. Why was that wrong?
WaddellCanseco - April 15, 2009
Agreed
Waychill - April 15, 2009
His shoulder was still sore after his scheduled day off saturday
and rather than giving him two days off to recover, he played him on sunday and now needs at least 5 days off. but then again i was against having chavez play 3 straight games to start the season too. i just think for someone who has been on and off the DL for the past 3 seasons and missed most of spring training this year with shoulder soreness Geren would be extra cautious with him to begin the season.
faninphilly - April 15, 2009
But if you had Crosby as backup,
would you make the same choice?
MobiusKlein - April 15, 2009
point well taken
faninphilly - April 15, 2009
I'm pretty sure it was made perfectly clear
to the bats we brought in to improve our offense that one of their primary responsibilities was to provide some breathing room for the young kids in the rotation but so far they have hung both Anderson and Cahill out to dry. They have got to do better. Simple as that. I don’t want to hear about how well a 40-something knuckleballer threw. Their job is to produce runs so that the kids don’t feel like they have to throw shutouts every time out. Twice in the past four days we have watched the kids throw brilliantly, and in each instance the bats have failed to live up to their stated responsibility. That’s the story of the day as far as I am concerned.
EastVillageA - April 15, 2009
The big bats were resting today. I would think that's more on Geren.
They need rest if we’re going to have them off the DL.
LoneStranger - April 15, 2009
Our scoreboard needs updating...
I’m sure Anderson is 0-2.
baseballgirl - April 15, 2009
I leave after the -- what? 6th? -- last night and come back
and I see the A’s won in the 12th and Wakefield almost no-hit the A’s. Wow.
walkoff baltimore chop - April 15, 2009
You're here!!
The A’s won last night in the 12th on your namesake play!
oblique - April 15, 2009
Really?
That’s AWESOME.
walkoff baltimore chop - April 15, 2009
Hey, you can see Brett's muffin top in that picture!
drink409 - April 15, 2009
MLB Players
They’re just like US!
A'sian - April 15, 2009
Does this strike anyone else as dirty?
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Just back from the game
I was too hot sitting in the sun, and I had forgotten my hat, so after the third inning I did a prolonged cap-shopping expedition and then relocated myself to the shady side of the stadium, way under the overhang where I couldn’t see the scoreboard. All this by way of excuse for leaving the game in the bottom of the seventh — I wasn’t aware of the no-hitter. If I had been I would have stayed, even though it was about 30 degrees with the wind chill factor once I moved up into the rafters. Kurt got his hit as I was merging onto 880, so that was a great relief.
I was glad to see Anderson in person. And I chatted with a family of Red Sox fans who were quite nice and very knowledgeable, so that was different.
I wandered around and checked out all the food stands — really nothing new, which is a pity. The bright spot on the food end of things is the wider variety of non-soda drinks for sale in the stands; lemonade, strawberry lemonade, iced tea, iced coffee, mango and strawberry smoothies. Also, the concourse team stores have small fridges with bottled soda and water; overpriced, but if you neglected to bring any with you it beats the long lines at the food booths.
Englishmajor - April 15, 2009
this may be asking too much
but…do you recall if the Pyramid Ale stand (behind 107) was open?
It wasn’t on Saturday…I nearly cried.
high street - April 15, 2009
it was open last night
Buck Turgidson - April 15, 2009
sweet...thanks!
high street - April 15, 2009
It was open today too
I forgot about that – that is new, isn’t it?
Englishmajor - April 15, 2009
I wish they'd open a Subway or a place with turkey sandwiches...
Everything is such high fat. That’s my complaint.
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
They did away with the chicken caesar wraps
at the Round Table concession. I’m bummed.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Good Roast Beef Sandwiches at Katies Korner (inside the bar)
DCinWC - April 15, 2009
I've got to check that out.
TY for the info.
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
I gather it may not not always be Roast Beef, its called the Carved Sandwich
DCinWC - April 15, 2009
Ooooh!
Maybe they would have turkey! That would be nice.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
It would...
I always feel guilty when I eat at the stadium because I know anything I pick it so full of calories…and I am fat enough already!
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
I had a polish dog on Sunday
to celebrate my first game in my skigurl seat. But I’m packing a lunch for the rest of the season. My family history dictates it. Plus, the expense is ridiculous!
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
I stopped buying the food last year.
I finally wized up. Every year during baseball season I would put on ten pounds. I started bringing my own sandwiches last year and it’s the first year that I didn’t gain weight in the summer in many seasons. Once in awhile I am rushed and buy something but most of the games I bring snadwiches, 100 calorie snacks and popcorn. It’s really helped me. But I still enjoy a beer now and again if the company is right! Loved to meet you sometime and drink one with ya!
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
More Veggie stuff Pls-
I’ve been veggie for 17 yrs and I’m getting kind of tired of Veggie dogs and pretzels. I’m happy to have the dogs but g’damn this is the Bay Area after all, whats up?
brian.only - April 15, 2009
One of the guys at the tailgate
suggested I take over concessions, haha! If I did, I would make a roasted vegetable pannini for you.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Woot!
brian.only - April 15, 2009
no hot links
with the onions and the peppers?!
(makes sad panda face, but not truly sad panda)
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Oh! Definitely!
Their my favorite too!
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Big Atomic Hot
A gastronomic delight.
DCinWC - April 16, 2009
It's doubling down on
that nitrate goodness. I’m in agreement.
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
I thought they opened a deli counter
with made to order sandwiches? The “stadium babe” did a feature on it Opening Day. Not sure where it is, but I can’t imagine they wouldn’t have turkey.
batgirl - April 16, 2009
screw them wussy little sandwiches--
me and DC are gonna go git us some Atomi….oook!
{clutches polar bear heart}
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
The A's have to be leading the majors in stranded runners...
that being said… that unlucky figure will turn around at some point and we’ll start getting runs.
I’m happy with the first 9 games.
Surprises are: Cahill, Anderson, bullpen, Sweeney, Nomar
Disappointments: Chavez, Crosby (they’re on this list every year)
brenarlo - April 15, 2009
Disappointment: Rajai Davis at -51 OPS+
That’s no typo, check out the team stats.
He’s also yet to even attempt stealing a base.
GoA's - April 15, 2009
It's hard to steal a base if you don't get on them.
OldhamA - April 15, 2009
That's what Giambi's for.
From the drawing board:
Giambi walks
Davis in to pinch run
Davis steals second
Holliday gets a hit, sending Davis home
GoA's - April 15, 2009
Gallagher needs to be in AAA
If the A’s still view him as a starter long term, which they should, then he needs to be working consistently. Burying him in the pen is an absolute waste. There are plenty of viable options at AAA to replace him in the pen : Shroder, Giese, and Reineke are more than capable.
CapgrasDelusion - April 15, 2009
Are the A’s trying to save an Option?
Colorado Fan - April 15, 2009
Apparently runs aren't what they're looking to save
Nico - April 15, 2009
I mused a few days ago about Young wanting to keep Gallagher
close to work out his mechanical kinks. There’s going to be an opportunity for Gallagher to go multiple innings with this starting rotation so I wonder if they’re going to offer those to Gallagher when they’re confident he’s getting back to what he was last year and then go from there.
Well that’s the logical route, otherwise they’re keeping a 23 year old guy starter that they thought high enough of to demand in the Harden trade as the 5th right handed option out of the pen.
OldhamA - April 15, 2009
Gallaher was awful today
I was watching w/ binoculars, one word- terrible.
brian.only - April 15, 2009
:-(
We need him to get it together.
Nico - April 15, 2009
If Blevins & Gallagher hadn't sucked...
Then Wakefield would’ve come out in the 8th inning after giving up a run, and Papelbon would’ve pitched the ninth.
Gallagher’s lousy day was kind of irrelevant. He was good yesterday when it counted. Blevins, on the other hand….
The thing is, the way the A’s were going, with Papelbon ready in the ‘pen, it would’ve been tough under any circumstances. Sorry that it was a blowout, but if your bullpen is going to suck, it’s better to suck today than last night.
Maybe Gallagher isn’t cut out to pitch two days in a row. And Blevins? He’ll stay in Geren’s doghouse a while longer and either get it together or he’ll be gone when Duke returns and Outman becomes the long man.
richwol1 - April 15, 2009
I'm puzzled as to why Blevins didn't get into a game for so long
It’s not surprising that he wasn’t sharp.
Nico - April 15, 2009
Thank you, Nico, for the Blevins love.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Oh I know...I was just pointing out the irony.
But yeah, everything is TOTALLY different with the no hitter/gone, etc.
Just one of those things; MUCH rather have pen suck today; we got the first two wins, unlike the seattle series, were we did everything wrong in every game. :-)
baseballgirl - April 15, 2009
Yeah, and for all you hate to hear, over and over,
“Well you just have to tip your hat to __” the reality is that when Wakefield’s knuckleball is “on” there’s not a whole lot you can do. It’s not like you want to construct your team by finding the 9 best knuckleball hitters out there just so you might solve Wakefield once a year.
Nico - April 15, 2009
just got back from the game
and even though i was sitting somewhere in my usual bleacher area, enjoying the usual oakland sun, screaming and waving at the usual coliseum cues, my body was somehow confused. by no actual choice of my own, but maybe by some kind of bodily instinct, i was eating my bag of mexi-style fruit, my chips, and my carnitas super burrito while the A’s were up to bat and putting them down in the cup holders while Anderson was pitching. i never do that. it’s almost a rule with me, eat while the bad guys are batting and pay close attention while A’s are scoring, except i don’t even have to keep it as a rule since i pretty much don’t care about food with A’s in the box and i can easily take nibbles while my binoculars are focused on my pitcher. but i noticed this reversal in my habit around the 6th and spent a good while trying to figure it out. was it that i didn’t think there’d be a homerun or any reason to stand up and thus spill my burrito on myself? was it that i thought the game was lost and thus had no appetite? was i suddenly so overwhelmed and confused by the boston fans to the point that i topsy-tuvied the inning order in my head? (my friend, induced by mob mentality in our sox-heavy area, caught himself mistakenly clapping for A’s outs.) no, i think there was just no baseball while the A’s were batting and my body sort of decided it was the best time to digest calmly, so that’s when i ate. i mean, there was baseball in hoping that they’d hit something, there was baseball in that there were sort-of-like plays and people half-heartedly running in case of an error, but it wasn’t baseball in that standard way: more of a game of skill tempered by chance, than this total crap shoot that you had to win a coin toss, after drawing a high card, to get into.
in the postgame interview Buan called the pitching “masterful.” i don’t know i’d call it pitching; knuckleball is completely this other thing. like if someone figured out a way to skip-bounce a baseball twice on the dirt and still have it go into the strike zone. sure, the motions follow the rules and the batter has to try and get the same result, but… i don’t know, is it " " " “fair” " " "? (super-quotes mine, out of not really knowing what fair really is.) and what is a fair pitch? when the curve ball first came into play, i’ve read, some people protested it too. now it’s fair. and sure, every team could go and get a knuckleballer if they wanted one, so that’s fair too. and sure even more, sometimes the knuckleball doesn’t work as well as it does on a blustery day like today, so it’s not like a guaranteed near
perfect,no-no, shut-out every time. but when it works, isn’t it more about the external circumstances than about the pitch itself? but bottom line, it seems like a fair pitch is one that the batter has a chance to hit if they are told firsthand that it’s coming. like, hey giambi, here comes a 95mph down the middle. he’d blast it. so the “mastery” of pitching comes in mixing that up with other pitches and seeing if you can outwit the batter by not telling him what you’re throwing and where it’s going. but i think a knuckleballer could write a contract and sign it detailing exactly what he’s throwing and where he’s throwing it to, and still the outcome would be same as today’s in a blustery day. like they say on the radio on days like today—you either catch the butterfly or you don’t. and i guess i’m just complaining because i don’t like butterfly catching contests. i like baseball.and as much as i like it, i’m sure i’m pretty ignorant about it. so i’ll let all your comments set me straight.
AV - April 15, 2009
Today really did feel weird.
We had this installation of a 1,000 lb. glass dining table that seemed like it would be a logistical nightmare and everybody left me alone at the studio to do that. I was really looking forward to having the place to myself and joining in the game thread, but it went so smoothly they all came back, so then I had to work instead. Just as well.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
boo.
Tell em’ to work harder!
;)
brian.only - April 15, 2009
I'm glad it went so well.
They had to take out a window to get it in. God forbid they don’t like it and want to take it out. Those guys work hard enough. Seriously.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Very odd to witness that game, just after yesterday's
I reckon it was the bottom of the fifth, in the time it took to get throught the first last night.
Good news, though – Jack Custs on base streak, which goes back to August or something, and is the 6th(?) longest in A’s history, is still alive…
Plus, to me, Sean Gallagher really doesn’t deserve to be in the rotation. Or, for that matter, in the bullpen much. I mean, if he’s got mechanical dificulties, then send him to AAA to work them out, and if he’s got sulking difficulties, well, yknow. He shouldn’t be working that part out in games.
I reckon, anyway. But really, what do I know?
alea iacta est - April 15, 2009
Yeah, I'm a bit bewildered by Gallagher's "middle ground" status
Shouldn’t he be starting somewhere?
Nico - April 15, 2009
AAAA
brian.only - April 15, 2009
I vaguely remember reading somewhere
that the logic was they had six guys and needed five starters plus a long man. Of the six, Gallagher was least affected by erratic work and was comfortable coming out impromptu with no regular schedule.
The article made it sound like it was this special talent of his that therefore won him the job of long man. At the time, I wondered if that was just a bullshit story to put a positive spin on demoting him. But who knows, maybe there’s something to it.
I can’t remember where I read that, but I thought it was quoting the coaching staff.
iglew - April 15, 2009
Interesting - but sounds like BS to me
I think he’s up because Mazzaro and Gio clearly need to stretch out, and learn, as starters and Gallagher is “odd man out.”
Nico - April 15, 2009
i guess it also might be a question of
“since we’ve had to DL Devine, we need someone in the bullpen and God knows we need to show some value from the Harden trade”
alea iacta est - April 15, 2009
He has too much potential to be the 'odd man out'.
If that’s the case stretch them all out in AAA, it’s only the minors after all.
OldhamA - April 15, 2009
This is the third time I'm posting this complaint about the broadcast
…and I’ll keep posting it until somebody in the broadcast booth notices.
When I’m watching a game on television, I want to know who the batter is who is coming to the plate. I don’t care if Fosse or Kuiper mentions it, or if it pops up on the screen as the batter comes to the plate.
But I’m sick and tired of having Fosse and Kuiper talking about something other than what’s going on below them on the field and at the same time the graphics director isn’t posting the name of the batter until the third or fourth pitch. That’s totally bullshit. And it happened again and again last night, today, and the earlier game I watched on TV.
This was particularly annoying last night when all the batters had the number 24 on their backs. But it’s annoying under all circumstances. I mean, if Kuiper and Fosse want to ignore the game for most of the time they’re on air, that’s their business. But at least show the name of the batter on the screen BEFORE THE FIRST PITCH TO HIM.
Jeez.
richwol1 - April 15, 2009
This is why I always listen to the radio broadcasts -
they kind of have to call the game. Not that Vince always does, but…usually.
Nico - April 15, 2009
Yeah, I understand that...
…but this is an embarrassment. And it’s not that Fosse or Kuiper are actually talking about anything interesting. It takes around one second….“Coming to the plate, Ryan Sweeney.” Not hard to do at all. Or they can show the name on screen.
Last night there were several batters who were never even mentioned, other than with the words, “that’s one out,” or “that’s two out.”
richwol1 - April 15, 2009
TV announcers are terrible that way
It’s nice to have the picture, but in terms of any useful information TV is definitely NOT the way to go.
If you don’t like listening to the radio broadcast while watching the muted TV, I suggest as a practical solution you pay attention to the lineup at the beginning of the game — write it down, even — and check your own list to know who’s batting.
I really don’t see the TV announcers changing. Even if they realize they’re not giving the info, they probably don’t care. The TV audience on the whole is more interested in the extraneous chat than the game.
iglew - April 15, 2009
Um...
“The TV audience on the whole is more interested in the extraneous chat than the game.” Id doubt that. I think more likely we’re seeing the results of an old boys network that hires people like Kuiper because Kuiper’s been in the business and says the right things to the right people. Fosse’s there because he’s been there forever, and he’d be tolerable if he was hooked up with someone who had the smarts to treat Fosse as an interview subject, not just a commentator. It’s Kuiper’s job to draw out Fosse and make Fosse look good, and he’s failing.
These guys (and their handlers) have come to the unfortunate conclusion that people tune in to listen to them. People tune in to watch the game. If these “color commentators” actually added color to the broadcast, or information, or even interesting stories, it might be different. But they add nothing. The chatter with the Sharks broadcaster today was particularly dreadful. If they were having that discussion at the dinner table, I’d try to change the subject.
richwol1 - April 15, 2009
Well, I hope you're right,
but I’m afraid I don’t share your admirably high opinion of the general viewing public.
iglew - April 16, 2009
If this were a discussion about politics, philosophy or religion...
…my opinion of the general viewing public would be a whole lot lower. But Kuiper and Fosse are boring and having nothing to say, and don’t do the most simple tasks of their job, like …. um…. announce.
richwol1 - April 16, 2009
Vince
I didn’t mind vince that much last year. (COmplaints: delayed calls, not telling me the score inopportune shouting)
Yesterday was a bad night, holliday’s DP and the game winning play…I had no idea what happened, just a bunch of shouting. I could not make out any words. It doesn’t help that the signal isnt exactly high fidelity.
Future Ed - April 15, 2009
last nighttoday, number2442xbhaskarx - April 15, 2009
43 years old and Wakefield finally pitches a complete game...
Mark Fidrych pitched 24 complete games in his rookie year…talk about mis-managing a guy’s arm…
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
4342 years oldxbhaskarx - April 15, 2009
You know...
the answer to life, the universe and everything is 47.
oblique - April 16, 2009
Fixed
42
What is six by nine?
el generico - April 16, 2009
Jerome Williams
now that’s the real answer to everything.
drink409 - April 16, 2009
Yay 47!
WaddellCanseco - April 16, 2009
If you throw out the 2nd inning,
Brett Anderson’s career ERA is 0.00. We can do that, right?
Nico - April 15, 2009
Sorry you didn't get the sweep.
But like bbg said, I’ll take two out of three against Boston any time.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
I'll take 2 out of 3 from anybody
any time. :-)
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
So true...
but its especially sweet when its 2 out of 3 against the BoSox, Yanks, Slegna, or Gnats, imo.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Yeah a division win is the sweetest to me...
but after that I love it when the A’s defeat the obnoxious Red Sox. Can’t stand the way their fans act!
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
I've stopped going to those games because of them.
Yanks games too.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
I am the same about the Red Sox.
I don’t find the Yankee fans as rude…only as plentiful and I don’t hold that against them. The other reason i don’t go to the games against the Red Sox is because why go to the really crowded games? Why not give the team my patronage when they seem to need it more against KC and the like and it’s more pleasant to be there anyway?
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
Speaking of which...
join us for the Rays game and tailgate, would ya? I’d love to meet you!
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
BBG is coming here ...
but I am going to LA. I am meeting friends and family for the Mariners/ Halos game that weekend…and then on to Vegas! But I would love to hangout with some of you at a game. I did finally get to meet Marquez.. which made me happy because I have enjoyed him so much here on AN.
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
Awww!
Bad timing. Well, I’ll be at every Sunday game, so let me know when you’ll be there. I’d definitely have a beer with you!
67M is a lovely man and a talented writer. I’m honored to call him my friend.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Will do...
I haven’t bought season tickets so I don’t have any games scheduled yet but I always make it to 25-30 games so I will definitely make some Sunday games. I’ll look forward to it oh… and bring Don over to sit with us too!
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
Ah, so I'm not the only one
who prefers an empty stadium. They always talk about it like it’s a bad thing, and I’m sure it is in a larger sense, but in terms of being at the game I like it roomy. Back when I lived in Oakland I’d deliberately pick out the weekend day games against no-name teams. You could often get discount ticket price on those, too.
Basically I hate crowds, I hate loud noise, and I hate the sun. Other than that I love going to the ballpark.
iglew - April 15, 2009
We are of one mind.
Its why I picked the Thursday and Sunday games.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
ditto.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Monday
I love Monday games
DCinWC - April 16, 2009
Up here at Safeco
The sun is almost never a problem, but the other two are much worse, though. I can barely stand to pass through the lower levels it is so deafening. The top is still loud, but not quite as bad.
iglew - April 15, 2009
Ugh
I had a bunch in my section, BUT- there were a couple dozen of kids rooting for Oakland!
Every time a ‘Lets Go’ contest came up the lil’ buggers were screaming their hearts out- I was so stoked!
brian.only - April 15, 2009
Honestly,
when I’m taking pictures at the games, its the kids that I get the best shots of. Their passion always comes through.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Home from the game
Wow. Serious amount of RS fans, this one guy was pretty cool. I was curious, “why are you here rooting for the Red Sox”. Turns out he was from Ireland, then ended up in Boston, fair enough. But really, suddenly everyone is a Red Sock fan. And there were a lot of them. The four asshats in from of me had to stand and high five every damn play, they over-exaggerate there “fanishness.” I guess these big city fans just lack humility, well fuck’em.
During the lineups I was questioned, by an A’s fan, when I groaned about Crosby playing 3rd, and was told that, yes he is struggling at the plate but at least we have him for his “D”. I said yeah, good thing we got that going for us. The game was a bit crowded for my tastes, I WAS SEEING RED, and Anderson looked great. But that damn Wakefield had it going. Cust, Holiday, et al were swinging at air. A perfect day for him and he was dialed in.
Some A’s fans next to me said, “Isn’t it bad luck to talk about a NO HITTER!.” And the Sox boys in front stated not if you are rooting against it. Later and this is so sweet, it’s the 8th inning and this Sox fan says, “So…have you ever seen a no hitter” to his buddy. Who covers his ears, just as Kurt Suzuki steps up to bat! No Hitter OVER! I wave at him and scream thanks! I get the bird as Kurt gets first! A brief moment of joy in a lackluster day. Oh well, we took 2-3 and the RS Nation Invasion is over.
DCinWC - April 15, 2009
Their fans are the worst.
IM4Oakgal - April 15, 2009
I agree
I was in Berlin of all places a couple of weeks ago and met a Red Sox fan who just couldn’t stop getting in everybody’s business about his team. Sheesh, take a chill pill dude.
Jackson23 - April 15, 2009
Yup
We have a salesman in Mass, who will engage you long discussions about the Red Sox/Patriots, as if it was something you REALLY wanted to talk about. Like you were privileged to hear about this. Complete disdain for other teams. Annoying beyond words.
DCinWC - April 16, 2009
The Sox fans were mellow around me
But it felt like an angels game w/ all that red…
Got to give it up though- Wakefield owned us today.
brian.only - April 15, 2009
Yikes - Jared Lansford, for Sacramento,
1.2 IP, 5 BB (and some hits and runs, too). And Hannahan’s hitting .048!
Nico - April 15, 2009
HANNAHAN!
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Dont get me wrong- I understand Jackies importance and respect due-
But was anyone else annoyed everyone was wearing 42?
It made it really tough to figure out who was who…
brian.only - April 15, 2009
That's kind of the point....I think.
Symbolic and all that. It’s a fitting tribute to the man though.
alox - April 15, 2009
That we all look alike?
Nico - April 15, 2009
.....
………
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
Something akin to that.
It reminds me of some of the players who eventually refused to stay in hotels or solicit eateries where all the players on the team weren’t welcomed. I like the symbolism, in that while the past showed some of us at our worst, it also ushered in a period where some of us were at our best.
Jackie was a fascinating man. I often wonder what he would make of things as they are today. Although I won’t pretend to have any insights, I’m almost certain that some of the mans opinions would shock our collective 21st century sensibilities. I like that. At any rate, I’m glad MLB honors his memory in a manner that all players and fans must participate in.
alox - April 15, 2009
He deserves the honor.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Like I said I understand and respect,
I just think there is a better way personally, say 3 min of a highlight reel- or some historical perspective. They had a blurb about how all players are wearing 42 in honor of Robinson for 2 seconds.
To a 10 year old who’s Jackie?
Maybe I should give it a rest, I just think there’s a better and more informative way.
brian.only - April 15, 2009
No, you have a point.
They didn’t have a highlight reel? That’s just wrong.
lynnzgal - April 15, 2009
Yeah, he does.
It’s an effective method too. My son asked me why all the players had the same number. He was a little annoyed because he likes Holiday and couldn’t figure out who he was. So we had a talk about why all the players were wearing number 42 today. It’s a unique period in history, and not only American history. Post WWII, a U.S. Army officer, and he can’t play baseball? In a nation that prides itself on fair play?
alox - April 15, 2009
Ian Kinsler so far tonight
Double
Home Run
Single
Single
Triple
so 5-5 with a cycle
Trainman - April 15, 2009
Ha ha, he only has one double
He sucks.
Nico - April 15, 2009
Make that two doubles Now
Nelson Cruz has 5 home runs on the season and has driven in 6 tonight.
19 runs on 19 hits
Kinsler, Byrd and Cruz are 13 for 17 with 15 RBI’s. That would be close to a record right?
Trainman - April 15, 2009
Make that 13 RBI
I cannot add
Trainman - April 15, 2009
I just got home from the game.
Tuesday I froze to death in the stands. Today, Wakefield froze our hitters. I wish I could have watched this one on TV. That knuckler was devastating to our guys. Question for those of you watching on TV, was the umpire being generous or was he hitting the plate?
alox - April 15, 2009
Did you walk to your home in Novato?!
The game ended like five hours ago.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
I wish it were so simple.
I drove home to Fresno. The road rage subsided somewhere around Los Banos. While the Bay has much to offer as far as living amenities goes, the traffic headaches offset much of them. What really peeves me is that I took BART to Tuesday’s game and left during the last inning. I was worried that I would miss the last train because my son fell asleep and I had to schlepp him across the walkway. Coupled with two broken toe bones, the artic temperatures, and a wife who was full of helpful advice, it’s a wonder I didn’t just leap onto the Cal Train tracks.
alox - April 15, 2009
Well, you had me at BART walkway and broken toes.
Leopold Bloom - April 15, 2009
There were quite a few reasons
why, after having lived in the Bay Area for all 30 years of my adult life, I pulled up stakes this offseason and headed for the Sierra. But traffic stress was #1 on the list.
Soaker - April 15, 2009
you know,
that’s really one of the more weird, frustrating things about Sarasota. For half the year, there’s no one here. You can go anywhere, park anywhere with ease, get around town quicker, etc. The other half of the year is this dizzying cacophony, that gets louder and louder, busier and busier, until the swell bursts the dam and all the snowbirds go home, which was theoretically supposed to happen Monday. The bastards are still here. Go home now.
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
Wait.
Are you saying the ones who can get the hell out before summertime?
alox - April 16, 2009
Yes, they should leave.
If I have to be stuck here, it shouldn’t have to deal with the traffic too, should I?
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
I can't imagine the senior factor in Florida.
Driving 25mph when there’s absolutely no reason too. Something akin to when I hear of 100 car pileups in the Bay or LA. I know in my heart that if you interview the person driving the first car, they will no doubt be visiting from Fresno.
alox - April 16, 2009
You need to understand that the old people
are only part of the problem. You’ve got full-time old people, which are used to no traffic, then you’ve got part-time old people, who are used to doing whatever it is they do and they’re lost. You’ve got VERY impatient NYers who wish to go 60-70 through downtown and you’ve got stunned and confused out-of-towners, whose ultimate goal involves the beach. Add this to a good chunk of pissed-off locals, who resent the hell out of the out-of-towners, but know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they help us more than hurt. It doesn’t make getting cross-town any easier, though.
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
Where did you relocate?
I grew up in a very small community below the Eastern Sierra’s. If I had to live in an area as congested as the Bay I would have taken up riding motorcycles again, just to keep moving in traffic. I lived in San Diego a few years, and the commuting drove me insane.
alox - April 16, 2009
I'm at Lake Tahoe
a couple miles into Nevada from the casinos at the state line. (Take your state income taxes and stuff ‘em, Arnold!) So I’m not totally free of congestion, but it’s easily enough avoided by staying off Lake Tahoe Blvd. through South Lake Tahoe from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon.
I enjoyed the Bay Area but last year I realized that the daily stress of urban living was finally starting to take its toll. This is really a pleasant change.
Soaker - April 16, 2009
I had Binoc's and it looked a bit generous to Tim.
But maybe that’s the green lenses I’m looking through.
It WAS a great outing for Wakefield.
brian.only - April 15, 2009
gameday
had some strikes listed outside the box, but nothing terrible. I chalked it up to floating knuckleball.
Future Ed - April 15, 2009
Is Wakefield the
only knuckleball pitcher in baseball right now?
alox - April 15, 2009
The Red Sox have a guy in the minors.
OldhamA - April 15, 2009
R. A. Dickey
Relief pitcher for the Twins. Rather bad. Started 14 games for the immortal 2008 Seattle club.
Minors:
Charlie Haeger with the Padres
Charlie Zink with the Red Sox
Simon Ferrer with Rockies
Haeger’s seen a few major league games. Zink’s the best of the three and was International League Player of the Year in 2008 (Wakefield 2.0?)
Weird that a bunch of Charlie’s pop up on the list, following in the footsteps of renowned knuckler Charlie Hough.
GoA's - April 15, 2009
R.A. Dickey's a good baseball name, though.
or a good name for a session guitarist in Nashville.
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
Robert Alan
Whenever I see initials I hope they stand for something really cool, but no dice.
Not quite as boring as Frank-Paul Santangelo though. I was expecting something more Italian for F.P. Like Filostrato-Panfilo. Now that would be cool.
iglew - April 16, 2009
Wakefield was hitting the plate
None of those called first strikes looked generous.
richwol1 - April 15, 2009
He got ALOT of first pitch strikes, I have the same question
DCinWC - April 16, 2009
Clayton Kershaw
7 IP 1 Hit 1 HR 1 BB 13 K’s so far
Trainman - April 15, 2009
Demon
brian.only - April 15, 2009
As painful as this game was
Papelbon would have come in for the 9th had Blevins not fallen apart in the 8th, so I wasnt really pulling my hair out when we scored.
ChadGod - April 15, 2009
YouTube of Suzuki breaking up no-no
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8qf3Sid3_I
PHUT! - April 16, 2009
Anderson sure looks like our own Babe/y Ruth
LongTimeFan - April 16, 2009
Here's a thought
Why don’t we trade some of our extra arms for a 3rd baseman on the rise? Isn’t there someone out there who would help? Or just put in one of our hopefuls regularly and give Chavez and Nomar more rest. Thoughts?
A'sfansince1970 - April 16, 2009
You mean like Blanton for Cardenas?
WaddellCanseco - April 16, 2009
I hate Wakefield...
and that gimmick pitch that should be outlawed by baseball. Someoen needs to tell Wakefield to stand up on the mound like a pitcher and throw like a pitcher. I hate that knuckleball crap more then anything else in baseball.
LVElephant - April 16, 2009
Yes, and while we're at it,
we should outlaw the change-up. And the curveball, too. Goddamn gimmick pitches.
Oh, and don’t even get me started about submariners.
iglew - April 16, 2009
Agreed.
Syphon - April 16, 2009
What about Outman
for an up and comer or 3rd baseman from the Dodgers? They really could use a good arm. You all seem to know more about this then I do, I just feel that we need a young proven third baseman. No?
A'sfansince1970 - April 16, 2009
What about Blake Dewitt?
Or Andy LaRoche from the Pirates?
A'sfansince1970 - April 16, 2009
....
I wish I could tell you that Andy fought the good fight, and the Pirates let him be. I wish I could tell you that – but Pittsburgh is no fairy-tale world.
Leopold Bloom - April 16, 2009
Okay, they both suck
Anybody else? I’ll take your comments off the air.
A'sfansince1970 - April 16, 2009
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