I don't know why, but it always seems like weird things happen in Texas. There was an ejection. There were four errors, two by each team. But costliest of all for the time being, the A's lost four players to injury, then they lost the game 5-4. The damages:
* Nomar Garciaparra looked like he re-aggravated the calf issue that has bothered him
* Mark Ellis also injured a calf getting out of the batter's box
* Brett Anderson had to leave in the sixth inning with what appeared to be a blister on one of his fingers
* Santiago Casilla tweaked something in his hip or leg during a pitch
With the errors added in (Orlando Cabrera let one go through the legs and Jason Giambi looked like he got a tough one on a shot), four of the five runs the A's allowed were unearned. Texas also made a pair and Kevin Millwood was not as effective as he'd been to start the season (10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO) but the decision to let him pitch until his arm falls off - 121 more today after averaging 113 a game so far - helped him get the win when Nelson Cruz hit a single to left that Matt Holliday couldn't come up with cleanly, helping ensure Hank Blalock would score without a throw.
Prior to leaving the game, Anderson was having a fine start for the A's. His only real blemish had been a run in the first that might not have even reached base if he didn't try to field Michael Young's ball down the third base line. It seemed like it could have gone foul.
For a little while it didn't look like the run would matter as Anderson, born in Midland, TX, looked very good from the second to fifth innings before the A's took no precautions in the sixth when the blister popped up. Andrew Bailey had problems finding the plate, and though Chris Davis was ejected after arguing a bad call on a high strike three, Jarrod Saltalamacchia came through with a two-run single. Anderson ended up with 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB (one charged to him that Bailey finished off) and 5 SO in 5+ innings.
The A's had tied it in the third courtesy of an error on Ian Kinsler, then scored two more in the fifth thanks to consecutive singles by Cabrera (3-for-4 tonight) and Giambi. After coughing up the lead in the sixth, Ryan Sweeney (3 runs) tied it right back up with his first homer of the season leading off the seventh. Casilla worked the bottom of the inning and started the eighth but had to be replaced by Michael Wuertz. Blalock got aboard on Giambi's error, making it to second, and the single by Cruz was the deciding factor in a sloppy game. The A's went down 1-2-3 in the ninth against Frank Francisco and that was it.
Now the A's are probably faced with a number of decisions to make. Word is Eric Chavez may be ready to return but the way it's been going it's only a matter of time before he does something again, whether it's on a throw to first or another reason. It's probably best to shut down Garciaparra to let his calf fully heal. The A's can't keep sending injured players out to play third base and hope to just make it through each game without having to replace them. Now with Ellis out as well, there's no telling how much time he'll miss yet.
We could be looking at the possibility of seeing people like Eric Patterson or Jeff Baisley, to name a couple, or we may wind up seeing Bobby Crosby and Jack Hannahan getting more playing time. Either way, prospects don't look good on offense or defense under any of these scenarios. Sean Doolittle is looking very good in Sacramento but the injuries the A's have don't make it likely that he'd be brought up yet. He hasn't played third base and right now Giambi's hanging in there. Having Crosby or Landon Powell backing him up isn't ideal but it's not their most pressing issue.
As for Anderson, it's too early to say how long the blister will keep him out. They can go away quickly or they can linger for a while. It's also too soon to tell what the situation will be with Casilla, especially lacking a complete diagnosis yet. Maybe we'll see Sean Gallagher return (I believe there are no restrictions on time spent in the minors when a recall is necessary due to using the DL) and Jerry Blevins could be in the mix. There are others down there they could turn to on a short-term basis, but when you add it all up the A's could be hurting in more ways than one for the next couple weeks or more. We may be seeing numerous moves before the A's fly to Seattle.
Tomorrow it's Josh Outman against Vicente Padilla. In case you missed the news Trevor Cahill has been pushed back to Saturday, giving him some more time to work on things in another bullpen session. The fact he pitched well against the Mariners in Oakland earlier this month probably factored into the decision as well.
Overall, a very bad night for the A's. Only in Texas.
0 recs | 235 comments
Geren told reporters that Nomar and Ellis are likely to be DLed
Anderson’s blister doesn’t appear serious, and he also didn’t think Casilla’s leg issue was seirous.
In any event it’s obvious that new people will be on the team in time for tomorrow’s game.
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
Nice wrap
I’m thinking of the expression, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” The A’s approach to solving 3B just has not been successful, not the draft, not nursing Chavez through thick and think, not Nomar.
Perhaps, as a blessing in disguise, this turn of events will cause the A’s to regroup and decide to go out and get a good young 3Bman – something they haven’t done through the draft or any of 1,000,000 trades.
I’m working on the assumption that Cardenas’ ultimate position may be 2B, which could be wrong but seems likely enough to me from what I’ve heard he can (2B) and cannot (SS) handle, and where his bat would best play. In any event he’s 20 and without his position defined, so he shouldn’t be the reason you do or don’t make a move.
Chase Headley? Someone else? It might just be time to accept that the current infield doesn’t work.
Nico - April 28, 2009
I hate to see any team make a trade out of desperation because it can lead to them getting fleeced...
…but they really need to find a way to shore up that position. Absolutely.
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
I guess I feel it wouldn't be out of desperation so much as
doing now what they should have done every yesterday for the past several years.
Nico - April 28, 2009
too much front office wishcasting?
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
I say desperate in the sense they'd be doing it when the position is at its very weakest after injuries piled up
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
+1 (the trading out of desperation part)
I’m not sure the A’s are in any kind of position to make a trade right now. To get something of value, you have to give something of value, and nothing on the major league roster is looking especially valuable right now. I suppose they could trade stud prospect for stud prospects (meaning Anderson or Cahill), but that’s just reorganizing the depth chart.
What would be really nice is if Holliday was hitting at all, and we could plunder the Mets for him. Wilmer Flores, Fernando Martinez, and Jon Niese sound like an appealing package.
jeepers - April 28, 2009
See that's the thing
There has been NO attempt at solving 3B aside from hoping Chavez stays healthy.
It’s not gonna happen.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Outlaw Josie Wales.....that great line that
Chief Dan George said…..“endeavor to persevere”
ak_A - April 28, 2009
but the best line from Josey Wales was
“Don’t piss down my back and tell me that it’s rainin’!”
Gaijin_Suketto - April 29, 2009
Kouzmanoff would be the cheaper and more practical option.
joeiz - April 28, 2009
True. Trouble is he's not a very good defensive player IIRC
And he’s not that great against RHP (though better than anything we’re able to throw out there right now).
Nico - April 28, 2009
Ian Stewart?
NateHST - April 28, 2009
I'm souring on Colorado hitters.
Dunno why. It’s a weird hunch.
mikev - April 28, 2009
As opposed to... A's "hitters"?
NateHST - April 28, 2009
"former" colorado hitters
mikev - April 28, 2009
so that'd be a "no" on Garrett Atkins?
scatterbrian - April 28, 2009
Ew.
mikev - April 29, 2009
would like this idea
depending on the price
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
i'm not sure headley or stewart are available
both are young and cheap, and on teams that are planning for the future.
and kouzmanoff isn’t very good.
xbhaskarx - April 28, 2009
I'm sure they could be had
And at this point, overpaying for good, healthy young 3rd basemen isn’t a terrible decision. If they don’t move Cardenas there or find somebody else, it’s going to be a hole on the team for a good chunk of the foreseeable future.
NateHST - April 28, 2009
"Overall, a very bad night for the A's"
Understatement of the 21st Century Oakland Athletics. That was an absolute travesty. Just a horrible, horrible evening for your Oakland Athletics.
btw: How much trade value does Holliday have right now?
Colorado Fan - April 28, 2009
not as much as he'd have in a couple of months
assuming his hitting improves (I think it will)
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
you'd think, in a couple of months
there’ll be a couple of teams who are on the edge of contention who have got there by overplaying their expected talent level. They’ll see it as a good shot, want to pick up a loanee hitter for the rest of the season, and there we go.
San Francisco Giants, I’m looking at you.
alea iacta est - April 28, 2009
Sure, his stock is down right now
but teams will look at his whole career, and not just the 1st month of the season in a new league playing in a pitchers park while in a contract year. Still, I would doubt that we could get much in return to justify the initial trade.
Kallus - April 28, 2009
He's Near the End of My Rope
I’m going to judge a mercenary differently than I would someone who came up through our system. I understand the trade here was no real fault his— but the fact remains that no homeruns and a piss-poor average for over three weeks is simply unacceptable. If he was the true superstar that many felt he was, they win the game tonight. if he hasn’t snapped out of it by next week (I’ll allow him some slack in Seattle given how tough of a park that is to hit in) then he’s dead to me. yes, i hope he improves his trade value but I’m not gonna count on him helping this team in any other way unless he starts to take charge NOW.
jasonthea - April 28, 2009
At least he's not injured.
Jackson23 - April 29, 2009
It's even more concerning when you factor in his spring training home runs......ZERO
Holliday has not hit a Home Run in over 50 games. He is also near the end of my rope.
33SwisherSweet - April 29, 2009
Gregorio Petit Deserves Another Shot
Last year in 14 games, Gregorio hit .348. (Yes, 2 errors but who’s counting? And, yes, he’s hitting bug-.250 at Sacto but who knows what a change of scenery can do?) Gregorio deserves another shot and we desparately need offense.
OkieBill - April 28, 2009
Forgot about him. I say let's find out what he can do for a couple weeks or so.
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
Play good defense and hit.
That’s basically all he’s done in Oakland.
mikev - April 28, 2009
whoever gets called up
probably wont play too much…we are more likely to see crosby shift to second and hopefully Chavvy is as close as advertised and see him at third.
If it was my choice based off of the games ive seen this year, I would have to vote for Patterson or Pennington but mainly patterson..He has looked great really impressive but i have been to three games and he hasnt played IF when I have been there
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Also forgot about Pennington, another possibility
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
Yeah, the problem with Patterson is that any time you start him at 2B
you no longer have excellent INF defense. Patterson/Giambi is a pretty shaky right side defensively.
Nico - April 28, 2009
yeah
but his offensive game is really nice…so its him or crosby essentially or maybe Pennington…I just dont see it being Petit right now but I could be wrong…My bet is its Patterson and he wont play too much we will see a lot of Bobby Crosby til Ellis is back
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I'm not sure we have excellent INF defense anyway though.
I still don’t believe Hannahan is elite. He’s probably somewhere between average and above average, mostly because he seems to have a terrifically inaccurate arm. With Barton picking it at 1B, he looked really good. With Giambi, it’s gonna be a bit tougher.
O-Cab is a really, really good defender.
With Ellis out, I’m assuming Crosby will get the majority of 2B time. He’s probably average defensively there right now.
Giambi is nothing special at 1B anymore.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Hannahan
cant hit…He was hitting below .100 when he got called up i think…
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Petit is a worse player than Hannahan.
His only advantage is positional versatility because he can play short.
joeiz - April 28, 2009
By your logic that's not true.
a defensive whiz at SS/2B is more valuable than a defensive whiz at 3B, given that they both suck at hitting.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Except not on a team with a SS who plays 160 games
Though Petit’s ability to play 2B well helps a LOT.
Nico - April 28, 2009
I'd trust him at 2b more than Hannahan.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Petit? Definitely.
I saw him play 2B at Spring Training and he looked terrific. (Hannahan actually looked good there too.)
Nico - April 28, 2009
what about the whole package
Take a vote…for 2b and we are assuming Chavvy is ready to play 3rd
Crosby
Hannahan
Petit
Pennington
Patterson
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Hmm..I'm gonna have to go with "no"
Nico - April 28, 2009
Yeah, no Chase Utley option = fail
or, fuck it, trade Holliday for Cano and Hughes
mikev - April 28, 2009
Hell,
I’d do Holliday for Cano straight up right now
Kallus - April 28, 2009
That's a stretch.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Maybe, but at least
we wouldn’t have to watch the Crosbino play 2nd!
Kallus - April 28, 2009
what about Crosby?
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I think of the three, Croz is the least comfortable defensively
He’d get better and better over time, but since he doesn’t hit much…Why not go for the top defensive option (Petit) or a guy who at least walks once in a while (Hannahan)?
Nico - April 28, 2009
true
Im kinda torn…mainly because I agree on the crosby front defensively and I think he has a better potential to hit then the rest of them…I just dont know, this is one decision I dont envy because none of them are particularly great options…so I guess Im gonna go with a guy who has maybe a chance of hitting (Crosby, I guess) and has a high potential defensively…Just tell him dont screw it up
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Or tell Crosby
Its his rookie year again…maybe hell play better
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I think of the three, Croz is the least comfortable
He’d get better and better over time, but since he doesn’t hit much…Why not go for the top defensive option (Petit) or a guy who at least walks once in a while (Hannahan)?
Nico - April 28, 2009
Yes they both suck at hitting, but Petit's degree of suck is on a different level.
Petit 2008 OPS in AAA: .666
joeiz - April 28, 2009
petit doesn't like the scenery in AAA
xbhaskarx - April 28, 2009
I think that Ziggurat building in Sacramento out beyond centerfield creeps him out.
joeiz - April 28, 2009
and if they didn't sacrifice nine virgins on top of the damn thing every time the Rivercats win,
they might have to tear it down…
Gaijin_Suketto - April 29, 2009
Yah but his 2008 OPS in Oakland was .835
mikev - April 28, 2009
In like a million at bats!
Nico - April 28, 2009
he likes the batters eye in Oakland!!!11!1oen!!!!
mikev - April 28, 2009
so we should care how petit hit over 14 games
but not how he’s hitting this year in a similar number of games, even though it’s closer to his career averages, because “who knows what a change of scenery can do”? maybe when that change of scenery involves going from sacramento to oakland, it drops his OPS another 100 or points.
xbhaskarx - April 28, 2009
If that happens, then at least he can "sell"
Nico - April 28, 2009
Indians win in the bottom of the 9th
At the least, the Red Sox won’t win 20 in a row this time.
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
possible personnel decisions
according to Stiglich, who was in the clubhouse:
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
Blevins, Petit
mikev - April 28, 2009
Could be Blevins, but really they need a long reliever
I mean, they can pretend that Giese is one but…
Nico - April 28, 2009
didn't Blevins pitch 3 innings in a game for the Rivercats?
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
Yeah. Interestingly, tonight
Webb, Gray, and Schroder each pitched an inning, which would suggest to me they won’t get the call – because with Outman starting the A’s need guys who are available as soon as possible, to go more than an inning if needed.
I know it’s a bit pessimistic, but the way Texas hits LHP and given the ballpark, I could see Outman getting lit up and the A’s need to be ready for the possibility that they’ll need 5-6 innings from the bullpen tomorrow and then still need to have a bullpen on Thursday and Friday.
Nico - April 28, 2009
BTW, what I mean by "because with Outman starting"
is not that he’s terrible but that he isn’t in the bullpen from now through the weekend.
Nico - April 28, 2009
Yes he pitched 3 innings on Sunday...
but he was very efficient and only threw 31 pitches.
ZigFan31 - April 28, 2009
They pretend Bailey is one.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Yea...
and that needs to stop.
ZigFan31 - April 28, 2009
YES MA'AM.
Anything else just
orderask me.mikev - April 28, 2009
Susan Slusser update Casilla tweaked his calf as well
Nomar, Ellis to DL and more injury news
From Chronicle Staff Writer Susan Slusser in Arlington, Texas
Mark Ellis and Nomar Garciaparra will both go on the DL with calf injuries today, and the A’s will call up an infielder (likely Eric Patterson) and a reliever.
Ellis said he felt his left calf muscle pop as he left the box on a third-inning grounder. He’s never had a calf strain before but he’s been warned that they linger if not addressed properly and he had no doubt he’d be placed on the DL. Garciaparra said the tight right calf he’s been dealing with the past two weeks is now a right calf strain, similar to the problem that kept him out a third of the season last year in Los Angeles.
Brett Anderson’s index finger injury was a blister but manager Bob Geren said he believes Anderson came out before jeopardizing his next start. Santiago Casilla has a mild strain on the outside of a calf muscle, according to Geren, who described Casilla as day-to-day.
Eric Chavez (elbow) said he will not go on the DL today but he’s two or three days away from playing.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?&entry_id=39296
Trainman - April 28, 2009
again from Stiglich (linked above)
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
I'm sorry, this is bullshit.
Chavez can’t play more than 2 games in a row without missing at least 3 after that.
He’s done.. and it sucks, because he was so great to watch.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Seriously FML.
This sucks. I hope the A’s can pull through! It sucks that Chavez & Giambi cannot play full time.
drink409 - April 28, 2009
I'm acronym ignorant
I finally figured out FTW and now everyone is saying “FML”. What the heck is FML?
iglew - April 28, 2009
http://www.fmylife.com/
pam5981 - April 28, 2009
Thanks
Now I know what it stands for, but I still don’t get it. This one is even stupider than FTW.
iglew - April 28, 2009
It is stupid.
But hey, this is the internet. Can’t expect much.
pam5981 - April 28, 2009
I think
it has to be Patterson getting the call he has looked solid
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I'd say "WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE!!"
but at this point I’m afraid it’d actually happen.
oblique - April 28, 2009
Look on the bright side
The guys on the DL may stay home for a while and escape the flu.
Englishmajor - April 28, 2009
Anderson told Buan that he'd had the blister problem
last year — in Midland, TX, which by the way is his home town.
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
Looks like Wimberly got pulled from the Midland game.
calas - April 28, 2009
perhaps to be sent to Sacramento
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
Wimberly isn't on the 40 man roster
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
You don't have to be on the 40 man to play in Sacto.
ZigFan31 - April 28, 2009
You mean I can play?
I always just sit in the seats.
Nico - April 28, 2009
When I'm there I stand right next to the dugout
Hmmmmm.
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
I'm auditioning for team trainer tomorrow.
ZigFan31 - April 28, 2009
should be an easy job to get
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I'd love to see that video
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
I forgot to mention I wear hot pants.
I can’t be restrained while stretching.
ZigFan31 - April 28, 2009
Pix plz thx.
mikev - April 28, 2009
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
+1
drink409 - April 28, 2009
I'm selling oranges!
mikev - April 29, 2009
Cna you help me stretch?
mikev - April 28, 2009
Stretching is mandatory.
Especially the hammy one. You know the one where you lay on your back, leg in the air…
ZigFan31 - April 28, 2009
I'd prefer the othe rway around
but I’m nto sure I care right now.
mikev - April 28, 2009
Get a room, you two
somebodyelse - April 29, 2009
Cust at SS sez Nico
somebodyelse - April 29, 2009
I was referring to suggestions that they bring him to the big club
OaklandSi - April 29, 2009
I was the one who suggested that if Wimberly was removed
from Midland that he might be sent to Sacramento.
There are other infielders ahead of him in Sacramento who would likely be called to the big club…plus, Wimberly is not on the 40 man roster so calling him to the big club would require a correponding move to drop someone.
OaklandSi - April 29, 2009
Calf injury?
jeepers - April 28, 2009
That usually causes hamburgers
Nico - April 28, 2009
Veally funny.
jeepers - April 28, 2009
Does it really Matter?
We are just as bad if not worse than last year and again going to go nowhere so who cares if again we are hurt again more than any other team !
ChrisB - April 28, 2009
real positive
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Yeah. I think he's positive that we're bad.
Nico - April 28, 2009
I'm positive that we're all negative right now.
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
i agree
Im trying to maintain a positive outlook but lets all be honest here that 4 injuries in one game doesnt help the early season struggles that already had the proverbial gun to people’s heads on this website
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I actually think folks are being pretty reasonable tonight
considering the circumstances. I think we’re all just in shock. Like, it can’t be this ridiculous for real, right? Hello? Right? Oh crap.
Nico - April 28, 2009
No i agree
tonight is pretty reasonable…considering and you hit the nail on the head with the shock factor…give it a few games when everyone realizes bocro is the starting 2b…the bocro thing doesnt bother me that much really, sure he isnt ellis but he isnt horrible(well he might be horrible) but not a bad option to have when a guy goes down
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I hate to admit it because I love the guy
and supported the extension (for one thing, the price was SO right), but Ellis may well be another Kotsay situation (regrettable extension by the time it’s up).
Nico - April 28, 2009
I really hope you're wrong
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
I'm more worried that his defense hasn't really looked that great.
It’s been well documented that he can basically hit like a little leaguer and still be worth his contract, assuming his defense doesn’t fall off a cliff too.
mikev - April 28, 2009
+1
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
And then there's his baserunning...
Nico - April 28, 2009
agreed
hes looked like a lost puppy
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
I love Ellis too
and I kinda agree with you and had it in the back of my mind…not necessarily relating it to kotsay but to possibly becoming an injury issue. I sure hope you/we are wrong on this..Id like some more details on what happened tonight with the calf. If we lose 15 days it sucks if we lose a month and a half it really sucks
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
My fear isn't so much this season or this injury
It’s that if he’s like this now, what will it look like in a year, two years…? Could wind up being very Nomar/Chavy like in worst-case scenario.
Nico - April 28, 2009
ya i agree
and the coming off surgery thing was my main reason for the concern
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Ha
were not that bad…nothing going our way and tonight put the exclamation point on it
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Bring out your dead
OaklandInvader - April 28, 2009
Is that the "day to day" cart?
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
I was trying to find a good picture of Kareem from "The Stand" but failed completely
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
Hey Larry Davis!
Nice wheels bro!!
Kallus - April 28, 2009
lol
day-to-day - April 28, 2009
+1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Best Movie Ever!!!!!!!!!!
adragon - April 29, 2009
1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 for that?
you must be mad!
(brian is better.)
AV - April 29, 2009
Just got back from the game
Awful way to lose
buckfan6 - April 28, 2009
Awful losses are what this team is good at ...
So far.<
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
Yea i sat behind the a's dugout, i was like geren way to bunt with buck
ball was not carring tonight there
buckfan6 - April 28, 2009
At least Sportsnet is playing the Rickey Henderson Legends documentary
It makes me feel better reveling in nostalgia.
oaklandSMASH - April 28, 2009
Patterson?
Eric Patterson played 30 games last season and hit .174 while making 5 errors. Petit played 14 games and hit .348 while making 2 errors. Which one to bring up? Billy,
if you’re not going to bring up the infielder who hits better then trade him.
OkieBill - April 28, 2009
Look at
what they are doing in Sac right now…sure im all for looking at what they have done before but 30 and 14 games isnt a lot and you might as well call up the hot bat or the hot fielder or the hot player in general instead of goin off a small sample size
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
True
And if Cunningham or Denorfia were infielders I’d be saying they should be brought up before
Petit. What infielder at Sacto is doing better? Or would you reach down to the Midland roster?
OkieBill - April 28, 2009
It'll be someone whose name starts with "P"
Of that much, I’m confident.
Nico - April 28, 2009
+1
i chuckled
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
DANNY PUTNAM COME ON DOWN!
mikev - April 28, 2009
I've got two positives in the midst of the misery:
1.) Great detailed game wrap, Flashfire.
2.) McRosby had two hits!!!
notsellingjeans - April 28, 2009
Thanks
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
what about Chavvy?
He told Mychael Urban
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
Please tell me these injuries mean
Geren almost has to play Buck more…Since our offense is obviously gonna get worse from this doesnt this mean that you cant afford to put Raj in the lineup…I guess if Chavvy is healthy he still could…I guess
yawedout21 - April 28, 2009
Buan wondering out loud if Nomar has played his last game
OaklandSi - April 28, 2009
I used to feel sorry for the A's...
oh injuries are more a matter of luck than anything else.
Now, I’m not feeling sorry for them. There is a serious problem with the A’s and either the type of players the A’s get or the type of medical care they get.
I’m sick of seeing Hannahan and Crosby out there.
I’m sick of this organization not addressing its needs. Sure, they brought some hitters in. They spent $10 million on Giambi and Cabrera. They could’ve had Dunn and Crosby play those positions and at least Dunn will play 150 games.
We’re in for a VERY long season.
brenarlo - April 28, 2009
Fine recap, FF.
You stayed true to you word.
67MARQUEZ - April 28, 2009
Yay!
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
Easy Solution...
Put Giambi back at 3B and Chavez at 1B. :)
louismg - April 28, 2009
For a second I thought you were serious
Ha. I get jokes.
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
Ah...Then that's how I'm going to play off
my whole off-season “Cust at SS” campaign.
Nico - April 28, 2009
Dude. Funny.
somebodyelse - April 28, 2009
Okay, who sent the Grim Reaper to Arlington?
This was a bad day.
At least American Idol was on tonight. I love you, Kris! [/fangirl]
whiteshoes40 - April 28, 2009
Other thoughts from tonight
I want Swish back, he’s hitting well and has 5 HRs
Ibanez has 7 HRs (WTF)
And we could sign Ray Durham for 2b.
This has been your random thoughts of 4/28, brought to you by Crappy Night in Arlington (premiers in a theatre nowhere near you!)
DyeLongJustice - April 28, 2009
and by sign Durham to 2b
I mean, second baseman’s personal water boy.
DyeLongJustice - April 28, 2009
I think we should hire the Wicked Witch of the North for that
Just for the irony.
Nico - April 28, 2009
well i could go with adam sandler in the water boy, part II
at least he could bring us the Fonz as our coach. He’d at least put Cust in the right lineup spot. Yeesh.
DyeLongJustice - April 28, 2009
Why didnt Geren bunt tonight when buck came up
espically when runs for us is tough to come about
buckfan6 - April 28, 2009
I actually thought that was a good move not to bunt
Hannahan was on deck, plus in Arlington you have to play for big innings, not give up outs.
Nico - April 28, 2009
Agreed
Injuries and errors.
I counted 3 unearned runs in that one inning, is that right?
Bailey had to come in and even though he had time to warm up, you cannot help wonder what that does to a rookie having to warm up on the mound and having the conscious feeling that you better pitch now because all the fans are riding your arse to get the game going
Trainman - April 28, 2009
Agreed on the not bunting
as Hannahan is an automatic out and would no doubt have swung and missed on a pitch down the middle
Trainman - April 28, 2009
I think both Bailey & Wuertz were affected by having to warm up on the mound
Both did not look comfortable when they started to pitch. I hope Anderson makes his next start as he looked awesome for most of the game.
adragon - April 29, 2009
I wouldn't bunt with Buck and expect Hannahan to come through
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
Yea but wouldnt you want to take a chance with a man on third and second
All you would have to do is put a ball out in the oufield but i guess thats to hard for us. I was behind the a’s dugout tonight. Was the ump bad tonight or what?
buckfan6 - April 28, 2009
I'd have a lot more faith in Buck doing that than Hannahan
And yeah, the plate ump had a very high strike zone. That’s why Davis got the thumb.
Flashfire - April 28, 2009
Yea hard to tell from dugout angle
I thought that one bailey throw outside corner with bases juiced was a strike but i guess not. Man i hate losing games this way
buckfan6 - April 28, 2009
"You can't spell Oakland without 'DL.' "
This was in Su Slu drumbeat after Casilla went down
Trainman - April 28, 2009
sad, but true
DyeLongJustice - April 28, 2009
Ian Stewart
Seriously. The Rockies are 7-12 and suck and they still won’t Stewart a starting job.
He’s a capable third baseman, capable second baseman and capable in the corners. He won’t deserve any gold gloves but he’ll be fine.
Worried about him moving away from Coors? Sample sizes be damned (about 67 games home and away), but in his career he’s put up an OPS+ of 92 at home and 108 on the road. Although his BABIP away is .388, which is bound to recede.
Either way, he’s only 23 with room for improvement unlike Crosby and Hannahan. Rockies could always use some pitching and we have some!
NateHST - April 28, 2009
Except, unlike in the Holliday deal, we would have to trade some pitching that can actually get outs.
joeiz - April 28, 2009
Guys like Hunter, Leon, Carignan, Demel, Lansford, Italiano
That could turn into very good pitchers or burn out—the A’s have a ton of them, and I think a deal focused on them with a couple other pieces could get it done.
NateHST - April 28, 2009
You're suggesting a scenario that is far too ideal for the A's and not at all sensible for the Colorado.
The Rockies currently have some players in the majors to build a competitive ballclub around in Fowler, Iannetta, Tulo, Jimenez, and well, Stewart. None of the pitchers you named are sure bets to turn into anything, and regardless they all have too long of a time horizon before they would be ready to contribute in any fashion to be realistic options in a trade for a cornerstone player like Stewart.
To receive quality you must trade quality. Any package for Stewart would likely include one of Cahill/Anderson/Mazzaro.
joeiz - April 28, 2009
I think that's a bit of a stretch
He’s good, but that’s a drastic overpay. And I understand that it would be ideal for us but it would hep both sides—A’s dealing from a position of strength to the Rockies who have traditionally been weak with pitchers.
And I only say we might build a deal around them because the Rockies just don’t seem very enamored with him since they’ve pretty much refused to give him a starting spot. If he’s what they’re building around, I’d suggest to them to trade away whoever is blocking him.
NateHST - April 28, 2009
There is no way the Rockies give up Ian Stewart w/o getting Ynoa, Cahill, Anderson, or Mazzaro in return. Atkins for Gio Gonzalez could work for both sides, but who wants Garrett Atkins for 7MM per season? Who wants Garrett Atkins for minimum?
Colorado Fan - April 29, 2009
Actually now that I look at it...
Stewart was great in A-, okay in A+ and AA, and okay in AAA, which was Colorado Springs and likely helped him out a great lot. And a BABIP of .388 has lots of room for recession. Either way, I like him more than Crosby and Hannahan at the right price. He’s certainly not a dead end player like Chavvy, Hannahan, Cros at 3B, but he could definitely turn into just an average player in Oakland.
NateHST - April 28, 2009
It amazes me that they think they can fix Cahill by having another BP session
and putting hisstart back. Hope they are right in doing this. He best throw about 40 or 50 pitches because his sinker is going to be up around the hitters eyes if he’s too amped come the weekend. I guess they know what they are doing.
Starting Outman in Texas is basically conceding the game after one or two innings unless we can score,
Trainman - April 28, 2009
I read a littl more
And Cahill gets two BP sessions including Yesterday to work on his mechanics.
He should be fine.
Trainman - April 28, 2009
cahill
needs to got out every 5th day and throw 100 pitches. we all know a snikerballer is less effective with less work.
KCB58 - April 29, 2009
Mmm...Snickerball
Nico - April 29, 2009
No, after the way Gallagher has been handled this year,
it’s hard to maintain much faith that the A’s management knows what they’re doing.
joeiz - April 28, 2009
And just to make it worse
Outman is on schedule to pitch against Angels in Oakland next Monday.
Trainman - April 28, 2009
Gallagher has been handled this year.
Look folks I hate to say it but I don’t think you see Gallagher in an A’s uniform again this year.
granja - April 29, 2009
This much we know ... Chavvy sucking it up and playing hurt only hurts the club.
If Chavvy isn’t close to 100%
and clearly he’s notthen the A’s should bring virtually anybody up from the minor leagues and it will be an improvement over an injured Chavvy. Nice that he’s willing to grit and bear it … but how many bases loaded lousy ABs does it take before A’s fans say thanks but no thanks.As long as I’ve been an A’s fan, this is certainly the first year I can remember when the Giants were obviously better than the A’s and obviously more interesting and entertaining. Man, that’s hard to take. I have 3 extras to the game next Tuesday against the Angels and my buddies are all like, hey, man, do you have any extra Giants seats? Is Cain going? Lincecum? Ouch …
What happened to this club? Seems like a million year ago it was in League Champtionship. Now it seems like the club just sucks and every move just makes the club worse. I guess a lot of it is bad luck, injuries, lack of steroids, etc., but some of it (the Harden trade especially) looked dumb at the time and looks dumb now. Sigh. Lashing out. Harden and Haren for a handful of beans (though the Haren trade looked better at the time …)
solotar - April 28, 2009
curse the haren trade!
and all the blisters its brought back to us!!!!!!
chipper1001 - April 28, 2009
AAAARGGGGGGRGHHHHHHHHGH
I just had to get that out.
jeffro - April 28, 2009
Well, I am officially done being positive
FML
ChadGod - April 28, 2009
I just looked at the standings and noticed
that there are only 5 teams in each league who have positive run differentials.
I guess pitching sucks just about everywhere. Runs are being scored all over the place.
Trainman - April 28, 2009
Okay, so I have dinner at the Santa Monica pier tonight...
….just chilling, enjoying the ocean, and the nice night. I call baseballdad on the way home, and say that I need an A’s update.
He says, well you lost four players.
I say, what? What do you mean ‘lost’? Like kidnapped? Like the dugout roof fell on them? Like they were in the bullpen golf cart together…?
He said, Nomar, Ellis, Anderson, and Casilla are hurt.
I was speechless. Oh, yeah, and errors cost the A’s the game too.
It’s like they forgot everything we worked on this weekend.
baseballgirl - April 28, 2009
They were all in bed together reaching for the same alarm clock?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
pam5981 - April 28, 2009
Best comment in this thread
Kinky.
iglew - April 28, 2009
Fortunately, they were not kidnapped, but....
the dugout roof did collapse. All players escaped…but during the “Lethal Weapon-esque” jump away from the explosion, Chavy, Nomah, Unicorn, Anderson, Giambi, Casilla & Duchscherer all skinned their knees on the landing. Skin infections were instantaneous. Our beloved Oakland franchise in now the proud owner of an MLB-record 7 DL transactions within a 4 second period.
Kallus - April 29, 2009
I left and played a poker tourenment. We were up 3-1 at the time and Anderson was dealing...
When I got back in my truck after getting knocked out the first thing I heard on the radio was “fly ball to center feild Byrd is under it and the ball game is over with the Rangers winning 5-4”. I was like WTF…
adragon - April 29, 2009
ugh.
drmmerchk - April 28, 2009
Rough wake up call...
So I wake up and do as I always do, I pick up my phone, open the browser and open the A’s mobile bookmark. First I see the score Oak 4 – Tex 5… so that obviously sucked. But then I saw the titile: A’s loss hurts in more ways than one.
So I go ‘Ok who is hurt this time…’ only to see the news of 4 players leaving the game with injuries. Even for the A’s this is a record….
Can we please get a friggin break already!!!
Harry2m - April 28, 2009
Chavez as DH
The A’s should forget about Chavez playing third. Let him be a DH or pinch hitter this year against right handed pitchers. They could probably get at least 300 plate appearances from him that way. Playing third gives him too many chances to get hurt.
McBain - April 28, 2009
Well where would you put Cust then?
And I know small sample size caveats apply, but it’s pretty clear from Chavez’s first 30 at bats that his ability to hit a baseball has deteriorated immensely from even his injury plagued 07 year. I really don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say he’s a worse hitter than Hannahan at this point.
Basically, if Chavez is physically unable to play 3rd, he shouldn’t play, period.
joeiz - April 29, 2009
Cust at SS says Nico
somebodyelse - April 29, 2009
Meant as reply to joeiz
somebodyelse - April 29, 2009
Ok, I was unhappy about tonight's game...
But that caption on the Elli photo actually brought me to tears! It is just so depressing…
BobbyCrosbysGirl - April 29, 2009
Eric Chavez
The more injuries this team piles up, the more I believe that Chavvy’s put a curse on this team. Ever since he’s been hurt, it’s been like watching a pile of dominoes fall. Just another reason Beane should cut his losses and let him go already. He’s the next one going to be placed on the DL.
ATLDuck - April 29, 2009
Dissagree about a Chavez curse
But, it does seem that
As goes Chavez, so doth the A’s
somebodyelse - April 29, 2009
Other alternate headlines for last night:
worldblee - April 29, 2009
"After Spring Calving, A's Go to the Farm"
worldblee - April 29, 2009
"A's Buy the Farm, Then Call It Up"
worldblee - April 29, 2009
Also, there's no crying in baseball
Which is why I wasn’t crying last night. It was just raining on my face.
worldblee - April 29, 2009
I'm not crying....I've just been cutting onions...
I’m making a lasagna…..for one…..Its just a little dust in my eye from the trail that you made as you said your goodbyes
winchester5 - April 29, 2009
I'm not upset because you left me this way
My eyes are just a little sweaty today
worldblee - April 29, 2009
Just a bad night...
Not much to be happy about tonight….
LVElephant - April 29, 2009
Not much to be happy about the season thus far...
But there is plenty of time to turn things around
somebodyelse - April 29, 2009
i'm excited watching all these young guys develop
mattman - April 29, 2009
develop what?
muscel cramps
adragon - April 29, 2009
Still waiting for the call ups
to be announced. I bet there were some hopeful looks on the faces of the Rivercat players yesterday, hell, maybe in Midland too. Wonder if the A’s will have a Medi-vac chopper in the bullpen today? Couldn’t hurt.
alox - April 29, 2009
medi-vac
something invented in the middle ages to get rid of dust around the house?
AV - April 29, 2009
Listening to local radio here in Portland
They had on Brad Adams from FSN NW talking about the Mariners.
His synopsis of the AL West:
Mariners: Should be there in the end.
Rangers: To be .500
Angels: To far back to be a factor when their pitching returns
A’s: “will do nothing”
Brad, there is a long way to go buddy…..
HRH - April 29, 2009
Mental note: Send Brad Adams an e-mail at the end of the year
franks a lot - April 29, 2009
+1
HRH - April 29, 2009
I'm excited to watch these young players develop
Stop drinking the “koolaid” as this organization with especially this manager is going to “suck the life” out of any player with talent. Soon as any player with time in and eligible, going to bolt somewhere else if Beane doesn’t trade him as he won’t pay the money.
granja - April 29, 2009
We need to get Chavy on steroids...increase offensive production and get hurt less often..
he gets caught….so what? He sucks major nuts without them
winchester5 - April 29, 2009
And let us welcome Eric Patterson and Kevin Cameron to the 2009 Oakland A's.
SuSlu:
drink409 - April 29, 2009
11 innings. 8 walks.
Yeah.
mikev - April 29, 2009
The 8 walks aren't good
At least he’s made up for it a bit by only allowing 5 hits.
Flashfire - April 29, 2009
I'm going to assume....
the reason he doesn’t get hit is because he refuses to throw the ball in the strike zone.
alox - April 29, 2009
Looks like he's getting outs somehow, though
I doubt they’re just by getting people to chase.
Flashfire - April 29, 2009
Well, now I'm confused.
I think I’ll stick with my strategy of bad mouthing him so he’ll make me look like an ass. I’m used to it, and it works. A lot.
alox - April 29, 2009
Heh
I’m not calling him a world-beater or anything like that, but he is averaging over a K an inning so I’m guessing a lot of it is hit or miss (or walk) with him. Average against so far is just .139, so there are a few positives. I just checked and none of the walks were intentional, either.
If he can help eat up a few innings, that’s all the team needs.
Flashfire - April 29, 2009
Also, Duke to 60-day DL.
TBRMKane - April 29, 2009
Guess he won't be back in time for bobblehead day
Flashfire - April 29, 2009
haven't seen it on the transactions page
but it’s not surprising…among other things, Cameron wasn’t on the 40 man roster so I think they had to clear a spot…and Duchscherer won’t be ready to pitch for Oakland before June
OaklandSi - April 29, 2009
Kevin who?
This’ll be fun.
whiteshoes40 - April 29, 2009
He's had a little time in the majors with the Padres
Stats from the Baseball Cube
Flashfire - April 29, 2009
What is up with these calf injuries?
I understand Nomar’s being chronic, but Ellis and Casilla too?
Drink water, warm up, and cool down guys.
rebus - April 29, 2009
Bear traps?
alox - April 30, 2009
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