Despite the looks of Hairston-less lineup today, I had a good feeling about it. The Kennedy/Cabrera connection has been hot lately, and I love Suzuki in the third spot. Jack Cust as the DH takes him out of the field, and after his towering double off the Green Monster yesterday, Everidge was deemed ready to start in the sixth spot.
The whole lineup worked in the first inning. After Adam Kennedy started the game with a first-pitch homerun (the 100th in Oakland A's history), Cabrera and Suzuki followed with singles, and Cust walked to load the bases with no one out. Ryan Sweeney grounded to second, but beat out the double-play return throw and collected the RBI to make it 2-0. Everidge came up with runners at 1st and 3rd and one out, and had a great at-bat, taking some tough pitches to work a walk.
Then Mark Ellis stepped in with the bases loaded, facing the struggling Penny. He worked the count to 2-0......and popped up. Memo to the team: I want to you swing when you think the next pitch is a get-me-over, but if you are swinging at a 2-0 pitch with the bases loaded, you had better crush it. He didn't. It looked like the A's would let Penny escape with just the two runs, but Davis had other ideas. Rajai Davis worked the count to 3-2 and absolutely smoked a bases-clearing double (nearly a grand slam), giving Anderson a nice 5-0 cushion before he ever threw a pitch.
He would need nearly all of it in the first inning alone.
After his rocky first inning, Anderson settled down nicely, throwing six innings for the win, allowing just the three run homerun and striking out eight.
Kurt Suzuki padded the A’s lead with a solo shot in the fifth, and Eric Patterson finally got into the action with a 2-RBI double in the sixth to run up the score to 8-3. Despite the lead, the double would end up being the difference in the game.
The A’s made things interesting (and not the least bit terrifying) in the late innings as Wuertz replaced Anderson in the seventh and allowed a triple and a ground out for Boston's fourth run.
In Boston’s eighth inning, Ziegler pitched to his first batter, and everyone in the park recorded the first out as the ball floated gently down to the centerfielder…s. Sweeney and Rajai were both waiting for the ball, and despite standing on top of each other, neither one managed to catch it. Bay scooted on around to third and would come home to score to close the gap to three. Pinch-hitting David Ortiz would take a shot at the A’s as the tying run with two outs, but Breslow got him to pop the ball straight up, in what was a very scary play. Breslow gave up on it; Suzuki gave up on it, and Kennedy had to take the ball on the mound, and barely hung on for the out.
Bailey started the ninth by putting the tying runs on base, then allowing a run, and then watching as the go-ahead run came to the plate. Drew grounded out to the defensive replacement, Crosby, and the A's took home the win.
Everidge watch: 0-3, 2 walks.
Day game tomorrow; A’s try to win the four game series in Boston, their first since 1996!
0 recs | 148 comments
So I ask again
does Anderson have any chance at ROY? Who are the contenders this year?
closetasfan - July 29, 2009
Umm, not sure...
Porcello, Bailey annnnd….?? Not a lot of rookies that are blowing peoples faces off in the AL
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
Ricky Romero is probably the favorite.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
Who would be the top contending hitters?
I do have a concern about Anderson, much as I love and adore him. He has already had a “tight forearm,” a blister, and a “tight back,” which makes him only a couple owies from officially being “injury prone.”
You wonder if he might be on track for a Duchscherer like career — great when he’s in there, but often nursing this-that-or-the-other. The guy can flat out pitch; health (and to some extent, and certainly related, conditioning) will be the only question.
Nico - July 29, 2009
The best rookie positional player is probably
Andrus, who’s OPSing .691 but playing good defense on a contender. Earlier in the year he was the favorite for that, but he’s slipped a little. Most people would have assumed Wieters or Snider or LaPorta would have put up some good numbers, but they either have not/been injured/not seen enough time.
The pitchers are definitely leading the way with Porcello, Anderson, Bailey and Romero. Bailey has probably been the worst (least good) so far, but he’s got that sexy 2ish ERA and is putting up better numbers than Papelbon and Rivera, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets it.
NateHST - July 29, 2009
yeah, sexy baseball stats!!!
jlanning17 - July 30, 2009
Baby Fat
Hopefully Anderson can gain some muscle and lose a little bit of the “baby fat”. He has the potential to be very injury prone. The Back and Shoulder areas concern me the most.
Colorado Fan - July 30, 2009
You can't pull fat
NateHST - July 30, 2009
he already lost 20 lbs this year.
micdog2001 - July 30, 2009
There has been some ROY talk.buzz
With Bailey actually
hishnik - July 29, 2009
I would think it would be Bailey...
Gaijin_Suketto - July 30, 2009
Ricky Romero is the favorite right now i'd say
streetisclosedin08 - July 30, 2009
The A's won a four-game series at Fenway back in 2006.
javaball - July 29, 2009
Yep
Beat me to it. Right after the All-Star break.
sprtsnwyn - July 29, 2009
These games are so much more fun.
Can we some more of them please?
alox - July 29, 2009
very satisfying win
until I discovered that I am still subscribed to mlbtv premium on a freaking month to month bill when I thought (that’s the problem, thinking) I specifically paid for May, then June ONLY, and stopped – not July. I could not find how to cancel on-line, had to phone and they said, email to this blah blah to cancel.
Whilst on the mlbaudio I clicked on the tv portion and damn, it should not be there! Crimony I got the Extra Innings which was stiff enough.
ak_A - July 29, 2009
Back from Vegas, bleary and sorry I missed it all
But still, Vegas was Vegas.
Let’s go A’s!
paradox - July 29, 2009
What happened in Vegas?
GreenNGoldSooner - July 29, 2009
I think you're forgetting the age-old-adage
What happens in Vegas….
Well, it stays there.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
No, that is just your money, that stays there.
theblackpearl - July 29, 2009
Everything else stays there
on a battery of security cam videotapes and hard drives
Gaijin_Suketto - July 30, 2009
So remember....
It’s very important to pay your casino debts before you leave, or the Nevada AG will assist you.
alox - July 30, 2009
except herpes
dtownmbrown - July 30, 2009
Many, many things
[smiles] Baseball was not on the list.
Please excuse me, I am blasted on many levels but yet in a recovery mode. It’s a good thing.
With you forever, Billy.
paradox - July 29, 2009
you don't think thats why they do that?
I refuse to pay for anything that is “automatic” just for that reason. Scout.com would have my money at least 3-4 months out of the year if they didn’t take out payments automatically and give you no other options to pay like a one or three month plan.
OmahaHi - July 29, 2009
starts like this from anderson and even mazzaro last night, give me
a lot of hope for the future and even as soon as next season.
green tusks - July 29, 2009
I luvs me the hitz 'n' the runz
Even if occasionally we’re reminded that we lack, e.g., an actual CFer
GreenNGoldSooner - July 29, 2009
what do you mean we don't have a CFer?
we have two!
eastcoasta'sfan - July 29, 2009
Yeah, did you see Sweenis almost catch that ball?
Totally would have if it but for Davney getting in the way.
{snerk} Sweenis.
Nico - July 29, 2009
sweeney
makes a bad play atleast once a game. kick him to the curb and bring up buck or cunningham
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
He is the best defensive CF/OF we have
The last two screw ups were not his fault. Wednesday’s ball took a bad angle off the wall, (9/10 times it hugs the wall all the way around) & last night was Raji’s fault. They should put Sweeny in CF and stop dicking around with the Haiston, Patterson CF experiment. Sweeny should be our everyday CF until we find someone better.
adragon - July 30, 2009
i dunno...
i say we ride out rajai until he goes back to bad rajai. he has actually been useful at the plate recently
jlanning17 - July 30, 2009
Once again, I’ll reiterate that Suzuki hitting third is better than Garciaparra hitting third. I’d hit him third with Hairston hitting fourth and Cust hitting fifth.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
+1
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
Just so everyone can also laugh
Giants fans are PISSED.
I feel bad for them.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
I feel bad for many things.
Giants fans are almost never one of them.
GreenNGoldSooner - July 29, 2009
My brother claims that he doesn’t care. I think he’s lying.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
More wins, please
Everidge looked much more comfortable on his 2nd day in the bigs (as one might expect). Good to see Patterson get on the board with that big double. I’m glad Raj is still putting the hurt on the ball for a while longer before he inevitably turns back into a pumpkin.
All in all, a fun game to watch.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
Anderson pitched five nice innings after that bumpy first inning.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
Yes, yes he did
Even with the 4 BBs, you gotta love 8 Ks.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
I think the 8k's are a testament as to why Anderson has been so good
That was a TINY strikezone, and Anderson came out on top. Good for him.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
Yes
Anderson was great after that first inning
Boston are now sick of the sight of him
Trainman - July 29, 2009
I remember Raj getting hot to end the last few months of last year also.
win a few games and suddenly no one’s calling for his head anymore.
OmahaHi - July 29, 2009
please keep cabrera and kennedy
its a solid infield all around until the kids are ready and whens the deadline for signing guys in the draft
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
can i get an anser please
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
Spell answer right, and maybe I will
It’s the 17th of August. We should have Green and Stassi signed by then.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
thanks
still a little excited about the win my bad
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
only if you buy a W first
this is usually a good way of finding these things out
Keze - July 29, 2009
I actually really like
this better than that as far as the results returned.
Lucky7s - July 30, 2009
But
It’s
Not
Google
jlanning17 - July 30, 2009
Cabrera is a free agent after this season
Other teams have made it pretty clear that they still find him to be an attractive option. I really doubt the A’s are going to get into a bidding war with anyone over his services for 2010. With all that in mind, it makes sense to get some kind of return for him now.
It’s not as if there’s any real chance to come back from this far down in the standings. Sell the old FAs-to-be, buy some new kids to help out later.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
he said he wouldnt mind coming back
and pennington just doesnt look good to me
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
You're right, he probably wouldn't mind coming back
He probably also wouldn’t mind getting a fatter payday from somebody else. Trading him now is literally the only way to be sure the A’s recoup something from his departure— contractually, they can’t offer him arbitration.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
i know
but do you see anyone in the pipeline who can play ss cause i dont
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
We're all pretty much banking on Green
With a few short term stopgaps there until he makes it.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
thats my point
if we can get cabrera to be the stopgap until then i would be very happy
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
I wouldn't trust him to stick around
His defense has gotten worse, and he’s only just started hitting again. I’d trade him for some good pieces. Pennington might be an idea.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
Corey Wimberly
Does anyone think that Wimberley has a chance to be our 2010 Starting Shortstop?
Avg. .322
OBP .401
He’s been playing SS regularly in Midland since his return from the DL. He’s even mixed in a little CF. People might want to keep an eye on Wimberly.
http://firstinning.com/players/Corey-Wimberly-a/
Colorado Fan - July 30, 2009
I love that guy
I’ll do backflips if he can make it as a starting SS or CFer.
Nico - July 30, 2009
No
not enough power to sustain a high OBP
travdog6 - July 30, 2009
"ON the outside corner! You know, Vince, that pitch
would probably have been ball four to a power hitter…" ?
Nico - July 30, 2009
He's already spent two full seasons in AA.
NateHST - July 30, 2009
Since it's not a sure thing he'd come back...
… I’d advocate for dealing him now and finding a cheaper (possibly slightly crappier) solution down the road, whether via free agency or low-impact trade.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
yeah
but if its just a lower level prospect i would rather keep him the rest of the year so we have atleast two vets who can hit with kennedy being the other one
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
I am not sure Kennedy is going to hit this well next year.
All evidence says otherwise
Future Ed - July 29, 2009
He always heats up at the end of the season
adragon - July 30, 2009
You should see Crosby in November
Hitting masheeeeeeeeeeen.
Nico - July 30, 2009
sad to say, but if we could get him cheap enough OCab is probably the best option for 2010
Keze - July 29, 2009
thank you
pennington just isnt the answer and cabrera i dont think is gonna cost that much plus we finally have crosby off the books
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
well, what kind of deal do you think OCab gets next year?
more expensive than this year I’d say, but maybe low enough for the A’s to consider
Keze - July 29, 2009
Not necessarily
His defense was really off this year, and he started out very slowly. And without steroids, the fall-off for players will be earlier than we’ve seen, and more severe. He had trouble getting a contract this year. It won’t be easier next year.
Also, he’s been pretty peripatetic of late. Maybe he wants to settle down in Oakland for the last two or three years of his career. Does the difference between $4 and $4.5 million mean that much to him at this point?
richwol1 - July 29, 2009
it will be easier
for him to get a contract this coming offseason.
The A’s can’t offer him arbitration, so team’s can sign him without giving up a draft pick. It’s still possible that the A’s can afford him with a deal in the range of 2yrs/8M, but there will be competition to sign him.
colin - July 30, 2009
oops
I just scrolled down a bit further and saw the 2yr/12M offers. I do agree that the number I posted above is probably way too low.
But I think it sort of makes my point, because I was implying that it was a borderline decision to sign him at that price, so 2yr/12M strikes me as not a good deal.
colin - July 30, 2009
plus, he made the last out in David Cone's perfect game...
why would we re-sign him based on that alone!?
dtownmbrown - July 30, 2009
Right
But our point is it’s a fairly big “if.” I suppose somebody smarter than me could analyze how much more we could pay him— and he will demand a raise of some kind— before he becomes a liability rather than an asset over the next couple of years (during which he will likely continue to decline).
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
Chances are he'll want a multi-year
Which Beane shouldn’t consider honestly.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
2 years 12 million
thats fair maybe even 14 or 15 million isnt that bad seeing how crosby cost 5 mill and hes worth about 100,000
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
That's fair, certainly
The thing is, NOBODY knows what market value is currently. The economics of the game is really messed up right now. So O-Cab could want more, even though that may be the market value for him. Who knows, I’d rather not find out.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
I would do 2/12
Starting ss in ’10 is covered (+ a little insurance for the year after) and hopefully he becomes our utility infielder for 2011
Keze - July 29, 2009
I really doubt O-Cab would accept a utility role
I wouldn’t know though.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
i get it
its just i dont think i could handle a full year of pennington and maybe we could trade cabrera and then sign him back next year
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
wow
the grammar police relax
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
sorry if I was too snarky
spelling mistake doesn’t bother me at all, asking questions that can easily be answered by teh google…
Keze - July 29, 2009
Keze
May I interest you in lmgtfy.com?
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
hehe, good stuff
not to be a douche to Chris, good to know the dates
Keze - July 29, 2009
i dont mind being the buttend of jokes
but what does lmgtgy.com mean
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
Let Me Google That For You.
Orodawg - July 29, 2009
put it in an address bar and find out...
jlanning17 - July 30, 2009
what did buck do
did he have a threesome with beanes girl and gerens wife or something
Chris Schlitz - July 29, 2009
Once you hit the Sac
You don’t want to go back.
Hit4TheCycle - July 29, 2009
As I understand it there's not much hitting at all in the Sac right now
Keze - July 29, 2009
Whatever Buck Did
Gallagher is probably guilty of the same charge
hishnik - July 29, 2009
The Ellis pop up almost cause a crash on 280, but I don’t thin we can complain too much, everytime you swing 2-0 or 3-0 is not a guarentee a basehit.
I notice when playing boston or New york on the road it always seems like a playoff game. the games seem to take longer. I like it.
Future Ed - July 29, 2009
What the hell was up with Sweeney and Raj colliding in the 8th inning tonight?
It’s my understanding that if you are the CF you are the field general and therefore have authority to call off the RfF in that situation.
I just hate to see that in a game where the A’s are plying so well late in the game and then make a bone headed play to give the other team a little momentum.
Especially at Fenway, where every routine flyball excites the crowd like they have all just won the LOTTERY!
mrod - July 29, 2009
I think the fault rests on Davis.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
I don't have tv
So I didn’t see it. But Ken ko and vince said that davis didn’t call it. I can’t remember if they said sweeney was calling it or not.
Future Ed - July 29, 2009
Sweeney was calling for it
In fact, they had a little talk after the collision, and Sweeney was very clearly telling Raj that he had called for it repeatedly. As I said in the game thread, they didn’t entirely pleased with one another.
On the replay, it looked to me as if Sweeney had settled underneath the ball and Raj ran into him. Perhaps Davis was thinking “I’m the center fielder, it’s my ball if I say it is.” Either way, bonehead play that shouldn’t have happened.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
as much as I like sweeney
and feel like a .270 hitter on our team shouldnt be downplayed (cuz our hitting sucks), he does seem like kind of a dick.
sourstuff - July 30, 2009
It's a testament to his speed
that Rajai was able to get to the ball, but it was clearly in RF. Not that I disapprove of Rajai’s actions, I don’t. He is the CF, so Sweeney should have cleared out. He could have bitched afterwards and then had a foot race to the dugout with Rajai, which he would of course lose.
alox - July 30, 2009
He would have if Davis had called for it
But he did not, there is no way for Sweeny to know Raji was that close short of taking his eye off the ball in the last seconds, (not smart). The error should have gone to Davis.
adragon - July 30, 2009
if rajai is going to do CF things like that,
he needs to call off his corner OFers like a big league CF would
jlanning17 - July 30, 2009
From ESPN wrap
A’s starter Brett Anderson has used his breaking ball to strike out hitters. In at-bats ending with his slurve on Wednesday night, the Red Sox were 1-for-12 with seven strikeouts — the lone hit being Mike Lowell’s homer. This season, 76.9 percent of Anderson’s strikeouts are on breaking balls.
Trainman - July 29, 2009
Brett Anderson loves pitching at Fenway Park.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
I hope he's not thinking of making it his home down the road.
GoA's - July 29, 2009
Ewwwww bad mental image.
Blicks - July 30, 2009
you watching the dodgers right now, TM?
cuppingmaster - July 29, 2009
Yep
Dodgers will need a houdini act here though
Trainman - July 29, 2009
well, that was act one
cuppingmaster - July 29, 2009
Why the hell would U pitch to Albert Pujols with an open base
and two outs?
Trainman - July 29, 2009
i would have taken my chances with holliday
sweeney would have had that one, though ;-)
cuppingmaster - July 29, 2009
I fixed it for you.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
SERIOUSLY
you could smell that one coming
cuppingmaster - July 29, 2009
Yep
Trainman - July 29, 2009
Slurve is a dirty word in baseball circles
I’m pretty certain Brett’s slider and curveball are 2 different pitches.
Joey C. - July 29, 2009
it seems to be used, regardless
when pitchers are young. then, at some point, they graduate into having two pitches for no apparent reason
cuppingmaster - July 29, 2009
That's the way I see it too.
They showed the highlights and that last K looked like a curve
Trainman - July 29, 2009
pitchf/x
MLB Gameday’s pitch f/x data seems to confuse his curveball and slider. He definitely throws a breaking ball in the mid-high 80’s (slider?) with less break on it than a high 70’s breaking ball. Two different pitches, for sure.
speckops - July 30, 2009
I want Justin Upton.
Rated-R Superstar - July 29, 2009
I want my MTV
you know, with actual Videos on it…
Gaijin_Suketto - July 30, 2009
He should be the guy they go after
I would love to have him on this team. The man is a stud!
adragon - July 30, 2009
Could Eckersley have sounded less exited about Kennedy's home run here?
Watch the greatness here
Okay, the man has a point. I’m mostly pissed that his homerism is tainted by those Red Sox years. Where’s the green and gold love Eck?
GoA's - July 29, 2009
ECK
He has given a lot of praise to A’s pitchers in this series. He’s actually had their backs (Mazzaro) when they’ve been getting squeezed.
Colorado Fan - July 30, 2009
from watching way too much NESN
Eck is a bit of a homer for the Red Sox, but it is definitely overshadowed by his sympathy for pitchers. He pretty much always takes the pitcher’s side, regardless of which team said pitcher is on.
I think that, as far as announcer biases go, that’s a pretty acceptable one.
colin - July 30, 2009
Unlike Fosse....
who clearly favors catchers. But not the opposing teams. On the other hand, unless the pitcher does something to make a catcher look silly, Fosse will usually give them props too.
I love me some Fosse and Kuiper. But I can’t hate on Eck, even if he does work for evil empire junior circuit.
alox - July 30, 2009
a bit?
He is the biggest Red Sox cheerleader I’ve ever heard.
streetisclosedin08 - July 30, 2009
by that logic
Ray Fosse should cheer the Indians’ home runs, he had his best seasons in Cleveland.
vk - July 30, 2009
Yeah but he won World Series' in Oakland ;-)
67MARQUEZ - July 30, 2009
Ho Hum
Just another game when I find myself saying, “Thank God we’ve got Rajai Davis at the plate in key situations instead of Kevin Youkilis.”
Nick - July 30, 2009
David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez reportedly on 2003 steroid list
streetisclosedin08 - July 30, 2009
shocker.
mikev - July 30, 2009
Can't they just release all the names at once?
so that we can be done with this?
speckops - July 30, 2009
Those tests were done under the condition of anonymity.
The results are actually under a seal by court order.
pam5981 - July 30, 2009
So who is releasing them?
robbo650 - July 30, 2009
Two lawyers connected to the case.
pam5981 - July 30, 2009
Are they just leaking the Info or showing the actual test results?
robbo650 - July 30, 2009
NY Times article
here
pam5981 - July 30, 2009
Along with the other 23 million who didn't get caught
They just keep dredging this crap up.
Who cares anymore.
More important is who tests positive from here on out.
Trainman - July 30, 2009
When were they outlawed by baseball
robbo650 - July 30, 2009
hahahahahahaha
I love how Barry basically got extradited from the league but guys like Manny and ARod are welcomed back like they were on a humanitarian mission. Albeit Barry was a dickhead to most fans.
robbo650 - July 30, 2009
I'm not sure you realize how much A-rod is hated.
mikev - July 30, 2009
I hate him
But the MSM still love him for the most part
robbo650 - July 30, 2009
It's toooooo early for baseball.
moar cawfeeeeee.
pam5981 - July 30, 2009
and Pamcakes
mmm pamcakes
adragon - July 30, 2009
The line up for today's game is up
1) AK 2B
2) Orca SS
3) Nomar DH, (meh!)
4) Cust RF, (why god why?)
5) Tommy Everest, (because he is built like a mountain)
6) BoCro 3B, (more meh)
7) Davis CF
8) Sweeny LF, (no Hairston again)
9) Powell C
adragon - July 30, 2009
lulz.
That’s not a very good lineup.
mikev - July 30, 2009
WOW
That is a pretty pitiful lineup although i love me some Powell
robbo650 - July 30, 2009
Don't know if you do
Landon Powell is batting RH. That is his weak side.
Trainman - July 30, 2009
nice win again A's
not time for AN today, stupid work!, but I had to give a shout out.
micdog2001 - July 30, 2009
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