There is an old saying in baseball that goes a little like this: Everyone wins 54 games, everyone loses 54 games. It's what you do with those other 54 games that counts.
Now that the A's have reached the obligatory plateau on both sides of the ledger, and have thus run their record to 1-14 in games that "count", what do you, dear reader(s), hope for in these next 39 games?
Are you secretly hoping the A's continue on this pace to maintain their current draft position? Maybe you're eyeing the standings, and thinking, "Third place isn't out of the question." Perhaps you're counting down the days until the September call-ups.
Or maybe you are like me, and you wish to enjoy the last two games for a little while longer. Like Tony La Russa once said, "There are days to pat ‘em on the back, and this is one of them." Yeah, there have been better-played contests, and surely more exciting finishes, and when all is said and done, few will even remember these games (except maybe the Detroit Tigers).
But if you had walked in my shoes the last two months, maybe you'd understand why I am not yet ready to turn the page on what was an exceptional weekend, which began by rubbing elbows with the AN elite, and ended with me and my goddaughter enjoying the serenity that only a Sunday afternoon at the ballyard can bring.
Good thing, too, because Saturday reminded me that I am not getting any younger. But it was my first AN Day, so next year I'll know better. Or not. But what a true pleasure it was to see so many wonderful people, many of whom who were quite complimentary, leaving me, in the words of Rickey, "very, very humbled."
After Saturday's walk-off win put an end to a personal nine-game losing streak at the Coliseum, the pressure was off, for a change. So Sunday was just about baseball, outstanding weather, and family.
And a chance to admire those things that we too often take for granted. Like the ability to hit a tiny ball traveling at a frightening speed to faraway places.
Baseball is that box of chocolates that Forrest once preached about; you never know what you're going to get. One day the starting catcher sends ‘em home a winner with late-game heroics, the next day his back-up throws out a would-be thief, picks off another, and puts the game out of reach with an eighth-inning jimmy jack.
Man, I love this game.
And guess what? There's another one tonight.
5 recs | 77 comments
I want the draft pick
without forsaking sanity and/or taking action to hurt the team in any way in doing so. So, don’t try to throw games. Try to win, but when you lose, do a quiet happy dance instead of the loud happy dance when we win.
DMOAS - August 24, 2009
This is excellente!!!!
rec’d…
MMunoz33 - August 24, 2009
Is it possible to hope that they win out and take the wild card or I guess if they won every remaining game they would probably win the division! LOL...Great piece as usual 67!!
wacchampions - August 24, 2009
I would love to see this team finish at .500
Why couldn’t they play 13 games over .500 from here on out?
This is a different team than we saw from April-July.
Every guy seems to be having fun, look at the change in Sweeney, for one. Sure, he’s not raking or playing any better by the stat sheet, but there is a guy who was made an example of and could have easily just showed some hustle for a few days and gone back to how he usually played. But instead, he’s out there hustling to first on every ground ball, playing with a new energy and looks like he’s having fun doing so.
I don’t hope for a better draft position because I can’t bear the sight of seeing my team lose, regardless of what that could mean for the future, I want to see my Oakland Athletics out there every day, fielding the best combination of 9 guys, winning games, even if the season is lost.
And I cannot wait to see these guys in September, the thought of giving Buck and Cunningham another chance, maybe seeing Cardenas get a shot at a few games, perhaps someone will surprise us, say Carter is given a shot.
Regardless, this team is my team, and I want to see them win every day.
stranahanahan - August 24, 2009
correct me if I'm wrong
but in order to get called up, wouldn’t the player have to be on the 40-man roster?
That would mean that Carter, Cardenas, Wallace(?) wouldn’t be part of any September MLB action. Would the A’s release anybody to make room for them – like say, Crosby?
It would be nice to see Buck get a shot and see what happens.
ChrisCEIT - August 24, 2009
Rule 5 guys come into play
there will be people to protect. The people who need to be protected from other teams will be on the 40 man before people that we as the fan base just want to see in Oakland.
Future Ed - August 24, 2009
haven't kept up here.
Who looks like a rule 5 protectee potentially for the A’s?
ChrisCEIT - August 25, 2009
The A's are 10th from the bottom now
with a few thousanths of percentage points separating the 4 teams around them. They are not getting into the bottom 5. From what I have read the draft class is rich, I am not qualified to comment, so I guess maintaining position in that respect is good.
I just want to see good starts from the 7 guys in the rotation (Maybe not tomko, don’t care) a few good at bats and one more walk off win.
Future Ed - August 24, 2009
I'm actually rooting for Tomko now
I was extremely unexcited to see him come up. But after two good starts, he’s taking on a bit more of a romantic cast in my eyes. You know, the old journeyman who’s always held on but never really made it. Maybe 20 years from now he’ll be looking back at the last two months of the 2009 season as the one time when it all came together, giving him a brief glimpse of what could have been.
Of course, it’s much more likely that he’s going to get shelled by the Angels.
colin - August 24, 2009
He has such a track record that I wouldn't hold my breath
Every good start is a gift to be cherished.
Nico - August 24, 2009
Also, every good start earns him at least another bad one with the organization.
speckops - August 24, 2009
I want to see as little of Crosby as possible
faninphilly - August 24, 2009
You wont
hes on the DL and very unlikely to return next season in an A’s Uniform…
…which is nice.
BleedGreen - August 24, 2009
I want the core group, esp. the pitchers, get used to winning
I don’t want anymore “try the new guy” stuff. It should be all about winning games IMO. Let’s get the Mazzaros, Andersons, etc more wins, maybe winning records. Let’s go into next year with a team that played above .500 ball for the last 35-40 games. I think that is more important than getting Eric Patterson, or even TBuck, a few more ABs. If you can work in the non-25 core roster guys into games, that’s great. But don’t sacrifice wins in order to “evaluate talent”. All IMO.
One won lost won - August 24, 2009
Call me crazy but the point of professional sports is winning.
I want the A’s to try and win as many games as they can and it’s not in me to root for anything but the A’s doing their best and trying to win the game they’re playing that day.
I do agree with faniphilly though as far as seeing as little of "The Cros’ as possible of course this helps the A’s win as well.
sirbed - August 24, 2009
You're Crazy!
Sincerely,
The Washington Generals
GreenNGoldSooner - August 24, 2009
Best response ever!
This Jayhawk has to give it up to you Mr. GreenNGoldSooner.
sirbed - August 24, 2009
A 20-19 record.
A genuine chance for Barton to prove his worth. He is making solid contact, and even though his power may be momentarily elusive he still displays a good eye. I think he may be turning a corner here and could be league average next season…somewhere.
Brett Wallace in an A’s uni. Cardenas as well, though he probably is not nearly as ready.
Mindful handling of the young rotation, with at least a six man rotation after September 1. Give Mazzaro more rest. I am starting to question his suitability as a starter. I have no problem with throwing Tomko in the mix, but I think Simmons deserves a few chances too. Also Mortenson.
The disappearance of Casilla.
The increased spelling of Suzuki by Powell. Seeing Powell make some appearances at DH would be satisfying. This way Powell gets used to hitting regularly and we protect the health of Suzuki, who is arguably our MVP and catches a lot of games.
The continued reemergence of Jack Cust as a team leader and game-changing presence.
The continued stoic certitude of Mark Ellis.
A 9 pitch, 3 K 9th from Bailey at some point.
Let’s go A’s, almost a quarter of a season left!
Axl - August 24, 2009
+1 for Powell
A good DH and he preserves Suzuki’s health for a few games!
streetfan - August 24, 2009
+2
On Powell. It never hurts to have two quality catchers lying around.
I know Giambi is a plus to a generation of fans, but I was glad to see him go. Holliday, too. That’s one trade I don’t make.
Gio is looking quite nice, as well. I’d like to see him develop a third and fourth pitch to solidify the rotation.
LeSaboteur - August 24, 2009
You will not see Wallace in an A's uniform this year
No chance. He does not have to be added to the 40 man roster yet, and won’t be added until he’s called up for good. Next year.
CaliforniaJag - August 25, 2009
I could care less what our draft position is. Look at this draft and the players we got where we were selecting. MLB draft isn’t like the NFL or NBA drafts, it is more of a crapshoot. As it is i want to see Brett Wallace, Sam Demel, Adrian Cardenas and yes even Chris Carter play for the A;s in September. But two things come into play. The A’s organization doesn’t like to take away from AAA Sacramento’s roster, especially during the playoffs. So that’s one major issue. Another is that we would have to release/trade certain players in order add our youngsters to the 40 man roster.
How many of you want to see Nomar Garciaparra, Bobby Crosby and Santiego Casilla play in September? I would rather watch Cardenas, Carter and Demel get a shot.
nocal81(Vincent) - August 24, 2009
+1
I don’t want to see anymore of Casilla, Nomar and def not Crosby. Seriously, at this point we should outright DFA him.
sf drift king - August 24, 2009
I didn't like Nomar...
…when he was with the Cubs. I don’t like him with the A’s either. I will like him when he’s enjoying his retirement with Mia Hamm.
LeSaboteur - August 24, 2009
-1
I don’t want to see Wallace, Cardenas, or Carter added to the 40 man roster yet.
I do think, however, that there is absolutely no justification for Brad Kilby not being in Oakland right now. None.
CaliforniaJag - August 25, 2009
Clayton Mortenson, Henry Rodriguez, Brad Kilby, James Simmons, Grergorio Petit, Aaron Cunningham and Sean Doolittle are also options. Lets see what our young players can do. And let go whatever players don’t fit into our long term plans.
nocal81(Vincent) - August 24, 2009
A Satisfying Weekend at the Ballpark
Fuckin’ A, man.
Fuckin’ A.
mikev - August 24, 2009
Flashfire - August 24, 2009
That's funny Flashfire
I love that movie.
sirbed - August 24, 2009
At least SOMEBODY got it.
mikev - August 24, 2009
Trust me, we know what you'd do with a million dollars
JLaff - August 24, 2009
'cause chicks dig dudes with money.
Oh and I’m up to wearing 37 pieces of flair.
sirbed - August 24, 2009
I have a client in that jail.
He says the trick is, beat someone’s ass the first night you’re there or become someone’s bitch.
travdog6 - August 24, 2009
So it's the same as blogging, then?
Nico - August 24, 2009
Effin’ A, Cotton…effin’ A!
CaliforniaJag - August 25, 2009
Play to Win
I want us to win every series, every day, every inning. I want the young guns to get some rest. I want the future players to get some time at the next level. I want this team to play to win every game. I could care less about our draft position at this point. I’d rather see the A’s win a game when i go to the Coli than lose/not-try-so-hard in an effort to move up the board.
ru155 - August 24, 2009
Well at least
We won’t do any worse than the 1979 A’s.
billyball1981 - August 24, 2009
me too,
but I stopped keeping track of the record. This year it seemed like we’ve been losing the games that I’ve attended, so much so, that I ended up with several ‘dead tickets’ because I didn’t want to go and they end up losing, so Saturday’s game was a nice change of pace for me.
sf drift king - August 24, 2009
So it's all your fault then sf drift king!
I knew it had to be something other then the bad players and the bad manager that was costing this team a trip to the World Series!
sirbed - August 24, 2009
Good grief the A's play the Mariners 10!!!! more times the rest of the season
God I hate the unbalanced schedule. Who in their right mind wants to see the A’s and Mariners play 10 more games this season?
sirbed - August 24, 2009
joe blanton?
Future Ed - August 24, 2009
I always like seeing Ichiro
I was just thinking the other day that, just for the sheer pleasure of watching him bat, I can’t think of anyone I’d more like to see in an A’s uniform. Really one of my absolute favorite non-A’s.
GreenNGoldSooner - August 24, 2009
My Ichiro bobblehead is nodding his head up and down in agreement
Nico - August 24, 2009
Ichiro to the A's is fine by me.
Maybe we can trade Jack Cust for him.
sirbed - August 24, 2009
Ichiro is out tonight.
Strained calf, I think. Day to day.
iglew - August 24, 2009
I wouldn't mind seeing Ichiro...
…in the green n’ gold. No, definitely not. But will he ever leave Seattle, and would the organization be willing to absorb the attendant contract? He’s signed through 2012, and got about a $100-million. He’ll be thirty-seven, and we know how well signing aging All Stars has worked out recently.
LeSaboteur - August 24, 2009
I do.
Speaking of which, where’s the damn game thread? I’ve got TV coverage tonight.
iglew - August 24, 2009
how big does Powell have to be
to obscure cust in that photo?
Future Ed - August 24, 2009
He might get there after lunch
sirbed - August 24, 2009
To Daric: "Talk to the hand, dude"
Nick - August 24, 2009
Eloquently penned, Marquez
rec’d
redtopcowboy - August 24, 2009
I want to see
Jack Cust continue to play like we know he can, and finish the year with good numbers again, throwing off the anti-Custians once and for all.
He is a personal favorite of mine, and I want his career to be as long and successful as possible.
King Richard - August 24, 2009
Hey, person whose identity was just revealed to me by his dad!
Do you have, or know where sits in your house, a DVD copy of Beam Me Up Berkeley? (The most awesome 8th grade movie ever made.)
Nico - August 24, 2009
I want to see
Aaron Cunningham get some daily playing time. I know it probably means benching Sweeney or Hairston or Cust on a regular basis, or even giving up on Buck, but it’s time to see if this guy is any good. He’s clearly ready to be a major leaguer, even if there’s no place for him to play next year.
All the prospect mavens here at AN like the guy, or seem to. The time has gone for him to get a whole bunch of consecutive at bats.
richwol1 - August 24, 2009
I wonder if those ABs need to happen in April, 2010 and not in Sept, 2009
Just on the “don’t fall in love in March or September” premise that suggested Barton would excel in 2008.
Nico - August 24, 2009
I always want my team to win the game
OaklandSi - August 24, 2009
I want to see a top 5 draft pick
I want to see all the rookie starters get shut down.
I want to see Dana Eveland figure out how to pitch in the bigs again.
I want to see Daric Barton get every day PT.
I want to see Bailey get shut down.
I want to see Powell behind the plate at least two days a week.
I want to see Cunningham and Buck get significant PT.
I want to see Rickey play at 51.
All but the last one are realistic.
designatedforassignment - August 24, 2009
I don't think top 5 is realistic
they have to fall pretty far. I am down on Dana, but in this case, he has to be in the major league rotation, like he was last year at this time.
Future Ed - August 24, 2009
Well, I agree with the last one anyway!
iglew - August 24, 2009
Rajai Davis out with a thumb injury tonight:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/athletics/detail?blogid=21&entry_id=46140
pam5981 - August 24, 2009
Crap
That SuSlu update also has tonight’s lineup:
Kennedy 3B
Ellis 2B
Hairston LF
Cust RF
Suzuki C
Sweeney CF
Powell DH
Barton 1B
Pennington SS
Nick - August 24, 2009
I had a snappy comment to post but it eluded
me the second I looked at the just tuned in Giants/Rockies game to zee Zito on ze mound in Coorz field.
ak_A - August 24, 2009
September A's
I’d like to see Eric Patterson as the regular 1st Baseman. Anybody can play first defensively and Patterson is a good enough athlete to do that. My lineup would read:
Davis, CF; Kennedy, 3B; Suzuki, C or DH; Hairston, LF; Sweeney, RF; Ellis, 2B; Pennington, SS; Patterson, 1B; Powell, DH or C.
joselpavon - August 24, 2009
Shirely you can't be serious
BleedGreen - August 24, 2009
I want to see less Sweeney.
More Buckingham.
No more Anderson/Cahill/Mazzaro/anyone that needs rest.
I want to get our opponent down to their final out, with us leading by a good margin. I then want to give up the winning run. So it’s kinda like we won. Cept not really. And we get a better draft pick.
I want Eric Patterson to be given a shot.
I want Daric Barton to play.
I want Jack Cust to stay hot and prove to me (everyone) what kind of player he really is.
travdog6 - August 24, 2009
less stivie nicks
Future Ed - August 24, 2009
you make loving fun.
Leopold Bloom - August 24, 2009
you people have way too much time on your hands.
Leopold Bloom - August 24, 2009
Too much time on hands...
hard to believe such a calamity.
Oh you were TOTALLY expecting that.
BleedGreen - August 24, 2009
I want to see/hear
More naked girls in my room.
Booby C. never in an A’s uni again.
Less opportunities for me to reference Styx in any AN threads.
$5 beers at the Coli.
Less talk about the potential of Buckpattersweenyham.
Landon Powell in the starting 9 every night.
Roy Steele live in 2009.
BleedGreen - August 24, 2009
I'M KILROY!
Leopold Bloom - August 24, 2009
Nice try
BleedGreen - August 24, 2009
I want to win all 39 games,
but I don’t give a damn about the playoffs.
iglew - August 24, 2009
so have we sworn off game threads or...?
Leopold Bloom - August 24, 2009
I want to see a game thread
Preferably before the first pitch.
Englishmajor - August 24, 2009
picky picky
pam5981 - August 24, 2009
I'd like to see the A's...
…win in order to increase my personal record of 3-10, damnit. Going into this series, it was 1-9. I’d also like them to keep playing to win, since I never accepted that the season was over until there were no more games to be played.
Draft picks would be nice, too.
LeSaboteur - August 24, 2009
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