Game 12: Where’s your game thread, dude? ← FREE KRAUT!

Game 12: Where’s your game thread, dude? 109

Just back from the grocery store and no game thread. I blame everyone but myself.

Crisp (CF), Jaso (C), Donaldson (DH), Moss (1B), Cespedes (LF), Callaspo (3B), Reddick (RF), Punto (SS), Sogard (2B), Kazmir (P)

Weird looking lineup for a getaway day game, but I like the pitching matchup. A’s got two hits off Chris Young in the top of the 1st, but couldn’t score.

109 thoughts on “Game 12: Where’s your game thread, dude?

  1. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 1:30 pm

    Kazmir certainly had a nicer first inning than Bartolo (back to back to back HRs, then back to back doubles).

    • colin Apr 13,2014 1:31 pm || Up

      Ouch.

      Everyone saw that gif of Colon shaking his belly fat, right?

  2. colin Apr 13,2014 1:30 pm

    Nice first inning from Kazmir. The Mariners lineup makes me a lot more nervous now that Cano is in there.

    • mikeA Apr 13,2014 2:07 pm || Up

      They should have a decent to good offense this year, but they’re going to struggle against LHPs.

  3. colin Apr 13,2014 1:34 pm

    Proud of Reddick for working a walk, but it’s a little sad that he couldn’t do anything more against a series of 87 mph fastballs.

  4. mother pucker Apr 13,2014 1:40 pm

    I could do without Ken and Vince discussing the virtues of the Princeton offense.

  5. AV Apr 13,2014 1:51 pm

    farmer joe’s was full of people wearing A’s stuff. woo-hoo for early spirit!

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  6. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 1:55 pm

    sigh…do those ever stay fair for us?

  7. mikeA Apr 13,2014 2:04 pm

    That top of the 3rd was incredibly annoying.

  8. andeux Apr 13,2014 2:06 pm

    Kazmir looks great.
    CY looks terrible.
    Too bad we don’t have any runs.

    TINSTAAFK
    • mikeA Apr 13,2014 2:12 pm || Up

      He really looks awful. Just one more chance to score off him now probably…

    • sslinger Apr 13,2014 4:07 pm || Up

      CY looks terrible

      Didn’t we say that a lot last year?

      • 5Aces Apr 13,2014 4:09 pm || Up

        CY25 in Fresno today. 4-4 with a 2B and 2 HRs. In related news, Im really glad I didnt go to the game today.

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  9. AV Apr 13,2014 2:07 pm

    from certain angles, kazmir’s face reminds me of harden’s.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  10. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 2:15 pm

    When Young pitched against the A’s back when he was with the Rangers, this is how I remember most of those starts going.

  11. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 2:24 pm

    oh christ

  12. andeux Apr 13,2014 2:27 pm

    A’s runs pls.

    TINSTAAFK
  13. mikeA Apr 13,2014 2:38 pm

    This is enraging…

    • AV Apr 13,2014 2:43 pm || Up

      how is a mid-80s fastball so hard to nail? they don’t look like there’s movement on them…

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 2:47 pm || Up

        His height definitely affects it…looks like it’s really hard to get on top of those pitches. This park is perfect for him.

  14. andeux Apr 13,2014 2:42 pm

    Rangers beat Astros 1-0 Friday on a Kz run.
    And then 1-0 again today on a Donnie Murphy RBI.

    TINSTAAFK
  15. mikeA Apr 13,2014 2:49 pm

    Ok that makes me feel a little better.

  16. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 2:49 pm

    If that had gone out, I would have thrown a chair.

  17. nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:00 pm

    Kaz coming out with less than 80 pitches? Hope he isn’t broken.

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
    • mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:00 pm || Up

      He is broken.

      • AV Apr 13,2014 3:04 pm || Up

        he looks kinda casual in the dugout for a broken guy.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:05 pm || Up

          He was looking glum earlier, Melvin looks very unhappy.

  18. andeux Apr 13,2014 3:03 pm

    Definitely infuriating.

    TINSTAAFK
  19. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 3:03 pm

    Score some fking runs…

  20. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:04 pm

    Looks like a chose the wrong day to not give up on baseball forever.

  21. andeux Apr 13,2014 3:05 pm


    But is it Avery bad?

    TINSTAAFK
  22. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:09 pm

    I don’t like one batter appearances in a tie game.

  23. AV Apr 13,2014 3:12 pm

    oh cespy.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  24. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:20 pm

    Lowrie has 14 BBs, 50 last year.

  25. DFA Apr 13,2014 3:20 pm

    what is going on with these substitutions

    In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor
  26. nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:21 pm

    So should I light candles for Kazmir’s left arm yet? They aren’t saying much :(

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  27. andeux Apr 13,2014 3:24 pm

    Ah Cespy.

    TINSTAAFK
  28. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 3:24 pm

    finally

    • AV Apr 13,2014 3:24 pm || Up

      ¡por fin!

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  29. AV Apr 13,2014 3:24 pm

    cespy!!!!

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  30. DFA Apr 13,2014 3:24 pm

    ooooh yeah

    In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor
  31. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:24 pm

    Well that was good. I was just getting annoyed about him sucking…

  32. AV Apr 13,2014 3:26 pm

    wait. was he getting a talking to in the dugout?

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  33. nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:32 pm

    Who’s the Cuban Missile Crisis that’s a Home Run Derby champ to all the chicks?
    YO!
    (right onnnnn)

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  34. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 3:38 pm

    Gregerson did well but I don’t like pulling Otero after 5 pitches…if things get ugly in the ninth for Doolittle, we’re left with JJ and Pomeranz.

    • dmoas Apr 13,2014 3:49 pm || Up

      And Cook.

      • lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 3:50 pm || Up

        Oh right, I keep forgetting about him.

        • dmoas Apr 13,2014 3:50 pm || Up

          So does Melvin.

          • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:53 pm || Up

            wait’ll O’Flaherty shows up, what an embarrassment of riches the ‘pen is.

            Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  35. AV Apr 13,2014 3:45 pm

    joshua! dang.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  36. nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:47 pm

    wow, looks like rain :D

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  37. andeux Apr 13,2014 3:49 pm

    Nice play by LNP.

    TINSTAAFK
    • mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:50 pm || Up

      And Barton! Callaspo’s attempt was pretty funny.

  38. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 3:53 pm

    Cano is so annoyingly good.

    • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:54 pm || Up

      he is the most Globetrotter-like baseball player, makes it look frighteningly easy

      Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  39. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:53 pm

    I think it would make sense to try Johnson as a starter if this is bad with Kazmir.

    • lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 3:55 pm || Up

      Huh, I was just thinking this the other day…

  40. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:54 pm

    First two effective sliders of the year for Doolittle…

  41. nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 3:55 pm

    and THAT’S YOUR BALLGAME!!!!!!

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  42. mikeA Apr 13,2014 3:58 pm

    Let’s see Prieto take a shot at interpreting a Fosse question.

    • 5Aces Apr 13,2014 4:00 pm || Up

      He said “see the ball…hit the ball.”

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  43. nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 4:03 pm

    Dear Flying Spaghetti Monster,

    I know I haven’t been praying much lately (as in, the last 47 years) and I apologize for all the miniature shells and elbow macaroni I’ve been eating… it just goes well with capers and anchovies and you know how I do adore a good putanesca.

    But all these transgressions notwithstanding, can you please let Scott Kazmir’s left arm stay attached until they hand Billy Beane the trophy at the end of October? I promise I’ll stop the gratuitous pasta consumption and only top my noodles with red sauce and sublime, parmesan-infused vinaigrettes and cream sauces… the lazy, lackluster soy sauce days are over, I swear.

    Thanks in advance FSM,

    Josh.

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  44. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 4:10 pm

    WE’RE ALL GOING TO LIVE?!

    • mikeA Apr 13,2014 4:11 pm || Up

      Still worried, but “triceps” definitely seems like one of the least terrible arm words.

    • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 4:12 pm || Up

      they need to be super cautious and err on the side of limiting his innings, especially early here. The ‘pen is so filthy (JJ notwithstanding) anyway, just balance it so they aren’t gassed by September and we’re cool, I think.

      Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
      • lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 4:15 pm || Up

        They can should skip his next start against the Astros.

        Triceps is the same issue he had in the spring…I don’t think it’s as serious as a forearm issue but I agree with erring on the side of caution since it looks like a reoccuring thing.

        • dmoas Apr 13,2014 4:55 pm || Up

          As long as the BP isn’t overworked, I’d limit him to 80 pitches a game or so, only going to 90+ if the bullpen is burnt.

  45. andeux Apr 13,2014 4:22 pm

    Also, Coco hamstring tightness.

    TINSTAAFK
  46. lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 4:27 pm

    Brett Anderson: broken finger, out for a month

    • 5Aces Apr 13,2014 4:33 pm || Up

      “a month”. So he will be back in late July you think?

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • lenscrafters Apr 13,2014 4:35 pm || Up

        It’ll be just like picking up an ace at the deadline.

        • 5Aces Apr 13,2014 5:16 pm || Up

          I think I actually have PTSD from that line. I am already picturing the rest of his season, including the shaky rehab start, the 10 days he gets shut down, and Rockies blogs deciding if they should put him in the pen…

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 5:24 pm || Up

      and just when a tenth straight year of 200+ IP, his 300th win and the Gold Glove were in sight :(

      Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  47. FreeSeatUpgrade Apr 13,2014 5:13 pm

    OK, the taxes are done, when does the A’s game start?

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • AV Apr 13,2014 5:16 pm || Up

      they filed an extension till tomorrow.

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  48. AV Apr 13,2014 5:16 pm

    beltre DL’d tll 4/25. A’s greet them 4/21–4/23.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  49. Future Ed Apr 13,2014 5:57 pm

    Barton with the game winning run.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • andeux Apr 13,2014 6:05 pm || Up

      I call, and raise:
      2-4 when Barton starts
      6-0 when Barton does not start.

      TINSTAAFK
    • AV Apr 13,2014 6:08 pm || Up

      so, we’ll go to the twins’ house, we’ll give them their anniversary gifts, and then we’ll apologize for trashing their house, and then we get our special treats.

      dude…

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • AV Apr 13,2014 8:54 pm || Up

        ha!

        where’s my comment??

        (it wasn’t supposed to be a reply.)

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • Soaker Apr 13,2014 7:25 pm || Up

      Is Barton thought to be a better baserunner than Lowrie? Obviously Barton was coming into the game, but I didn’t understand the pinch-running move, unless Lowrie has an undisclosed ouchie.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Future Ed Apr 13,2014 7:33 pm || Up

        even as a barton supporter I have to snorf at your question

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 7:59 pm || Up

        the thinking there is that DB is coming into the game for defense (and I use that term loosely), so you’re not burning another bench player in a tight game pinch running for someone because Barton is coming in anyway in the next half inning.

        Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
        • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 8:00 pm || Up

          I think Melvin wanted Punto at short for the 9th too, and dude did make a decent play in the bottom of the 9th.

          Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
          • Future Ed Apr 13,2014 8:03 pm || Up

            well. lowrie was already burned, so unless barton is better at running the bases, why put him in then? Thus the question about his health from soaker.

            and Moss is not a good firstbaseperson, no matter what you think about Barton, he is a better defender.

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
            • dmoas Apr 13,2014 8:41 pm || Up

              Likely just trying to give him the time off. He did take that shot to the knee last week.

            • Soaker Apr 14,2014 9:01 am || Up

              My issue was, why remove Lowrie from the game before you have to if there’s no advantage gained? By leaving Lowrie in through the end of the inning he would be available to play defensively if another infielder happened to be injured during that half-inning while batting or running the bases. It seems trivial right up until the time it actually happens. Billy Burns pinch-running for Lowrie in a scoreless game, now that’s gaining an advantage, but Barton for Lowrie, that substitution can wait until the bottom half of the inning.

              What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  50. Future Ed Apr 13,2014 6:36 pm

    hopefully, this outing will convince the mariners to stick with chris young for longer

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  51. Future Ed Apr 13,2014 7:17 pm

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • James V. Apr 13,2014 7:42 pm || Up

      • nobody in particular Apr 13,2014 7:56 pm || Up

        Ladies and Gentlemen, meet your new Little Debbie spokesman

        Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
        • AV Apr 14,2014 9:35 am || Up

          (albany’s own) lil debbie has a treat for you.

          *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • sslinger Apr 14,2014 9:48 am || Up

            That needs some kind of a warning, I’m just not sure what.

            • AV Apr 14,2014 10:54 am || Up

              [youtube vid of girl rapper spittin’ ’bout da purp and gettin’ baked!] [also, NSF celiacs.]

              *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • Future Ed Apr 13,2014 7:58 pm || Up

        So I guess the 06 rotation reunion lunch can happen during the baseball season

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • andeux Apr 14,2014 10:09 am || Up

      Two pieces of Blanton trivia from the BTF thread on this:
      1) His World Series HR was the only extra-base hit of his career (256 regular season plate appearances).
      2) For his career he has 18.9 fWAR but only 9.6 bWAR. Unlucky.

      TINSTAAFK
  52. James V. Apr 13,2014 8:53 pm

  53. James V. Apr 13,2014 9:28 pm

    From the CBS Sportsline recap. Melvin mentions the same thing I brought up about double plays:

    Seattle manager Lloyd McClendon isn’t sure about Major League Baseball’s expanded replay format. “I’m really worried about where we’re heading with replays, the effect it’s having on the game, the effect it’s having on the fans,” McClendon said. “It’s confusing.” McClendon is concerned about the outfield transfer rule, when umpires look to be sure fielders successfully switch the ball from the glove to their hands. The Mariners already have had three such plays this season, with mixed results. “It was made for the play at second, on the double-play ball,” Melvin said. “I don’t think anyone thought it would come into play in the outfield as you’re seeing right now.” Both managers have had to talk to their players to be certain that runners go against their instincts and watch the umpires, not the play, in order to advance or hold. “I think the players are struggling more than the managers,” McClendon said. “Initially, I thought I’d be a fan of it. But I’m not so sure now.”

    • dmoas Apr 13,2014 9:34 pm || Up

      Imagine an infielder catches a line drive and then shoves it to a teammate for a double play, only the ball hits the ground. Is it a drop?

  54. Thunderbutt Apr 14,2014 7:20 pm

    Time for a sequel – where’s your game thread II.

    There is always a score.
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Apr 14,2014 7:24 pm || Up

      In this one Bernie’s already dead and they learn how to make his corpse dance.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Thunderbutt Apr 14,2014 7:30 pm || Up

        They give him a cortisone shot but it doesn’t seem to make any difference.

        There is always a score.
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Apr 14,2014 7:33 pm || Up

          While keeping Bernie available for surprise pinch-hitting assignment before putting him on the DL.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."

Leave a Reply