Game 98: FKing NRAF Day ← FREE KRAUT!

Game 98: FKing NRAF Day 426

A game thread for those of us who aren’t at the FK suite day.

Coco, Jaso, Ces, Moss, Donaldson, Vogt, Lowrie, Gentry, Sogard (getting one last chance to stick before Reddick comes back on Tues)

vs

Markakis, Pearce, Jones, Cruz, Davis, Hardy, Machado, Flaherty, Joseph

SP: Gray vs Gausman

426 thoughts on “Game 98: FKing NRAF Day

  1. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 1:07 pm

    slegnAwatch: M’s up 3-0 in the first.

    • mother pucker Jul 20,2014 1:08 pm || Up

      Make that a very ethereal 3-1.

    • mother pucker Jul 20,2014 1:11 pm || Up

      Related to the Slegna run, Calhoun had a wRC+ of 139 heading into today.

      • lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 1:16 pm || Up

        Yup, for all the talk of the slegnA’s poor farm system, they’ve gotten infuriatingly good performances from home grown guys like Shoemaker, Kalhoun, and Cron.

  2. Jennifer Jul 20,2014 1:08 pm

    YAY for the us, the cool kids.

  3. doctorK Jul 20,2014 1:10 pm

    NRAF + FKers-too-lazy-to-go-to-the-game day

    Also, yay, we got the leadoff guy out.

  4. Jennifer Jul 20,2014 1:12 pm

    Did Vogt just check his pulse?

  5. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 1:18 pm

    Wow they’re even shifting for Coco now.

  6. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 1:20 pm

    Awesome!

  7. doctorK Jul 20,2014 1:20 pm

    JINGLEHEIMER

  8. Jennifer Jul 20,2014 1:21 pm

    Catcher runs!

  9. Jennifer Jul 20,2014 1:22 pm

    Jaso completely ignored the fan in the background telling him to slide.

  10. Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 20,2014 1:26 pm

    OK, I’ll take a series win.

  11. MikeV Jul 20,2014 1:30 pm

    Internet is broken. Only about half the sites I normally go to are working. Guessing the ISP is having some sort of DNS issues.

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

  12. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 1:33 pm

    Orioles have crappy catchers but great infielders. We have great catchers but crappy infielders. Vogt for Hardy?

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 1:36 pm || Up

      How bout jingleheimer? I have a fondness for Vogt and I think he is the best defensive one of the 3.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • dmoas Jul 20,2014 1:45 pm || Up

      Pass. I like the way three are being used. I kind of see that as a downgrade/wash.

  13. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 1:36 pm

    A former co-worker of mine headed up to the game today. For some reason he is an O’s fan. I really don’t want to hear his rap so let’s repeat the first 8 more times, k?

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:33 pm || Up

      I just apologized to him on FB and told him that at least its great weather, ballpark food, etc… :-)

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:41 pm || Up

        Tell him we hope his team starts a 10-game winning streak tomorrow.

  14. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 1:37 pm

    B2B homers. 3-3 in socal

  15. Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 20,2014 1:45 pm

    You see, Nick Punto? That’s what a base hit looks like.

  16. Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 20,2014 1:47 pm

    Strike zone is abzurdly low.

  17. doctorK Jul 20,2014 1:48 pm

    Coco’s helmet has eyebrows.

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 1:54 pm || Up

      I think its actually a mustache.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • Jennifer Jul 20,2014 2:26 pm || Up

        Poop stain. Trust me, I’m a professional.

  18. Soaker Jul 20,2014 1:58 pm

    Boy, we have a nasty storm moving in. Which is a particular concern because there are thousands of people out on the golf course a mile from here. I heard the horn but it’s going to take a while to get everybody to safety.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Soaker Jul 20,2014 2:59 pm || Up

      DirecTV has succumbed, which rarely happens. This is probably the ugliest weather situation I’ve seen (non-blizzard category) in 5 years of living at Tahoe.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:04 pm || Up

        Not good. I hope the golfers and boaters took cover.

        • Soaker Jul 20,2014 4:00 pm || Up

          My outdoor thermometer showed 82 about the time this game started. Right now it’s 54, with steady rain. Wherever the golf tournament was when they blew the horn, I’d guess that’s where it ends.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • Soaker Jul 20,2014 9:47 pm || Up

            And I would also say that you really appreciate electricity when you have to live without it for 5 hours >:-(

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  19. Soaker Jul 20,2014 2:08 pm

    Heh heh. 1…2…3.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  20. doctorK Jul 20,2014 2:09 pm

    LOL Jones

  21. mother pucker Jul 20,2014 2:11 pm

    Donaldson’s season is sadly becoming reminiscent of Reddick’s 2012 campaign.

  22. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 2:11 pm

    Love that Buck’s teams keep their heads in the game, right?

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  23. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 2:22 pm

    With a dunk and a bleeder, Sogard just bought himself another two weeks.

    • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 20,2014 2:28 pm || Up

      Let’s just hope he also bought Nick Punto a ticket the fuck out of here.

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 2:34 pm || Up

      #faceoftheMendozaline

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  24. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 2:37 pm

    I am more nervous than I should be with a 4 run lead.

  25. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 2:41 pm

    It would help if the A’s could get Hardy out once in a while.

  26. mother pucker Jul 20,2014 2:43 pm

    Mariners take 4-3 lead.

    • andeux Jul 20,2014 2:47 pm || Up

      5-3. Skaggs exits.

      TINSTAAFK
      • mikeA Jul 20,2014 3:12 pm || Up

        If you are left handed and give up five runs to the Mariners with Cano out of the lineup, you might just suck.

  27. doctorK Jul 20,2014 2:44 pm

    Machado about nothing in that plate appearance.

  28. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 2:50 pm

    I was worrying that if Gray took a no-no into the late innings they would keep him in even if his pitch count went too high. At least that is over.

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • dmoas Jul 20,2014 2:56 pm || Up

      I was worrying that Vogt finally pumpkined out. At least that is over.

  29. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 2:56 pm

    Now that I think about it, we should probably just keep all our catchers forever.

  30. doctorK Jul 20,2014 2:56 pm

    I BELIEVE IN STEPHEN VOGT

  31. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 2:57 pm

    IBISV

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  32. doctorK Jul 20,2014 2:58 pm
    • batgirl Jul 20,2014 4:12 pm || Up

      OMG he pitches for the Yankees now!! He’s finally made it to a *real* team!! It must be so thrilling!! To don the pinstripes!! And earn a win!!

  33. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:00 pm

    Damnit, poor Craig.

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:02 pm || Up

      MI curse to strike again?

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:03 pm || Up

        You just can’t fking get rid of em.

  34. mother pucker Jul 20,2014 3:02 pm

    The Orioles have “Tom Clancy” stitched in their right arm sleeve?

  35. Jennifer Jul 20,2014 3:02 pm

    I feel like he’s hurt.

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:05 pm || Up

      He needs a nurse. How quick can you get out here?

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:12 pm || Up

      He looks like he has shin splints. Not bad enough that you can’t play, but hurts like hell whenever there’s sprinting involved.

      • dmoas Jul 20,2014 3:21 pm || Up

        I know that feeling. But when I get them I’m toast.

        • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:22 pm || Up

          I call it anything other than a brisk walk.

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:22 pm || Up

        Had em. Hate em. He needs to switch from metal spikes to turf style cleats.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

  36. MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:04 pm

    Internet works again. You can all rest easy.

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

  37. mikeA Jul 20,2014 3:18 pm

    I have a feeling extra innings are coming in Anaheim.

  38. Soaker Jul 20,2014 3:19 pm

    Ken with a Whoops moment there.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Soaker Jul 20,2014 3:21 pm || Up

      This whole visit to the bases looks like a Whoops moment for Cespedes.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • mikeA Jul 20,2014 3:22 pm || Up

        I was surprised he ran hard enough out of the box to get a double.

        • dmoas Jul 20,2014 3:29 pm || Up

          Me too. I hope the moment they cut away he immediately released his mistake and hauled ass. They didn’t actually show how he got there.

  39. Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 20,2014 3:22 pm

    So Jaso: TOOTBLAN or TOOTBBOAN (Thrown out on the basepaths because of a nincompoop)? Should he have just been going?

    • Soaker Jul 20,2014 3:23 pm || Up

      With no outs you have to hold. Cespedes was the one who screwed up.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • mikeA Jul 20,2014 3:25 pm || Up

        The infield was playing back, and it makes more sense to go with 2nd and 3rd than just 3rd. Reasonable for Cespedes to assume he would run on any ball to 2B, but he still should have looked. Jaso screwed up more I’d say.

    • mikeA Jul 20,2014 3:23 pm || Up

      Jaso should have been going, but Cespedes should have noticed that he wasn’t.

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:25 pm || Up

      I wonder how much “playing the fame the right way” is involved. I would have said go on contact, but we were also up 6 in the 6th inning with good hitters up. End of day I guess we are fortunate to be abke to have an issue like this.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  40. Jennifer Jul 20,2014 3:23 pm

    ALL OF THE RUNS

    • MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:26 pm || Up

      TOO MUCH FIBER

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

  41. doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:28 pm

    Kitten Face!

  42. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:30 pm

    Whew…Kalhoun almost gave them the lead.

    • mikeA Jul 20,2014 3:31 pm || Up

      I thought that was out, he probably hit it 395.

    • doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:34 pm || Up

      Rodney just has to get Trout, Pujols, and Hamilton in the 9th. If he is successful, he deserves to do his FKing arrow thing.

      • MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:36 pm || Up

        No, no he doesn’t. Ever. Fuck that stupid ass “celebration”

        and put your goddamn hat on straight

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

        • dmoas Jul 20,2014 3:38 pm || Up

          If I were to hit a home run off of him. I’d stop at home plate and shoot an arrow at him.

        • doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:42 pm || Up

          He’s a douche, but at least for today he can be our surrogate douche.

          But yeah, FK him and his hat.

          • doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:47 pm || Up

            And now he failed, so fuck him with a cactus.

  43. dmoas Jul 20,2014 3:33 pm

    And the moment they mention the No Hitter, it’s gone. Thought at 117 pitches it wasn’t going to happen anyway.

  44. MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:34 pm

    I’m curious about the thread title. Are we picking NRAFs to FK, or is there a lottery drawing, or what?

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • dmoas Jul 20,2014 3:37 pm || Up

      Being it’s an auction for charity? And if so, what charity?

    • lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:37 pm || Up

      Yes.

      Though honestly, it was just my lazy play on the “FKing suite day” thread title.

    • Jennifer Jul 20,2014 3:49 pm || Up

      (grabs popcorn)

      • MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:53 pm || Up

        that ain’t popcorn

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

  45. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:34 pm

    Print. Sandwich!

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  46. MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:36 pm

    Someone tell Lowrie that was Cruz running and not someone who can actually run

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

  47. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:39 pm

    Is this lead safe enough for an inning of TJJRCoC (the jim johnson roller coaster of crap)?

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • Soaker Jul 20,2014 3:43 pm || Up

      Billy seems unwilling to dump him, but sorry, it’s time to boo his ass out of town.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:44 pm || Up

      He was brought in during the 9th inning of Jesus’ Puppy’s last game, and could only get one out.

  48. bear88 Jul 20,2014 3:44 pm

    Melvin should have gotten Gray out earlier.

    Trout walked to the start the Angels’ 9th.

  49. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:46 pm

    Of course.

  50. bear88 Jul 20,2014 3:47 pm

    Pujols doubles. Tie game. Runner on second with nobody out.

    • nevermoor Jul 20,2014 10:15 pm || Up

      And the Angels did the arrow thing. Which, imo, is a fair trade.

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  51. MikeV Jul 20,2014 3:47 pm

    CAN WE PLEASE FUCKING GET RID OF SOGARD

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • 5Aces Jul 20,2014 3:48 pm || Up

      He could have fallen on his ass and still thrown the runner out at first. Jesus

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  52. Soaker Jul 20,2014 3:48 pm

    Sogard may not hit at all, but at least he brings the steady defensive play to the game.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  53. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:49 pm

    Fuck the Mariners so much.

  54. doctorK Jul 20,2014 3:50 pm

    Pujols shot an arrow after tying the score.

    • bear88 Jul 20,2014 4:04 pm || Up

      According to Kuiper, Trout did it too.

      • doctorK Jul 20,2014 4:06 pm || Up

        After the walkoff, the entire team should’ve gathered at the plate and done a collective arrow shoot.

        • dmoas Jul 20,2014 4:07 pm || Up

          That would have been epic. And well deserved.

  55. bear88 Jul 20,2014 3:51 pm

    slegnA about to win.

  56. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:51 pm

    LOL Freese is so terrible.

  57. Jonathan Livingston Smeagol Jul 20,2014 3:55 pm

    Damn it, M’s.

    I'm a lady.
  58. lenscrafters Jul 20,2014 3:55 pm

    And the A’s get hurt by an ex A again.

  59. bear88 Jul 20,2014 3:55 pm

    Oh, well. Grant Green wins it.

  60. 5Aces Jul 20,2014 4:23 pm

    Victory! Bring on the state of TX!

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  61. James V. Jul 20,2014 5:02 pm

    Keep winning series, A’s.

    As unhappy as I am at the Angels winning, a part of me likes that Trout and Pujols gave that stupid bow and arrow right back to Rodney after he did it to them after the 8th inning.

  62. nowBodhi Jul 20,2014 5:14 pm

    From today’s I Am Just Saying department:
    The Oakland Athletics’ team ERA stands at 3.14.
    That’s right.
    It’s Pi Ï€

    Never suck on a Blow Pop with the microphone open.
  63. Glorious Mundy Jul 20,2014 6:04 pm

    The Marlins PxP guy calls Casey McGehee “Hits McGee.” That’s amusing.

  64. James V. Jul 20,2014 9:16 pm

    Heh.

    • MikeV Jul 20,2014 9:18 pm || Up

      Good for him. He was HBP earlier in the game.

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

  65. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:55 am

    A fine day. low stress. Many Sogard and punto jokes.

    i even got the hang of ingress and egress to that particular bank of suits. Thanks to nm for organizing and everyone handling my screaming stomping childrens.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • nevermoor Jul 21,2014 9:06 am || Up

      Not as good as the pie outcome in FKing year 1, but this is my second favorite kind of game.

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
    • AV Jul 21,2014 9:17 am || Up

      i was touched milo wanted me to run the bases with him. though probably i was merely the nearest adult when he chose to say that.

      and thanks to FSU for bringing the sandwich printer.

      the rest of you just got in the way of my 8th inning nap and then you let the angels win on TV, so phooey to you.

      just kidding. i took my nap as soon as i got home and i ended up dreaming about all of us watching the game together anyway.

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • Englishmajor Jul 21,2014 6:12 pm || Up

      I managed to forget that yesterday was FK Suite Day until I read the title of this post. Even after running into all of you coming out of the suite entrance after the game.

      • nevermoor Jul 22,2014 8:39 am || Up

        I was wondering what happened. Glad to hear it was only that.

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  66. James V. Jul 21,2014 9:12 am

    No takebacks.

    • nevermoor Jul 21,2014 9:40 am || Up

      Bummer

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:04 am || Up

        Im really questioning at this point if there is anyway to trade him-even if we pick up the contract.

        The worst part is that the only way to increase his value is to pitch him and have him be successsful, but every time he pitches he does worse.

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
        • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 10:06 am || Up

          Set the contract on fire and collect the insurance money.

          • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:09 am || Up

            I know some people who know some people…

            (calls sticky Steve)

            Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  67. 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:09 am

    Cant get to Twitter on work lappy, but we are targeting Nick Franklin. Besides the obvious not wanting to trade in division, do we want that? I dont feel like we do.

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • dmoas Jul 21,2014 10:23 am || Up

      I’d rather have Utley’s awful contract and I don’t want his awful contract. Actually, I’d like the money from it to go into my personal bank account, but just not being paid for by the A’s.

      • MikeV Jul 21,2014 10:32 am || Up

        I’d settle for the optional money from Utley’s contract. I’m not greedy.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

    • andeux Jul 21,2014 10:25 am || Up

      Yes if it costs Jim Johnson, No if it costs Daniel Robertson, i.e. I don’t really know.

      It’s an intriguing idea: rather than trying to fill the hole with a proven veteran like Zobrist or Utley, go after someone young. The downside is he may end up being no better this year than what we already have, the upside is he could be a longer term solution, partially making up for the loss of Russell. Also doesn’t add payroll which regardless of what management says is probably a consideration.

      TINSTAAFK
      • vignette17 Jul 21,2014 11:27 am || Up

        What about Milone/Hammel for Franklin?

        • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 11:31 am || Up

          We could add in Johnson too if theyd like. And Punto.

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
          • Kay Temple Kirk Jul 21,2014 2:28 pm || Up

            I like this. Franklin’s an A’s kind of player and the Mariners are probably passively aggressively trying to browbeat the plate discipline out of him.

            It could be a win/win if the pieces fit and we don’t give up Robertson.

            \"Weren\'t you already aware the Kay is already writing everyone\'s story? We\'re all just characters who believe we are real. Things make more sense now, don\'t they. Be honest.\"- DMOAS
        • mikeA Jul 21,2014 11:42 am || Up

          I’d do that.

        • colin Jul 22,2014 5:27 am || Up

          Does your slash mean ‘and’ or ‘or’?

          • AV Jul 22,2014 9:04 am || Up
            *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
    • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 11:53 am || Up

      Franklin sets off all sorts of warning bells.

      I don’t like players who get worse when repeating levels, and he certainly seems to be getting worse and worse. I’m sure a lot of it is the M’s dicking him around, but I’m concerned about how he became a guy with excellent plate discipline and contact skills in the minors last year to a guy who became more and more hacktastic as he struggled in the majors. I would not be surprised if the Mariners coaching staff tried to get him to swing at more pitches so he can hit for more power or if he simply can’t adapt to major league pitching. Whatever the reason, he’s not an obvious upgrade at 2nd this year (which is the most important thing IMO), and he’s not someone you’d want to pay a premium for.

      • mikeA Jul 21,2014 1:30 pm || Up

        I don’t see any of that. The sample sizes are not big enough for it to be meaningful to say he got worse repeating levels, or that he’s getting worse and worse. He doesn’t figure to make too big of an impact this year, but if we counted him as a prospect, I would rank him as easily the #1 prospect in our system.

        • MikeV Jul 21,2014 1:42 pm || Up

          Pretty much this. I’d be OK adding him as a potential Lowrie replacement or something, but I don’t think he’s the last piece of the puzzle in a Win Now season.

          And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

          Thanks, and go As.

          • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 2:23 pm || Up

            He can’t replace Lowrie because he can’t play shortstop.

            • MikeV Jul 21,2014 2:27 pm || Up

              Neither can Lowrie, really.

              And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

              Thanks, and go As.

              • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 2:31 pm || Up

                No. For his career, Lowrie has basically a 0 UZR/150 at short, which means he’s exactly average.

                There’s a huge difference between someone who’s proven that he’s major league average at SS and a prospect who most people agree can’t stick at short in the big leagues.

                • MikeV Jul 21,2014 2:38 pm || Up

                  Did Frankly recently switch to 2B full time? He’s got like 100 more games at SS than 2B in the minors.

                  And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

                  Thanks, and go As.

                • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 3:00 pm || Up

                  Teams generally keep their prospects at the most valuable position possible until they absolutely have to move them. Kinda like how Michael Choice was mostly a centerfielder in the minors.

        • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 2:22 pm || Up

          Well ok, the sample size is never going to be “meaningful” in any respect when judging minor league players because they spend so little time at each level if they’re remotely interesting. If we look at his entirety of AAA/MLB play, it’s still not a big sample (1.5 years of full season AAA, and <1 year of MLB play). More importantly, he's been bad enough in those samples to give reasonable doubt to his abilities.

          As for whether he's getting worse, sure it's a judgment call like most things with prospects. Personally I just find myself tiring of prospects who fail spectacularly in the majors even if the sample is tiny. Striking out 21 times in 52 PAs in the majors this year is indeed failing spectacularly, especially if he's already had nearly 400 major league plate appearances the year before. After being sent down for the latest time, he's hit poorly while continuing to strike out a ton. He reminds me of Danny Espinosa without the defensive value.

          In any case, my stance on Franklin is 1) no, if the cost is Milone/Pomeranz or Streich/Robertson/Nunez and 2) definite no, as the starting 2B for the rest of this season. Otherwise sure, acquire him.

          • nevermoor Jul 21,2014 2:27 pm || Up

            Danny Espinosa without the defensive value and injury that could conceivably heal.

            #EspinosaFanClub

            "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  68. Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 10:26 am

    9 games against the Texans followed be a 9-game homie against KC, TB, and Min. 14 wins too much to ask?

    • James V. Jul 21,2014 10:29 am || Up

      Let’s just keep winning series, hopefully with a sweep here and there.

      • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 10:33 am || Up

        That gets you to 14, so we’re in agreement.

    • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:29 am || Up

      I’m hoping for a 13 game winning streak by the O’s so 14-4 would be fine.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • dmoas Jul 21,2014 10:55 am || Up

      Meanwhile, the Angels get 6 against the O’s and 4 against the Tiggers.

  69. Jennifer Jul 21,2014 10:39 am

    THERE IS NO GAME TODAY?! [throws chair]

    • MikeV Jul 21,2014 10:44 am || Up

      And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

      Thanks, and go As.

      • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 10:50 am || Up

        Exactly. You get me.

        • dmoas Jul 21,2014 10:57 am || Up

          Seriously. WTF kind of scheduling is that? We just HAD 4 days off.

          • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:58 am || Up

            You need more time off in perfect weather so that you can play like 10 in a row in places like NY and FL with 300% humidity…

            Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  70. MikeV Jul 21,2014 10:43 am

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • dmoas Jul 21,2014 10:56 am || Up

      That guy’s going to look Uggla in a Giants uniform.

    • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:57 am || Up

      Do they DFA Marco? Do we take a flier on an old injured friend?

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • MikeV Jul 21,2014 11:01 am || Up

        Scutaro is done. His back is wrecked.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

        • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 1:18 pm || Up

          Didn’t they just activate him? Anyway, speaking of wrecked backs, Angel Pagan seems like Mark Kotsay Part II.

          • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 1:20 pm || Up

            They did and he started yesterday. But that of course doesn’t mean he should be the everyday starting 2B for a title contender. But it also doesnt mean he is or isnt better than Erck Pugard.

            Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 1:14 pm || Up

      Some excellent .gifs in the comments at Grant’s place.

      • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 1:27 pm || Up
        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
        • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 1:50 pm || Up

          Which one?

          • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 1:53 pm || Up

            It should have linked to it, but it was a reference to a unicorn. (Although it was Zito on it which is just silly)

            Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
            • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 2:03 pm || Up

              My screen makes SBN sites look weird and the comment was down on the screen.

              • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 2:19 pm || Up

                I believe that is an issue called SBN sucks. There is a cure but I believe you have already started that course of treatment-avoid SBN sites.

                Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • MikeV Jul 21,2014 1:31 pm || Up

        well this is fantastic.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

        • doctorK Jul 21,2014 1:57 pm || Up

          LAWNDART (Revison 2):

          • dmoas Jul 21,2014 2:05 pm || Up

            I’ve looked at that so many times and I still can’t grasp how that happens.

            • AV Jul 21,2014 2:12 pm || Up

              can’t grasp how it happens? it happens because he can’t grasp it.

              *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 1:57 pm || Up

  71. Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 11:16 am

    Do we think there is any chance it’s Sogard who’s out when Reddick comes back tomorrow? Parrino is obviously the safe bet.

    • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 11:19 am || Up

      I could see thheem playing the Kitten card if his legs are still bothering him.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • James V. Jul 21,2014 11:28 am || Up

        I think Sogard has taken up voodoo witchcraft.

        • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 11:33 am || Up

          The break in at his house was actually the team lookingg for the dolls.

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
          • James V. Jul 21,2014 11:38 am || Up

            I’d believe it.

            But that’s still pretty fucked that someone probably kept tabs on things to know when they’d be gone and just broke in during the day.

            • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 12:23 pm || Up

              Its standard operating procedure for burglaries.

              it would be scarier if they were home. Known in the parlance as a “hot prowl.”

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
              • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 12:31 pm || Up

                The more I think about this the more surprised I am it doesn’t happen more often.

                You know ballplayers have money. It is easy to know when they will be gone. Heck, most of them and their WAGs have Twitter so you can even tell if a spouse will be there.

                Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • dmoas Jul 21,2014 12:54 pm || Up

                  But do you know where they live? And if so, can you tell me?

                • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 12:57 pm || Up

                  I dont, but then again I’m not a criminal trying to stalk out easy victims.

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 1:02 pm || Up

                  I do get the feeling Schlong is in the WC/Concord area based on the scavenger hunts he does while wasting away on the DL.

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • dmoas Jul 21,2014 12:55 pm || Up

                  The “they have money” thing suggests they may be smart enough to have security.

                • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 12:59 pm || Up

                  They may, but I bet I could figure that out pretty quickly once I started checking them out. And I would bet many who live in temporary places for the season dont invest as much in their security as they do their weed and porn (thinking back to the Garfoose article about the Rays place being broken into in spring training a couple of years ago).

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 1:01 pm || Up

                  “Guest on A’s warm up get a free month with bay alarm”

                  Great tie in opportumity!

                  I have $5. No I don\'t.
                • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 1:23 pm || Up

                  How great does it feel knowing that all of the hard work you put in to get to the big leagues has paid off to the point that someone could be breaking into your house right now?

                • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 1:31 pm || Up

                  Fosse is in on it! He talks so long to delay them from getting home.

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • James V. Jul 21,2014 1:35 pm || Up

                  Nah. None of the places the catchers live in have been broken into.

                  Yet.

        • dmoas Jul 21,2014 11:35 am || Up

          He learned it from Rosales.

    • andeux Jul 21,2014 5:17 pm || Up

      Parrino optioned.

      TINSTAAFK
      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 6:55 pm || Up

        stupid sorard base hit yesterday

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  72. James V. Jul 21,2014 2:26 pm

    (Milone)

    • James V. Jul 21,2014 2:30 pm || Up

      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 2:38 pm || Up

        no direct quote. So she may be right.

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • MikeV Jul 21,2014 2:49 pm || Up

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

        • nevermoor Jul 21,2014 2:57 pm || Up

          I would be pissed too. He was having a great run.

          "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
          • bear88 Jul 21,2014 10:47 pm || Up

            First, I can believe it. Who can blame him?

            Second, the A’s would be foolish to trade him unless he’s part of a deal for a really good middle infielder. Milone is the fifth starter if anyone gets hurt or falls apart down the stretch. And the A’s have a lot of starters who fall in that category.

            Yeah, I know. Pomerantz. He’s the other option. But Milone has a stronger track record.

            • nevermoor Jul 22,2014 8:39 am || Up

              Oh sure, not saying they should dump him. Just saying that I don’t blame him a bit.

              "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 2:34 pm || Up

      Can’t say as I blame him, really.

      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 2:38 pm || Up

        I am sure he wants to be somewhere in the majors. and he is, after all league average. But he has to understand the business of baseball and that he is the one with options. So he is out.

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 2:41 pm || Up

          I’m sure he understands why he’s out, but it’s still got to drive him nuts. Plus, he’s entering his arb years and needs to put up big league innings. He’s not likely to pitch much more if at all in the majors this year with the A’s, and next year he’ll probably end up being DFA’d or traded at the end of Spring Training when everybody’s rotations are already set. I can see why he is thinking that now is the time to establish himself somewhere else.

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 2:36 pm || Up

      Tommy is not that bright, is he?

      First he was shocked at being sent down, and now this?

      Sorry tommy, you are a big piece of the playoff picture this year and next.

      Sorry about the playoff check you are going to get at the end of the year. Good luck with that in Philadelphia.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 2:38 pm || Up

        He’ll get a playoff share, but he probably won’t be on the roster, just like last year. And it’s not looking all that good for 2015 either. That’s got to be frustrating, since he’s been effective (peripherals aside).

      • andeux Jul 21,2014 3:31 pm || Up

        The difference between being on the 25-man roster and optioned to AAA is at least a couple thousand dollars a day.

        And (as GM notes) it’s also delaying his possible arbitration and (further out) free agent years, which is where the real money is. He was at 2+ years of service at the beginning of this season, so depending on what happens for the rest of this season and where the super-2 cutoff is, that could already cost him several hundred thousand more next year. And given that pitchers are always one ligament away from a possible end to their careers, delaying the big paydays could mean they never come.

        Even if he understands why he is being jerked around, it is not really any consolation.

        TINSTAAFK
    • DFA Jul 21,2014 2:47 pm || Up

      Or we can trade Hammel because he sucks and put Pomilone in the 5 spot

      In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 2:49 pm || Up

        Does he suck though? I’m trying not to jump to conclusions on that.

        • MikeV Jul 21,2014 2:56 pm || Up

          He’s a FA at the end of the year anyway. I’d rather move him and keep Milone until he’s no longer useful.

          And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

          Thanks, and go As.

  73. MikeV Jul 21,2014 2:56 pm

    Gnats just put Cain on the DL.

    QUICK BILLY SEND THEM HAMELL

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 21,2014 3:32 pm || Up

      That’s probably why SF is acquiring Uggla, to flip to us.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 3:37 pm || Up

        BRILLIANT

      • MikeV Jul 21,2014 3:52 pm || Up

        yeah it’s too bad that they don’t have a 2B worth trading for. Sabean is the type to make a knee jerk deal, too.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

        • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 3:54 pm || Up

          A Panik trade?

          • MikeV Jul 21,2014 4:03 pm || Up

            Meh. If the aim is Panik or Franklin, I’m not impressed. Long term it’s probably a good deal but I’d still like someone better than that for the stretch run.

            And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

            Thanks, and go As.

        • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 3:54 pm || Up

          3-way

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
  74. FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 21,2014 6:33 pm

    There’s no A’s baseball AGAIN today? This blows.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  75. MikeV Jul 21,2014 6:53 pm

    i made spaghetti.

    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 7:23 pm || Up

      Good sauce?

      I realized I could make weiner wraps and not use regular hot dogs. I know this isnt rocket science but it took me 41 years to think of it. So I am about to have a bacon and cheese sausage wrap.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 7:25 pm || Up

        You had condoms for dinner?

        Also, yay Mike!

        • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 7:40 pm || Up

          They said ribbed..I thought that meant like ribs. It didn’t. :(

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
          • dmoas Jul 21,2014 7:40 pm || Up

            Ribs… for her pleasure.

            • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 7:57 pm || Up

              I like my ribs like I like my souls, broken and black.

              • MikeV Jul 21,2014 8:22 pm || Up

                my foot is getting there

                And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

                Thanks, and go As.

        • AV Jul 21,2014 8:19 pm || Up

          ok, here goes the embarrassing confession i don’t usually bring up but for an even more embarrassing reason behind it: i was in frat.

          and for initiation weekend, one of the meals was hotdogs and soup. the hotdog was just a regular wienie, but it was served inside a blown up condom (nonlubricated), floating in a big bowl of tomato soup… which we had to eat with a tampon.

          *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • dmoas Jul 21,2014 9:14 pm || Up

            Yeah, that IS embarrassing. You were trying to get into a Frat???!!

            • MikeV Jul 21,2014 9:22 pm || Up

              what’s wrong with that?

              And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

              Thanks, and go As.

              • dmoas Jul 21,2014 9:24 pm || Up

                Do people not get when I’m joking?

                • AV Jul 21,2014 9:35 pm || Up

                  i got it. that’s what i was trying to shade toward too. didn’t come out clearly.

                  ate the goldfish. toga’d. did not elephant walk (was in first class after national chapter officially banned hazing). lineups were boring mostly. some of the guys were pretty genuine. some were absolute douches. i had fun. it was embarrassing then too. mostly did it because high school friend of mine was doing it and his older brother was in it. pledge semester was good. after that it was paying dues to hang out with guys. didn’t last. can’t remember the secret handshake.

                  *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
                • PDXAthleticsfan Jul 22,2014 8:56 am || Up

                  Pretty much my story. Lasted a year before I realized that I liked hanging out with people from my dorm more than the ones in the frat. Got a lot of disappointed looks from ex-brothers after that. Still kept in touch with a couple of them afterwards, mostly because we were good tripping partners.

                  A soliloquy of fresh-sounding ideas which would probably be disastrous.
                • 5Aces Jul 22,2014 9:11 am || Up

                  I joined a BUSINESS frat! I know you are all jealous. Figured I needed all the connections I could get. No hazing, no real rush-nothing.

                  Turns out that when you are like 10 years older than almost everyone else, with a kid and also working full time you dont get all the connections you hoped for (also add in you are just beginning to develop a social anxiety disorder at the time…)

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • AV Jul 22,2014 9:15 am || Up

                  oh i never took acid at the house.

                  *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
                • PDXAthleticsfan Jul 22,2014 9:20 am || Up

                  We didn’t start tripping together (shrooms) until after I left the frat and it was always at my apartment.

                  A soliloquy of fresh-sounding ideas which would probably be disastrous.
                • AV Jul 22,2014 9:26 am || Up

                  my little brother earned the official frat nickname of zombie when he showed up to a party having eaten an 1/8 by himself and i had to baby sit his wall-staring ass all night long.

                  my nickname was dukie. (after dukie wookie huwt his wittle hand.)

                  *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
              • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 21,2014 9:54 pm || Up

                What isn’t?

      • MikeV Jul 21,2014 8:00 pm || Up

        Um, stuff out of a jar. Nothing special.

        And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

        Thanks, and go As.

        • Jennifer Jul 21,2014 8:14 pm || Up

          I’d eat the southbound end out of a northbound cow right now. Effing hungry.

          • MikeV Jul 21,2014 8:25 pm || Up

            oh really.

            And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

            Thanks, and go As.

  76. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:28 pm

    trout with a routine bouncer to short that hardy throws into right.

    1st and 2nd no out for the angels in bottom of 1st.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:32 pm || Up

      naturally Hamilton singles in the runner who should have been out

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • dmoas Jul 21,2014 7:40 pm || Up

        You guys really suck Controneo balls when you tell us what’s going on in Angel games. It makes it sound like they’ve won and/or opened up insurmountable leads when all that happened was the other team failed an opportunity or something equally meh.

        • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:44 pm || Up

          freese lead off the bottom of the second with a hit.

          Oh my god, the lead is going to be gone by the end of the night!

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • dmoas Jul 21,2014 7:46 pm || Up

            Thanks Future Vince.

            • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:48 pm || Up

              Mike trout has the confidence that he will, by the end of the night fulfill his destiny as a game winner

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 8:24 pm || Up

            Are they playing a triple header?

            Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  77. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:36 pm

    I am confused, there was no reaction to Machado being announced.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  78. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:38 pm

    jim palmer just called Freese an upgrade at thirs “a really good thirdbaseman”

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  79. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 7:47 pm

    double play ball hits bud norris in the leg, goes for an infield single instead.

    lucky

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  80. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 8:30 pm

    baseloaded for trout!

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 8:31 pm || Up

      Siddown

      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 8:33 pm || Up

        that was a very pronounced argument.

        it was a great pitch. Don’t know if it was a strike or not, but a great 2-2 pitch.

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  81. MikeV Jul 21,2014 8:36 pm
    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 8:41 pm || Up

      awesome

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • dmoas Jul 21,2014 9:21 pm || Up

      He know he’s an asshole, but at least he owns it. I don’t like him, but I can respect him. A little.

    • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 21,2014 10:09 pm || Up

      Reading things like this makes me think I actually like the guy:

      Pierzynski’s personality wasn’t conducive to the Red Sox’ way of doing things, saying what he wanted when he wanted without much regard for the greater good. From the dugout, he would yell across the field at the opposition, or ridicule umpires during replay challenges. It made many cringe. This wasn’t the Red Sox way, the one that a World Series run had been built on.

      That is some vintage Derek-Jeter-play-the-game-the-right-way-classy-classy-classy bullshit. It’s baseball. You heckle each other. Yeesh.

      • James V. Jul 21,2014 10:17 pm || Up

        This “Red Sox Way” stuff is all BS anyway.

      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 21,2014 10:25 pm || Up

        Yeah, maybe, and I’m sure the Red Sox self importance is as obnoxious as anywhere. But I’ve had loadmouthed oafs as teammates who embarrassed me, and I don’t doubt AJ is exactly that type.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:12 am || Up

          No doubt, but anyone who makes an enemy of the sort of pompous douche that says “This wasn’t the Red Sox way” has to earn some okay-in-my-book points in my book of okay-points.

      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 10:30 pm || Up

        I’m confused? Isn’t that the way the game was meant to be played?

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:11 am || Up

          You would think, given that Ty Cobb was basically out there committing manslaughter every day and Babe Ruth was like a living cartoon of Babe Ruth, that the game was meant to be played in a way that might have allowed for a little heckling.

          • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 22,2014 11:16 am || Up
            "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
            • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:19 am || Up

              1) I subscribe to the view that this was a lengthy joke about whoever was trying to censor ballplayers.
              2) Even if it was sincere…c’mon, this is like baseball’s early attempts at an anti-PED policy. It’s there, but, you know, no one was gonna follow it.

              • dmoas Jul 22,2014 11:45 am || Up

                It’s really shameful that we haven’t come very far in terms of creativity. On the other hand, they are classics and the classics never die.

                • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 2:06 pm || Up

                  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

  82. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 8:46 pm

    another potential dp ball deflected by norris. this time they get the lead runner

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  83. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 8:56 pm

    still 2-2. Martakis with a one out double.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  84. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 8:59 pm

    adam jones just hit a hanging breaking ball to Fullerton

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 9:01 pm || Up

      He has a beautiful swing.

    • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 9:03 pm || Up

      He has the be the best player with the worst plate discipline I’ve ever seen.

      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:06 pm || Up

        great swing at the pitch in the dirt

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 9:06 pm || Up

        It’s crazy to be that good and walk that little.

      • ptbnl Jul 21,2014 9:25 pm || Up

        Better than Vlad?

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • ptbnl Jul 21,2014 9:29 pm || Up

          59 WAR in 16 seasons to Jones’ 22 in 9.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
          • dmoas Jul 21,2014 9:37 pm || Up

            Let’s he how he holds up as he gets old.

          • ptbnl Jul 21,2014 10:01 pm || Up

            59BB/Season against 22 though.

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 9:33 pm || Up

          gp, but Vlad had pretty decent walk rates his entire career and had a career .380 OBP. I doubt Jones would sniff a .380 OBP in one season.

          • andeux Jul 21,2014 9:46 pm || Up

            Sandoval and Cespedes both have similar numbers overall to Jones, but even they have 7% walk rates compared to his 4%. That really is impressive.

            TINSTAAFK
          • mikeA Jul 21,2014 10:12 pm || Up

            A lot of that was IBBs. In his career with LAA, he had 252 BBs, 109 were IBBs. Unintentional walk rate for that period was around 4%, pretty much the same as Jones. Jones has a shitty approach and could be a lot better, Vlad was just amazing…

            • ptbnl Jul 21,2014 10:39 pm || Up

              Top 10 expansion era players with less than a walk every 5 games, ranked by offensive WAR:

              If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
            • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:14 am || Up

              Speaking of IBBs, I recently learned that the literal difference between Barry Bonds’ BB total and Rickey Henderson’s BB total was the insanely high number of IBBs Bonds received. The #2 recipient of IBBs, all time, was Hank Aaron, who received about 400 fewer than Bonds. And Bonds received about 400 more walks, total, than Rickey, the all-time #2 recipient of walks. So I don’t care what the record books say, Rickey’s still the walks champion.

              • mikeA Jul 23,2014 8:47 am || Up

                Next year when the A’s and Giants play, they should invite both back and have a BB derby competition to decide the true champion.

              • dmoas Jul 23,2014 9:53 am || Up

                Rickey is the walks EARNED champion. So what if Bonds has the most walks RECEIVED.

              • dmoas Jul 23,2014 9:54 am || Up

                Rickey is also the champion because no one WANTED him on base. They preferred Bonds on base than in the batter’s box.

                • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 24,2014 12:24 am || Up

                  For much of–most of?–Bonds’ career, he was a Rickey type. No one wanted him on base before his 80-billion homer season.

  85. mother pucker Jul 21,2014 9:10 pm

    Is Shoemaker related to Brian Wilson?

  86. AV Jul 21,2014 9:10 pm

    i don’t know what’s going on but i saw a sad angel and that makes me smile.

    *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  87. lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 9:17 pm

    Their Punto is pretty shitty too.

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:22 pm || Up

      mcdonald is still good at defense, yeah?

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 9:26 pm || Up

        Maybe, but he’s Sogard bad at hitting.

        • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 9:27 pm || Up

          Who’s scrappier though?

          • MikeV Jul 21,2014 9:34 pm || Up

            aren’t they BOTH white???

            And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

            Thanks, and go As.

            • Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 9:35 pm || Up

              Shit, you’re right. Which one is shorter?

              • lenscrafters Jul 21,2014 9:36 pm || Up

                < age 30 = scrappy > age 30 = gritty, gamer

                • MikeV Jul 21,2014 9:48 pm || Up

                  I have it on good authority that they both bring lunch pails to work. Every day.

                  And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

                  Thanks, and go As.

  88. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:25 pm

    I want to be the orioles hitting coach.

    “when the guy in the pajamas on that little mountain throws the white thing, SWING!”

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  89. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:29 pm

    good job buck, let calhoun trout and pujols see norris a forth time.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:35 pm || Up

      at least he ran out of the dugout to get the lefty when Norris wakled hamilton

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  90. Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 9:32 pm

    Give me a break, Trout. It is possible to strike you out.

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:34 pm || Up

      why wasn’t he ejected?

      Once, fine, twice, dont’ care who you are

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • dmoas Jul 21,2014 9:40 pm || Up

        Yeah, I’m getting rather tired of it. That and umps doing a shitty job. Oh and umps failing to keep the pace of the game moving as they’re supposed to do, you know, those pesky rules.

  91. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:33 pm

    wow. MASN had that as a strike. Trout argued again and again was not ejected

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  92. Glorious Mundy Jul 21,2014 9:37 pm

    Damn, Hamilton. That was…not good.

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 9:39 pm || Up

      its like jerry blevins had just come in

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  93. Future Ed Jul 21,2014 10:02 pm

    the angels bullpen did get a lot better didn’t it?

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • dmoas Jul 21,2014 10:13 pm || Up

      Ah ha ha…

      • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 10:13 pm || Up

        Never in doubt.

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • AV Jul 21,2014 11:12 pm || Up

          can somebody blogroll this link? with a descriptive name maybe? i have such a hard time remembering likely terms to search it by in the archives…

          https://erikberg.com/mlb/charts

          *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • dmoas Jul 21,2014 11:23 pm || Up

            Done. I think.

            • AV Jul 22,2014 9:12 am || Up

              thanks.

              *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
          • James V. Jul 21,2014 11:27 pm || Up

            The animation for the 2012 AL West race is fun.

            • AV Jul 22,2014 9:13 am || Up

              i hope we get to say say the same thing about 2014’s current parallelism up top.

              *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
            • vignette17 Jul 22,2014 10:33 am || Up

              I appreciate the Astros in the 2013 one.

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 10:13 pm || Up

      celebrate good times

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • 5Aces Jul 21,2014 10:23 pm || Up

      63 (I think)

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:15 am || Up

        Magic number?

        • Glorious Mundy Jul 22,2014 11:16 am || Up

          Yes it is. It’s the magic number.

          • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 12:05 pm || Up

            Actually 59 when you account for the games left against the Angels.

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
            • dmoas Jul 22,2014 12:08 pm || Up

              Not sure that works. What if they were to win all 10 of those?

              • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 12:13 pm || Up

                Sure, but 59 is the fewest they have to win to be sure of the division.

                If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • nevermoor Jul 22,2014 12:15 pm || Up

                  Magic number is wins + 2d place team’s losses, so aren’t you double-counting here?

                  "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 12:29 pm || Up

                  Only double-counting the games that have to be double-counted (A’s beat Angels) which a standard magic number doesn’t do.

                  A’s: 61-37 with 64 to play
                  Angels: 59-39 with 64 to play
                  10 games remaining between them

                  If the A’s win 59 then at least 5 of those have to be against the Angels, who then can’t win more than 59 themselves, and the A’s win the division by 2.

                  If the A’s win 58 then at least 4 of those have to be against the Angels, who then could win 60 themselves, and the division is tied.

                  All tracked on a daily basis by RIOT.

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • 5Aces Jul 22,2014 12:40 pm || Up

                  Thank you for this. I’ve been ticked off all year that the regular sites dont have some sort of magic number up on their site. This will go into the daily web check for me.

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • dmoas Jul 22,2014 1:01 pm || Up

                  I’ve added it to the Blogroll.

                • AV Jul 22,2014 12:42 pm || Up

                  i don’t think you understand the magic part of magic number. we just want one number. if it changes by 2 overnight, that’s fine. but we want it sweet and simple.

                  but seriously, i do think the spirit of a magic number is better represented by the number a team has to win to guarantee clinching. saying it’s 59 if they win certain games is not as magical as saying it’s 63 no matter what games they are. it’s about taking the chance out of that other team’s hands altogether.

                  *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 1:02 pm || Up

                  No – 59 is exactly not conditional on the particular games they win.

                  Since 10 of their remaining 64 games are against the Angels, if the A’s win 59 more they can’t help but have at least 5 of those wins be against the Angels. It could be more but it can’t be fewer. So that is the number that guarantees clinching.

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • dmoas Jul 22,2014 1:07 pm || Up

                  In other words, we need to win between 53 & 59 more games (depending on how many of those wins come against the Angels) to guarantee at this moment first place independent of the Angels winning out.

                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 1:16 pm || Up

                  Right, but magic numbers eschew the dependency.

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • AV Jul 22,2014 1:13 pm || Up

                  i wasn’t thinking about the overlap until below.

                  *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
                • nevermoor Jul 22,2014 1:53 pm || Up

                  Ah, got it. I was assuming you were counting all 10 as wins, not “it would have to be at least this many”

                  On board.

                  "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
                • dmoas Jul 22,2014 12:19 pm || Up

                  If we were to sweep the Angels all 10 of those games, for each of the wins, 2 points would come off our Magic Number. So if we’re at 63 now, that would be a -20 from that. So 10 Angel game wins plus an additional 43 non-Angel game wins (assuming the Angels won all of their non-A’s games. So 53 would be the fewest if we’re looking at that.

                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 12:33 pm || Up

                  Sure, but the magic number is the fewest you need to win to be sure of clinching, regardless of what any other team does.

                  The point is that once you assume a certain number of A’s wins that necessitates a certain minimum number of Angels’ loses – certainly it could be more, but the magic number only counts the guaranteed loses.

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • AV Jul 22,2014 12:44 pm || Up

                  now that i’m reading further, i’m not sure if you’re not saying the same thing i am, or just italicizing the same words.

                  *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
                • dmoas Jul 22,2014 12:58 pm || Up

                  Ooooh. Okay, I think I’m following now.

                • elcroata Jul 22,2014 1:01 pm || Up

                  But is that really the definition of the magic number?

                  Because survival is insufficient
                • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 22,2014 1:04 pm || Up

                  Yeah, Magic Number has always meant to me combo of our wins and their losses, by definition.

                  "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
                • batgirl Jul 22,2014 1:09 pm || Up

                  You just hurt 3’s feelings :(

                • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 22,2014 1:11 pm || Up

                  I have the Blind Melon cover of that song on my phone!

                  "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
                • Glorious Mundy Jul 22,2014 1:17 pm || Up

                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 1:13 pm || Up

                  Poorly worded on my part.

                  The magic number can be calculated by determining the smallest number of games team A needs to win to be sure of clinching, regardless of what team B does. Once you have that number it can be realized by many particular combinations of A wins and B loses.

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • andeux Jul 22,2014 1:15 pm || Up

                  I still don’t agree with that definition.

                  TINSTAAFK
                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 1:18 pm || Up

                  Care to expand?

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • andeux Jul 22,2014 1:28 pm || Up

                  Sure. The common definition I would use is what FSU said: the combined number of A’s wins or Angels losses needed for a clinch.
                  That number is currently 63.

                  In particular, this definition has the following property: it decreases with each A’s win or Angels loss. (It can of course decrease by two when the A’s beat the Angels, as this is both an A’s win and an Angels loss.)

                  Your definition does not have that property.

                  TINSTAAFK
                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 1:58 pm || Up

                  Though it’s not quite that, since the Angels could lose 63 and the A’s could win 0 (actually 9 since 10 are against the Angels) and the Mariners would win the division.

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • elcroata Jul 22,2014 1:20 pm || Up

                  The wording is OK, the underlying idea is new to me. As most here, I took the magic number to be the combination of wins and opposing losses, not strictly own wins, as this is the number that more accurately describes the situation IMO.

                  Since the magic number decreases with both own wins and opposing losses, I find it more accurate to be a representation of both, that’s all.

                  Because survival is insufficient
                • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 2:09 pm || Up

                  I would think this number would also decrease with opposing losses, wouldn’t it?

                • James V. Jul 22,2014 3:09 pm || Up

                  All it really means to me is the combination of how many wins you need AND/OR losses by the other teams needed to knock them out of contention.

                • dmoas Jul 22,2014 1:08 pm || Up

                  It’s probably more accurate to call it the “Real” Magic Number rather than the “Traditional” Magic Number.

                • 5Aces Jul 22,2014 1:42 pm || Up

                  I think this is the way to go. Also though, could this way of looking at it be impacted more by close divisions where say there are still 10 more games against the Angels but only 6 against the M’s if they were both tied (obviously just pulling #s out of my arse here)? The 63 would still work, where the 59 could change based on who is in second place.

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • 5Aces Jul 22,2014 1:42 pm || Up

                  And I guess the follow up would be thats why we typically dont start quoting magic numbers in the friggin middle of July.

                  Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
                • ptbnl Jul 22,2014 1:49 pm || Up

                  The RIOT site calls it the clinch number, and takes account of all of the remaining inter-divisional games (which is what makes it an interesting problem).

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  94. mikeA Jul 21,2014 10:12 pm

    That’ll do!

  95. mother pucker Jul 21,2014 10:14 pm

    How cool would it have been if the A’s had traded Weeks for Britton?

    • Future Ed Jul 21,2014 10:22 pm || Up

      or just released him.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:16 am || Up

      I thought you said “Weeks for Barton” and couldn’t figure out what you meant.

      • nevermoor Jul 22,2014 11:25 am || Up

        If we trade Punto for Sogard, do they both vanish?

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  96. colin Jul 22,2014 5:45 am

    Dolla Dolla Mills had his first appearance as a Blue Jay last night. Came in for long relief in the top of the third against the Red Sox: 2 IP, 8 ER, 3 K, 1 BB, 3 HR (Ortiz, Ortiz, Napoli)

  97. Jennifer Jul 22,2014 8:31 am

    A’sball tonight!

    • Ben Folds' Nuts Jul 22,2014 11:16 am || Up

      The recent dearth of A’sball is evidence that we are living in a fallen world.

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