Spring game thread: We're on TV! ← FREE KRAUT!

Spring game thread: We're on TV! 132

A’s versus White Sox. Drew Pomerantz on the hill for the good guys; Pat Venditte scheduled to appear as well. Samardjziaiaia starts for CWS. Keeping an eye out for Soaker in the sunny Hohokam stands.

Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty

132 thoughts on “Spring game thread: We're on TV!

  1. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:12 pm

    Crisp LF, Gentry CF, Zobrist 2B, Butler DH, Davis 1B, Lawrie 3B, Pridie RF, Anderson C, Sogard SS.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  2. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:15 pm

    Hah hah, CSNCA graphic misspelled the new adjunct facility as the “Lew Wolf Training Complex.”

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  3. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:16 pm

    Sharp first inning for Pomegranate. Leadoff walk then three straight retired, including two Ks. Nice easy looking delivery. Didn’t hold Eaton on base very close after the BB though.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  4. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:20 pm

    The A’s do not have player names on their jerseys. Have they always done this in the spring? Seems like kind of a hassle for the fans once the lesser-known players get into the game.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • andeux Mar 8,2015 1:30 pm || Up

      I don’t know about always, but I vaguely recall complaining about it last year.

      TINSTAAFK
      • andeux Mar 8,2015 1:32 pm || Up
        TINSTAAFK
        • Soaker Mar 8,2015 6:54 pm || Up

          To add to what I said last year, there are 3 player categories: 1. 40-man roster, 2. non-roster invitees who play in the games until they receive a minor-league assignment and 3. “others” called over for the day from the minor league complex. I think Vucinich has said in the past, their feeling is either everybody has a name or nobody does and it’s impractical for the day players, so the A’s haven’t had names in recent memory. But most teams do have names and I think that’s the right way to go; I certainly appreciate it as an A’s fan when I’m trying to keep track of who’s in the game for the other team (which I don’t for the most part; I’m there to watch the A’s). Having names on >90% of the uniforms would be a lot better than 0%.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 7:01 pm || Up

            In category 3, apparently yesterday Sean Doolittle’s brother pitched to a few hitters at the end of the game.

            "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Englishmajor Mar 8,2015 5:11 pm || Up

      I have a Milone spring jersey from 2012 that’s number only.

  5. Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 1:21 pm

    Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.
    Zip-A-Dee-A.

    There is always a score.
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:25 pm || Up

      Samardzija left balls up to be hit to Gentry and Zobrist, but each could only produce medium deep flys.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 1:28 pm || Up

        Still, it’s a wonderful day.

        There is always a score.
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:30 pm || Up

          My oh my!

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  6. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:35 pm

    It’s kind of funny to see Melvin giving signs from the bench while being interviewed by Kuiper and Fosse.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 1:36 pm || Up

      I chuckled.

      There is always a score.
    • batgirl Mar 8,2015 3:19 pm || Up

      It takes a brave man to multi-task during a Fosse question.

      • Kay Temple Kirk Mar 8,2015 7:11 pm || Up

        “How good does it feel… to give signs here under the warm Arizona sun… while trying to discern what the hell rambling question an old dinosaur like me is trying to ask you in the middle of an inning?”

        \"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
  7. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:36 pm

    Pomegranate escapes without allowing a run after Sogard leaps to knock down (but not quite catch) a hard would-be RBI single.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  8. andeux Mar 8,2015 1:39 pm

    Tall guy walks fat guy on four pitches.

    TINSTAAFK
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:44 pm || Up

      We’re not selling jeans here. Unless they’re the stretchy jeggings kind.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  9. Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 1:44 pm

    Does anyone know how Zito looked? I haven’t heard.

    There is always a score.
    • Future Ed Mar 8,2015 2:04 pm || Up

      Handsome

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • batgirl Mar 8,2015 3:20 pm || Up

        LA face with an Oakland booty womanly hips.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:08 pm || Up

      Supposedly good, fastball in high 80s (vs low 80s at end of his SF tenure), good control.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 2:10 pm || Up

        That would be a story too good to be true, if he only sucked with the Gnats.

        There is always a score.
  10. andeux Mar 8,2015 1:45 pm

    Fosse in midseason form … said Lawrie and Lowrie were spelled the same.

    TINSTAAFK
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:50 pm || Up

      And if I’m not mistaken, Kuiper just said that the new Fitch Park facilities, at 4,000 sqft, is more than three times the size of the 1,700 sqft at the old Papago Park site.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • 5Aces Mar 8,2015 3:05 pm || Up

        I thought he said Fitch was 4,800 vs like 1,400. I was attempting to math it and then just decided that I understood the point.

        But I was delighted to hear that the very first question was “how important…” I just wish it had been how great is it to be back at spring training?

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
        • AV Mar 8,2015 9:50 pm || Up

          i don’t know guys. volume is pretty deceptive.

          *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  11. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:47 pm

    Big dude throws a ball on the speed pitch as hard as he can, winces as he realizes he just threw out his shoulder, then returns to his Michelob Ultra tall-boy.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  12. Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 1:47 pm

    “Therapy pools”? I’m not hot-tubbin’, I’m immersed in therapy.

    There is always a score.
  13. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 1:52 pm

    That’s Pridie, fucking with you!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  14. Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 2:00 pm

    Not a fan of the Coco-anywhere-but-CF experiment.

    There is always a score.
  15. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:00 pm

    RBI single by the Alex Hassan, the anagramatician’s favorite.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  16. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:03 pm

    Double to the gap scores Hassan, Gentry landed out at third trying to stretch. Maybe. Looked close.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  17. andeux Mar 8,2015 2:16 pm

    Clippard looks terrible is getting his bad outings out of his system.

    TINSTAAFK
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:21 pm || Up

      Yeah, yuck.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Future Ed Mar 8,2015 3:03 pm || Up

        I recall another closer like that

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • Soaker Mar 8,2015 5:29 pm || Up

          Yes, I was wondering what handle dmoas will give this one.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  18. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:22 pm

    Venditte coming in, having warmed up from both sides. 2 on, 2 out, game tied. HIGH LEVERAGE SITUTION!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  19. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:28 pm

    Venditte not getting any love from the home plate ump.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 2:30 pm || Up

      Being punished for being a novelty.

      There is always a score.
      • Glorious Mundy Mar 8,2015 2:32 pm || Up

        First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they squeeze you, then you win.

        • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:37 pm || Up

          Heh heh, nice.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  20. doctorK Mar 8,2015 2:30 pm

    Cue up “The Ride of the Valkyries”.

    • AV Mar 8,2015 9:51 pm || Up

      romeo foxtrot, shall we dance?

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
  21. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 2:35 pm

    Double (L vs L), walk (L vs L), double (R vs R) for Venditte so far. Two runs allowed on his card, plus two inherited runners charged to Clippard. Only thing uglier would be the sight of Lew Wolff signing autographs….AIEEEE!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • 5Aces Mar 8,2015 3:07 pm || Up

      He had to ask the kids off camera to do that for money, right? I cant believe that some kids decided the highlight of their spring would be to get Uncle Lew’s autograph.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • Glorious Mundy Mar 8,2015 3:10 pm || Up

      • batgirl Mar 8,2015 3:23 pm || Up

        I have witnessed with my own eyes children asking for Lew’s autograph in diamond level (from the front row seats.) It is chilling.

  22. Future Ed Mar 8,2015 3:25 pm

    Zobrist mistimes the fosse question

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Thunderbutt Mar 8,2015 3:26 pm || Up

      Practice, practice, practice.

      There is always a score.
  23. MikeV Mar 8,2015 3:26 pm

    Gore is leaving :(

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

    Thanks, and go As.

  24. Future Ed Mar 8,2015 3:32 pm

    Kipper thinks the rise of strikeouts is the reason fewer runs are scored

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  25. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 3:45 pm

    I spent the last two innings doing chores and listening on radio. If you were betting on the number of bad habits Vince would retain in 2015, I hope you took the over (but low).

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Glorious Mundy Mar 8,2015 3:46 pm || Up

      Vince rolling solo today? That’s never going to go well.

      • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 3:55 pm || Up

        He had a rotating cast of guest media folks. John Hickey of BANG distinguished himself by worrying that Coco’s move to LF would harm his ability to be a clubhouse leader.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Englishmajor Mar 8,2015 5:16 pm || Up

      I left the TV on too long while desperately cleaning the living room in preparation for my trip, and inadvertently watched most of the slow-motion train wreck that was the 2014 season in review. I have it on my DVR but I hadn’t been able to look at it before. I got all the way up to the middle of the wild-card game when Shooty said “I had a bad feeling about this game all the way through”, and I gave him a hearty GO FK YRSELF and turned it off.

    • Soaker Mar 8,2015 5:24 pm || Up

      Well if you had kept watching in the 8th and 9th you definitely would have seen me because I free-upgraded to Sec. 100 Row 1, right behind the plate (and in line with the camera, although I had no fear of being spotted because there couldn’t have been more than 12 people still watching). I do the late-inning super-upgrade routinely in spring; it’s the best way to make those interminable blowouts interesting.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 7:02 pm || Up

        Yeah, I had tuned out by then. You could have been in a federal witness protection program and been totally safe.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  26. FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 3:56 pm

    No more local tv broadcasts until Bay Bridge series on 4/2.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • bear88 Mar 8,2015 5:30 pm || Up

      I guess I should have watched, then.

      But I needed to exercise, and the weather was too nice.

  27. Future Ed Mar 8,2015 9:03 pm

    they never lost in my game thread…just saying…

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 8,2015 9:23 pm || Up

      I’m saving my mojo for the games that count.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • AV Mar 8,2015 9:50 pm || Up

        i’m pretty sure games don’t count… fingers do.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • 5Aces Mar 8,2015 11:21 pm || Up

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  28. Glorious Mundy Mar 10,2015 3:47 pm

    Whenever an announcer (specifically Vince or nonBuan) calls a fastball “center cut,” all I can think of are pork chops.

    • dmoas Mar 10,2015 4:41 pm || Up

      He threw a pork chop down the middle of the plate and he sent it right back at him looking for some apple sauce.

  29. Glorious Mundy Mar 11,2015 12:14 pm

    Spring Training is very serious. Very serious indeed.

    • Glorious Mundy Mar 11,2015 12:52 pm || Up

      Also, when did the A’s start doing yoga?

      • batgirl Mar 11,2015 1:00 pm || Up

        I don’t know but I think Reddick mentioned it a few days ago in reference to how good he was feeling before breaking himself on the wall.

      • AV Mar 11,2015 1:19 pm || Up

        zito.

        *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
        • nevermoor Mar 11,2015 1:50 pm || Up

          Fearless in the Down Dog!

          "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • Dial C for Concupiscence Mar 11,2015 2:32 pm || Up

        No clue, but I think it’s a good idea. Works different areas of the body and maybe could help with preventing certain types of injuries

    • Soaker Mar 11,2015 6:38 pm || Up

      Yes, game time is bumped up an hour to noon to accommodate their filming schedule. That meant today had to be the morning I hauled my winter spare tire up to the top of Camelback Mountain. That’s a great little hike, a must-do when in the Phoenix area if the weather is suitable.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Future Ed Mar 11,2015 6:40 pm || Up

        really? sweet! I like noon starts

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Soaker Mar 16,2015 7:31 pm || Up

        Parade to the top of Camelback:

        Solitude at the summit, not. This was on a Wednesday morning, not a weekend. Note that 8-year-old girls can make it so you can too:

        And also this fat tub of goo. God I need to fix that. Downtown Scottsdale and Old Town over my left shoulder:

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 16,2015 7:38 pm || Up

          Nice! That looks like an awesome hike. And everyone else pictured appears to be young and energetic.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • elcroata Mar 17,2015 12:00 am || Up

          Nice, looks hot for a morning

          Because survival is insufficient
        • Future Ed Mar 17,2015 5:53 am || Up

          cool. did you get terry forrester’s autograph?

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Thunderbutt Mar 11,2015 7:44 pm || Up

      His game-used equipment will be auctioned to help each cause.

      What am I bid for Will Ferrell’s game-used jock strap?

      There is always a score.
  30. Future Ed Mar 11,2015 6:15 pm

    not gonna lie, the brandon moss should have been HR but was a triple made me sad to listen to

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Soaker Mar 11,2015 6:27 pm || Up

      Billy was there for the early innings today, sitting with Lew and Crowley, and if I’d been closer it would have been tempting to yell “Who was the idiot who traded that guy?”

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Future Ed Mar 11,2015 6:37 pm || Up

        Ike davis better hit 45 home runs

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 11,2015 7:20 pm || Up

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  31. Future Ed Mar 11,2015 6:39 pm

    By the way, yesterday morning I listened ot the Blue jays game. Daric barton was at first, and the announcers thouhgt he had a good shot of making the team in Encarnacion is still hurt

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Mar 11,2015 7:21 pm || Up

      I hope he does and hits .350.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Thunderbutt Mar 11,2015 7:37 pm || Up

        Probably only vs. the A’s.

        There is always a score.
  32. Future Ed Mar 12,2015 12:19 pm

    nothing for farrell. triple for burns. one more baserunner and we will see if farrell gets an AB

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • dmoas Mar 12,2015 12:26 pm || Up

      I’d bean him and see if he could get up afterward to charge the mound. I feel like I’d be doing the world a service.

      • andeux Mar 12,2015 1:16 pm || Up

        Even if I thought Will Ferrell was the least bit funny, … actually it’s pretty hard even to contemplate that possibility, but anyway … I still wouldn’t be interested in this little publicity stunt.

        TINSTAAFK
        • Glorious Mundy Mar 12,2015 1:21 pm || Up

          I think I would be pretty annoyed if I were some AAA guy trying to make an impression during these games.

        • Soaker Mar 12,2015 3:35 pm || Up

          It was a little bit of a circus but in the end not too horrible. Given that it was Kazmir’s first game appearance of the spring, I thought Melvin should have had somebody else pitch the first couple innings and then let Kazmir start the third once Ferrell was gone.

          A couple of the hitters appeared to be trying so hard to hit the ball to Ferrell that they struck out instead.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Glorious Mundy Mar 12,2015 12:29 pm || Up

      Is he playing for both teams?

      • Future Ed Mar 12,2015 1:47 pm || Up

        yes. played 2nd in the bottom of the 2nd

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  33. Glorious Mundy Mar 12,2015 1:29 pm

    Black shoes?! FK this guy.

    • nevermoor Mar 13,2015 2:11 pm || Up

      The A’s, however, win the joke-transaction battle.

      March 12, 2015: Signed by the Oakland A’s as an undrafted amateur free agent.
      March 12, 2015: Traded to Seattle Mariners for Comedic Actor to be Named Later

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • Future Ed Mar 13,2015 2:14 pm || Up

        yeah, joke.

        February 4, 2014: Signed as a Free Agent with the Oakland Athletics.
        April 20, 2014: Selected off waivers by the Minnesota Twins from the Oakland Athletics.
        July 31, 2014: Traded by the Minnesota Twins to the Oakland Athletics for Tommy Milone.

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  34. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 1:17 pm

    butler doubles v KC. 2-0 A’s

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  35. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 1:21 pm

    what the hell? the marking guys found a sound clip of vince saying “stepping on the gas” for the sonny Gray shirt give away add

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • andeux Mar 13,2015 2:57 pm || Up

      That would be ok if it were followed by a morning radio show fake fart sound.

      TINSTAAFK
    • Dial C for Concupiscence Mar 13,2015 3:08 pm || Up

      Gas or clutch? Because one of those actually makes sense

      • Future Ed Mar 13,2015 6:30 pm || Up

        Right? I think is was audioshopped

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
  36. Glorious Mundy Mar 13,2015 2:06 pm

    Rough day so far for the Bassitt hound.

    • Future Ed Mar 13,2015 2:15 pm || Up

      american league champs taking him to task

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  37. Glorious Mundy Mar 13,2015 3:25 pm

    Would it surprise anyone if the Royals a) win like 78 games this year, and b) don’t make the playoffs for another decade?

  38. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 6:35 pm

    watching A’s cubs from the beginning. Cal guy defense….

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  39. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 6:36 pm

    russell makes an error too. SO THERE!

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  40. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 7:06 pm

    a) cook? sigh
    b) addison russel just doubled. on base 3 times

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  41. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 7:07 pm

    “a string of really good at bats for the cubs”

    or…cook…really

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  42. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 7:22 pm

    EOF is fine against no roster invitees!

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  43. Future Ed Mar 13,2015 7:26 pm

    nice play by russell. Sigh

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  44. Soaker Mar 13,2015 7:52 pm

    By the end of the afternoon game the A’s had only 4 players listed on my numerical roster on the field: Burns, Carrithers, Romero and Maxwell. The others were a lot of #89, #97 etc. Split-squad Cactus League ball at its finest. I guess getting to play a few innings in a Cactus League game is their reward for spending the summer sitting on the bench in Beloit.

    I’ll be in Las Vegas for the game tomorrow and then home by about 10 p.m.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Future Ed Mar 13,2015 8:33 pm || Up

      According to vince the booth at cashman is named the ken korach booth.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  45. Glorious Mundy Mar 16,2015 2:56 pm

    Three more weeks until Opening Day. They can’t possibly need this much training.

    • Future Ed Mar 16,2015 3:18 pm || Up

      the city coffers in winterhaven, scotsdale, bradenton et al need 8 weeks of training.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Soaker Mar 16,2015 6:18 pm || Up

        That’s it, in a nutshell. When these cities shell out $XX million for the facilities, the return is being guaranteed 16-17 home dates per year for the next 20 years.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Thunderbutt Mar 16,2015 10:02 pm || Up

      One day of training, three weeks on the DL.

      There is always a score.
  46. Future Ed Mar 18,2015 3:21 pm

    offense is reaching 2008 levels

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Mar 18,2015 3:59 pm || Up

      A three-hit shutout in a spring game seems like a thing that shouldn’t ever happen.

      • Future Ed Mar 18,2015 4:13 pm || Up

        GOOD NEWS PEOPLE!!!

        we are getting the coliseum back this summer

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • 5Aces Mar 18,2015 10:33 pm || Up

          The pessimist in me is expecting an update to the front row tix in like June of several games opening up.

          Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  47. 5Aces Mar 19,2015 8:10 am
    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty

Leave a Reply