Corvids: You’re Smoking In It ← FREE KRAUT!

Corvids: You’re Smoking In It 312

The ubiquitous “Smoakland” signs greeted the Blue Jays on their bus into town as the rampant wildfire smoke surely caught their eye on their flight in. I just drove back from Tuolumne Meadows and it was nigh apocalyptic all the way from the Sierras to around Pleasanton.

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

312 thoughts on “Corvids: You’re Smoking In It

  1. FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 30,2018 7:35 pm

    I choose to believe the A’s too were off the grid the last three days.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  2. lenscrafters Jul 30,2018 7:37 pm

    Not sure about Jackson’s strategy of starting every batter 2-0

  3. lenscrafters Jul 30,2018 7:38 pm

    • Future Ed Jul 30,2018 7:40 pm || Up

      they are never going to get an acceptable package

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • andeux Jul 30,2018 7:46 pm || Up

        You don’t think something centered around Chris Hatcher gets it done?

        TINSTAAFK
        • Future Ed Jul 30,2018 7:49 pm || Up

          hatcher dull and boog powell?

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
  4. Soaker Jul 30,2018 7:40 pm

    From 40K feet the ground disappeared out at Battle Mountain. I can’t smell it here at home but the haze is pretty thick. Fires north, west and south, I don’t see that improving anytime soon.

    Man, it’s good to have Roy Steele drop by but that’s not the Roy voice I remember.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 30,2018 7:59 pm || Up

      The smoke came and went in the high country but oh man from around 6000 feet down to Altamont Pass was just a blanket. Didn’t need a hat on a >90° July day, never saw that before.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Soaker Jul 30,2018 8:08 pm || Up

        It happens a few days every year at Tahoe, but this time there are so many major fires in different directions, wind shifts don’t matter all that much and we’ll be getting smoke from one place or another for quite a few days to come.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  5. Future Ed Jul 30,2018 7:44 pm

    i keep reflexively leaving the room as the third out is recorded. I have gone to the headphones so my device can stay in my pocket

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  6. Future Ed Jul 30,2018 7:52 pm

    roy, we need you to take a breath for the PXP

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Soaker Jul 30,2018 8:03 pm || Up

      It’s a great tribute to Bill, but a Blue Jays fan tuning in to this on MLB.com or SiriusXM would be driven nuts by this.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  7. FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 30,2018 8:04 pm

    This A’s Access thing sounds amazing. It’s quite an imaginative way to speak to former or would-be season ticket holders (like me) who now find it easier and cheaper to pick up their +/- 20 games a la carte. Add 2018 postseason rights and I do believe I’m all in.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • batgirl Aug 5,2018 2:33 pm || Up

      Totally agree. I’m super excited about it!

  8. Future Ed Jul 30,2018 8:25 pm

    this ken preist stuff is good

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  9. andeux Jul 30,2018 8:27 pm

    Ouch.

    TINSTAAFK
  10. Soaker Jul 30,2018 8:29 pm

    As many runs in 4 innings at the Coliseum as they scored all weekend in Coors Field…naturally.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  11. lenscrafters Jul 30,2018 8:30 pm

    I’m ok with passing on Estrada and Granderson as trade targets.

    • MikeV Jul 30,2018 8:38 pm || Up

      Nats are “listening” on Harper….

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

      Thanks, and go As.

      • Future Ed Jul 30,2018 8:42 pm || Up

        lynn to yankees, do they dump gray?

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • mikeA Jul 30,2018 8:50 pm || Up

          He’s about the only one who interests me.

          • Soaker Jul 30,2018 8:53 pm || Up

            I dunno, there’s this thesis that Sonny just can’t pitch in New York but he was struggling for quite a while in Oakland before the trade and happened to string together some good starts at just the right time for Beane/Forst.

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
            • Future Ed Jul 30,2018 9:00 pm || Up

              its not that its new york, but the Yankee philosophy for having him not throw fastballs.

              I do’t I don’t want him pitching to phegley, though

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
            • mikeA Jul 30,2018 9:02 pm || Up

              I’m not at all confident that he’d be good, more of a reflection on the other starter names getting tossed around.

              • Future Ed Jul 30,2018 9:44 pm || Up

                Gray is an upgrade and shouldn’t cost much

                I have $5. No I don\'t.
  12. Soaker Jul 30,2018 9:20 pm

    I had never considered the possibility that it would have been Ray’s turn to call PxP in the 10th inning of Game 20 of the winning streak, and Ray says he never considered doing it either.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Future Ed Jul 30,2018 9:43 pm || Up

      my at bat has cut out

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • 5Aces Jul 30,2018 9:57 pm || Up

        Same. As you know.

        MLB customer service bot told me to watch the BJ feed. I love explaining their product to them

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • 5Aces Jul 30,2018 10:02 pm || Up

        Video back up

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 30,2018 9:51 pm || Up

      Maybe he can call PxP for the 20th run of this game.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  13. Soaker Jul 30,2018 9:43 pm

    I’d just as soon not use Treinen in a 7-run game.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  14. Future Ed Jul 30,2018 9:47 pm

    get casilla up

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Soaker Jul 30,2018 9:55 pm || Up

      Smolinski could most likely bring this one to the house.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  15. mikeA Jul 30,2018 9:53 pm

    Jaime Garcia might be available.

  16. JediLeroy Jul 30,2018 9:58 pm

    Yangervis?
    Teoscar?
    Kendrys?
    Aledmys?
    What is this, Fighting Baseball?

    Where are Bobson Dugnutt and Sleve McDichael?

    az di bobe volt gehat beytsim volt zi geven mayn zeyde
  17. 5Aces Jul 30,2018 10:07 pm

    5 back with 2 months to go.

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 9:19 am || Up

      With Altuve and Correa on the shelf.

  18. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 9:19 am

    No I want him.

  19. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 9:35 am

    Ramon Laureano (24-year old outfielder the A’s got from the Astros in the offseason) is hitting .286/.381/.514 in his first stint in AAA after being injured for the first couple of months. He’s also 11 for 13 on steal attempts.

    Looks like a pretty solid pickup who could contribute.

    • andeux Jul 31,2018 10:17 am || Up

      Laureano by month: (out), .611, .738, 1.122
      There isn’t really a spot for him now, but it would not surprise me if he ends up getting some major league playing time this year.

      Neuse by month: .401, .554, .749, .806
      He probably still needs some time to develop given that hitting is his best tool (and has even less of a spot open, with Chapman at 3rd and Khris at DH) but it’s good to see that he has recovered from the rough start.

      Barreto also having a pretty good year in between the stints of sitting on the major league bench, and is still only 22.

      TINSTAAFK
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:46 am || Up

        I remain fascinated by this Eli White dude in AA. 11th Round pick without much fanfare, not a ton of power, but a .410 OBP with a .321 AVG, and he’s played at 2B, SS, 3B, and CF.

        • colin Jul 31,2018 1:39 pm || Up

          I don’t know if it’s really a type, but I see that stat line and worry that he’s a slap hitter with good strike zone judgement but good (AAA, ML) pitchers won’t be afraid to throw in the zone and his walk rate will plummet.

          • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 1:48 pm || Up

            The Billy Burns type.

            That certainly may be true. But White has at least some power. Eight homers, seven triples, and 23 doubles this year.

  20. lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 9:41 am

    Damnit, Indians get Leonys Martin

    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 9:54 am || Up

      Who needs him when we have the great Nick Martini?

      • lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 10:02 am || Up

        Martini’s fine. I want to replace Fowler.

  21. Future Ed Jul 31,2018 9:54 am

    Going through jail until after the deadline passes. I better see a starter or a lefty or a centerfield when I get out

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  22. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:16 pm

    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 12:25 pm || Up

      Safeco Field, where crappy-hitting outfielders go to die. I doubt Maybin is as much of an upgrade over Heredia as they think.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Soaker Jul 31,2018 12:48 pm || Up

        Also on that:

        Supposedly Cano will play 1B for the rest of the regular season, which will KO Ryon Healy.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Soaker Jul 31,2018 1:25 pm || Up

          Looking at this a little more, we know Healy doesn’t walk so OBP follows batting average into the dumper, and OBP is .273. I assume 348 PA is enough to wash out most of the BABIP effect. My general impression from seeing a few of their games was that Healy had improved some defensively, but defensive WAR is saying he still sucks.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 1:28 pm || Up

            He’s a barely passable defensive first baseman who can’t get on base to save his life but will hit the living poop out of a ball 30-35 times a year.

            He is what we thought he was.

  23. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:31 pm

    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 12:32 pm || Up

      Which makes Brett the bullpen lefty Ed wanted (until he breaks obviously).

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:33 pm || Up

        When has that ever not worked out, especially in the playoffs?

    • andeux Jul 31,2018 12:39 pm || Up

      TINSTAAFK
      • andeux Jul 31,2018 12:43 pm || Up

        Also, regardless of whether we get Fiers or not, I’ll believe Anderson is out of the rotation when Anderson is no longer in the rotation.

        TINSTAAFK
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:44 pm || Up

        Fiers’ remaining contract is what’s left of $6 million this year. I think he’s arb eligible next year. They can’t possibly be so cheap as to pass for that reason. The haggling must be over prospects.

        • lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 12:49 pm || Up

          No I think it’s pretty clear that money is an issue for this team. There were reports that Familia’s contract was an issue too – ownership was generous enough to approve the remaining 3 million on his contract, but an extra 2 million from Fiers on top of that is apparently too much.

          • MikeV Jul 31,2018 1:06 pm || Up

            Honestly that’s fucking disgusting and Fischer should sell if he’s going to be that much of a cheap bastard.

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

            Thanks, and go As.

            • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 1,2018 11:33 pm || Up

              It is fucking disgusting. Is running a baseball team really such a great investment that he just can’t get his claws out of ours? There’s no better way for him to make money he didn’t earn?

          • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 1:07 pm || Up

            I don’t think Fiers is all that great, so I’m not going to cry over missing out on him. But an unwillingness to take on short-term money in the context of the low payroll, playoff chance, and marketing push is incredibly short-sighted and will probably cost us someone useful on waivers.

            • andeux Jul 31,2018 1:14 pm || Up

              Yeah. Fiers was a big “meh” for me, but not being willing to raise payroll by a couple million, when your lowest-payroll-in-the-league team is somehow in playoff contention, is pretty disheartening. It’s also nothing new.

              TINSTAAFK
            • lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 1:22 pm || Up

              It’s pretty apparent that the sunsetting of the revenue sharing checks is a big deal. They’ve been content to collect those over the last decade plus while being passive on the stadium search and bleeding talent, fans, and market share. Now that those checks are gone, the damage from those four things is coming home to roost.

        • Soaker Jul 31,2018 1:07 pm || Up

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 1:41 pm || Up

    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:40 pm || Up

      Hmmm….

      …trust Slusser or the guy who declared A’s to San Jose done 5 years ago?

      • Soaker Jul 31,2018 12:42 pm || Up

        Nightengale mischaracterized Fenech’s tweet, which only said the Tigers “are close” on Fiers to Oakland.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:45 pm || Up

          Nightengale will Nightengale at regular intervals.

    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 1:26 pm || Up

  24. mikeA Jul 31,2018 12:42 pm

    Stammen would be the final piece necessary to not use a starter in the WC game.

  25. ptbnl Jul 31,2018 12:48 pm

    Great game in the front row seats last night.

    We sat next to a German family touring the baseball stadia of California, with a father who plays 2nd base in the 10th level of German baseball. I discovered that there they have promotion and relegation, in the form of post-season play-ups and play-downs for the top and bottom 4 teams respectively. He was also complaining about the big-money antics of his team’s closest rivals, the Mainz A’s.

    The Rays fans around us were fun too – lots of gallows humor, especially in the Keystone Cops 8th inning.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • andeux Jul 31,2018 12:56 pm || Up

      You can call them Rays or you can call them Jays.

      TINSTAAFK
      • Soaker Jul 31,2018 12:58 pm || Up

        “Some AL East team that’s there to play Washington Generals for the Red Sox and Yankees.”

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 1,2018 11:35 pm || Up

      the big-money antics of his team’s closest rivals, the Mainz A’s

      Well I found my new favorite baseball team. What must it be like to root for an A’s team that spends money? I intend to find out!

    • elcroata Aug 1,2018 11:38 pm || Up

      Did you catch his team’s name by any chance?

      Some of the leagues have that, the others have direct relegation and promotion.

      Because survival is insufficient
      • ptbnl Aug 1,2018 11:41 pm || Up

        Ramstein, I think.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  26. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 12:49 pm

    The Rangers are trading their whole bullpen. Seattle has 10 games left against them. We have seven. The Astros are done playing them.

    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 12:52 pm || Up

      If you’re mad about that you can blame the A’s for exposing that bullpen’s crappiness in its full glory.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • andeux Jul 31,2018 12:57 pm || Up

        Kela is good. I think the BS against us was his first of the season.

        TINSTAAFK
  27. Future Ed Jul 31,2018 1:49 pm

    so, nothing?

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 1:58 pm || Up

      Roster was already perfect.

      • MikeV Jul 31,2018 2:12 pm || Up

        You really only need 1 SP.

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

        Thanks, and go As.

  28. ptbnl Jul 31,2018 5:38 pm

    13 runs on 15 hits in the first 3 innings … could be a long night for the Mets in DC.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • ptbnl Jul 31,2018 5:38 pm || Up

      16/17/4

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 6:13 pm || Up

        19/19/5

        • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 6:23 pm || Up

          Jerry Blevins keeps them off the board in the sixth.

          • Soaker Jul 31,2018 6:27 pm || Up

            Has Blevins’ stock fallen so low that he has to Hatcher it in a 19-0 game?

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
            • ptbnl Jul 31,2018 6:32 pm || Up

              Maybe they wanted a scoreless inning for psychological reasons – it’s already started the comeback (19-1).

              If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
              • ptbnl Jul 31,2018 7:05 pm || Up

                Jose Reyes’ 135.0 ERA isn’t helping the cause.

                If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • ptbnl Jul 31,2018 7:12 pm || Up

                  Whittled it down to 54, but also got hit for the cycle and then some.

                  25/26/8

                  If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
                • Soaker Jul 31,2018 7:18 pm || Up

                  What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
                • elcroata Aug 1,2018 11:39 pm || Up

                  VULTURE SAVE POSITION PLAYER PITCHING WATCH
                  Today
                  1. Jose Bautista – Jose Reyes held the Nationals to six runs on just five hits in Tuesday’s ninth inning, but he needed 48 pitches in the process. Should the Mets fall behind by 18 for a second straight night, Reyes will be unavailable

                  Because survival is insufficient
  29. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 5:38 pm

  30. 5Aces Jul 31,2018 7:13 pm

    Uncle Lew in the house tonight.

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 7:16 pm || Up

      Literally the first thing I saw when I turned on the game late, followed immediately by the Jays first run.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • 5Aces Jul 31,2018 7:27 pm || Up

        He was hanging around today hiding Fisher’s checkbook.

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  31. lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 7:30 pm

    It seems like Canha has become the everyday CF as Fowler hasn’t started against a RHP since the Texas series.

  32. FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 7:36 pm

    Matty O! (swoon)

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  33. andeux Jul 31,2018 7:42 pm

    Apparently Red Bull has replaced (or supplemented?) greenies.

    TINSTAAFK
    • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 1,2018 11:38 pm || Up

      I heard Glen and Dallas were getting really creepy on Kara and it was somehow related to Red Bull. What was that about?

      • MikeV Aug 2,2018 8:25 am || Up

        It was actually kinda funny. I didn’t pick up any creepiness but I was only halfway paying attention.

        They were doing a bit about how Chapman and a few others shotgun a redbull before the game starts in the dugout. There was 1 on and 1 out and Braden made a comment about they should all do it too if there was an inning ending GIDP. Instead there was a lineout/throwout inning ending DP to Piscotty in RF.

        They said close enough, and an inning later or so Kara chugged one on TV.

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

        Thanks, and go As.

        • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 2,2018 12:08 pm || Up

          My brother thought Glen was making it weirdly sexual, but I wasn’t watching at the time so I have no knowledge of it. He credited Braden with abruptly changing the subject though.

      • 5Aces Aug 2,2018 9:32 am || Up

        Mike has all the facts and I didnt notice anything creepy from the booth.

        That said I may have been creepy because I fell in love a little more with Kara when she slammed that Red Bull like a boss.

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  34. Soaker Jul 31,2018 8:03 pm

    BTW that Giles appearance on radio reminded me that there was a question about the A’s leaving 95.7 The Game after the season. I believe Entercom has reached agreements with the teams so that the Warriors remain on 95.7 and the A’s go to 1550 AM The Game starting next season. The Raiders already said Musburger will be on KCBS 740 this season. So no more conflicts among those three. 95.7 and 1550 will usually be simulcast except for game broadcasts but there should be some breaking of the simulcast for some non-game A’s programming on 1550, “A’s Talk with Townie” or some such.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 8:11 pm || Up

      I thought I saw a kavak comment on twitter that a move in imminent

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • andeux Jul 31,2018 8:17 pm || Up

        He was trolling 95.7 a few weeks ago:

        TINSTAAFK
  35. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 8:08 pm

    Khrushed

  36. lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 8:15 pm

    Wow, this team actually pulled off a double steal?

    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 8:16 pm || Up

      And got Gibbons to waste his challenge.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  37. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 8:25 pm

    I like how Martini doesn’t make outs.

    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 8:31 pm || Up

      I wonder if he is going to be challenged moer until he starts driving the ball

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  38. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 8:30 pm

  39. MikeV Jul 31,2018 8:30 pm

    Smoak HR?

    THANKS AGAIN BILLY

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

    Thanks, and go As.

  40. aardvark Jul 31,2018 8:34 pm

    Flashback to 2014:

    Driving home from a glorious road trip through the American West (my kids still talk about the pancakes with Huckleberries in reverent tones). As the day is getting late we decide to sleep in Idaho Falls with the goal of being home to California with just one more day of driving. As we pulled into town someone (probably me) pointed out that Idaho falls is home to a short season rookie ball team, the Chukars (it’s a grount bird, we had to look it up too). And lo and behold, they were in town that night. With the late July days still long, we had plenty of daylight and given the long day in the car, we were all antsy to be outside. It was an easy sell to the group.

    I don’t remember the final score to that game or who the Chukars were playing. I remember that it was a beautiful evening for baseball, warm and clear. I remember that the tickets were cheap and the beer, plentiful. And I remember that there was one player who’s bat caught my eye over the course of the game. We had a good approach at the plate and hit the ball eith authority. He was clearly a better hitter than any other player on the field that night. Over the course of the game he went from being just another guy on the field, to someone who stood out, to having his own nickname. We called him Rhino Horn. I don’t remember how the nickname came about, probably one of the kids came up with it, but it stuck.

    It was a fun game but I didn’t expect that Rhino Horn had any real chance of making it to the Major Leages. As a guy coming out of college, of course he was among the better players on the field. Many of them were coming out of high school or kids from Latin America in their first exposure to the US. And as a 1b, of course he was a good hitter, but it’s hard to start the minors as a 1b and expect to make it to the bigs without being and absolute tremendous hitter.

    Still it was a neat feeling to have seen a player on what amounts to the extreme back lots of baseball and to pick him out of a crowd without any previous expectations or knowledge about him. As a result, I’ve followed Rhino Horn’s minor league career more out of the joy of that day four years ago than any expectation that he would be a star. But somewhere along the way Rhino Horn turned into a pretty decent prospect. He finished that 2014 season with 14 home runs and a .444 obp in 64 games. In 2015 he found success again between A ball and High A, hitting 27 Hr across both levels with a decent .339 obp. Then in 2016, Mr Horn returned to A+ to start the season, crushing the ball and earning a promotion to AA where he again put up solid numbers. Things when backward for the Rhino a bit in 2017 where he when he was demoted from AAA to AA, exposed to the rule 5 draft (and not selected) and on the surface, again in 2018. His AAA numbers haven’t set the world afire although there has been positives in his increased walk and reduced strike out rate.

    Well today it happened. Ryan O’hearn was called up by the Royals and started at 1b. In his 2nd major league at bat, he launched a home run to right field for his first Major League hit.

    This is why I love baseball

    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 8:43 pm || Up

      That is awesome.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 8:44 pm || Up

      Fantastic story, thanks.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • aardvark Jul 31,2018 9:10 pm || Up

        Glad you liked it. Seeing homer today was so much fun.

    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 8:45 pm || Up

      When I was a kid we stopped in Sarasota FL to visit one of Mom’s old college friends. I was dropped off at the Rookie League park one morning and watched a game with maybe 50 other people. Some old guy pointed out a teenager to me, Clint Hurdle, and raved about what a great player he was going to be. So I always followed Hurdle (who wasn’t unknown; he was a first-round draft choice). Hurdle turned into Billy Beane as a player, the “good face” but not much production, but of course he’s still around in baseball.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 8:48 pm || Up

        The good face, you say?

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • aardvark Jul 31,2018 9:14 pm || Up

        Wow, I only really remember Hurdle after his playing days. Looking at his stat lines he was pretty good in his early days but peaked at 22.

    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 9:35 pm || Up

      love it

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • AV Aug 1,2018 9:24 am || Up

      we’re planning our return trip from montana right now. idaho falls is in the picture for friday or saturday. anybody i should be watching for in chukars vs grand junction?

      *i’m* AV. alex vause. put this loon in psych before she hurts someone.
      • aardvark Aug 1,2018 9:26 pm || Up

        The best prospect you are likey to see is Grant Lavigne, who was drafted in the supplemental first. Ton of power, but likely a 1b, so he has to improve his ability to make contact if he’s going to succeed. Hitting well so far as a pro.
        Also Watch for Nico Decolati, drafted in the 6th round this year. Has above average tools including some power but strikes out a ton.

    • elcroata Aug 1,2018 11:43 pm || Up

      Beautiful, thank you!

      Because survival is insufficient
  41. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 8:44 pm

    Astros up 3-1 in Seattle on a Gattis HR.

  42. Soaker Jul 31,2018 9:01 pm

    The bit about Fosse covering Dylan there makes me remember how I was laughing at Charlie Blackmon killing time loitering outside the batter’s box until the money line in his walk-up song came up.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  43. Soaker Jul 31,2018 9:33 pm

    This game feels like it should be about 12-2 rather than 6-2…

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 9:38 pm || Up

      …knowing this crap was coming being the reason for the ellipsis…

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • andeux Jul 31,2018 9:38 pm || Up

      And the pace seems to have lulled our defenders to sleep.

      TINSTAAFK
  44. Future Ed Jul 31,2018 9:43 pm

    vince likes to claim the “bullpen” or “defense” or “offense” is x best/worst in the league. But he never defines the measure. I am guessing ERA/fielding percentage/average, but I never know

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Soaker Jul 31,2018 9:51 pm || Up

      Vince is the same age I am so I understand to some extent. “Leading the league in hitting” is assumed to mean “has the highest batting average among qualifiers”.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 9:56 pm || Up

        I was a little unclear, He talks about teams being 2nd, 4th, 8th etc.

        But I suppose for hitting your explaination makes sense, but it bugs me that a professional baseabll analyst is a unclear and 2 uses antiquated references.

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 10:02 pm || Up

          Vince deserves a lot of criticism but I think that’s pretty common in the pxp world (whose averagee age is likely north of 50).

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • Soaker Jul 31,2018 11:00 pm || Up

            I’m glad you think of it as “north”, said the Sierra hiker and bicyclist whose doctor told him today he most likely has torn cartilage in his left knee.

            What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
            • FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 11:10 pm || Up

              Ouch, sorry man. Gonna need a good hot spring rehab program.

              "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
              • Soaker Jul 31,2018 11:59 pm || Up

                Blah, the plan is to keep going until November 1, addressing the pain as we go. There’s plenty of time for rest and healing over the winter. I’ll only shut it down if I think I’m hurting the ballclub, but if there’s any chance of contributing I don’t see that happening.

                What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • colin Aug 1,2018 6:31 am || Up

      In Red Sox tv broadcasts, when they announce each team’s defense in the top/bottom of the first they always give their MLB rank by fielding percentage. So useless.

  45. lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 9:48 pm

    I don’t understand keeping Anderson in the rotation and skipping Montas.

    • andeux Jul 31,2018 9:56 pm || Up

      Montas has options, while Anderson has incriminating photos of Billy.

      TINSTAAFK
      • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 9:57 pm || Up

        with busty coeds and a fan of singles?

        I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • mikeA Jul 31,2018 11:13 pm || Up

        Anderson hypnotizes him with changeups and sliders that seem to hang in the air for minutes at a time, leaving Billy open to the powers of suggestion.

  46. 5Aces Jul 31,2018 9:55 pm

    Kara just slammed a Red Bull like a boss and I think Im in love.

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  47. FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 9:59 pm

    Familia may be trying to kill Lucroy. Ouch.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  48. Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:05 pm

    the mariners have 2 fewer off days than the A’s. I think theat is pretty significant.

    Also, as ray talks about the red sox getting kinsler, I remember that one of my early season goals was to trade lowrie boston.

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  49. lenscrafters Jul 31,2018 10:06 pm

    Ok that’s ridiculous.

    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:09 pm || Up

      he is ridiculous. I saw some guy on the athletic try to argue that bregman was a better fielder

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  50. Soaker Jul 31,2018 10:06 pm

    Wow Chapman, that was amazing.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:06 pm || Up

      can’t wait to see it, it fooled ken

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:13 pm || Up

        • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:20 pm || Up

          oh my god. I love that guy.

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:13 pm || Up

      Solarte dogging it at the end ruined the highlight a little.

    • 5Aces Aug 1,2018 9:01 am || Up

      He reminds me of that kid you see in little league who runs off everyone to field every play because he thinks he is so much better than the rest of them.

      But this is MLB.

      And he is that much better.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
  51. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:06 pm

    Chapman’s arm is outrageous.

    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:35 pm || Up

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  52. MikeV Jul 31,2018 10:09 pm

    Just give him the GG already.

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

    Thanks, and go As.

    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:23 pm || Up

      if there are votes for anyone else, its a snub

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:23 pm || Up

      if there are votes for anyone else, its a snub

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  53. Soaker Jul 31,2018 10:13 pm

    I knew we had something good defensively, just figured Chapman’s OBP would be ~.300 on July 31.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  54. FreeSeatUpgrade Jul 31,2018 10:19 pm

    Nice win, fellows!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  55. Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:20 pm

    Seattle loses. 5 back, 1 back.

    • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:21 pm || Up

      it makes no sense.

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:24 pm || Up

        Just for you: 8 up on the Rays, 8.5 up on the Angels.

        • Future Ed Jul 31,2018 10:33 pm || Up

          much better.

          wait, I have to root for the angels?

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:36 pm || Up

            Not much. They only play Seattle four more times and Houston six. We get them nine more times.

      • Soaker Jul 31,2018 10:30 pm || Up

        The concern being that the Bills, yes the FKing Buffalo Bills, made the playoffs this year.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • Glorious Mundy Jul 31,2018 10:37 pm || Up

          And England won a penalty shootout.

          • ptbnl Jul 31,2018 11:18 pm || Up

            And Panama made the World Cup.

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
            • MikeV Aug 1,2018 8:39 am || Up

              too soon.

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

              Thanks, and go As.

              • ptbnl Aug 1,2018 8:45 am || Up

                We haven’t forgotten 1950.

                If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  56. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 8:54 am

    The topic on the flagship just now was what would be more “impactful” in the next offseason: Harper signing with the Giants or Kevin Durant re-signing with the Warriors.

    Are there people who listen to this on purpose, instead of accidentally leaving it on in the car after listening to the A’s game the night before? This is a workable programming model?

    • 5Aces Aug 1,2018 9:04 am || Up

      Most of the Giants fans I know arent even paying attention to them at this point. It is a distraction if there is nothing better to do. And these are real fans, not someone who jumped on in 2010. I guess I just dont understand radio.

      Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
      • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 9:09 am || Up

        I just don’t understand why a Giants fan would ever even turn on 95.7 during baseball season. Maybe they leave it on accidentally during Warriors season, but otherwise they are listening to KNBR, right? I get talking incessantly about football — all of you insane people love that garbage — but Giants talk seems like a dead end for them.

        • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 1,2018 9:35 am || Up

          I think your disconnect has less to do with the Giants and more with the mindset of the talk radio listener, who as I understand it craves babbling nonsense because it (falsely) assures the listener that he’s smarter.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 9:39 am || Up

            Case in point: Chris Townsend last night trying to make a case for Khris Davis as an MVP contender.

            • colin Aug 1,2018 10:05 am || Up

              LOL. Even if you don’t care about fielding, just look at DHs, and know nothing about advanced stats, you can still compare him to JD Martinez and see that Khris comes up short by 3 HR, 5 RBI (fewer than I would have guessed), and 68 points of batting average.

              • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 10:14 am || Up

                There are years where no position players really stand out so you can make a crazy, “the award is most valuable and where would team x be without player y” case for someone off the board without it being completely laughable. This is not one of those years in the AL.

                To be fair, even Townie seemed to recognize halfway through the hot take that it was bad. By the end it had petered out to “he has to get some votes!”

                • andeux Aug 1,2018 10:26 am || Up

                  And even then, both the stats and the eyeball test would rate Chapman as the team’s MVP by a sizeable margin.

                  TINSTAAFK
              • mikeA Aug 1,2018 10:39 am || Up

                Davis is currently the American League leader in fielding.

    • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 1,2018 11:44 pm || Up

      How is that even a conversation? It’s Durant.

  57. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 9:28 am

    Mets announcers just now on Tommy Milone:

    Ron Darling: That’s not a guy who can throw it through a brick wall. Maybe not even a pane of glass.
    Gary Cohen: A piece of wet cardboard?

    • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 9:49 am || Up

      (Tommy has struck out six Mets through three scoreless)

      • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 12:14 pm || Up

        7 IP, 3H, 1R, 9K, 0BB

        Atta boy, Tommy

  58. ptbnl Aug 1,2018 11:26 am

    DFA for glove-tossing/glaring seems extreme – any interest in Shawn Kelley?

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  59. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 12:44 pm

    The kicker of John Shea’s notebook column today, regarding whether Luzardo could pitch in the bigs this year:

    “I don’t think it’s the best thing for him or for the team right now,” Forst said. “That might change on Sept. 1.”

    • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 1,2018 11:45 pm || Up

      Baseball is really testing my abilities to keep loving it with the bullshit that all the teams do to their players, and ultimately to themselves.

      • Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 6:46 am || Up

        I think in this case they’re looking out for the kid. The bullshit will be if he isn’t in the Oakland rotation in April.

        • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 11:07 am || Up

          I think it might be fun and a useful exercise to add him to the roster and have him be a setember call up LOOOGY.

          I don’t think losing boog powell is a terrible thing, but I don’t run the club and the A’s front office probably thinks differently.

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • 5Aces Aug 2,2018 11:23 am || Up

            He should be up here in Sept even if we state flat out he will never pitch. They say seeing a pennant race is good and he should be around the guys to be familiar with everyone in advance of spring.

            Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
        • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 2,2018 12:09 pm || Up

          How does what’s best for him change on September 1?

          • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 12:23 pm || Up

            I think the idea is to give him a few innings, maybe 1 or 2 starts in AAA, then shut him down. I don’t think he plays after Aug 15

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • aardvark Aug 2,2018 10:43 am || Up

        Baseball is really testing my abilities to keep loving it with the bullshit

        Yep. I’m not sure this is the worst example as Luzardo is just 20, started the season in A+, and has already doubled his innings over last year. That said, the greed exhibited by the owners at the expense of players, fans, and taxpayers is mind boggling. I hope to watch a lot more Cal baseball next season.

        • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 11:02 am || Up

          not sure college basketball is the antidote to greedy team owners.

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • aardvark Aug 2,2018 11:32 am || Up

            Baseball, and you might be right, but at least I’m paying less, have a shorter drive, better parking, better seats.

            • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 11:41 am || Up

              i don’t read well. It says it right there.

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • MikeV Aug 2,2018 2:07 pm || Up

            There’s nothing wrong with throwing 135 pitches in a game.

            3 times in 4 days.

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

            Thanks, and go As.

        • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 2,2018 12:10 pm || Up

          Death to the NCAA.

        • sslinger Aug 7,2018 8:15 pm || Up

          Sunday we got to take our grandson to his first ever baseball game. Not a Sox game at Fenway, but a playoff game of the Cape Cod League between the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox (#1) and the Brewster Whitecaps (#8). I was rooting for Brewster because ms. s & I saw our first CCBL game in Brewster several years ago, plus they have two Cal players on their team, including Darren Baker. The game was at the Y-D home field at the local high school, the parking lot packed and lots of people out in their folding chairs, most seeking shade but some hardy fans sitting in the 90 degree sun in the bleachers. A giant osprey nest topped one of the light towers in the parking lot, and from time to time you could spot a bird circling in with a fish in its talons. Nothing but blue sky and some puffy clouds, and we’d already had our fried clams and soft serve ice cream. Top of the second, the Whitecaps get the bases loaded and Cameron Eden (SS Cal) stroked a bases-clearing double, and later scored to make it 4-0. We spent most of the rest of the few innings we stayed chasing the almost-3-year old around and letting him watch some bigger kids pitch and catch. I had to check back later, and darned if the Whitecaps didn’t end up pulling the upset in the series and are now off to play Chatham in the semis. Meanwhile, Andrew Vaughn was tearing up the league leading the Wareham Gatemen to the top until he left to play for Team USA. So yeah, let’s go to some Cal games next year, and you bet I’ll be watching those guys as they go up through the ranks.

          • Future Ed Aug 7,2018 8:32 pm || Up

            it was so miserable and hot and full of mosqitos

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
            • sslinger Aug 8,2018 6:27 am || Up

              It is incredibly hot here, but mosquitos? Feh, this former Minnesotan laughs at the notion they are a bother here.

          • colin Aug 8,2018 7:06 am || Up

            I’m going to be out in Yarmouth Port for a week starting on Saturday. I think the Cape League season will be over though…

            • sslinger Aug 9,2018 11:54 am || Up

              They’ve been playing 2 out of 3 in the playoffs, so you may get a finals game.

  60. ptbnl Aug 1,2018 1:07 pm

    What’s the opposite of kryptonite?

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 1:09 pm || Up

      Popeye’s spinach

      • ptbnl Aug 1,2018 1:14 pm || Up

        Thought I’d jinxed it there for a minute.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  61. Future Ed Aug 1,2018 1:36 pm

    Bought an 805 in the stands. I don’t really like them but I want them to stop selling colors and bud light

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • ptbnl Aug 1,2018 1:39 pm || Up

      Even if they’re required to sell macrobrews, they could at least include one bought-out craft brewery (Goose Island, Lagunitas, Ballast Point, …)

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • andeux Aug 1,2018 1:49 pm || Up

        That’s what 805 is (Firestone Walker, bought by Duvel).

        TINSTAAFK
        • ptbnl Aug 1,2018 2:04 pm || Up

          The “good” was implicit.

          If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 1:39 pm || Up

      I don’t often use the word “hero,” but…

    • aardvark Aug 2,2018 11:30 am || Up

      I really hate the 805 radio commercials “The only way to enjoy and A’s game is with an 805 in hand.” Fuck off

  62. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 1:38 pm

    3-0 Houston behind Keuchel

  63. lenscrafters Aug 1,2018 1:46 pm

    It’s really hard to think of Manaea as anything other than a #3, #4 starter when he’s tossing 88-89 mph fastballs.

    • MikeV Aug 1,2018 2:13 pm || Up

      Which is tough because he’s the only legit SP we have.

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

      Thanks, and go As.

    • vignette17 Aug 1,2018 2:25 pm || Up

      More importantly and semi-related, he needs to get those K’s up. 6.1 K/9 just ain’t gonna cut it when half the league is striking out half the time. I can live with the HR/9 and the BB/9 is great.

  64. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 2:23 pm

    I’m not booing, I’m saying Loooooocroy.

  65. FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 1,2018 2:26 pm
    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  66. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 2:30 pm

    After today, Seattle plays Houston seven more times this month, including four down there right before they come here.

    • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 2:36 pm || Up

      Sadly, however, they get four against these Blue Jays starting tomorrow.

      • 5Aces Aug 1,2018 2:44 pm || Up

        I enjoy getting to change my allegiance nightly when they play.

        Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
        • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 2:50 pm || Up

          Scoreboard watching is fun as hell, especially in the era of mlb.tv.

  67. Future Ed Aug 1,2018 2:33 pm

    Umpires don’t have tattoos

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 2:51 pm || Up

      Can’t improve on those already beautiful bodies.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 1,2018 3:11 pm || Up

      Because growing up they all wanted to become cops but later realized they craved greater dictatorial powers.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  68. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 3:29 pm

    Frank!

  69. Soaker Aug 1,2018 3:34 pm

    Last 10 games:

    4 runs in the 3 games I attended.
    65 runs in the 7 games I didn’t attend.

    It takes many years of baseball watching to nail it that precisely.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  70. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 3:42 pm

    Pleasure doing business with you, Blue Jays. See you next summer.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 1,2018 4:18 pm || Up

      Now go kick some Mariner ass!

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  71. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 4:00 pm

    • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 4:22 pm || Up

      Laureano and Boog are both listed in the lineup for Nashville tonight, though I guess they can play tonight and travel tomorrow.

      • lenscrafters Aug 1,2018 4:24 pm || Up

        Laureano would be terrific.

        • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 4:32 pm || Up

          Hmm, this suggests it is him, though they could still recall Boog tomorrow I guess.

          • lenscrafters Aug 1,2018 4:37 pm || Up

            Looking at the A’s probable matchups coming up, it looks like the A’s are facing 2 of 3 lefties with Detroit and Hill/Kershaw with the Dodgers. So with no Pinder, a right handed hitting outfielder makes sense.

            • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 4:41 pm || Up

              He also has 19 games in CF this year.

              • andeux Aug 1,2018 4:54 pm || Up

                Yes, he’s supposed to be a very good defender.

                TINSTAAFK
                • Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 6:37 pm || Up

                  And he just homered.

                • Future Ed Aug 1,2018 7:03 pm || Up

                  hugs reported in the sounds dugout

                  I have $5. No I don\'t.
                • Future Ed Aug 1,2018 7:04 pm || Up

                  been pinch hit for

                  I have $5. No I don\'t.
                • MikeV Aug 2,2018 8:29 am || Up

                  Wow, that IS good defense!

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

                  Thanks, and go As.

      • Soaker Aug 1,2018 4:28 pm || Up

        Or possibly a deal for someone who has cleared waivers. They can call up Graveman and put him on the 60-day DL.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • andeux Aug 1,2018 4:32 pm || Up

          They can just put Gossett on the 60-day.

          TINSTAAFK
  72. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 4:07 pm

    Jesus, Vince, two “how special is it” questions for Barreto? Hopefully the translator is improving on these before they get to him.

  73. Glorious Mundy Aug 1,2018 4:14 pm

    5 back, 0 back

  74. Future Ed Aug 1,2018 4:41 pm

    so my post for during the playing of celebration did not post.

    Hatcher got up and started throwing. just then, after the last out

    I have $5. No I don\'t.
  75. elcroata Aug 1,2018 11:59 pm

    Now with better winning percentage than any team in the National League. SO, just schlep yourselves to the WS soemhow. Easy peasy afterwards

    Because survival is insufficient
    • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 2,2018 12:11 pm || Up

      It’s not even the first time that’s been the case. At one point the six best teams in the AL were all better than any NL team. The NL is such a fucking joke.

      • dmoas Aug 2,2018 12:59 pm || Up

        Is it really that they suck or is it that their competition is more balanced.

        • Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 1:26 pm || Up

          More balanced. The horrendous AL Central is skewing everything, including the NL standings, where every NL Central team is .500 or better against them in interleague.

        • colin Aug 2,2018 1:26 pm || Up

          Yeah, the AL is really feast / famine this year.

        • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 2,2018 3:34 pm || Up

          It’s that they suck. They’ve sucked for decades because they refuse to play grownup baseball with a DH, so their pitchers don’t have to pitch against nine hitters. It all ripples out from there.

  76. Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 6:47 am

  77. 5Aces Aug 2,2018 11:26 am

    I’m not unhappy we are tied right now, but after seeing the BJs the last 3 days I have little faith that we wont be a half game back come this time tomorrow. (barring some weird rain/roof malfunction)

    Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it? -Steve McCatty
    • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 11:42 am || Up

      the blue jays can’t lose every game to one team can they?

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
    • Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 12:02 pm || Up

      The Blue Jays are starting Tyler Clippard tonight. So yeah.

      On the other hand, Seattle is starting Felix and he has been awful.

      • andeux Aug 2,2018 1:46 pm || Up

        Wait, what?

        TINSTAAFK
        • Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 3:58 pm || Up

          Yep.

          Also, wow.

          • Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 8:55 pm || Up

            Felix wasn’t great, but he got through five. I assume he gets another start.

            • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 10:05 pm || Up

              good.

              Also, wow, Dee gordon turns an ankle, and the Mariners turn a one run deficit to a 4 run deficit in the top of the 9th.

              I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 2,2018 5:04 pm || Up

        It’s not so outrageous, Clippard’s last start was also against the M’s…in 2008.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 7:27 pm || Up

          He just served up a 5,000-foot homer to Nelson Cruz.

          • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 8:52 pm || Up

            mariners sure like PED guys

            I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 10:19 am || Up

        Clip Art was not good, but he survived an inning. The Jays then got six scoreless innings from a guy they had signed off the scrap heap half an hour before the game.

        • andeux Aug 3,2018 10:51 am || Up

          I still don’t understand why they did it. Both pitchers are righties so there’s no platoon considerations like the Rays had most of the times they started Romo. Nor (evidently) is Clippard an elite pitcher that you necessarily want facing your opponent’s best hitters.

          TINSTAAFK
          • Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 11:01 am || Up

            I don’t think this was a Rays thing. I think they were just planning to bullpen-game it all the way, but then the Hauschild guy just kept getting outs so they left him in there.

  78. ptbnl Aug 2,2018 12:11 pm

    Burnley take an early lead in the 2nd leg of their Europa League qualifier.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • ptbnl Aug 2,2018 12:17 pm || Up

      … but Aberdeen equalize with an outrageous bicycle kick.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • ptbnl Aug 2,2018 1:29 pm || Up

        … and it’s now trundling inevitably towards extra-time.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  79. Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 12:47 pm
    • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 3:15 pm || Up

      the comments on the twitter post of the second solarte play were hilarious. the nay says chose either “aranado has something to say about him being the best. or Solate wasn’t running and would have been safe had he busted it all the way.

      I did engage, unfortunately linking arando saying chapman is better

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 2,2018 3:36 pm || Up

        It kind of did look like Solarte weirdly gave up before he should have, and my initial reaction to the video was he could have beaten it out.

        • Future Ed Aug 2,2018 3:42 pm || Up

          he did. I don’t think he would have made it, but remember, he was robbed by chapman when he tried to but earlier, he was probably just sick of it all

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
  80. Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 2:23 pm

    • andeux Aug 2,2018 2:25 pm || Up

      Feeding him to Mr. Wu’s pigs seems a little extreme.

      TINSTAAFK
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 2,2018 2:41 pm || Up

        New York cocksuckers!

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  81. ptbnl Aug 2,2018 6:17 pm

    Holder didn’t.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  82. ptbnl Aug 2,2018 7:31 pm

    Does Foltynewicz have the best English scrabble score name (31 points)?

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • ptbnl Aug 2,2018 7:37 pm || Up

      Obviously not.

      Rzepczynski (40)
      Zawadzki (34)
      Zastryzny (33)
      Quackenbush (31)

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  83. Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 7:49 pm

    2-2 in Seattle. A lot Canadians in the house.

  84. Glorious Mundy Aug 2,2018 10:12 pm

    Second place!

  85. MikeV Aug 2,2018 10:58 pm
    And I have to say: mikev is one of my favorite people on here -slusser.

    Thanks, and go As.

  86. Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 10:43 am

    Ed, would you like to field this one?

    • Future Ed Aug 3,2018 11:19 am || Up

      its a common refrain. “if I was going to burglarize the house, why would I ring the doorbell first to see if anyone was home?”

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
  87. Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 1:52 pm

    • Future Ed Aug 3,2018 1:58 pm || Up

      i am going to be flying for most of this game. Does united let me watch at bat?

      I have $5. No I don\'t.
      • Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 2:00 pm || Up

        Based on my experience with United’s wifi, it won’t work very well, if at all.

      • ptbnl Aug 3,2018 2:25 pm || Up

        If you’re in a former Continental plane you’ll have DirectTV with various MLB channels. What’s the flight number?

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • Future Ed Aug 3,2018 2:47 pm || Up

          2260

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
          • ptbnl Aug 3,2018 3:07 pm || Up

            Not looking promising.

            If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • Future Ed Aug 3,2018 2:49 pm || Up

          I guess we doin’t depart until 9. hopefully ill get something in

          I have $5. No I don\'t.
  88. Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 5:08 pm

    Red Sox broadcast just now:

    SIDELINE REPORTER: “Eck, Jerry, who were some of the guys you were close with despite being in the middle of a rivalry?”
    ECK: “I don’t know about rivalry. I had a real close friend that stole my wife. How about that?”

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 3,2018 6:58 pm || Up

      8. Dennis Eckersley/Rick Manning:

      1978 was a tough year for the Eck. He was traded from the Indians to the Red Sox, his wife, Denise, told him she was in love with another man, and that man turned out to be his best friend, Cleveland centerfielder Manning. Those facts are not in dispute, though much else about this unplanned wife swap (Denise and Manning later married) is murky. Cleveland lore has it that the Indians front office traded Eck because it learned of the affair and needed to ship one of them out, and since Manning had a cracked vertebra in his neck he wouldn’t have drawn much in return. For his part, Eck insists the executives knew nothing and that he himself learned that his wife and Manning were together only months after the trade. Regardless, Eckersley fondly mentioned both Denise and Manning by name in a gracious induction speech when he joined the Hall of Fame last summer.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 3,2018 7:13 pm || Up

        “Fondly”? God he’s weird.

        • FreeSeatUpgrade Aug 3,2018 7:25 pm || Up

          Eh, young drunk Eck was a probably a real dick. Good on him for now wishing people he cared about well.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
          • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 3,2018 8:00 pm || Up

            I mean it’s weird that he “fondly” mentioned people that he, to this day, describes by saying “I had a real close friend that stole my wife.” He’s a complicated man.

  89. andeux Aug 3,2018 7:11 pm

    Jacob deGrom is now 5-7, 1.85 ERA.

    TINSTAAFK
    • MikeV Aug 3,2018 7:41 pm || Up

      6.4 WAR.

      lol

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

      Thanks, and go As.

      • Ben Folds' Nuts Aug 3,2018 8:03 pm || Up

        HOW CAN HE HAVE SIX WISN ABOVE REPLACEMTEN WHEN HE’S ONLY WON FIVE GAMES, CHECKMATE LIBERALS

    • Glorious Mundy Aug 3,2018 8:37 pm || Up

      He even drove in the Mets’ only run tonight.

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