Salmagundi: The End Is Nigh ← FREE KRAUT!

Salmagundi: The End Is Nigh 156

1 Oct 2010  |  FreeSeatUpgrade  |The Grill

159 down, 3 to go. In less that 48 hours the A’s season will be over. Hardly strictly sad.

I read once a long time ago that it’s not just players who make the post-season that get league-mandated bonus payments, but that every player gets some sort of bonus, amounts tiered to the final standings, not a lot of money, like five grand for first, four grand for second, etc., back when I read it, in maybe late 70’s. I can now find no evidence that this is still true (or if it was ever true). Anyone?

Fosse on radio: “Billy’s said he’s going to do everything he can to improve next year’s offense.” Uh huh.

Ellis on radio: New baby coming in November.

FSU on radio: I’m even going to miss Vince. And Round Table Pizza, and Tap Plastics. Perhaps dialing 1-800, fifty-nine times, will fill the void. Failing that, intravenous Nations.

156 thoughts on “Salmagundi: The End Is Nigh”

  1. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 7:08 pm

    Carson indeed scratched; Jeremy “Masters of WAR” Hermida will man right.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  2. Poppy Oct 1,2010 7:14 pm

    Another little Unicorn Whisperer?

    There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
  3. Soaker Oct 1,2010 7:16 pm

    Second place teams in each division get a small share. Major League Rule 45(b)(1) and 45(b)(2).

    (b) PLAYERS.

    (1) Creation of Pool. One players’ pool shall be created from the World Series, the two League Championship Series and the four Division Series. Contributions shall be made into the pool as follows:
    (A) Sixty percent of the total gate receipts from the first four World Series games;
    (B) Sixty percent of the total gate receipts from the first four games of each League Championship Series; and
    (C) Sixty percent of the total gate receipts from the first three games of each Division Series.

    (2) Distribution of Pool. The players’ pool shall be apportioned and distributed to the players, by Club, by the Secretary-Treasurer as follows:
    (A) Thirty-six percent to the team winning the World Series.
    (B) Twenty-four percent to the team losing the World Series.
    (C) Twenty-four percent to be divided equally between the losing teams in each of the two League Championship Series.
    (D) Twelve percent to be divided equally among the losing teams in each of the four Division Series.
    (E) Four percent to be divided equally among the four second-place teams that did not qualify for a Division Series from among the six divisions.

    I saw recently (Slusser’s notes?) that a second-place player’s share should be around $7K-$10K.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 7:23 pm || Up

      Thanks, glad to learn I wasn’t totally deluded. That’s a sum that’s actually meaningful to many of the A’s players. Moreso than the Angels players, presumably (except that they’re all soulless money-driven beancounters)

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • Soaker Oct 1,2010 7:28 pm || Up

        It’s even more appreciated by some of the support personnel who don’t earn the $400K minimum: clubhouse manager, equipment manager, batboys, etc. Traditionally the players vote these guys at least a cash award, and in the case of the clubhouse manager usually a full share.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • nevermoor Oct 1,2010 7:34 pm || Up

      That’s a tiny bonus for people making $400K

      Of course, it sounds like it goes to people making much less too.

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • Soaker Oct 1,2010 7:38 pm || Up

        Even a World Series winner’s share (~$300K) is “tiny” for Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, C.C. Sabathia…

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 7:42 pm || Up

        I disagree…it’s not like a “bonus” to a salaried white-collar lifer for whom bonuses are a regular thing. At an average $400K lifestyle, whatever that is, I think an un-budgeted extra 10 grand would still feel meaningful…a really nice vacation, a serious piece of jewelry, whatever.

        And of course, there’s the difference between making big league money for a few years versus a lifetime. And the fact that many on the A’s roster didn’t get a full year at the big league minimum.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
        • nevermoor Oct 1,2010 8:33 pm || Up

          Keep in mind, a $10k bonus is actually a $5500 check

          That’s less than a semi-monthly check for someone making that month. A lot less.

          "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
          • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 2:16 pm || Up

            Can I have $10K $5.5K?

            you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  4. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 7:38 pm

    Whoo hoo! Dale rocks!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  5. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 7:54 pm

    Fernando Rodney coughs up a two run lead in the bottom of the ninth in Texas, including two walks, an HBP, and a steal of home. Tied into the 10th. Go Texas!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  6. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 8:07 pm

    I appreciate the gesture from the M’s organization in writing THANKS in big, happy-font letters behind second base on the infield dirt…I cannot conceive of the A’s doing anything comparable. That said, letters and patterns on the dirt or grass are butt ugly.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • nanotrebuchet Oct 1,2010 8:20 pm || Up

      That message is from the A’s to the M’s…

  7. andeux Oct 1,2010 8:07 pm

    This will probably be the last A’s game I watch this year. I’m thinking of heading over to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass tomorrow afternoon (somehow, I’ve never been), and Sunday I’m going to the pinball expo (which is awesome, and part of the reason for not going to HSB in previous years).
    It seems like the first weekend in October always has a lot going on. The slight change in MLB schedule next year will be nice – opening games on a weekend, and finishing a bit earlier.

    TINSTAAFK
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 8:19 pm || Up

      I was looking forward to making my first HSB visit this year too, but then Nurse Upgrade’s work schedule had her working both days. I’m pretty intrepid when it comes to solo parent trips with the kids, but BARTing and Muni-ing our way to the park (driving is apparently a real bad idea), then handling the six-figure throng was more than I was up for.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • ptbnl Oct 1,2010 8:40 pm || Up

        I’d recommend the Kate Wolfe Festival over HSB.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • andeux Oct 1,2010 8:50 pm || Up

        I’d recommend the pinball expo if it’s the kind of thing your kids might like.

        TINSTAAFK
        • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 8:58 pm || Up

          It does sound cool.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
      • sslinger Oct 1,2010 10:37 pm || Up

        HSB is one of my favorite events of the year. Even with the crowds, which got kind of ridiculous last year, it’s a really tremendous collection of music and a generally relaxed good time. Whether you see old favorites or stumble onto something new, you pretty much can’t go wrong. I just got back from seeing Michael McDonald, Donald Fagen & Boz Scaggs playing together. Covers of old R&B tunes, the Band, even Shakedown Street sandwiched in between hits from Steely Dan, the Doobies & Boz. Even some songs I hated back in the day, but somehow with the sun setting under the marine layer and casting an incredible glow on the cypress trees framing the meadow it all just worked. People with their kids, lots of dogs, an old dude who clearly just got off work in his white button down shirt – all just having a great time. The rest of the weekend promises more great music and surely some surprises.

        • andeux Oct 4,2010 11:33 am || Up

          When I got there I gave up on any notion of trying to meet up with you. The crowds really were ridiculous.
          I ended up catching Carolyn Wonderland, Kinky Friedman, Buddy Miller and Steve Earle. All the music was great, and they seem to do an amazing job with all the technical stuff – clear sound for a wide area around each stage, and things running more or less on time.
          I’m not sure I can deal with that many people, though. It was hard to go where I wanted sometimes, and even when I did get closer to the front there were too many people talking loudly during the music (which seems to happen at most concerts, even ones that people pay a lot of money to go to.)

          TINSTAAFK
          • sslinger Oct 4,2010 12:28 pm || Up

            Yeah, I figured that was the case. Saturday was lightly attended compared to yesterday, if you can believe it. I caught part of Carolyn Wonderland too – not bad. Hot Tuna, songwriters circle, and Richard Thompson rounded out Sat with bits and pieces of some other sets. Yesterday it was easiest to just pick a stage and hang out, so we got a good spot at the Star stage and saw Martin Sexton, Umphrey’s McGee and Elvis before venturing out to catch part of Patti Smith’s set (Play with Fire was awesome) then YMSB & Avett Brothers. Elvis as usual was the highlight for me.

  8. nanotrebuchet Oct 1,2010 8:22 pm

    Matt Stairs!!!

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 8:27 pm || Up

      I’ve never been a Giants-hater, particularly, but I’d really enjoy seeing the Padres win a couple and bring the pennant race down to Sunday…or Monday even.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  9. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 8:22 pm

    Batgirl doesn’t seem to be back, and none of the rest of you seem to be attuned, but Project Runway continues to be fantastic this season. Legitimate tear-jerker this week. And the six remaining designers are all very interesting, both in skills and telegenick-ness (telegenaity?)

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  10. Soaker Oct 1,2010 8:38 pm

    Daric Barton, with 215 total bases coming into the game, has 10 tonight. That’s how you fluff up the slugging percentage at the end of the season.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 1,2010 8:43 pm || Up

      Whereas, if you go on the last road trip of the year and try to slug up the fluffing percentage, they throw you in jail.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • ptbnl Oct 1,2010 8:43 pm || Up

      Thanks – now I have to get the image of a slug-fluffer out of my head.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 2:17 pm || Up

      Acne vulgaris: plugging up the sloughing percentage

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  11. nanotrebuchet Oct 1,2010 9:03 pm

    from a random facebook profile (and, from context, completely earnest): “Impossible to describe how impossibly descriptive these feelings are.”

  12. Soaker Oct 1,2010 9:36 pm

    17th shutout! Clinches the “throwing shutouts in at least 10% of your games” achievement! It’s the 4th time in the last 30 years the A’s have done that (1981, 1989, 2002). I’m guessing that, over the 30 years, it hasn’t been done more than 60 times total in the major leagues. I’m also guessing that, over those 30 years, no more than 4 or 5 of the 10% teams have failed to finish above .500, a select group the A’s will join this season. Will look it up when I get the chance.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • Soaker Oct 2,2010 11:17 am || Up

      1981-2010: Teams throwing at least 17 shutouts in a 162-game season, or shutouts in at least 10% of their games in a shortened season:
      Total number: 34 35

      Of those, teams which failed to finish over .500: 3 4
      2010 Florida Marlins: 17 shutouts, 79-82*
      2010 New York Mets: 19 shutouts, 78-82
      2010 Oakland Athletics: 17 shutouts, 79-81
      1989 Los Angeles Dodgers: 19 shutouts, 77-83

      *The Marlins were added to the list when they threw their 17th shutout of 2010 in Game 161 against the Pirates.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 2:34 pm || Up

        The Mets?

        Awesome work.

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  13. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 12:57 pm

    I wonder which Barry Zito is going to show up today. I’m rooting for the Padres, and I don’t wish ill upon Barry, but I have a pretty distinct vision of something like 95 pitches thrown in 3.2 innings, 4 walks and an HBP or two, 6 runs, all earned.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • oblique Oct 2,2010 1:11 pm || Up

      Also rooting for the Padres. I think it’s all going to hinge on the Padres’ plate discipline in the first two innings.

      Was that vague and TV-announcer-like enough for everyone?

      • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 2:35 pm || Up

        Well if they hit the ball, and pitch the ball, they’ll go places.

        /Madden

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
        • oblique Oct 2,2010 2:42 pm || Up

          What they need to do, if they want to win, is score more runs than the other team!

    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 1:28 pm || Up

      Hope you put money on that

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
      • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 1:31 pm || Up

        man, this is classic zito. 2 bases loaded walks with two outs, one of which to a guy with a 296 obp.

    • ptbnl Oct 2,2010 2:03 pm || Up

      3 runs on 60 pitches in the first 3 innings … should be an interesting 4th.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 2:05 pm || Up

        pulled after walking the pitcher.

      • ptbnl Oct 2,2010 2:06 pm || Up

        1 guess a 4-pitch walk to the pitcher to lead off counts as interesting, even if it blows your prediction.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • oblique Oct 2,2010 2:06 pm || Up

      You were remarkably close in the IP department, and right on in the BB department. Only the haplessness of the Padres offense saved him in the ER category.

      • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 2:19 pm || Up

        Good ol’ Bud Black’s run-minimising tactical decisions helped

        you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  14. oblique Oct 2,2010 1:13 pm

    Listening to the Padres feed. Dude is pretty annoying.

  15. ptbnl Oct 2,2010 1:32 pm

    Listening to the TV announcer lauding Miggy’s absurd bunt is making my head spin … giving up an out in a potential big inning *and* taking the bat out of both his and Adrian Gonzalez’ hands is apparently “winning baseball” and “smart team play”.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  16. oblique Oct 2,2010 1:49 pm

    Padres announcers are funny.

    “We can’t tell what pitch that was since they’re all so slow!”

  17. Soaker Oct 2,2010 2:04 pm

    I did not see a conclusive replay on the Gonzalez/Hairston baserunning play, but it seems that plays like that would be a good addition to the list of plays subject to video review. You’re asking the home plate umpire to keep an eye on the runner touching home plate while simultaneously determining exactly when the tag is made on a baserunner 90 feet away.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • ptbnl Oct 2,2010 2:10 pm || Up

      Of course it begs the question of WTF the runner was doing at 3rd to begin with.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  18. oblique Oct 2,2010 2:43 pm

    Bochy thought bubble:

    “He let their pitcher reach base. Get him out of there RIGHT NOW.”

  19. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 3:10 pm

    It surely makes no ultimate difference, but how can Bochy let himself get ejected from this game? If nothing else, it makes the Giants look even more choke-y.

    Driving around, listening on radio, it kept sounding like I was hearing things like “Stomper is in complete command on the mound for the Padres.”

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • oblique Oct 2,2010 3:26 pm || Up

      Missed it….what did he get ejected for?

      • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 3:39 pm || Up

        Arguing a strike call against Posey.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  20. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 3:56 pm

    Wow. Collars getting mighty tight in SF.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 4:27 pm || Up

      My fingers are firmly crossed.

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  21. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 3:59 pm

    Tejada being interviewed post-game on Fox. Heath Bell runs up and kisses him. Fox interviewer: “Was that the first time you’ve been kissed by an All Star closer?”

    Miguel: “Except for that one magic night with Billy Koch. But man oh man, did I itch afterwards!”

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 4:18 pm || Up

      please tell me this actually happened

      • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 4:33 pm || Up

        hey wait, koch was never an all-star

  22. mother pucker Oct 2,2010 4:38 pm

    So, there are four permutations I believe for the Giants.

    a) Giants win + Braves win = Giants play Braves

    b) Giants win + Braves lose = Giants clinch division, Pads/Braves play a 1 game playoff. If Pads win, Giants host Reds, if not, host Braves.

    c) Giants lose + Braves lose = Giants and Pads play a 1 game playoff in SD. If Giants win, host Reds, if not, go to Philly Giants lose division and open at Philly (good luck).

    d) Giants lose + Braves win = all 3 teams tied, and I thought I read that all 3 teams would have to play one another in some shape or form. Naturally, I am rooting for scenario d.

    • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 4:42 pm || Up

      in the case of (d), the giants fly to sd to play the padres for a 1-game playoff to determine the nl west. the loser then plays atlanta to determine the wild card (i believe that giants/braves happens in sf, whereas padres/braves happens in atl). in this case, the braves know that they will play a tiebreaker but won’t know on which coast until after the nl west is decided.

      • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 4:54 pm || Up

        So the giants could lose 5 straight games and get knocked out.

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
        • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 4:55 pm || Up

          for your inner sadist, yes. but they’ve only lost two so far…

          • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 4:58 pm || Up

            Awesome.

            "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
      • mother pucker Oct 2,2010 4:57 pm || Up

        Thanks for that, and yeah, I’m definitely pulling for “d”. The 1-gamers between Rocks/Pads in ’07 and Twins/Tigers of last year were both amazing games.

        • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 5:11 pm || Up

          And Twins-White Sox in ’08. This could be the fourth straight year.

          "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Soaker Oct 2,2010 4:52 pm || Up

      (c) is incorrect. If the Braves are out and the Giants and Padres are tied, there’s no playoff between them. The Padres are awarded the division championship by virtue of winning the season series and the Giants are the wild card.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
      • mother pucker Oct 2,2010 4:54 pm || Up

        Whoa, so the two past playoffs in the AL Central were a result of the season series being tied for 2 straight years? Crazy.

        • Soaker Oct 2,2010 4:58 pm || Up

          No, they were a result of the second place team in the AL East having clinched the wild card already. In the AL Central situation, the winner of the one-game playoff was the division champion and the loser missed postseason. If we knock out the Braves the Braves are knocked out tomorrow and the Giants and Padres are tied, both SF and SD make postseason.

          What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
          • mother pucker Oct 2,2010 5:06 pm || Up

            Ah, right. You shoulda struck out my post.

          • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 5:12 pm || Up

            “We?” You with me on the Phillies bandwagon?

            "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  23. nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 6:54 pm

    with every incentive to keep the game short – meaningless late season game, late start time, first game of a doubleheader – the yankees and sox played a 4:18 epic.

    • nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 6:55 pm || Up

      14 total pitchers.

      • ptbnl Oct 2,2010 10:39 pm || Up

        Followed by a 4:00 nightcap that also went to extras but only featured 8 pitchers.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  24. monkeyball Oct 2,2010 6:55 pm

    Lineup same as last night, but with Hermida and Carter swapped in the order. Anderson vs some other guy I’ve never heard of.

    you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  25. Soaker Oct 2,2010 7:31 pm

    Tentative spring training schedule up. I plan on being there March 4-14.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  26. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 7:49 pm

    Ellis home run is sweet like salted caramel.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 8:02 pm || Up

      Salted … with tears

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
      • ptbnl Oct 2,2010 8:06 pm || Up

        Unicorn tears.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
        • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 8:09 pm || Up

          All those moments will be lost in time … like unicorn tears in rain … Time to die.

          you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
          • Poppy Oct 2,2010 8:35 pm || Up

            There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
            • Poppy Oct 2,2010 8:38 pm || Up

              I also found this while searching AN for that pic…

              FreeSeatUpgrade: Did you check the pockets of the pants you wore last night? That’s where I usually find stuff I misplaced. Perhaps that’s what happened at Wellesley College, where they seem to have misplaced a painting worth millions of dolllars.
              salb918: The pants that Wellesley wore last night are usually found at MIT.

              One of my all-time favorite QOTM entries.

              There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
              • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 10:29 pm || Up

                NT admitting to grand theft art?

                "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  27. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 7:50 pm

    Cust home run with OF assist is happy like clown shoes.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  28. nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 7:53 pm

    Two excellent home runs, two excellent descriptions by FSU.

    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 8:03 pm || Up

      I think HAPPY LIKE CLOWN SHOES!!! is my new Cust-HR call.

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  29. nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 7:58 pm

    Ugh, Carter is brutal.

  30. Poppy Oct 2,2010 7:59 pm

    Yeah, Carter = DH.

    There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
  31. Poppy Oct 2,2010 8:05 pm

    Those Comcast “fan” commercials really bug me. “There’s A’s fans, and there’s REAL fans.” (or “TRUE fans” or whatever he says) What the fuck is that supposed to mean? If you have a normal life (i.e. can’t go to every game), you aren’t a real fan?

    There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 8:12 pm || Up

      I think those are pretty good. They’re not supposed to make 1-2-3 rational sense. The idea is, you’re watching the A’s on Comcast, you’re a REAL/TRUE fan — and if you really truly want to remain such, in addition to going to the park occasionally (and more importantly) you’ll continue watching every game on Comcast.

      If you feel guilty/insulted, then you’re thinking about it too much and/or you’re not watching Comcast enough.

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
      • Poppy Oct 2,2010 8:34 pm || Up

        I feel neither guilty nor insulted, just annoyed because I think the ads are stupid. Especially the Raiders one, which I would also find embarrassing if I were a Raiders fan.

        There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
        • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 9:07 pm || Up

          I believe that real/true Raiders fans are incapable of embarrassment.

          you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  32. nanotrebuchet Oct 2,2010 8:06 pm

    Wow. Wow.

  33. monkeyball Oct 2,2010 8:13 pm

    Wow.

    you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  34. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 8:14 pm

    Carter home run makes Chuck Norris scared.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  35. Soaker Oct 2,2010 8:30 pm

    Update: If the A’s go on to win this game and also win tomorrow to finish at .500, they will finish with the 15th-best record in MLB unless Detroit beats Baltimore tomorrow.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  36. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 8:31 pm

    Bobby Cramer, as related by Korach, counted up his time in the Oakland, the PCL, and the Mexican League and learned he threw 206 innings this year. He threw 114 innings last year.

    Cramer also started games 1, 4, and 7 of his team’s Mexican League championship series.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 9:08 pm || Up

      Starting games 1, 4, and 7 of one’s team’s Mexican League championship series is definitely a euphemism.

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
      • Leopold Bloom Oct 4,2010 9:56 am || Up

        I like him. He has requisite level grit to be an Oakland player.

  37. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 9:07 pm

    Really, really detailed account of the journeys Bobby Cramer and Justin James took to reach the A’s. This site “Oakland North,” of which I’ve only just learned, is apparently a grant-funded Cal journalism project.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • monkeyball Oct 2,2010 9:22 pm || Up

      Yeah, “really, really detailed” it sure is. It reads like Ezra Klein on HCR.

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  38. monkeyball Oct 2,2010 9:12 pm

    Hunh. Wonder if Cust has finally thrown off the shackles of management’s swing mandate here in the final series.

    Yes, I know the HR came on a 3-0 pitch. I think a true Custian approach certainly can include some judicious grip-n-rips on 3-0.

    you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
    • Leopold Bloom Oct 4,2010 9:57 am || Up

      The telebision said it was the first A’s 3-0 home run since Big Hurt in ’06. Seems like a long time, but then again, Geren is a mastermind.

  39. lenscrafters Oct 2,2010 9:30 pm

    Anderson threw 122 pitches tonight. Barton started a game after a having an injury (for which he was removed in the 6th). Donaldson nowhere to be seen. Gross for Carter in the 7th inning (as usual). And on top of all that, he just can’t stay away from using his BFF Boof.

    I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a manager as much as I dislike Bob.

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 9:40 pm || Up

      Maybe he’ll let Gabe Gross manage tomorrow’s finale.

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • Leopold Bloom Oct 4,2010 9:58 am || Up

      The A’s has extended his contract and certainly, they would not do that with an incompetent manager. Therefore, I must only conclude that you are wrong.

  40. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 2,2010 9:40 pm

    Whoo hoo! All alone in second place!

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  41. Soaker Oct 2,2010 9:40 pm

    How sweet that Chone Figgins makes the final out of the 100th loss.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • nevermoor Oct 2,2010 10:31 pm || Up

      Now we’d better lose tomorrow.

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  42. monkeyball Oct 3,2010 1:35 am
    you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
    • Leopold Bloom Oct 4,2010 10:02 am || Up

      If I could blow myself, I’d watch a lot more Comcast.

  43. ptbnl Oct 3,2010 11:41 am

    Why is Charlie Manuel managing like its an all-star game?

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • nanotrebuchet Oct 3,2010 11:48 am || Up

      A bigger question is why is Hudson pitching like he didn’t get into a barfight?

      • ptbnl Oct 3,2010 12:04 pm || Up

        He’s in his home town.

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  44. nanotrebuchet Oct 3,2010 11:57 am

    Everything is going according to plan. Just need the Braves to hold on and the Padres to win.

    • ptbnl Oct 3,2010 12:09 pm || Up

      And the Yankees not to win the East.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
      • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 3,2010 1:45 pm || Up

        I’m happy for the Rangers that they won’t see their postseason begin and end with the Yankees, as it has in every one of the franchise’s three previous playoff appearances.

        "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • lenscrafters Oct 3,2010 12:12 pm || Up

      And Detroit to win.

      • Soaker Oct 3,2010 1:23 pm || Up

        Done, as Jose Valverde nails down the save. Yes, I was watching that game. The A’s protected draft pick is formally secured.

        What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
        • nevermoor Oct 3,2010 3:17 pm || Up

          Yay! Go A’s!

          "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
    • ptbnl Oct 3,2010 4:10 pm || Up

      Well we got all but one.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  45. nanotrebuchet Oct 3,2010 11:59 am

    Poor cupcakes. Will he be in the bullpen for the NLDS?

  46. ptbnl Oct 3,2010 12:10 pm

    Dan Johnson, 3rd baseman?!

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  47. lenscrafters Oct 3,2010 12:13 pm

    Why do NFL teams run on second and long?

  48. Poppy Oct 3,2010 1:25 pm

    Yeah… Carter… still a DH.

    There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
  49. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 3,2010 1:47 pm

    What has gotten into Ellis this month, and is it available for sale? I’d do shots of South Dakota elk urine if it imbued the magical properties that Ellis has been enjoying.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  50. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 3,2010 2:08 pm

    Pads may be down 2-0 now, but it’s the anniversary of the Shot Heard Round The World, so I figure it’s payback time, as San Diego avenges the memory of Ralph Branca.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
  51. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 3,2010 3:06 pm

    Jairo was really sharp. Weird rooting for Eckstein against him.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • ptbnl Oct 3,2010 3:09 pm || Up

      Too true … (almost) anyone but him, mostly for the crap that then gets spouted about his grit/heart/size.

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  52. ptbnl Oct 3,2010 3:07 pm

    A miserable end to the season for the Mets … 14 innings against the Nationals, lost on a HBP and 3 consecutive walks from Oliver Perez.

    If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
    • Soaker Oct 3,2010 3:39 pm || Up

      In the 14th inning of Game 162, my guess would be that one of Perez’ teammates who had a 6 p.m. flight out of La Guardia slipped him a couple of Benjamins to do that.

      What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
  53. oblique Oct 3,2010 3:45 pm

    Giants and A’s both pissing me off.

  54. Soaker Oct 3,2010 3:47 pm

    Remember how Geren used Wuertz so heavily last year, and then the guy couldn’t pitch at all in spring training and the first couple months of this year? Tell me the exact same thing isn’t happening with Breslow.

    What I discovered Blew. My. Mind. -- Pat Boone
    • lenscrafters Oct 3,2010 4:17 pm || Up

      I wouldn’t be surprised if Gio, Breslow, and Braden all have injury issues next spring.

      • ptbnl Oct 3,2010 4:37 pm || Up

        Braden already has a sore neck/trapezuis to end the season with (per Slusser).

        If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  55. FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 3,2010 4:05 pm

    Sweep! .500! Ahead of LAA! Excellent conclusion.

    "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • ptbnl Oct 3,2010 4:07 pm || Up

      The glass is half full!

      If this is His will, He's a son of a bitch.
  56. nanotrebuchet Oct 3,2010 4:11 pm

    oh well

  57. lenscrafters Oct 3,2010 4:17 pm

    The A’s are picking 18th instead of 14th in next year’s draft.

    • JediLeroy Oct 3,2010 5:43 pm || Up

      But they didn’t finish under .500!

      14th and 18th are close enough that I’d rather they finished at .500 and have the 18th pick than 80-82 with the 14th pick.

      Sparing me all the ridicule from my Angels’ fan friends is worth picking four slots lower in the next draft.

      az di bobe volt gehat beytsim volt zi geven mayn zeyde
      • nevermoor Oct 3,2010 5:49 pm || Up

        This I don’t mind.

        The marginal difference there is a LOT less than 18/19

        "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  58. nanotrebuchet Oct 3,2010 5:16 pm
    • monkeyball Oct 3,2010 6:04 pm || Up

      Aloof/uncommunicative/manages like an engineer + no giving away outs on the bases.

      I’m always nonplussed by the delineation of faults of riders on the MLB managerial merry-go-round. Do teams really do all their due diligence purely for show?

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
    • lenscrafters Oct 4,2010 12:18 am || Up

      Macha’s previous big-league managerial experience came with Oakland and there was the perception that he managed the Brewers with an American League style. Despite having good team speed, the Brewers seldom ran or played hit-and-run because Macha abhorred making outs on the bases.

      Bring him back!

    • nanotrebuchet Oct 4,2010 9:41 am || Up

      Macha also acknowledged his trying relationships with stars Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder while noting that several other players he had good relationships with thanked him after yesterday’s season finale, including Corey Hart, Casey McGehee and Wolf among plenty of others.

      Still, it was those other two players that he never could develop great rapports with despite his efforts.

      “If the effort wasn’t reciprocated, then there’s not a whole lot I can do about it. You can’t force guys to do that,” Macha said. “Some guys were open to discussion and some guys weren’t, I guess, but that’s the same with every club.

      “I talked a lot to Ryan, almost every day, but he does his own thing. He’s going to do what he wants to do.

      “With Prince, I think he had some issues this year to deal with, the contract probably being the main thing, and at times he was hard to talk to. I don’t know if there were any guys on the staff that talked a whole lot to him this year.

      “Those are the two guys, but the rest of the guys it was all positive. I opened up to (Braun and Fielder) but you have to have a back and forth. The faces of the franchise, that’s what they are.”

  59. monkeyball Oct 3,2010 5:47 pm
    you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
  60. Poppy Oct 3,2010 9:51 pm

    So.

    Is it April yet?

    There's a wild thing in the woolshed and it's keeping me awake at night.
  61. nanotrebuchet Oct 4,2010 12:03 pm

    1. Rays
    2. Braves
    3. Twins
    4. Rangers
    5.-7. Giants, Phillies, Reds (no particular order)
    8. Yankees

    • FreeSeatUpgrade Oct 4,2010 12:21 pm || Up

      1. Phillies
      2. Twins
      3-4. Rays or Rangers…probably won’t know who I’m rooting for until first pitch
      5. Giants
      6. Yankees
      7. Reds
      8. Braves

      "Kraut will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no kraut."
    • andeux Oct 4,2010 12:24 pm || Up

      Twins, Yankees, Braves, Rays, Phillies, Rangers, Reds, Giants

      TINSTAAFK
    • monkeyball Oct 4,2010 12:27 pm || Up

      Giants
      Twins

      [whole lotta don’t-care]

      Rangers
      Yankees

      you better hope to God you don't show up in this little community, because you'll wish you had never come
    • lenscrafters Oct 4,2010 12:54 pm || Up

      [Any NL team besides the Giants], Rays, Twins, Yankees, Rangers, Giants

    • nevermoor Oct 4,2010 12:55 pm || Up

      Anti-Yankees
      Anti-Giants
      Anti-Rangers
      Twins
      Braves
      Phillies
      Rays
      Reds

      "There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want"
  62. nanotrebuchet Oct 4,2010 12:28 pm

    Postseason notes:

    Morneau out:

    Minnesota decided to shut down its All-Star first baseman for the remainder of 2010, regardless of how far the club advances in this year’s postseason. The Twins host the Yankees to start the ALDS on Wednesday night. The club felt the time period was too short, making the process too accelerated to get Morneau ready to play this fall.

    Ground rules change at the Trop:

    Under the amended ground rules, any ball that hits the A or B ring would be ruled a dead ball rather than being a live ball if it landed in fair territory, and the pitch would not count. Earlier this season, the Rays lost a game to the Twins, due to a ball hitting a catwalk and ricocheting to another side of the infield where no fielders stood.

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