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"It's never iffy if it's Griffey"
That's it! Sew up the pennant right now! I'm calling it on June 20: THE OAKLAND A's WILL WIN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE PENNANT!!!
Ken Griffey Jr. will help your offense immensly, and with Harden and Prior looking dominant and Mazzaro stepping up hugely, I don't see how anyone can touch you until the playoffs.
Wow potato that is bold. I hope you are right!
June 20th - June 26th 2008
This week we are home for six more to end the homestand. WE have the Rangers coming in, who currently hold 2nd place in the division. Then the Giants come across the bay for a three game set. Another winning week would be great before we head out on the road. I also can't wait to see Griffey in this lineup. Bob decided to put him 5th when we face righties.
June 20th 2008
Texas Rangers(38-30) @ Oakland Athletics(46-22)
Rangers 6 - A's 2
WP: Robinson Tejeda (6-1)
LP: Jason Windsor (5-4)
SV: Eric Gagne (16)
Jason Windsor keeps on struggling. He goes just 4 innings and gives up all 6ER that the Rangers scored in the game. I might have to think about making a move here because Windsor just doesn't seem happy here in Oakland. Milton Bradley has the best day going 2-5 with both RBI in the game.
Griffey watch: 1-3, BB, 2K
June 21st 2008
Texas Rangers(39-30) @ Oakland Athletics(46-23)
Rangers 3 - A's 6
WP: Rich Harden (8-3)
LP: Omar Poveda (3-6)
SV: Huston Street (21)
Rich Harden does what he is supposed to do. He goes 7 innings and gives up 3ER. He also strikes out 8 batters in the game. Another fine job for Rich. Milton Bradley goes 3-3 with two runs scored. George Kottaras adds a 3-4 day including a homer and 2 RBI while scroing two runs. Jack Wilson adds a 3-4 performance while scoring the other 2 runs. Huston Street gets the save with a perfect ninth.
Griffey watch: 1-4, RBI
June 22nd 2008
Texas Rangers(39-32) @ Oakland Athletics(48-23)
Rangers 3 - A's 5
WP: Mark Prior (9-1)
LP: Brandon McCarthy (9-5)
SV: Huston Street (22)
Not the usual dominant stuff from Prior but he still gets the win. He went 5.1 innings and struck out 5 but had to exit the game because he had worked so hard in his time, 123 pitches. The bullpen backs him up well going the other 3.1 innings and giving up just one hit. Erubial Durazo got the offense going early with a 2 run shot in the third. The day belonged to another man in the lineup though. Ken Griffey makes his presence known blasting two solo shots in the game. Huston Street picks up save # 22 in another perfect ninth.
Griffey watch: 2-4, 2HR(589, 590), 2RBI
Moises Alou who went unsigned in the offseason has officially filed his retirement papers with the league office. A six time all star who amassed over 2000 hits and 338 career home runs. Moises will be missed!
June 23rd 2008
Another mid week off day for the guys to rest. Not too much to do today except some BP and fielding. I have been on the phone quite a bit lately. It seems as though I have a hot commodity down in the minors. Looks like I have some leverage with other teams when the deadline comes. Nice to know!
June 24th 2008
San Francisco Giants(29-43) @ Oakland Athletics(48-23)
Giants 7 - A's 6
WP: Matt Cain (4-8)
LP: Joe Blanton (7-5)
SV: Kevin Correia (1)
Joe Blanton doesn't pitch well here. He goes 6 innings but gives up 5ER. We came back in the game with some help from Miguel Cabrera. He went 2-4 on the day with a homer and 2RBI. Dan Johnson pitched in with a pinch hit RBI single. Swisher also had an RBI in the game. Duchsherer made a close 1 run game into a tougher 3 run game giving up 2 runs in the top of the ninth. Unfortunately we scored two runs in the bottom but fell just short.
Griffey watch: 1-5, R
June 25th 2008
San Francisco Giants(30-43) @ Oakland Athletics(48-24)
Giants 0 - A's 6
WP: Vin Mazzaro (7-1)
LP: Matt Morris (4-7)
Mazzaro dominates again. He goes 8 shutout innings and gives up just 2 hits. He strikes out 6 and walks just one batter. He has been amazing thus far this year. Miguel Cabrera has the big hit again. He goes just 1-3 but had a bases loaded clearing double to drive in 3 runs. Swisher was walked in just before that to drive one in. Swisher had 4 walks on the day. Were the Giants afraid of him or what?
Griffey watch: 0-4, BB
June 25th 2008
San Francisco Giants(30-44) @ Oakland Athletics(49-24)
Giants 3 - A's 6
WP: Jason Windsor (6-4)
LP: Noah Lowry (2-6)
SV: Huston Street (23)
Windsor bounces back and tosses a nice start. He goes 6.1 innings and gives up 3 runs but just 1ER. Jack Wilson(2) and George Kottaras(4) provide some power form the bottom of the lineup, both hitting solo shots. Cabrera keeps driving them in with another 2RBI on the day. Durazo comes into the lineup with a lefty on the mound and goes 1-4 with 2RBI. A nice way to end the homestand.
Griffey watch: DNP
4-2 is good enough for me. 9-3 total at home these two weeks is very good and will go a long way for the team and our goals. Griffey looks like a good pickup. We really just need his power.
It'll be nice to see Griffey hit #600 as an A.
GO A's!
Me too Jeep! Maybe he can hit a few more than that too.
June 27th - June 30th 2008
We have a 4 game set at the Rangers and then I will do the monthly update for the team. This series is big because we can extend or at least maintain our lead in the west.
June 27th 2008
Oakland Athletics(50-24) @ Texas Rangers(41-33)
A's 6 - Rangers 3
WP: Rich Harden (9-3)
LP: Kevin Millwood (5-7)
SV: Huston Street (24)
Another superb performance from Rich Harden. He goes 7 innings, gives up 1ER and just 4 hits on the day. Rich also struck out 10 in the game. I really think Rich has settled into his ace role very nicely. Bobby Kielty had a monster day at the plate. He went 3-4 with a homer and 4 RBI. Cabrera and Wilson drove in the other runs on the day. Huston Street+perfect 9th=24th save.
Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, R
A trade today:
Kansas City sends:
Shane Costa LF
Minnesota sends:
Dave Shumaker LF
Bart Battams P
Eduardo Morlan P
Costa is a very productive player already. Minnesota definitely gets a lot stronger. KC gets 2 very good prospects and a borderline prospect. Morlan is already ready to make an impact for KC and Shumaker was Minnesotas first round pick in 2007. Minnesota wins now but KC has some future valubale assets. Imagine if just a few of the prospects KC receives in all these trades were to become something. They would be a great team -- wait they would probably just trade them. I think I am going to put his phone number on speed dial!
June 28th 2008
Oakland Athletics(51-24) @ Texas Rangers(41-34)
A's 1 - Rangers 0
WP: Mark Prior (10-1)
LP: Vicente Padilla (3-4)
SV: Huston Street (25)
Mark Prior is insane this year. He goes 8 innings and gives up 3 hits and 1 walk while striking out 8 Rangers. I knew I needed to improve the pitching on this team and I tried to. This is beyond anything I could have imagined though. The lone run in the game came from a Kottaras single which scored Jack Wilson from second base. Street picks up save 25 as well.
Griffey watch: 0-4, K
June 29th 2008
Oakland Athletics(52-24) @ Texas Rangers(41-35)
A's 1 - Rangers 0 (12)
WP: Huston Street (4-0)
LP: Wes Littleton (0-1)
This team just finds ways to win all the time. A good game tossed by Blanton as he went 6 innings and gave up 3ER. Another start where he could have won but the offense didn't come until late. Miguel Cabrera went 2-6 on the day and had a key RBI single to tie the game in the 8th at 3-3. Then in the 12th inning Dan Johnson came into the game as a pinch hitter with men on second and third. He promtly put the ball in the gap for a 2 RBI double. Huston Street wrapped the game up with his second inning of work for his 4th win of the year.
Griffey watch: 1-5, R
June 30th 2008
Oakland Athletics(53-24) @ Texas Rangers(41-36)
A's 4 - Rangers 5
WP: Frank Francisco (1-0)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (0-2)
I very rarely say this but the bullpen let this game go. Mazzaro left after 6.1 innings and gave up just 1ER in his time. Delcarmen came in and looked good but got into some trouble. An error by Bradley didn't help and Delcarmen gave up 3R, just 1ER. The loss goes to Duchsherer in the 10th when Street allowed his inherited runner to score. On offense Cabrera went hit a two run shot. Jack Wilson had a power surge today belting two homers. Overall he went 3-4 on the day. A tough loss but a nice series overall.
Griffey watch: 0-4
Today was a tough day to be a veteran on the Reds. They released Damian Jackson, Julian Tavarez, Javier Lopez and Steve Trachsel. Hope these vets can find a job somewhere.
A very nice series against the Rangers in Arlington. We took 3 of 4. I noticed something interesting. The Rangers are selling out all of their games. I guess that is what winning a World Series can do for a franchise. I'd like to do that soon.
JUNE 2008 REVIEW
A very solid month of June where we went 16-10. We extended the lead in the divison to 10 games. It seems as though we are running away with things here. Harden or Prior could have decent second halves of the season and still make a case for the Cy Young. Bradley has really stepped up his game this year and is currently 4th in the league in batting. I'm very happy with how the team is performing now. Also, even though Griffey has been cold lately I think he will still help us a lot in the second half.
American League Standings
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National League Standings
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League Leaders Batting
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League Leaders Pitching
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Oakland Batting Stats
Oakland Pitching StatsPHP Code:2008 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Goleski, Ryan OAK 77 .274 307 84 13 5 3 46 73 8 4 61 27 .378 .371
Cabrera, Miguel OAK 77 .277 300 83 19 0 8 39 78 3 0 43 47 .420 .367
Bradley, Milton OAK 73 .344 294 101 23 3 13 36 47 6 1 52 54 .575 .413
Swisher, Nick OAK 77 .273 289 79 13 1 17 54 76 1 0 51 56 .502 .398
Wilson, Jack OAK 67 .274 230 63 15 0 4 17 33 2 2 36 23 .391 .320
Kielty, Bobby OAK 63 .241 220 53 12 1 3 9 46 1 0 20 24 .345 .274
Kendall, Jason OAK 50 .279 165 46 8 0 0 11 17 0 3 18 15 .327 .324
Johnson, Dan OAK 47 .268 157 42 11 1 8 21 18 0 0 22 31 .503 .350
Kottaras, George OAK 44 .279 154 43 13 1 4 15 32 0 0 23 24 .455 .341
Griffey, Ken OAK 52 .273 154 42 8 0 6 12 32 1 0 20 26 .442 .324
Scutaro, Marco OAK 43 .221 131 29 6 6 0 24 27 0 0 19 10 .359 .346
Hidalgo, Richard OAK 37 .250 116 29 8 2 3 9 40 1 1 17 17 .431 .320
Abreu, Tony OAK 26 .267 101 27 6 3 0 8 14 0 2 7 7 .386 .327
Durazo, Erubiel OAK 42 .287 101 29 6 0 9 18 17 1 0 21 29 .614 .395
German, Esteban OAK 30 .362 94 34 10 0 3 6 13 3 1 13 15 .564 .400
Perez, Antonio OAK 5 .273 11 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 .364 .333
Castillo, Jose OAK 2 .429 7 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 .571 .500
Brown, Jeremy OAK 6 .167 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 .167 .167
Harden, Rich OAK 2 .400 5 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 .400 .400
Windsor, Jason OAK 3 .200 5 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 .200 .200
Mazzaro, Vin OAK 1 .333 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 .333 .333
Prior, Mark OAK 2 .000 2 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 .000 .500
Blanton, Joe OAK 2 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
Halsey, Brad OAK 21 .000 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000 .000
PHP Code:2008 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Street, Huston OAK 32.1 1.11 33 0 4 0 25 23 3 6.68
Delcarmen, Manny OAK 5.2 1.59 4 0 1 0 0 6 0 3.18
Prior, Mark OAK 107.1 2.26 16 16 10 1 0 110 34 8.64
Duchscherer, Justin OAK 43.0 2.30 35 0 0 2 1 36 6 7.74
Mazzaro, Vin OAK 78.1 2.41 11 11 7 1 0 62 36 10.34
Reitsma, Chris OAK 24.1 2.59 18 0 0 0 1 11 1 10.36
Harden, Rich OAK 107.1 2.93 17 17 9 3 0 109 43 9.81
Gaudin, Chad OAK 42.2 3.80 37 0 3 3 1 28 10 10.13
Calero, Kiko OAK 29.0 4.34 28 0 1 2 1 38 9 12.41
Halsey, Brad OAK 39.1 4.58 23 2 5 4 1 26 9 12.36
Blanton, Joe OAK 105.2 4.85 17 16 7 5 0 49 30 13.12
Windsor, Jason OAK 82.2 5.99 15 15 6 4 0 62 32 13.83
Johnson, Steven OAK 5.1 10.13 1 1 0 0 0 4 3 16.88
Keep him healthy and there is no reason why he couldn't.Quote:
Originally Posted by BichetteMan
I'm really loving this dynasty. And now you get Griffey! This is getting exciting! Keep up the good work.
Oh and GO CELTICS!
Yeah Potato. That is the truth. It's been his only flaw during his career. Griffey for 700 woo!
DannyMac - Good to have you on board. I'm trying to get this team to the WS. Celtics are taking home #17 tonight. Can't wait for the parade! I was only 1 when they won the last one and I'd love to see them do it again.
July 1st - July 3rd 2008
A quick update. A road series against the Tigers. They are not too good of a team and I would like to take 2 of these games.
July 1st 2008
Oakland Athletics(53-25) @ Detroit Tigers(36-41)
A's 7 - Tigers 4
WP: Jason Windsor (7-4)
LP: Jeremy Bonderman (5-4)
SV: Huston Street (26)
Two good starts in a row for Jason Windsor. Hopefully he can be consistent like this for a while. In this one he went 7.2 innings and gave up just 2 ER while fanning 8 Tigers. At the plate Cabrera went 3-5 with a homer and 3RBI. Unfortunately he tweaked his hamstring and he is going to have to sit for a few days while it heals. Bradley also drove a two-run shot out of the park.
Griffey watch: 1-5, RBI
July 2nd 2008
Oakland Athletics(54-25) @ Detroit Tigers(36-41)
A's 7 - Tigers 12
WP: Justin Verlander (7-8)
LP: Rich Harden (9-4)
Rich Harden started this game but he certainly didn't deserve the loss. He went 6 innings and gave up 3ER. Brad Halsey got all the damage giving up 8 runs in the game. Ryan Goleski set the table well from the top getting on base in all 5 plate appearance. He went 4-4 with a walk and 3 runs scored. Nick Swisher also had a very good day going 3-5 with a homer(18) and 4 RBI. Geroge Kottaras added a 3-4 day with a homer as well.
Griffey watch: 1-5, 2B
July 3rd 2008
Oakland Athletics(54-26) @ Detroit Tigers(37-41)
A's 2 - Tigers 0
WP: Mark Prior (11-1)
LP: Nate Robertson (4-8)
SV: Huston Street (27)
Prior just keeps on going strong. He goes 8 shutout innings, gives up 4 hits and a walk and strikes out 11 on the day. Just absolutely dominating stuff here. This team wouldn't be where it is without Prior. Nick Swisher provided all the offense with a 1-3 day including the two-run homer that won the game. Huston Street gets his 27th save of the season as well.
Griffey watch: DNP
Prior always seems to do good. I had him on my Padres team and he had a near Cy Young season, leading in wins and strikeouts.
Update please. :)
July 4th - July 10th 2008
We have a 7 game homestand before the All-Star break. We start with three aginst the White Sox. Then the Mariners come into town for 4 games. We should be able to take the bulk of these games. The White Sox are sitting in the cellar in the AL Central. Also we are at home and we play well in Oakland.
July 4th 2008
Chicago White Sox(25-55) @ Oakland Athletics(55-26)
White Sox 3 - A's 5
WP: Joe Blanton (8-5)
LP: Kyle McCulloch (3-7)
SV: Huston Street (28)
Joe Blanton wasn't very effective as he allowed 11 hits and a walk. He however wormed his way out of jam after jam in his 7.1 innings. He manged to just give up the 3ER. Bobby Kielty got the offense going with a 2-4 day including two 2B and 2RBI. Griffey, Abreu and Wilson drove in the other three runs for the offense. Huston street gets another save, his 28th.
Griffey watch: 2-4, 2B, 2R, RBI
After the game I got a call from Ken Williams, the GM of the White Sox. Now I have never really talked to Ken at length except at the winter meetings but he seemed nice enough. He asked me if he could come and meet me after the game so I invited him to my office. He sat down and go right to business. He had a trade offer for me. He wants to dump Carl Crawford, who he acquired earlier in the year. At any other time I would jump at the chance to acquire such a young and bright talent. I however have no space in my outfield. With Goleski scoring so much, Bradley hitting so well overall, Kielty playing well and the addition of Griffey I had to say no. If he had come to me a before I added Griffey it wouldn't have been a problem. It was such a bargain for just A ball pitcher Marcus Macbeth. I really didn't want to increase payroll either. Grrrrr!
Williams did make a trade though. I think Minnesota must be made of money by the way:
Minnesota sends:
Oswaldo Sosa P
ChicagoA sends:
Paul Konerko 1B
The Twins don't have a place for Konerko to play with Morneau at first and Adam Dunn as the DH. Obviously they get the better of this deal but their wallets are going to be hurting at the tune of 14M per year.
July 5th 2008
Chicago White Sox(25-56) @ Oakland Athletics(56-26)
White Sox 1 - A's 3
WP: Vin Mazzaro (8-1)
LP: Javier Vazquez (4-10)
SV: Huston Street (29)
Vin Mazzaro's magical rookie campaing keeps on going. I think this solidfies him as an All star. He goes 8 innings and gives up just 1ER. 5H, 3BB and 3K rounded out his great line for the game. Nick Swisher(20) hit a two run homer in the first to power the A's to victory. Miguel Cabrera added an RBI double as well. Huston Street = money!
Griffey watch: 0-3, BB
The Mets bullpen takes huge blow. Billy Wagner tore his quadriceps today and will miss 4-6 weeks. The Mets are just a half game back and are going to need to find someone quick to keep that bullpen in order.
July 6th 2008
Chicago White Sox(25-57) @ Oakland Athletics(57-26)
White Sox 1 - A's 7
WP: Jason Windsor (8-4)
LP: Ray Liotta (2-10)
Jason Windsor shut down the White Sox today. Yeah they are that bad. Windsor went 8 innings giving up 3 hits and an ER. Nice performance to go into the break for Windsor. Goleski sets the table well again. He goes 2-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Swisher takes advantage of that and goes 2-5 with 3RBI. Hidalgo goes 2-2 and Wilson 1-4, while both had an RBI.
Griffey watch: DNP
Kenny Rogers up and quit on the lowly Tigers. The nineteen year vet will be remember for his on the field quality as much as his off the field exploits. He finishes up a good career with a 214-154 record and a 4.22 ERA. See ya Kenny!
July 7th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-45) @ Oakland Athletics(58-26)
Mariners 2 - A's 9
WP: Rich Harden (10-4)
LP: Miguel Batista (2-6)
Rich Harden puts in his last start before the break and it was a good one. he goes 8 innings and gives up 2ER. He allows 4 hits, 2 walks and strikes out 8. A nice way to finish the first half. The offense was on fire as well. Nick Swisher goes 2-4 with another homer and 3 more RBI. He is having a very productive first half of the year. Milton Bradley had a stellar day at the plate collecting 5 hits in his 5 PA. What a day! Griffey keeps on going and goes 2-5 with 2RBI.
Griffey watch: 2-5, R, 2RBI
July 8th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-46) @ Oakland Athletics(59-26)
Mariners 3 - A's 4
WP: Justin Duchscherer (1-2)
LP: Jon Huber (0-3)
SV: Huston Street (30)
Mark Prior pitches well early. He shuts the M's out through 5 but lets up 1 in the 6th and two in the 7th. Final line was 7 innings, 3ER and 7K. Not too bad but not enough for the win. Miguel Cabrera was the star today. He went 2-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Bobby Kielty was almost as impressice with his 1-4 and 2RBI performance. Street picks up his 30th save.
Griffey watch: 1-4
Kenny Williams continues the fire sale and I can only imagine he is on the way out too. Here it is:
ChicagoA sends:
Luis Terrero CF
ChicagoN sends:
Sean Gallagher P
Chris Huseby P
Ehhhh whatever at this point with the White Sox and their trades. I guess 3.5 million was too much for Terrero.
July 9th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-47) @ Oakland Athletics(60-26)
Mariners 0 - A's 6
WP: Brad Halsey (6-4)
LP: Felix Hernandez (9-9)
Joe Blanton was unable to make his start. That didn't matter. Halsey(5IP), Reitsma(2IP) and Delcarmen(2IP) shutout the Mariners. I remember talking about having the bullpen pitch whole games last year. Not what I need or want this year but it was effective. Kottaras went 2-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Abreu also drove in 2 runs.
Griffey watch: 1-4, R
July 10th 2008
Seattle Mariners(38-48) @ Oakland Athletics(61-26)
Mariners 0 - A's 6
WP: Justin Duchscherer (2-2)
LP: Jarrod Washburn (6-8)
SV: Huston Street (31)
Vin Mazzaro pitched excellently to end his first half. He went 7.1 innings and struck out 7 on the day. He finishes the first half with a miniscule 2.21 ERA. Wow I didn't see it coming from him. Hidalgo drove in a run in the second to take the lead but the Mariners came right back in the top of the third to tie. Milton Bradley took the lead for good with an RBI double in the 8th. Huston street collects his 31st save of the year.
Ok someone in Minnesota hit the lottery and is spening money like crazy:
Minnesota sends:
Trent Oeltjen CF
Matt Moses 3B
Kevin Slowey P
San Francisco sends:
Barry Zito P
They are spending some big bucks in the Twin Cities. Zito may be able to help them. It seems like they keep making moves to try to keep up with us in terms of wins. They are giving up a lot of prospects and trying to make a real run at a WS. I feel like my team has the better chemistry. We will just have to see in the second half and the playoffs.
Wow, what a way to end the first half! An 8 game winning streak to take our first half record to 62-26. I can't believe this. I'll be posting the All Star game review next. Just WOW.
BY THE WAY GO C'S! Bring home #17!!!!!!
Thanks for the update. :)
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CELTICS!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think the Griffey watch started a little early... :D
24 minutes to Banner 17!
Sad Day For Lakers Fans Everywhere>:(
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2008 NL vs. AL Allstar Game
@ Yankee Stadium - New York, New York
Home of the New York Yankees
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National League Allstars
Starters
- Josh Bard(C) - San Diego Padres
- Lance Berkman(1B) - Houston Astros
- Chase Utley(2B) - Philadelphia Phillies
- David Wright(3B) - New York Mets
- Jimmy Rollins(SS) - Philadelphia Phillies
- Carlos Lee(LF) - Houston Astros
- Carlos Beltran(CF) - New York Mets
- Luke Scott(RF) - Houston Astros
- Albert Pujols(1B/DH) - St. Louis Cardinals
Starting Pitcher
Chris Carpenter - St. Louis Cardinals
Positional Reserves
Conor Jackson(1B) - ARI, Andruw Jones(OF) - ATL, Aramis Ramirez(3B) - CHC, Mark Loretta(2B) - CIN, Todd Helton(1B) - COL, Jeremy Hermida(OF) - FLA, Mark Kotsay(OF) - LAD, Rickie Weeks(2B) - MIL, Jose Bautista(OF) - PIT, Ray Durham(2B) - SFG, Tadahito Iguichi(2B) - WSN
Pitcher Reserves
Chris Young - SDP, Brandon Webb - ARI, Greg Maddux - SDP, Blaine Boyer - ATL, Dontrelle Willis - FLA, Randy Johnson - ARI, Duaner Sanchez - NYM, Trevor Hoffman - SDP, Ryan Dempster - CHC, Kevin Correia - SFG
American League Allstars
Starters
- Joe Mauer(C) - Minnesota Twins
- Travis Hafner(1B) - Cleveland Indians
- Ian Kinsler(2B) - Texas Rangers
- Mark Teahan(3B) - Kansas City Royals
- Michael Young(SS) - Texas Rangers
- Curtis Granderson(LF) - Detroit Tigers
- Milton Bradley(CF) - Oakland Athletics
- Vladimir Guererro(RF) - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
- Vernon Wells(OF/DH) - Toronto Blue Jays
Positional Reserves
Miguel Tejada(SS) - BAL, J.D. Drew(OF) - BOS, Jim Thome(1B) - CHW, Derek Jeter(SS) - NYY, Richie Sexson(1B) - SEA, Rocco Baldelli(OF) - TAM
Starting Pitcher
Mark Prior - Oakland Athletics
Pitcher Reserves
Rich Harden - OAK, Vin Mazzaro - OAK, Huston Street - OAK, Roger Clemens - MIN, Scot Shields - LAA, Roy Halladay - TOR, Pat Neshek - MIN, Mariano Rivera - NYY, Juan Salas - TAM, Eric Gagne - TEX
A great All-Star game! The National League looked as though they were going to take one home finally. That wasn't the case though. The AL staged an epic comback in the bottom of the ninth higlighted by an amazing Richie Sexson shot. He came to the plate with the tying run on second and two outs. He took strike one. Ball one came in low. Ball two was a little outside. A strike over the outside corner. Then he got his pitch and smashed it into the bleachers in right for a walk off All Star game winner. Naturally he was named the games MVP!
All-Star game MVP: Richie Sexson - 2-2, 2HR, 2R, 3RBI
It was very exciting to see Bradley get the nod for the second straight year and start at CF. A 2-4 day with a RBI and a run scored was the icing on the cake. Prior and Harden looked good in their combined 5 innings. They gave up 5ER and struck out 10 combined. Mazzaro also gets named to the team. How does this kid not get rookie of the year! A nice day for the A's.PHP Code:National League All Stars at American League All Stars
July 12, 2008
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
All Stars (NL) 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 0 6 8 1
All Stars (AL) 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 0 3 7 12 1
NATIONAL LEAGUE ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
J. Rollins (SS) 4 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 .272
G. Maddux (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Johnson (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Dempster (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
C. Utley (2B) 4 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 .297
D. Wright (3B) 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 .351
A. Ramirez (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .303
A. Pujols (DH) 5 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 .273
L. Berkman (1B) 2 0 2 2 0 0 1 0 .290
C. Beltran (CF) 4 2 1 2 1 2 0 0 .254
A. Jones (LF) 4 1 0 0 0 2 3 0 .259
L. Scott (RF) 4 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 .322
J. Bard (C) 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .308
TOTALS 36 8 5 6 2 6 15 1
2B: J. Rollins, C. Beltran
HR: J. Rollins, C. Beltran
HBP: L. Berkman
ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
C. Carpenter 5.0 5 0 0 2 2 2 72 2.85
G. Maddux 3.0 3 0 2 2 2 1 48 5.57
R. Johnson 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0.00
R. Dempster 0.1 4 1 1 3 3 1 26 1.34
TOTALS 8.2 12 1 3 7 7 4 153
AMERICAN LEAGUE ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
C. Granderson (CF) 4 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 .295
R. Harden (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
P. Neshek (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
M. Rivera (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
J. Salas (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
E. Gagne (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
I. Kinsler (2B) 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .291
V. Guerrero (LF) 5 2 0 1 1 2 0 0 .320
T. Hafner (1B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .320
M. Teahen (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .276
J. Mauer (C) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .307
M. Tejada (DH) 4 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 .328
M. Young (SS) 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .268
J. Drew (P) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .293
D. Jeter (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .304
R. Sexson (P) 2 2 0 2 2 3 0 0 .280
M. Bradley (RF) 4 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 .339
TOTALS 38 12 1 7 3 7 4 0
2B: M. Young, C. Granderson, M. Tejada
HR: V. Guerrero, R. Sexson 2
CS: M. Tejada
ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
M. Prior 3.1 1 3 1 2 2 5 68 2.21
R. Harden 2.2 2 0 1 1 1 5 46 2.97
P. Neshek 1.0 2 0 0 0 0 2 21 2.68
M. Rivera 0.0 3 1 0 3 3 0 21 3.66
J. Salas 1.0 0 1 0 0 0 2 22 1.99
E. Gagne 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 1 25 2.49
TOTALS 9.0 8 5 2 6 6 15 203
WP: E. Gagne
LP: R. Dempster
Temperature: 71F
Wind: Calm
Attendance: 42,000
Time: 3:44
Yes it was. I hope Kobe doesn't die drinking himself to death. We need someone to beat every year in the Lakers rivalry! A great day for the Celtics. I have been watching since I was a little kid and I actually had season tickets last year because me and a friend thought the C's were going to get better with Big Al. We gave them up after the 24 wins and voila Ray and KG show up. I was kicking myself all year. Anyways a great year.
He's off to Colorado for some R&R.Quote:
Originally Posted by BichetteMan
Nice All-Star Game, now it is time to move into the second half of the season and keep things just as hot.
July 13th - July 17th 2008
After a great first half at an amazing 62-26 and the all star break we go out on the road. Not too bad of a start because we get the cellar-dwelling White Sox for 4 games. I hope the boys can get it going just like the first half. We are currently on an 8 game winning streak which is tied for longest with Colorado.
July 13th 2008
Just an off day. I've been reviewing some trade offers and some interest in our guys. To be honest unless someone gets hurt I don't see any changes to the major league roster. I might make some moves in the minors to balance out the development of our players. I'm off to Chicago to see the team and maybe catch one of those Ken Williams 5 cent on the dollar trades.
July 14th 2008
Oakland Athletics(62-26) @ Chicago White Sox(28-59)
A's 5 - White Sox 1
WP: Rich Harden (11-4)
LP: Oswaldo Sosa (1-1)
Rich Harden starts off the second half strong. He goes 7 innings and gives up just the 1 ER. Youngster Tony Abreu hits his first homer of his career. Ken Griffey Jr. got some rest at the break and the pop is back in his bat. He hit his 7th homer of the year. Cabrera had the big hit with a 2RBI double. Nice way to start the second half.
Griffey watch: 1-5, HR(591), RBI
Ken Williams found a new home for Carl Crawford:
ChicagoA sends:
Carl Crawford LF
Texas sends:
Chris Stewart C
Johnny Whittleman 3B
Texas gets the best player and Chicago gets more prospects to infuse into their minor league system. Maybe I should have bit the bullet and taken Crawford. I don't like seeing him come to the west via Texas.
July 15th 2008
Oakland Athletics(63-26) @ Chicago White Sox(28-60)
A's 5 - White Sox 4
WP: Chad Gaudin (4-3)
LP: David Aardsma (2-2)
SV: Huston Street (32)
Mark Prior was alright in his 6 innings. He gave up 3ER on 9 hits but struck out 9 which helped him get rid of a lot of those baserunners. Miguel Cabrera had one hit but it was a homer. Ken Griffey does it again and goes deep with a 2 run shot. Kottaras had the key RBI in the top of the ninth after the White Sox tied the game in the bottom of the 8th. Street came in for a clean ninth frame and his 32nd save.
Griffey watch: 1-4, HR(592), 2RBI
July 15th 2008
Oakland Athletics(64-26) @ Chicago White Sox(28-61)
A's 3 - White Sox 4
WP: Jose Contreras (4-6)
LP: Joe Blanton (8-6)
SV: Bobby Jenks (14)
Joe Blanton was doing great and then he made a costly error. His throwing error led to 4 runs, 1ER, in the fourth inning. Blanton managed to last 5 but the offense couldn't come back. Kielty hit his 5th homer of the year batting out of the ninth spot. Kottaras went 2-4 with a RBI. Tony Abreu added a 2-4 day as well. The 10 game streak comes to an end. It was a nice run.
Griffey watch: 0-4
July 15th 2008
Oakland Athletics(64-27) @ Chicago White Sox(29-61)
A's 4 - White Sox 3
WP: Vin Mazzaro (9-1)
LP: Javier Vazquez (4-12)
SV: Huston Street (33)
Vin Mazzaro is definitely ROY material. He goes 7 innings and gives up 2ER on just 5 hits. He also strikes out 9 in the game. Awesome. Home runs powered the offense in this game. Miguel Cabrera and Abreu hit solo shots. Who else but Griffey added a 2 run shot for the game winner in the top of the 8th inning. Huston Street pitches another perfect ninth and picks up his 33rd save.
Griffey watch: 1-4, HR(593), 2RBI
This week belonged to the big three pitcher on my team and Ken Griffey. 600 is coming soon folks. I can just feel it.
Nice start to the second half of the season and a great series for Griffey.
The sweetest swing in the game is closing in on a huge milestone.
Any plans for Griffey after this season? Or is he just a rent-a-player?
Yeah guys Griffey is smoking hot right now.
Potato - Not sure. Depends on how his skills diminish and how the youngsters in the minors develop. I have a few guys down there that could get a look in the OF next year.
July 18th - July 24th 2008
This week we have 7 games at home. We have 3 with the Angels and 4 with the Yankees. May be a tough week. 4-3 is the minimum that I would like to see. Also Ryan Goleski twisted his knee during fielding practice yesterday and will be out for about a week to let the sprain heal. The Man, The Myth and the Legend -- Ken Griffey Jr. will patrol center in his stead.
July 18th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(48-43) @ Oakland Athletics(65-27)
Angels 3 - A's 4
WP: Justin Duchscherer (3-2)
LP: Francisco Rodriguez (2-4)
Jason Winsdor jammed his wrist just before the break and had to miss this start. Conor Robertson came up and pitched well. He went 6.1 innings and gave up 2ER. A very suitable fill in peformance. I am going to let Windsor get a start at AAA and Robertson will get one more MLB start. This was an exciting game. It was tied going into the ninth and the Angels took the lead with a Brandon Wood sac fly. The A's came up in the bottom half and stole the game away. Tony Abreu hit a dribber to third and beat the throw. Jack Wilson then sacrificed him to second. Abreu moved to third on a wild pitch by K-ROD. George Kottaras sinlged him home to tie the game. Bobby Kielty flied out and then Ryan Goleski doubled with 2 outs to win the game. An exciting win.
Griffey watch: 1-4, R
Cleveland picked up a solid young OF today:
Cleveland sends:
Edward Mujica P
Sung-Wei Tseng P
Chuck Lofgen P
Brad Streitmatter P
Los AngelesN sends:
Andre Ethier LF
Ethier is a very fine young outfielder who has a very bright future ahead of him. Definitely the best player here. All the pitchers the Dodgers received are 22 or younger. Streitmatter was Clevelands 2nd rounder this year. As always if they develop the Dodgers would get the best because pitching is very important as we all know.
I have been very impressed with Manny Delcarmen since I called him up a little over a month ago. His numbers in the Majors and minors warranted a little boost in his salary. I spoke with his agent and Manny accepted a deal for 3 years at 2.3 million per year. I feel that Manny is going to be a key part of my bullpen for years to come.
July 19th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(48-44) @ Oakland Athletics(66-27)
Angels 1 - A's 0
WP: John Lackey (7-6)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (3-3)
What a duel here. Neither starters allowed a run during their time. Rich Harden went 8 innings and gave up 5 hits while striking out 6. John Lackey was a bit better as he went the distance and shut out the A's on just 2 hits. Collecting the hits for the A's were Swisher and Abreu. The difference in the game was a top of the ninth RBI double by Sean Rodriguez.
Griffey watch: 0-4
July 20th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(49-44) @ Oakland Athletics(66-28)
Angels 3 - A's 2
WP: Ervin Santana (9-5)
LP: Mark Prior (11-2)
SV: Francisco Rodriguez (20)
A tough start for Mark Prior even though the numbers don't appear that way. He had to work out of a bunch of jams in his 5.1 innings. The offense didn't support him. They got the two runs on solo shots by Swisher(22) and Kielty(5). Abreu added a solid day going 2-4 from the top spot.
Griffey watch: 1-4
Erubial Durazo went down with a separated shoulder today. It's pretty severe and it looks like a 15 day DL trip is coming. I called up 2B Jose Castillo from AAA. He has been hitting pretty hot and will be a nice bench guy to have around.
July 21st 2008
New York Yankees(46-48) @ Oakland Athletics(66-28)
Yankees 2 - A's 3 (10)
WP: Brad Halsey (7-4)
LP: Colter Bean (2-2)
Another great pitching performance for the two starters. Joe Blanton went 7.2 innings and gave up 2ER. The game was tied at two most of the day and went into extras to decide the outcome. Tony Abreu led off the bottom of the tenth with a double. Milton Bradley sacrificed him over to third. Miguel Cabrera came up and drove a ball to deep center and Abreu tagged up and scored. Another exciting win.
Griffey watch: 1-4
Boston hit the chopping block today and cut a bunch of vets. They let go of Mark Bellhorn, Matt Cepicky, Willie Harris and Darin Erstad.
July 22nd 2008
New York Yankees(46-49) @ Oakland Athletics(67-28)
Yankees 2 - A's 7
WP: Vin Mazzaro (10-1)
LP: Kei Igawa (6-7)
Vin Mazzaro's dream rookie season continues. He goes 7 solid innings, allows 2ER and 5 hits. He has been so dominant this year. Miguel Cabrera had the big day going 3-4 with 3RBI. Jack Wilson added a 2 run double as well. Griffey and Kottaras drove in the other runs for the offense.
Griffey watch: 2-4, 2B, RBI, 2R
The Yankees continue their fall from grace as they lose their tenth in a row. In just over a week since the ASB they have gone from 0.5GB of the Red Sox to 4GB. I'd like to keep that going.
July 23rd 2008
New York Yankees(46-50) @ Oakland Athletics(68-28)
Yankees 1 - A's 2
WP: Connor Robertson (1-0)
LP: Andy Pettitte (6-3)
SV: Huston Street (34)
It seems like the time Roberston has spent back in the minors this year has been beneficial. He dominated the Yankees lineup today over his 8 shutout innings. He gave up just 3 hits and a walk on the day. I think I might let him stay 'til his performance changes. Winsdor wasn't too hot this year anyway and some time at AAA may help. Cabrera went 2-4 with an RBI. Abreu added a 1-3 day with an RBI triple. Huston Street gives up a single and double to score a run in the 9th but holds on for his 34th save.
Griffey watch: 0-4
July 23rd 2008
New York Yankees(46-51) @ Oakland Athletics(69-28)
Yankees 4 - A's 2
WP: Chris Garcia (5-4)
LP: Rich Harden (11-5)
SV: Mariano Rivera (16)
Rich Harden has a tough day. He manages to go just 5 innings while giving up 4ER. A little bit of a slide in performance lately but I don't worry about Rich anymore. Swisher drives in 2 runs, both on sac flies. Bradley had a decent day going 1-3 with 2 walks and scoring both A's runs.
Griffey watch: 1-3, BB
So we went 4-3 this week like I figured. The Yankees were really struggling and it felt good to push their losing streak to 12 11 before they snapped it. The team is holding strong and we are getting strong performances from almost everyone on the team.
July 25th - July 31st 2008
We hit the road for a couple series this week against AL East teams. We start off in Toronto for three and then head to New York for three more with the Yankees. I'd like to put up a strong week on the road and extend that West lead. Can never have enough space between you and second.
July 25th 2008
Nothing too much going on. Headed for Toronto with the guys. I always like to head back home to the east. My phone has been pretty dead for the last week of July. I think the word has gotten out that I am satisfied with the team as it is presently constituted. The other teams will probably have a flurry of activity soon though.
July 26th 2008
Oakland Athletics(69-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays(49-49)
A's 3 - Blue Jays 2
WP: Mark Prior (12-2)
LP: A.J. Burnett (6-10)
SV: Huston Street (35)
Mark Prior continues his dominant '08 campaign. He goes 7.1 innings and lets up 2 unearned runs. He also struck out 8 batters on the night. AJ Burnett hurt himself in the first walking Goleski and Bradley to lead off the game. Miguel Cabrera singled in Goleski and Dan Johnson came up two batters later and singled in two more runs. Thats all the offense got and needed on the day. Huston Street cleans up in the ninth for his 35th save.
Griffey watch: 0-3
July 27th 2008
Oakland Athletics(70-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays(49-50)
A's 9 - Blue Jays 5
WP: Joe Blanton (9-6)
LP: Danny Haren (8-8)
Joe Blanton gets roughed up a bit for 5ER in his 6.1 innings but the offense helps out with 9 runs. The big hit came off of Swishers bat as he hit his 23rd homer, a three run shot. Richard Hidalgo also went deep in the game, a pinch hit solo shot. Miguel Cabrera went 3-5 with 2RBI and Bobby Kielty added a 3-4 day from the 9 hole.
Griffey watch: 0-4
July 28th 2008
Oakland Athletics(71-30) @ Toronto Blue Jays(49-51)
A's 9 - Blue Jays 5
WP: Vin Mazzaro (11-1)
LP: Victor Zambrano (6-5)
SV: Huston Street (36)
Vin Mazzaro wins again. Another quality start going 7.1 innings and giving up just 1ER. Terrific! Bobby Kielty stays hot and has a 2-4 day including a big bases loaded single to plate two runs. Goleski had a good day at the top of the lineup going 3-5 with a run scored and RBI. Bradley also looked good at the plate going 2-4 with a walk. Huston Street picks up save #36.
Griffey watch: 1-3, R
July 29th 2008
Oakland Athletics(72-30) @ New York Yankees(47-54)
A's 0 - Yankees 2
WP: Carl Pavano (7-5)
LP: Connor Robertson (1-1)
SV: Mariano Rivera (17)
Although Conor Robertson lost this game he continues to impress since his recall from AAA. In this game he went the distance(8IP), allowed 2ER on 5 hits and struck out 6. Very impressice and could have been nicer if the offense did anything. Kottaras got half of the teams 4 hits going 2-3. Carl Pavano pitched very well for the Yankees going 8 shutout innings and allowing just 3 hits.
Griffey watch: 0-3
I remember saying that I was satisfied with the team I have. Well things change and it changed very quickly. I got a call from Bill up in Seattle. It seemed as though he has a star that would like to be back in the hunt for a World Series. Bill and I have become friends and he decided to give me the first shot. I couldn't refuse this deal -- he offered:
Oakland sends:
Daric Barton 1B/C
Seattle sends:
Ichiro Suzuki OF
I couldn't turn it down. He is making 11M a year but the contract is up at the end of this year. He should help us out at the top of the lineup. I will definitely be looking to re-sign at the end of the year if it is reasonable. Ichiro apparently became close to Chris Reitsma last year in Seattle so his transistion to Oakland should be fairly easy. Barton is a good 25 year old player but I am stacked at 1B and C in the minors so he was expendable expecially straight up for Ichiro. It looks as though Kielty will have his role be reduced to back up work.
July 30th 2008
Oakland Athletics(72-31) @ New York Yankees(48-54)
A's 4 - Yankees 3
WP: Rich Harden (12-5)
LP: Chris Garcia (5-5)
SV: Huston Street (37)
Harden looked real good in this game. Solid as expected in his 7 innings. He gives up just 2ER and strike out 7 in the game. Ichiro goes 2-5 with a run scored in his first game with us. Kottaras, Bradley, Kendall and Swisher drove in a run a piece in the team effort. Tony Abreu added a 2-4 day with 2R and a 2B. Street gets save #37. It looks like he going to make a run at the record this year. We just have to keep winning.
Griffey watch: 0-3
July 31st 2008
Oakland Athletics(73-31) @ New York Yankees(48-55)
A's 5 - Yankees 0
WP: Mark Prior (13-2)
LP: Chien-Ming Wang (5-9)
Mark Prior for Cy Young. Just give it to the man right now. He went 7 shutout innings and struck out 7 while allowing 3 hits. Superb! Miguel Cabrera went deep with a solo shot, #13 on the year. Abreu and Goleski drove in the rest of the runs for the A's getting 1 a peice. Ichiro went 2-5 again with another run.
Griffey watch: 0-4
A few minor trade deadline trades but nothing big:
Astros send:
Troy Patton P
Royals send:
Omar Quintanilla SS
Nothing major.
Giants send:
Noah Lowry P
Braves send:
Matt Harrison P
Lowry is best player traded at deadline other than Ichiro.
Giants send:
Blaine Neal P
Indians send:
Adam Miller P
Miller appears to have a bright future.
Mariners send:
Ryan Madson P
Drew Carpenter P
Phillies send:
Mark Lowe (SP)
Ehhh.
A very nice week on the road. 5-1 is terrific. I hope we can keep it going and the offense looks like it may get a bit better adding Ichiro to the lineup.
Wowowow!
Ichiro on the A's?
I'm going to be right about that prediction I made, you know :D
Please update! This is my favorite dynasty.
And here I was thinking we'd finally get an update.
I'm going to lead off this post by apologizing for the lengthy absence. I was in the process of moving and starting my new job. I have a bad case of insomnia tonight and figured I would do some writing. So for all of you fans out there here it is. A recap of July to start.
JULY 2008 REVIEW
Well we still have control of the west. Looks like Minnesota is going to be tough to beat in the AL. I added Ichiro for the stretch to bolster the top of the lineup. The pitching is still strong but the offense needs to get a little more consistency. It's a little funny how the pitching and batting have switched roles from last year. I like it this way though because pitching is always better to have. Hopefully we can stay strong all the way to September. It was nice to see our guys get the nod for the All Star game too. July was definitely a good month as we churned out 21 wins. Let's keep on rolling.
American League Standings
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-31.jpg
National League Standings
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-32.jpg
League Leaders Batting
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-34.jpg
League Leaders Pitching
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-33.jpg
Oakland Batting Stats
Oakland Pitching StatsPHP Code:2008 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Suzuki, Ichiro OAK 100 .273 414 113 14 7 2 33 48 25 3 64 36 .355 .328
Cabrera, Miguel OAK 101 .285 397 113 24 1 13 45 90 4 0 59 68 .448 .364
Bradley, Milton OAK 99 .335 391 131 27 3 14 53 64 9 1 66 61 .527 .413
Swisher, Nick OAK 104 .259 386 100 19 1 23 65 100 1 2 62 78 .492 .379
Goleski, Ryan OAK 92 .263 365 96 18 6 3 55 85 8 4 68 32 .370 .362
Wilson, Jack OAK 94 .258 326 84 18 1 5 21 44 2 2 42 30 .365 .302
Kielty, Bobby OAK 83 .247 283 70 17 1 5 13 57 1 0 31 33 .367 .285
Griffey, Ken OAK 76 .242 248 60 12 0 9 14 56 1 0 31 36 .399 .281
Kottaras, George OAK 67 .293 225 66 17 1 6 22 42 0 1 32 34 .458 .357
Abreu, Tony OAK 53 .279 197 55 15 4 2 14 26 2 2 21 15 .426 .330
Kendall, Jason OAK 66 .280 186 52 9 0 0 14 17 0 3 22 17 .328 .337
Johnson, Dan OAK 54 .246 183 45 11 1 8 22 23 0 0 22 33 .448 .324
Hidalgo, Richard OAK 48 .243 144 35 9 2 4 14 48 2 2 23 20 .417 .327
Scutaro, Marco OAK 43 .221 131 29 6 6 0 24 27 0 0 19 10 .359 .346
Durazo, Erubiel OAK 46 .265 113 30 6 0 9 20 20 1 0 22 29 .558 .376
German, Esteban OAK 33 .336 107 36 10 0 3 6 18 4 1 13 16 .514 .372
Castillo, Jose OAK 3 .364 11 4 1 0 0 1 3 0 1 1 0 .455 .417
Two more months. I hope the team can keep it up and make the push to the playoffs. Should be interesting. I'll be updating a bit more now that I am settled.PHP Code:2008 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Delcarmen, Manny OAK 10.2 0.84 8 0 1 0 0 11 0 5.06
Street, Huston OAK 43.0 1.47 45 0 4 0 37 33 5 7.33
Robertson, Connor OAK 22.1 1.61 3 3 1 1 0 9 5 8.46
Prior, Mark OAK 147.0 2.14 22 22 13 2 0 156 48 9.43
Mazzaro, Vin OAK 114.0 2.21 16 16 11 1 0 88 51 10.89
Reitsma, Chris OAK 28.2 2.51 21 0 0 0 1 12 2 11.93
Duchscherer, Justin OAK 55.2 2.59 47 0 3 3 1 43 7 7.60
Harden, Rich OAK 148.1 2.85 23 23 12 5 0 140 56 9.95
Gaudin, Chad OAK 55.0 3.11 45 0 4 3 1 36 13 9.82
Halsey, Brad OAK 54.2 4.12 30 3 7 4 1 35 16 12.35
Calero, Kiko OAK 29.0 4.34 28 0 1 2 1 38 9 12.41
Blanton, Joe OAK 132.0 4.64 21 20 9 6 0 61 38 13.02
Windsor, Jason OAK 98.1 5.31 17 17 8 4 0 73 36 13.00
Johnson, Steven OAK 5.1 10.13 1 1 0 0 0 4 3 16.88
Auust 1st - August 7th 2008
So we come home after taking care of the Yankees and Blue Jays last week with a 5-1 record. We get home and welcome two more East opponents with the Orioles and Rays coming in. We should hopefully replicate last week and stay hot.
August 1st 2008
July is over and I get to sit back a bit. The team is built and now hopefully the boys can take us home. Ichiro seems to be fitting in very nicely. The pitching has stayed steady and strong so here we go for the stretch run. Obviously the 9 game lead in the division will help over the next two months as well.
August 2nd 2008
Baltimore Orioles(46-60) @ Oakland Athletics(74-31)
Orioles 0 - A's 1 (18)
WP: Manny Delcarmen (2-0)
LP: Danys Baez (2-2)
An exciting game here. 18 innings of excitement to be exact. Well actually it was only exciting if you like to see extremely good pitching. Joe Blanton goes 10 shutout innings. I never expect a performance like that from him but it is nice to see he is capable. The game winner came on a Jack Wilson squeeze bunt in the bottom of the 18th. A very exciting end to a very exciting game.
Griffey watch: DNP
August 3rd 2008
Baltimore Orioles(46-61) @ Oakland Athletics(75-31)
Orioles 4 - A's 7
WP: Chad Gaudin (5-3)
LP: Sergio Mitre (2-4)
SV: Huston Street (38)
Another nice win. Vin Mazzaro left the game after 4IP with a twisted ankle. He is going to be fine and should make his next start. He gave up just 2ER while he was in the game, 4 total. The bullpen shut it down again and the offense did the job. Goleski and Suzuki put up 3 hits a piece at the top of the lineup. Cabrera took advantage too going 3-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Huston Street gets save # 38 on the year.
Griffey watch: DNP
In a stunning move Tom Glavine retired today. He was a great pitcher over his 21 seasons with the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. The weird part of his decision is that he was just 1 win away from 300 in his career. A surefire Hall of Famer that will be missed when he doesn't take the mound in 5 days!
August 4th 2008
Baltimore Orioles(46-62) @ Oakland Athletics(76-31)
Orioles 4 - A's 9
WP: Connor Robertson (2-1)
LP: Sergio Mitre (2-5)
Bring out the brooms cause the Orioles just got swept out of Oakland. Connor Robertson gets the win going 6 innings and giving up 4ER. I can live with that from my 5th starter every time he goes out. The offense clicked today. Ichiro got 3 hits at the top. He was followed by Goleski, Bradley, Swisher and Cabrera picking up 2 each behind him. That will do the job every time.
Griffey watch: 1-4, BB, R, 2RBI
August 5th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(48-61)@ Oakland Athletics(77-31)
Rays 7 - A's 6
WP: Juan Salas (3-3)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (3-4)
SV: Jae Weong Seo (1)
Rich Harden pitched very well in this game but the bullpen faltered a bit. Harden went 6.2 innings and gave up 3R, 2ER, and struck out 7. Street blew the save in the ninth giving up 2R. Then Duchsherer lost the game in the top of the tenth after we tied it back up in the bottom of the ninth. The offense tried valiantly with a run in the bottom but came up short. Ichiro is blazing hot still. He went 3-5 with a BB and 2 runs scored. George Kottaras added a 2 run shot for the good guys.
Griffey watch: 0-5
August 6th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(49-61)@ Oakland Athletics(77-32)
Rays 3 - A's 6
WP: Mark Prior (14-2)
LP: Bronson Arroyo (5-11)
We bounce back and Prior puts in some of the usual. He goes 7 innings, gives up 3ER and strikes out 8. Even more impressive was his no walks in the game. It is a pleasure to have this guy going every 5 days. Ichiro goes 2-4 on the day <--- smoking hot!! The big hit on the day was from Milton Bradley who deposited a 2 run shot into the bleachers in left field. Goleski, Kottaras, Kendall and Wilson all drove in a run as well.
Griffey watch: 2-3, BB, R
August 7th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(49-62)@ Oakland Athletics(78-32)
Rays 3 - A's 6
WP: Joe Blanton (10-6)
LP: Scott Kazmir (7-5)
SV: Huston Street (39)
Another superb start from Joe Blanton. The line was 8 innings, 3ER and 6 strike outs. I like when he does this. Cabrera hit his 15th homer of the year, a 2-run shot. Ichiro, Goleski, Kendall and Wilson drove in the other runs for the offense. Huston Street gets save #39 on the year.
Another 5-1 week against AL East opponents. Thats 10-2 against those guys in the last two weeks. Chew on this too:
Ichiro
8G, 16-36, .444AVG, 8R
I think I did right by bringing him in to take the leadoff spot. Even better is that Goleski, my former leadoff guy now battting second, is still hitting but has 7RBI since Ichiro got here. He had just 31 all year before that. Ichiro is definitely having a trickle down effect on the whole lineup.
August 8th - August 14th 2008
This week week we hit the road for 6 games. We get three at the Angels and then head north to see the Mariners for three more. At this point, .500 and no injuries would be nice to see. Anything above that is a bonus.
August 8th 2008
Day off in Anaheim. Went to Disney and had some fun. Like I have been saying my job is essentially done and I get to enjoy the run for the playoffs.
August 9th 2008
Oakland Athletics(79-32) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(60-51)
A's 3 - Angels 5
WP: Joe Saunders (6-6)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (3-5)
SV: Francisco Rodriguez (22)
Mazzaro pitches well over his 6 innings and gives up just 3ER. Duchsherer gave up 2 in the bottom of the 8th to get the loss. Milton Bradlet goes deep with a 2 run shot. Goleski went 2-4 with an RBI and run scored. Jack Wilson also chips in with a 2-3 day from the bottom of the order.
Griffey watch: 0-3
August 10th 2008
Oakland Athletics(79-33) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(61-51)
A's 8 - Angels 5
WP: Manny Delcarmen (3-0)
LP: Francisco Rodriguez (2-5)
Rich Harden went 6 innings and gave up 4ER. That was alright though because the offense showed up here. Cabrera and Griffey both hit 3 run shots to carry the O. Goleski showed a real plate presence with his 1-2 3BB, 3 run scored performance. Manny Delcarmen picks up the win after going the 8th and 9th and allowing no baserunners.
Griffey watch: 1-5, HR(594), 3RBI
August 11th 2008
Oakland Athletics(80-33) @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(61-52)
A's 12 - Angels 2
WP: Mark Prior (15-2)
LP: Jered Weaver (8-9)
Mark Prior puts in the usual effort. 7.2 innings pitched with 2ER allowed. The offense exploded again. Ryan Goleski had another big day going 2-5 with 4RBI and a run scored. Nick Swisher smashed a 2 run shot out into the bleachers. Milton Bradley also went 3-5 with 2 RBI. A nice way to leave Anaheim and go to Seattle.
Griffey watch: 0-4, BB, R, RBI
August 12th 2008
Oakland Athletics(81-33) @ Seattle Mariners(48-65)
A's 6 - Mariners 3
WP: Joe Blanton (11-6)
LP: Cha Seung Baek (10-7)
SV: Huston Street (40)
Joe Blanton has been really solid for us lately. Tonight he went 8 innings giving up 2ER on 6 hits and stiking out 5. Huston Street gives up a run in the ninth but picks up save #40. Cabrera, Bradley and Griffey all went deep. Cabreras shot was the most important as it drove in 3 runs. Another solid overall effort from the team.
Griffey watch: 2-5, HR(595), RBI, R
August 13th 2008
Oakland Athletics(82-33) @ Seattle Mariners(48-66)
A's 6 - Mariners 5
WP: Huston Street (5-0)
LP: Ryan Madson (0-4)
SV: Manny Delcarmen (1)
Vin Mazzaro has been on a slide a bit lately. Today he gives up 4ER in just 5 innings. Though it did all come on a grandslam in the second by Corey Koskie. The offense showed some resolve and came back to win the game in the top of the 10th. Miguel Cabreras 18th homer of the year gave us the 6-5 lead and Manny Delcarmen shut down the Mariners for the win.
Griffey watch: DNP
August 14th 2008
Oakland Athletics(83-33) @ Seattle Mariners(48-67)
A's 4 - Mariners 6
WP: Jarrod Washburn (9-10)
LP: Connor Robertson (2-2)
SV: J.J. Putz (22)
We come down from the 4 game win streak as our 5th starter Robertson gets roughed up. He goes 5.2 innings and gives up all 6ER in the game. Jack Wilson goes 2-4 with a homer and 2RBI. Bobby Kielty pitches in with a 9th innings pinch hit 2RBI single. Too little too late as the JJ Putz shuts us down for the save and win.
Griffey watch: DNP
Another nice week. 4-2 against the division and on the road. The train just keeps on rolling. I think Griffey might just make it to the big 600.
Looks like you've got a shot at the '01 Mariners wins record the way you're going.
Back from the dead again!!!
August 15th - August 21st 2008
At home for the week. The records may not show it but we have some tough competition this week. The Blue Jays come in for 3 then we keep it in the east for three with the Red Sox. They are currently 1st and 2nd in the East. Just looking for the team to stay the course.
August 15th 2008
Toronto Blue Jays(58-59) @ Oakland Athletics(83-34)
Jays 4 - A's 14
WP: Rich Harden (13-5)
LP: Roy Halladay (9-7)
Roy Halladay got pounded early and often. Two runs in the first and five in the second chased Roy from the game. Rich Harden just cruised through his six innings and gave up 3ER. Griffey swung the big bat today going 3-5 with a homer and 5 RBI. Milton Bradley had a nice day going 3-4 with 4R and 3RBI. Jack Wilson smashed his 7th homer of the year as well. A very nice start to the week.
Griffey watch: 3-5, HR(596), 5RBI
August 16th 2008
Toronto Blue Jays(58-60) @ Oakland Athletics(84-34)
Jays 3 - A's 0
WP: A.J. Burnett (9-11)
LP: Mark Prior (15-3)
SV: B.J. Ryan (24)
A.J. Burnett showed up for this game. He doesn't give up a run in 7 innings. Mark Prior didn't pitch too badly either. He gave up 3ER in 5.1 innings. The bullpen came in for 4.2 innings of shutout ball but the offense couldn't do it today. Ryan Goleski went 2-4 and Bradley had a 2B in the loss.
Griffey watch: 1-4
August 17th 2008
Toronto Blue Jays(59-60) @ Oakland Athletics(84-35)
Jays 3 - A's 0
WP: Danny Haren (11-8)
LP: Joe Blanton (11-7)
SV: B.J. Ryan (25)
A stellar performance by Joe Blanton who gave up just 2ER on a homer by Aaron Hill is outdone by the return of **dun dun dun** Danny Haren. Haren goes 8 shutout innings to beat his former team. I knew Danny was a good pitcher and I figured he would be putting a little extra into this game. Thats two straight 3-0 shutouts. I guess we wasted all the offense in the first game. Kottaras went 2-4 and Bradley and Swisher added a double a piece.
Some bad news today. Milton Bradley was feeling some pain in his right ankle after the game. He went for tests and it was revealed that he has a stress fracture in his ankle. He is going to miss 3 weeks at a minimum. A tough loss. I'm calling up Danny Putnam from AA to take his place on the roster. Bob likes him and we think he will see the bulk of the playing time. Hidalgo just hasn't been showing us anything.
Griffey watch: 1-3
August 18th 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-55) @ Oakland Athletics(84-36)
Red Sox 5 - A's 8
WP: Brad Halsey (8-4)
LP: Joel Pineiro (1-8)
SV: Huston Street (41)
A nice comeback win. We score 3 in the 7th to take the lead and then score 2 in the 8th for some padding. Vin Mazzaro looks alright in his 5 innings as he gave up 3ER. Miguel Cabrera and George Kottaras drove in two a piece. Goleski and Wilson drove in the other runs. Huston Street gets some work and picks up save #41.
Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, R
August 19th 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-56) @ Oakland Athletics(85-36)
Red Sox 2 - A's 3
WP: Connor Robertson (3-2)
LP: Josh Beckett (13-8)
SV: Huston Street (42)
Robertson doesn't pitch his best but allows only 2ER over 6 innings to get the win. He outduels Bostons Ace Beckett who went 7 and gave up 3ER. Cabrera, Goleski and Abreu all had an RBI in the third inning to win the game. Huston Street gets save #42 on the year. Another nice win over a good team.
Griffey watch: 1-3, BB
Todd Helton of the Rockies got his 2000th hit of his career. Congratulations to Todd!!
August 20th 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-57) @ Oakland Athletics(86-36)
Red Sox 3 - A's 9
WP: Rich Harden (14-5)
LP: Daniel Bard (13-5)
The curse of Daniel Bard is over. He beat us twice last year but not this time. Rich Harden goes 6.1 innings and gives up 1ER while striking out 5. A nice start from Rich as usual. Miguel Cabrera powers the offense with a 3-4, HR and 3RBI day. Nick Swisher blasted a 2 run shot out as well. Goleski, Suzuki, Abreu and recent call up Danny Putnam all chipped in an RBI as well.
Griffey watch: 2-4, BB, R
Vernon Wells is a richer man today, 32 Million dollars richer. He signs a 5 year extension with the Jays worth 6.4M a year.
August 21st 2008
Boston Red Sox(64-58) @ Oakland Athletics(87-36)
Red Sox 4 - A's 3 (11)
WP: Jonathan Papelbon (2-1)
LP: Brad Halsey (8-5)
SV: Hideki Okajima (2)
One pitch away from a 4 game sweep of the Sox. Duchsherer lets up the game tying run and the Sox take the game in the eleventh. Mark Prior pitched very well in his 7 innings giving up just 1ER. Suzuki, Abreu and Kendall all had 2 hits and an RBI on the day.
Griffey watch: DNP
An average week at 4-3 but the team stayed pretty consistent. If the ball had rolled differently in those three losses we would have been looking at a great week but the season will go on...
I'm definintely finishing this season and continuing this dynasty. How could I not?
August 22nd - August 28th 2008
We have a road trip with a couple AL East teams this weak. First we face the Orioles for three and then off to St. Pete for three with the Rays. Should be fun.
August 22nd 2008
A day off at home before we head to Baltimore in the afternoon to take on the Orioles. I'm looking at some of the young guys I am going to bring up to get a look at before September call ups. There are some guys who are really getting it down on the farm like:
Kevin Melillo(IF) - .385 avg in 220 AB's between AA and AAA.
Billy Rowell(3B) - .390 avg, 24HR, 108 RBI between A and AA.
Blake Hawksworth(SP) - 186.2 IP, 2.22 ERA, 13-3 in 26 starts at AA.
Fabio Castro(RP) - 2.34 in 100 IP at AA.
There are a lot of other youngsters who may have a future in Oakland as well.
August 23rd 2008
Oakland Athletics(87-37) @ Baltimore Orioles(53-71)
A's 0 - Orioles 5
WP: Daniel Cabrera (9-6)
LP: Joe Blanton (11-8)
Not a good way to start the week. The offense looked a bit sluggish. Ichiro had a hit and Goleski had two hits from the top two spots. Joe Blanton got hit hard in his 5.2IP giving up all 5ER. Chris Reitsma looked good in his 2.1IP giving up no runs on 3 hits.
Griffey watch: 0-4, K
August 24th 2008
Oakland Athletics(87-38) @ Baltimore Orioles(54-71)
A's 12 - Orioles 8
WP: Manny Delcarmen (4-0)
LP: Chad Bradford (4-6)
Vin Mazzaro gets roughed up a bit in his 3 innings. He lets up 6ER on 6 hits with 4 runs coming on a grand slam by Ramon Hernandez in the 3rd inning. The offense however picked up the slack. The offense got no home runs but 12 runs with 7 doubles. Tony Abreu was a big part of the success with his 2-4, 2 double and 4 RBI day. Wilson, Kendall and Ichiro all added a pair of RBI as well.
Griffey watch: DNP
August 25th 2008
Oakland Athletics(88-38) @ Baltimore Orioles(54-72)
A's 3 - Orioles 0
WP: Rich Harden (15-5)
LP: Anthony Reyes (9-6)
SV: Huston Street (43)
Not much offense here with both teams only getting 4 hits. We got the big hit though. Ichiro blasted a 3-run shot in the 5th to give Harden all the run support he would need. Harden went 7 shutout innings allowing 4 hits, 2walks and striking out 7. A very nice performance from our Ace Rich Harden.
Huston Street picks up his 43rd save of the year with a perfect ninth.
Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, K
Texas made a move for the future today. They signed their young Ace Robinson Tejeda to a 2-year deal worth 4.3M a year.
Also for Texas, speedster Carl Crawford steals the 300th base of his career.
August 26th 2008
Oakland Athletics(89-38) @ Tampa Bay Rays(57-71)
A's 4 - Rays 10
WP: Jae Weong Seo (5-3)
LP: Mark Prior (15-4)
Mark Prior has a rare bad outing. He gives up 5 runs, 3ER, in 5.2 IP. The bullpen didn't fare much better giving up 5 more runs. Miguel Cabrera hit HR(30) and added a double in the game. George Kottaras added in a 3-4 day from the 8th spot in the lineup. Danny Putnam hit his first triple of his career and drove in two runs.
Griffey watch: 1-4, BB, R
August 27th 2008
Oakland Athletics(89-39) @ Tampa Bay Rays(58-71)
A's 8 - Rays 7
WP: Justin Duchscherer (4-5)
LP: Wade Davis (2-4)
SV: Huston Street (44)
Blanton has another tough start but the offense picks him up. Blanton went just 4.2 IP giving up 6ER. Miguel Cabrera goes deep for the second game in a row. This time it was a grand slam though. Kottaras adds the game winning solo home run in the top of the ninth. Street wraps up win and his 44th save with another perfect ninth.
Griffey watch: 0-5, 2K
August 28th 2008
Oakland Athletics(90-39) @ Tampa Bay Rays(58-72)
A's 0 - Rays 5
WP: Bronson Arroyo (7-11)
LP: Vin Mazzaro (11-2)
Vin Mazzaro has a tough time for the second time this week. He gives up all 5 runs. The only other thing I am going to say about this game is that Bronson Arroyo went for a complete game shutout against us. BRONSON ARROYO!
Griffey watch: 2-4
3-3 with an 11 game lead and heading into September is acceptable. I'd like to see the team get real hot with maybe 3 games to go so they can roll into the playoffs on a tear.
good read, glad to see you keeping it up, very enjoyable
I'm going to update for August 29-31 then update for the month.
August 29th - August 31st 2008
August 29th 2008
An off day back at home after the East Coast trip. We have the Angels coming in this week and we could essentially end the division race this week.
August 30th 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(74-56) @ Oakland Athletics(90-40)
Angels 1 - A's 2
WP: Justin Duchscherer (5-5)
LP: Scot Shields (6-3)
Rich Harden throws a gem here but can't get the win. Harden went 8 very strong innings giving up 1 ER on 5 hits, 1 walk while striking out 9. Earvin Santana was just as good for the Angels with the exact same line but only 3 K's. The Angels scored their run in the top of the sixth on a Howie Kendrick single scoring Gary Matthews. We scored our runs in the bottom of the 8th and ninth. Ryan Goleski hit a sac fly to score Danny Putnam in the 8th and George Kottaras singled in Ken Griffey Jr. after a leadoff walk. A very exciting game.
Griffey watch: 0-3, BB, R
Toronto locks up another player for a couple years. Gustavo Chacin receives a 2 year 2M per year extension.
August 31st 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(74-57) @ Oakland Athletics(91-40)
Angels 7 - A's 1
WP: Jered Weaver (10-9)
LP: Mark Prior (15-5)
Mark Prior doesn't pitch too badly here but the Angels take advantage of a couple key errors. As a result Prior gives up 7 runs but only 1 earned. On the other side Jered Weaver 2 hits us through his 8 strong innings. George Kottaras hit a double and was singled in by Danny Putnam for our only run and hits.
Griffey watch: 0-3
August 2008 Review
Minnesota is still the best team other than us. We should have no problem wrapping up the division unless some sort of real life "METS" like collapse happens. Even if we would have the wild card because there is no one close. Regardless it's the last month and I want to see the team perform.
American League Standings
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-35.jpg
National League Standings
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-36.jpg
Wild Card Standings
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-37.jpg
League Leaders - Batting
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-38.jpg
League Leaders - Pitching
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/n...5/BB2K8-39.jpg
Oakland Batting Statistics
Oakland Pitching StatisticsPHP Code:2008 Batting Team G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Suzuki, Ichiro OAK 126 .287 527 151 21 8 3 38 59 30 4 87 48 .374 .335
Cabrera, Miguel OAK 128 .285 508 145 31 1 21 55 107 4 0 79 95 .474 .362
Swisher, Nick OAK 131 .235 490 115 23 1 25 81 133 1 4 77 85 .439 .360
Goleski, Ryan OAK 119 .269 472 127 26 7 3 69 110 8 5 85 48 .373 .363
Bradley, Milton OAK 114 .328 457 150 30 3 17 59 78 11 1 79 74 .519 .404
Wilson, Jack OAK 121 .273 425 116 24 2 7 22 52 2 3 53 41 .388 .309
Griffey, Ken OAK 96 .236 326 77 12 0 12 23 78 1 0 41 48 .383 .285
Abreu, Tony OAK 80 .262 302 79 19 5 2 25 41 2 4 30 25 .377 .320
Kottaras, George OAK 89 .297 290 86 24 2 8 28 60 0 1 41 44 .476 .361
Kielty, Bobby OAK 87 .251 287 72 18 1 5 13 57 1 0 31 37 .373 .288
Kendall, Jason OAK 81 .285 221 63 12 0 0 17 23 1 3 27 22 .339 .342
Johnson, Dan OAK 55 .246 183 45 11 1 8 23 23 0 0 22 33 .448 .327
Hidalgo, Richard OAK 51 .236 157 37 10 2 4 15 53 2 2 24 20 .401 .318
Scutaro, Marco OAK 43 .221 131 29 6 6 0 24 27 0 0 19 10 .359 .346
Durazo, Erubiel OAK 46 .265 113 30 6 0 9 20 20 1 0 22 29 .558 .376
German, Esteban OAK 33 .336 107 36 10 0 3 6 18 4 1 13 16 .514 .372
Castillo, Jose OAK 10 .209 43 9 2 0 0 3 11 0 2 5 2 .256 .261
Putnam, Danny OAK 11 .167 36 6 3 1 0 3 9 0 0 4 4 .306 .250
Perez, Antonio OAK 5 .273 11 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 .364 .333
Brown, Jeremy OAK 6 .167 6 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 .167 .167
PHP Code:2008 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Delcarmen, Manny OAK 28.0 1.29 20 0 4 0 1 31 3 7.39
Street, Huston OAK 54.1 1.49 57 0 5 0 44 42 6 7.45
Prior, Mark OAK 183.1 2.36 28 28 15 5 0 186 61 9.82
Reitsma, Chris OAK 39.1 2.52 28 0 0 0 1 14 5 12.81
Harden, Rich OAK 188.1 2.82 29 29 15 5 0 174 66 9.89
Gaudin, Chad OAK 70.2 3.06 56 0 5 3 1 52 18 9.81
Duchscherer, Justin OAK 69.1 3.12 61 0 5 5 1 51 10 8.05
Mazzaro, Vin OAK 141.0 3.26 22 22 11 2 0 100 61 11.94
Halsey, Brad OAK 73.2 3.42 39 3 8 5 1 45 19 11.36
Robertson, Connor OAK 40.0 3.60 6 6 3 2 0 21 13 11.03
Calero, Kiko OAK 29.0 4.34 28 0 1 2 1 38 9 12.41
Blanton, Joe OAK 175.1 4.41 27 26 11 8 0 89 45 12.22
Windsor, Jason OAK 98.1 5.31 17 17 8 4 0 73 36 13.00
Johnson, Steven OAK 5.1 10.13 1 1 0 0 0 4 3 16.88
September 1st - September 4th 2008
We finish off our series with the Angels and then the Mariners, who currently sit 37 games back, comes into town. If our guys are having any trouble right now I hope they can figure it out against the M's.
September 1st 2008
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim(75-57) @ Oakland Athletics(91-41)
Angels 1 - A's 4
WP: Joe Blanton (12-8)
LP: Kelvim Escobar (5-2)
SV: Huston Street (45)
Joe Blanton has one of those rare games where he excels. He nearly went the complete game shutout but came one out away. His line was 8.2 IP, 8H, 1ER and 4K. A very nice performance. The top four guys(Suzuki, Goleski, Swisher and Cabrera) drove in a run a piece in the win. Street also picks up his 45th save in true vulture style.
Griffey watch: 0-3, 2K
Rich Harden tweaked his hamstring and we have decided to hold him out of his next start to prevent further injury. We are going to need him in the playoffs so no need to take any chances.
September 2nd 2008
Seattle Mariners(54-79) @ Oakland Athletics(92-41)
Mariners 8 - A's 5
WP: Justin Thomas (3-11)
LP: Vin Mazzaro (11-3)
SV: J.J. Putz (23)
Vin Mazzaro has been downright terrible in his last 4 starts. This one he lets up 8ER in just 4 innings. He might just be losing that 4th starter spot in the playoffs to Conor Robertson. On the Offensive side, Tony Abreu shined going 4-4 with 2R. In his first action of the year Kevin Melillo goes 1-4 with a RBI. Jason Kendall drove in 2RBI as well but none of it was enough.
Griffey watch: DNP
September 3rd 2008
Seattle Mariners(55-79) @ Oakland Athletics(92-42)
Mariners 4 - A's 2
WP: Jarrod Washburn (11-12)
LP: Connor Robertson (3-3)
SV: J.J. Putz (24)
Another disappointing loss. Robertson pitched fairly well giving up 4 runs, 2ER, in his 6 innings. The offense just couldn't get it done. A bright note is that Kevin Melillo goes 2-4 with a 2B and an RBI. Nick Swisher pitches in with a RBI too.
Griffey watch: DNP
September 4th 2008
Seattle Mariners(56-79) @ Oakland Athletics(92-43)
Mariners 1 - A's 2
WP: Huston Street (6-0)
LP: Eric O'Flaherty (3-3)
Rookie callup Blake Hawksworth, starting in place of Rich Harden, looked like he was down at AA pitching. He dominated the Mariners all day. He went 8 shutout innings while giving 4 hits and 4 walks. A very nice debut. Unfortunately the 1 run lead he left with in the top of the ninth didn't hold up as Huston Street blows the save in the top of the 9th. But fortunately for us Ken Griffey Jr. comes out of the hole he was hiding in and blasts a walk off solo HR to win the game in the bottom of the 9th, the 597th of his career. Ryan Goleski had the only other RBI in the game driving in Danny Putnam in the 6th.
Griffey watch: 1-4, Walk off HR(13)(597), RBI
I really thought Griffey was going to disappear for the rest of the year. He is only 3 away from 600 and I really hope he can get it. I didn't like losing 2 games to the Mariners but we will survive. Almost there and I can taste the playoffs. I'm figuring we will see the winner of the East, Boston or Toronto.
September 5th - September 11th 2008
Back out on the road for some more action. I'm going home to Fenway with my team for three with the Sox. Then we head into KC for three with the Royals. Milton Bradley will be back this week. That is alot to look forward to. He is really going to get a spark back into the lineup.
September 5th 2008
An off day. Nothing too crazy, just a plane ride across the country to Boston. I played cards with a few of the guys and got my ass kicked. They get pretty good with all these road trips. I think I should practice a bit before I try again.
September 6th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(93-43) @ Boston Red Sox(73-63)
A's 2 - Red Sox 4
WP: Jon Lester (9-6)
LP: Mark Prior (15-6)
SV: Jonathan Papelbon (32)
Mark Prior pitched decently here. He goes 4 innings and gives up 4R, 3ER, while striking out 7. The defense just hasn't been behind Mark lately. Miguel Cabrera provides all the offense going 2-4 with a HR(22) and 2 RBI. Hopefully we can bounce back tomorrow.
Griffey watch: DNP
September 7th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(93-44) @ Boston Red Sox(74-63)
A's 9 - Red Sox 4 (12)
WP: Huston Street (7-0)
LP: Damaso Marte (2-4)
Joe Blanton goes 6.1 innings and gives up just 4ER. The offense could only muster 4 runs while Blanton was in there and this game goes extra frames. Fortunately in the top of the 12th the offense exploded for 5 runs against Damaso Marte and put the game out of reach for the Red Sox. Miguel Cabrera and Ken Griffey Jr. went back-to-back to lead off the 12th and give the us the lead. On the day, Cabrera was 2-5 with a HR, 2B and 3RBI. Griffey was almost identical but went 2-6 with a HR, 2B and 3RBI.
Griffey watch: 2-6, HR(14)(598), 2B, 3RBI
A tough loss for the Red Sox in the game. Jonathan Papelbon left the game with a strained shoulder. The Red Sox aren't sure how long he is going to be out but they really lost a key piece of their team.
September 8th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-44) @ Boston Red Sox(74-64)
A's 9 - Red Sox 4
WP: Josh Beckett (15-9)
LP: Vin Mazzaro (11-4)
Gross. Just absolutely gross. Vin Mazzaro has lost his touch. He walks 7 and gives up 7 hits. It's just amazing that he didn't give up more than 5ER. Ichiro hit a HR and that's about it for the offense.
Griffey watch: 0-3, BB
Mitlon Bradley has been activated from the DL. He has been ready to go for a few days but we needed to wait for him to clear from the DL. It's good to have him back.
September 9th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-45) @ Kansas City Royals(63-76)
A's 5 - Royals 6 (13)
WP: Scott Elbert (2-7)
LP: Brad Halsey (8-6)
This has not been a good start to the final month of the season. Robertson pitched alright for a 5th starter. 6 innings and 5ER isn't too bad. The offense matched it but we went to extras again. We couldn't get on the board in the extra frames and the Royals take the win. Milton Bradley was 1-4, 2BB and an RBI in his return. Kottaras hits a 2run shot in the game. Cabrera stays hot and goes 2-5, 2BB and 2RBI.
Griffey watch: 0-6, K
September 10th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-46) @ Kansas City Royals(64-76)
A's 6 - Royals 7
WP: Ron Flores (4-1)
LP: Brad Halsey (8-7)
SV: George Sherrill (30)
We had a 5-3 lead going into the bottom of the 8th and Brad Halsey has his second straight bad game. The defense didn't help either. They made two errors and the Royals took the lead 7-5. Miguel Cabrera gave us some hope with a lead off HR in the top of the ninth but we couldn't get the second run to tie it up. The usual quality start from Harden. 7 innings, 3ER and 9 K. Miguel Cabrera is smoking hot. He went 4-5 in the game.
Griffey watch: 2-4, R
September 10th 2008
Oakland Atheltics(94-47) @ Kansas City Royals(65-76)
A's 1 - Royals 4
WP: Brian Bannister (8-7)
LP: Mark Prior (15-7)
SV: George Sherrill (31)
Everyone on this team needs to step it up. I thought I built a great defensive team. Apparently not. 4 errors in the game lead to the 3 unearned runs that made the difference. Mark Prior may as well not have anyone behind him. He went 6 innings and gave up just 2 hits but got the loss because of two of those errors. Cabrera stays hot going 1-1 with 3BB and thats about it.
We also lost our young speedster Ryan Goleski for a while. He broke his foot when he was catching a ball against the wall in center. He planted his foot in the wall and cracked the bone. This is a tough loss.
Griffey watch: 1-4, K
A real tough week for the team. We lost 5 of 6 and got swept by the Royals. We need to get it back on track if a World Series is going to be the goal.
September 12th - September 18th 2008
We have an action packed week ahead of us. We head up to Seattle after leaving Kansas City. Then we head home to take on the Twins. Many experts are now touting this as the preview of the ALCS. I would really like to get there before we start talking about it.
September 12th 2008
Oakland Athletics(94-48) @ Seattle Mariners(57-85)
A's 4 - Mariners 6
WP: Justin Thomas (4-11)
LP: Joe Blanton (12-9)
SV: J.J. Putz (26)
Joe Blanton gets beat around a bit here. He goes just 5.2 innings and gives up 6ER on 13 hits. Once again the bright spot on offense was Miguel Cabrera. He hits his 25th HR of the year and drive in 3 runs. Abreu and Wilson were both 2-4 with a pair of doubles each.
Griffey watch: 0-4, 2K
September 13th 2008
Oakland Athletics(94-49) @ Seattle Mariners(58-85)
A's 9 - Mariners 6 (12)
WP: Huston Street (8-0)
LP: Ryan Madson (0-6)
Vin Mazzaro looks a little better in this start. He goes 6 innings and allows just 3ER. This game was decided much later than when he was pitching though. Milton Bradley was the hero with a base loaded double in the top of the 12 that cleared the bases. He has been a key member of this team all year and it's great to have him back. Jack Wilson pitches in a 4-5 day with 3 doubles. Huston Street picks up the win pitching the 11th and 12th inning. Ichiro picks up the 300th career steal as well.
Griffey watch: 0-4, BB, R
September 14th 2008
Oakland Athletics(95-49) @ Seattle Mariners(58-86)
A's 8 - Mariners 1
WP: Connor Robertson (4-3)
LP: Drew Carpenter (2-4)
We lay whipping on the Mariners in our last game against them this year. Robertson looks great in this start. He goes 8 innings and gives up 1ER. A very nice job by Connor. Nick Swisher and Miguel Cabrera both hit their 26th homers of the year. They drive in 2 runs a piece as well. A nice way to end the season series with the Mariners.
Griffey watch: 1-5
September 15th 2008
Minnesota Twins(95-50) @ Oakland Athletics(96-49)
Twins 3 - A's 4
WP: Justin Duchscherer (6-5)
LP: Pat Neshek (7-3)
SV: Huston Street (46)
A very important win here. I would like to have the Home field in the playoffs. Rich Harden goes 6.1 giving up 2ER. He always deserves to win but the offense didn't kick into gear until late. Nick Swisher hit the late homer to take the lead. Kevin Melillo went 3-4 with and RBI. Ichiro got the other two me across on a triple in the 7th. Huston Street with another perfect ninth to pick up save #46.
Griffey watch: 1-4
September 16th 2008
Minnesota Twins(95-51) @ Oakland Athletics(97-49)
Twins 1 - A's 8
WP: Mark Prior (16-7)
LP: Francisco Liriano (10-4)
Mark Prior finally gets a win after 5 losses in a row. It didn't seem like that long but the defense and offense just weren't behind him for a while. Prior goes 6 shutout innings and strike out 6. The offense exploded on the Twins. Cabrera, Ichiro and Kendall all went deep. Milton Bradley also went 3-5 with an RBI in the game.
Griffey watch: 2-4, RBI
The Mets are two games back chasing the Phillies in the NL East. They will now be without their closer Billy Wagner for the rest of the year. Wagner has blown 4 saves in a row and an examination showed shoulder damage. A tough break for the Mets.
September 17th 2008
Minnesota Twins(95-52) @ Oakland Athletics(98-49)
Twins 5 - A's 4
WP: Pat Neshek (8-3)
LP: Justin Duchscherer (6-6)
SV: Joe Nathan (38)
Joe Blanton pitches fairly well here. He goes 6 innings and gives up 4ER. The offense was going early scoring all 4 runs in the first two innings. Milton Bradley hit a two run shot in the first. In the second inning Abreu, Griffey and Kendall hit back-to-back-to-back doubles to score two runs. Duchsherer gave up the game winning run to lose it in the 8th.
Griffey watch: 1-4, 2B, RBI
September 18th 2008
Minnesota Twins(96-52) @ Oakland Athletics(98-50)
Twins 4 - A's 5
WP: Justin Duchscherer (7-6)
LP: Pat Neshek (8-4)
SV: Huston Street (47)
A nice win. Vin Mazzaro pitched well in the game. A few errors by his defense kept him from winning this one. He goes 6 innings giving up 4 runs, 2ER. A pair of two run shots by Jack Wilson and Nick Swisher paced the offense. Miguel Cabrera drove in the winning run with a double in the 7th. Huston Street shuts the Twins down in the ninth for save #47.
Griffey watch: 0-3, K
A nice week. 5-2 is a great record expecially 3-1 against the very good Twins. I hope that is a something of a preview of the ALCS because we would be looking good for a World Series appearance. In any case it was a good week.
September 19th - September 25th 2008
We stay home this week for 6 games to end our home schedule for the year. We have the Rangers and Rays coming in for 3 a piece. We can potentially clinch the division this week with a good showing against the Rangers.
September 19th 2008
We get to relax and unwind after that intense Twins series. This is it for the season at home until the playoffs. We have to figure out CF and who is going to be taking Goleskis place for the remainder of the year.
September 20th 2008
Texas Rangers(91-59) @ Oakland Athletics(99-50)
Rangers 1 - A's 2
WP: Rich Harden (16-5)
LP: Brandon McCarthy (18-7)
SV: Huston Street (48)
Rich Harden pitches really well here. He gives up 1 ER in his 7 innings while striking out 7. Rich looks like he is getting ready for the postseason. Ichiro goes 3-4 and scores both runs in the game. I knew he would be a valuable part of this team. Huston Street is dominant as usual and picks up save #48. It also feels very good to hit the 100 win mark as well. We haven't done that as an organization in 6 years.
Griffey watch: 0-3
September 21st 2008
Texas Rangers(91-60) @ Oakland Athletics(100-50)
Rangers 1 - A's 6
WP: Mark Prior (17-7)
LP: Bartolo Colon (10-11)
SV: Justin Duchscherer (2)
This one was decided in the first as we scored 4 runs. Mark Prior wasn't going to let the Rangers back in the game. He went 7 innings and gave up just the 1ER. Ichiro led the game off with a Homerun. Richard Hidalgo hit a pinch hit homer in the 7th. Cabrera, Kendall, Abreu and German all knocked in a run as well.
Griffey watch: 1-3, 2B, R
September 22nd 2008
Texas Rangers(91-61) @ Oakland Athletics(101-50)
Rangers 7 - A's 5
WP: Kameron Loe (2-0)
LP: Joe Blanton (12-10)
SV: Eric Gagne (40)
It wasn't as close as the score suggests. We scored 3 runs in the bottom of the ninth to make it a bit closer but didn't have enough. Blanton got beat up giving up 6ER in 6 innings. Griffey and Swisher knocked in a pair from the middle of the lineup.
Griffey watch: 1-4, 2B, 2RBI
Scott Rolen and David Ortiz both hit career home run # 300 today. Congrats to David and Scott!
September 23rd 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(67-86) @ Oakland Athletics(101-51)
Rays 0 - A's 3
WP: Vin Mazzaro (13-4)
LP: Wade Davis (2-7)
SV: Huston Street (49)
Vin Mazzaro wasn't going to let a chance to celebrate a 2008 AL WEST DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP wait any longer. He went out and dominated the Rays. He goes 8 innings, gives up 4 hits and strikes out 10. A very nice thing to see from Vin as we head to October. Ichiro leads another game off with a homer. Bradley and Cabrera drive in the other runs in the game.
Griffey watch: 1-2, BB
2008 AL WEST DIVISION CHAMPIONS!
September 24th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(67-87) @ Oakland Athletics(102-51)
Rays 3 - A's 2
WP: Wade Townsend (8-13)
LP: Connor Robertson (4-4)
SV: Juan Salas (37)
I can forgive this loss because of the excitement from clinching the division crown. Robertson pitches fairly well in his 6 innings giving up 3ER. The offense just didn't come along. Cabrera and Wilson got the RBI's in the game. Ichiro stays hot and goes 2-4 with a BB.
Griffey watch: 1-4
September 25th 2008
Tampa Bay Rays(68-87) @ Oakland Athletics(102-52)
Rays 3 - A's 2
WP: Jon Switzer (4-4)
LP: Chad Gaudin (5-4)
A little too much carry over for me now. RicH Harden looked alright giving up 4ER in 5 innings and leaving with the lead. The pen couldn't hold it and gave up more runs after he left. All of our runs came on two hits. Milton Bradley hit a 3 run shot in the 1st. Nick Swisher went deep with a 3 run shot in the 5th. Ichiro is smoking right now and goes 4-5 on the day.
Griffey watch: 1-4, BB
Well we wrapped up the division and we have just one week until the playoffs. It is almost guaranteed that we get Boston/Toronto in the first round. The Wild Card is coming out of the west and the Twins are right behind us in terms of record.
In REAL LIFE I am going to watch the Sox and Rays. Go Red Sox!