Midwest Vacation: #9

Sunday was going to be hot. And we were going to a baseball game. I hadn't packed for hot weather so I decided to transform the older pair of jeans I had brought into shorts. They needed patched where my legs rub togther anyway so it was a good solution. I could use what I cut off the bottoms to patch the holes. Joanna got out her sewing machine and I spent the morning cutting, pinning and sewing while everyone else was at church.

My folks were going to be in the area attending church nearby so we invited them to join us at the game. Zoe was spending the day with friends so it was Zander's day out at the ballpark. Even though he was feeling rather ill he went anyway and even got to go down onto the field to get his hat autographed and to play a bit of catch with his dad.





We had chosen our seats so my dad wouldn't have to navigate too many stairs and lucky for us they ended up being in the shade the entire game. I had forgotten to apply sunscreen on Saturday so I needed to stay out of the sun. There was a nice breeze so we weren't too hot either. It was just a beautiful day for being at the yard.

This matching pair of ladies must've thought so as well. Though something tells me they're die-hard fans and would be there no matter what. Joanna and I thought they were rather cute.

Spring Ball

TagFest: Baseball

Ah, spring baseball. There's nothing like it. Today is the A's third game of the spring and the first radio broadcast so I'm listening to the game on the radio while reading.

I forgot about the game on Thursday but yesterday I was able to listen to most of it at work. The A's Extra Innings host, Robert Buan, does the play-by-play for the weekday webcasts on mlb.com. I really love listening to all the guests he has come by. Sometimes the radio broadcasters sit in for a few innings or the beat writers might drop by or the assistant GM. They don't have commercials so they can talk through the change of innings.

I'm lucky that my current officemate is a big A's fan as well. He not only doesn't mind me listening to the games, he wants me to increase the volume. After spring training, I think we'll have to have the radio in between us so it's not too loud in my ear while I'm trying to concentrate.

I just checked the KNBR website and was overjoyed to see they're bringing back Midnight Baseball again this season. I do love falling asleep to the sweet sounds of the game. I know they're broadcasting on the radio today too. I wonder if it'll be on tonight...

Weaver to Seattle

My favorite pitcher Jeff Weaver is headed to Seattle though he didn't look too happy at the press conference (ha, ha). I'm pretty happy he's back in the AL West. I might have to go to some more A's game this season. Let's see ... the M's are in town April 25–26, just when I get back to town. What good timing! We'll see if Jeff pitches either of those games. I might have to wait until the first weekend in July. Anyone want to go with?

My (WS) Hero

It was just odd to see Jeff Weaver be the hero last night when for so long he's tried so hard and not gotten the best results. I always apologize when I say he's my favorite pitcher saying he's really not that good. I need to start holding my tongue.

One of the reasons I love watching him is his obvious passion for performing well. It also seems to be his downfall when he can't keep it under control and allows it to negatively affect his game. It didn't seem to be a problem last night. I wonder if he'll recognize the improvements he's made with the Cardinals coaching staff and stick around if they want him.

It bothered me that the announcers kept talking about how he hadn't gone longer than six innings for a long time. One of his strengths in his career has been long innings and high pitch counts. In the National League starters often get taken out due more to game situation (need another bat for offense) than to number of pitches or fatigue. Which is one reason I prefer the American League and the DH: in low-scoring pitchers' duels, the manager isn't forced to replace the starting pitcher just to get some runs. I'm not sure I'd want Weaver to go back to the AL though; I do love to see him bat. He's just so gawky and awkward.

I was working late last night and decided to listen to the game on the radio instead of trying to wait to watch it at home. I was just finishing up my project when the game was getting over. It was a nice coincidence. When I got home I discovered that my DVR recording only went 180 minutes so I would've missed the end of the 8th inning and the 9th. I'm glad I listened at work. That would've sucked!

The World Series

So I was hoping the Tigers would win any game Jeff Weaver was not pitching and I've received the opposite. I guess that means the Tigers will win tomorrow (Weaves is on the hill) and hold off the trophy presentation for the weekend. I thought for sure Detroit would pull it out tonight but they just couldn't hold a lead. The soggy field and even soggier fielding didn't help.

It was nice to see Aaron Miles have a good game. A friend of mine went to school with his brother (and him, though he's a few years older) so we enjoy following his career.

Game 7

Wow, what a Game 7. Tied 1-1 until the top of the 9th when Molina hit one out. The Mets kept hitless from the 2nd through the 8th but had the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9th. Game over on a called strike three from a rookie closer. Man, that is awesome. Gotta love the curve.

So the Cardinals face off with the Tigers in the World Series beginning Saturday in Detroit. I'm going to root for the Tigers except for any games (former Tiger) Jeff Weaver might pitch (of course). I always hope for a long series just to hang on to baseball a little longer. Hockey can wait.

Lucky, Lucky, Lucky

I am a lucky, lucky girl. Last night I went to set up my DVR to record the NLCS Game 5 but it wasn't on the schedule yet so I thought I'd wait and do it in the morning. I forgot. And Jeff Weaver was starting. And I knew I wasn't going to be able to leave work early today. So when I realized this, I resigned myself to missing the game. But it was postponed, due to rain. Yea!!! Lucky, lucky me! Weaves is still scheduled to start in the game tomorrow so I'm setting up a recording right now.

Tigers Win the Pennant!

Wow. Could it have been any better in Detroit today? To advance to the World Series on a home run in the bottom of the ninth at home? A different hero every night, it was Mags smacking his second big fly out to left field with two guys on and the game tied up at 3. Ah, there's nothing better than the scrum bouncing at home plate waiting to pummel the hero.

I thought the A's had a chance today, especially after loading them up in the eighth. They just didn't have the bats to compete in this series. And I'm not sure what Macha was doing having Huston Street face so many batters today. Bringing him in in the 7th?

So who will face the Tigers? I'm definitely rooting for the Cardinals. Just so I can maybe see Jeff Weaver pitch again.

Get Your Brooms Ready in Detroit

Sure looks like the Tigers' year, doesn't it? I can hardly believe it. Rogers was awesome, giving up only two hits and walking two. And the bullpen was perfect, setting down their batters in order. We'll see if Detroit can close it out tomorrow.

As far as the A's, I thought Harden did great today considering his lack of work recently and really through the season with his injuries. The A's sure miss having Bobby Crosby and Mark Ellis up the middle on defense and their bats in the line-up. I wonder if Macha is going to start Mark Kiger at second base tomorrow. Here's a guy who made his major league debut today in the 8th inning on defense and could possibly start in an ALCS Game 4 with his team's survival on the line. Talk about pressure.

A's vs. Tigers, Game 2

I'm watching the game delayed by about a half hour. It's the bottom of the 9th. Two outs. Bases loaded. The A's are down by 3. The Big Hurt at the plate. Oakland lost last night so they really need to win tonight and they need to score right now to have any chance to do it.

Strike one. 0-1.
Ball in the dirt. 1-1.
Man, things are getting tense. The crowd has its towels a-waving.

Damn. Fly ball to center. Three outs. Tigers win.

Well, that was a downer. Frank hasn't had a hit in either game in this series. Just an inch and it would've been a grand slam and an A's win. He just missed that pitch. The Tigers' pitching has been really impressive so far. Last night the A's looked completely ineffective, especially when they had guys on base.

Looks like 'geek might have been right when he said the Tigers in 5 and that the A's would be lucky to win that one. It sure would be cool to see Detroit clinch at home. Can you imagine the celebration?

Tigers in 4!

Wow! I can't believe it! The Tigers beat the Yankees today to win the series three games to one and move on to meet the A's in the ALCS. So either the A's or the Tigers will be in the World Series. So exciting!

I didn't think the Tigers could actually subdue the bats of that New York line-up but they did. The pitching was awesome. Bonderman was amazing today and I was so happy that Leyland took him out in the 9th so he could feel the love from the Detroit crowd. And it was so great they could win at home and so decisively. That stadium was rockin' today. I loved how the team went out on the field and sprayed the crowd with bubbly. Especially Kenny Rogers. So funny.

My favorite sign:

Spiderman
Superman
Bonderman

So Oakland vs. Detroit, beginning Tuesday, best of seven. That'll be hard to predict. I'm gonna have to go with the A's in six.

A's Win! On to the ALCS!

A's win! A's win! Oakland swept the Twins today to advance to the American League Championship Series against either New York or Detroit who play Game 3 tonight. Woo hoo!!!

A's Win! A's Win!!

The A's won a close game this morning 3-2 against the Minnesota Twins to go up 1-0 in the American League Division Series. Barry Zito walked the first batter who was subsequently thrown out at 2nd base and Zito didn't look back. He gave up only four hits (the first in the 5th!) including one home run to Rondell White in the 7th. The Twins didn't score again until the 9th when they benefited from a fly ball the A's right fielder lost in the Metrodome roof resulting in a triple for Michael Cuddyer who then scored on a ground ball. A's closer Huston Street got the save in his first opportunity in the playoffs.

The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas, was the offensive hero for the A's with two solo home runs to left field, one off starting pitcher Johan Santana who gave up only two runs on five hits with eight strikeouts but took the loss, his first at home since August 2005. Both pitchers were very impressive.

The second game is tomorrow morning. We'll see if Oakland can pull out another one, or if the Twins rookie starter Boof Bonser can stop the A's.

Go A's!!!

My Saturday

Yesterday I woke up pretty early so decided to watch my NetFlix offerings before running my usual Saturday errands.

First up was Legally Blond 2: Red, White & Blond. I wasn't expecting much but it was suprisingly okay. The wackiest characters didn't appear until near the end and they had small roles. The plot wasn't entirely predictable. And Mary Lynn Rajskub (Chloe from 24) was in it!

Second was In Her Shoes with Toni Collette (Muriel's Wedding/About a Boy) and Cameron Diaz. This is a super movie; I don't think I've cried so much in a long time. It's the story of two sisters who are polar opposites: Rose, a hard-working, plain-looking laywer, and Maggie, an unemployable, beautiful party girl. After yet another night of drunkeness, Rose finds herself saddled with Maggie yet again. When Rose comes home one night after work to find Maggie in bed with Rose's current hot boyfriend, she throws her out and subsequently can't find her. Maggie discovers a long-lost secret and we gradually learn the reason behind why she is so unsuccessful in school and getting a job. I found the most touching part (most tissues used) when she finds someone to help her through her problem.

I skipped the library (I didn't have any books due and nothing on the hold shelf) and went straight to Trader Joe's and then the farmers market. My usual organic farm stand was out of my usual yellow tomatoes so I had to settle for red ones (oh no!). And it must be approaching the end of nectarine season, because the ones I was looking at were really big and not very pretty. I bought a couple anyway. We'll see if they're any good.

When I got back I watched some Michigan football and then the A's game. After beating the second-place Angels Friday night in 12 innings (with another walk-off hit by Marco Scutaro), their magic number was 2 and they could clinch the West with a win. They didn't win. Maybe today. I hope they do it today and can celebrate at home.

I started watching the Giants game afterwards but I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer so went to lay down. I'm not normally a successful napper but when I woke up it was dark. I had slept for three hours! So my evening was spent zoned out trying to recover from the nap. I really hate that post-nap feeling of lethargy and mental muddiness. By the time my mind felt clear, it was bedtime. Luckily my long nap didn't prevent me from falling right to sleep, though I couldn't sleep in this morning. That why I'm posting at 8 in the morning!

A's Game on Sunday

Sal met me at the A's/White Sox game on Sunday and brought a couple other people from her job. We had already gotten tickets so the boys got tix when they got there and sat a couple sections over. They moved over to our section when the people in front of us left with a few innings to go. They'd had enough sun as it was. We were sitting under an overhang so were in the shade. It was a beautiful day for baseball. I'm guessing mid- to high 70s and breezy.

I had remembered to stick a couple score sheets in my bag so Sal and I could score the game. I wasn't able find a extra pen before I left home and Sal couldn't find one in her bag so after she filled out a contest form at the GMC booth outside we stole a pen from them. She got a white A's t-shirt for her troubles. She didn't put it on but I was pleased she had thought to wear green.

Sal was cheering twice for the price of one as she likes the A's but her home team, the Twins, want the White Sox to lose to help their post-season picture. Regardless of how Chicago's doing, those Tigers better keep winning cuz the Twins are really breathing up the back of their necks!

Tigers? Tigers! Oh, My!

It's only the bottom of the 6th inning and the Tigers are already leading the O's 15-2. Crazy! Inge just hit a grand slam. Crazy!!

And did I just see Matt Stairs in a Tigers uni? When did that happen? Ah, I remember the good ol' days when Stairs was playing for the A's behind Giambi in left.

Sittin' in the Club

Our accountants gave us two free tickets to the Giants game last night so Leti and I went. She was sick the whole day and we tried to find someone else to go but they were either sick or had other plans. As I'm not a Giants fan and the tickets were free, I was willing to forget it. But Leti insisted she was well enough to go and I'm glad she did cuz we had fun.

The seats were in the Club level which is one level up from the field. You take a special escalator and there are special concessions just for the Club that are all inside. There are a lot of glass walls to see out into the ballpark. It'd be the best place to hang out for those cold foggy evenings. We had it pretty nice. (Other than the loud obnoxious guys sitting right behind us. Can anyone clap any louder?! My ears hurt until I moved down a few seats. Our section was not full by any means.)

I got a hot dog from the fancy concession stand for $5.25. It was totally worth it: a Hebrew National ballpark frank with brown mustard. I even ate the soft bun.

Sal & I are going to the A's game on Sunday. I tried to get us seats in the shade. I'll let you know how that goes next week.

Weaver Traded to Cardinals

So Jeff is now a Cardinal and will join the St. Louis rotation according to Yahoo! Sports (don't believe the story that he's 6-10; he's not, he's 3-10). That's okay with me. At least it wasn't the Yankees or Red Sox or Mariners. I can get behind the Cards. I even have family in the area. I wonder when he'll start. They need pitching help with Mulder hurt and their other starters not doing so hot.

p.s. so sorry, jenjen, Verlander didn't make it. I do enjoy AJ though.

Final All-Star Voting

I'm not that tied into the MLB All-Star Game this year. It just doesn't interest me that much.

However, while chatting with Mike this evening he posed the question of who I would be voting for for the final roster spot. I didn't understand what he was getting at until I mentioned Justin Verlander of the Detroit Tigers (10-4, 3.13 ERA) and he was understandably upset I hadn't chosen Francisco Liriano of his Minnesota Twins (9-1, 1.99).

As I have not much loyalty either way, the first person to leave me a comment requesting my vote will get it. So let's see some comments!

No, No, on the No-No

I finally attended my first A’s game of the season this afternoon and, boy, was it fun. I met up with Sarah at the BART station and then with Tree, Ron and Tree’s dad, Mat, inside in section 119—primo seats in the shade. The match-up was uninspiring on paper: Loaiza for the A’s vs. Batista for the D-backs. I kinda expected both of them to get hit around. I couldn't have been more wrong (at first).

Arizona went down 1-2-3 in the first—as did the A’s. Then Loaiza walked Gonzo and hit Shawn Green in the second but a fielder's choice and a pop-up left them both on base—the A’s were out 1-2-3. For the third inning we had matching 1-2-3s. Gonzo got on again in the fourth, this time with a double, but was left stranded again—the A’s were out 1-2-3. The fifth saw an amazing running catch by Kotsay then a long fly ball he couldn't catch by DaVanon but he too was left on—the A’s were out 1-2-3. Are you getting the picture?

The D-backs got two guys on again in the sixth only to strand them—the A’s were out 1-2-3. Have you been counting along? That's a perfect game by Batista through six innings. Pretty cool. However, we were rooting for the A’s (except Mat who's from Tempe). Arizona had threatened with guys in scoring position in four innings but had left six guys on without scoring. It was a pretty exciting 0-0 tie. That was all to end in the seventh.

Can you say "batted around"? Loaiza gave up a double and four singles and his replacement Saurbeck gave up one of each allowing the D-backs to score six runs in the top of the seventh. But the question remained: Could Batista hold on to his perfect game? The answer was happily no. With two out, Bobby Crosby drew a walk and the perfect game was gone. Then up came The Big Hurt and out went the baseball. The no-hitter and shutout were history. Sorry, Batista, you'll have to make do with a 7–2 win on the road and a series win vs. the A's. Not bad for you guys.

Oakland will try to salvage a win tomorrow with Zito on the mound. Let's hope the A’s bats can squeak out more than three hits against 8-3 Brandon Webb who’s lost his last three straight decisions. Go A’s!