lunes

I stayed up last night until after midnight so I could listen to the last Midnight Baseball re-broadcast of the year. I do love going to sleep listening to a baseball game. I'm more a fan of the A's than the Giants but KNBR replays every Giants game at midnight so I listen to the Giants. I enjoy their broadcasters too, especially Jon Miller and Dave Fleming, though all of them are good.

I'm a bit sad the regular season is over. Having two teams in my area means there's a game on almost every night. I don't get that much hockey coverage especially with the NHL not being on ESPN anymore. I do get the NHL channel now though so I get to watch the Canadian hockey shows. That's almost as good. I should see if they're ramping up to the season with any preview shows or training camp reports. I bet they are.

I wonder how soon I can sign up for NHL Center Ice. I had purchased it a couple seasons ago and when baseball season started in the spring I got to watch baseball for free. The two packages share channels in my system. Somehow the channels never got turned off. I made the mistake of actually ordering Center Ice last season and they found out I was getting Extra Innings for free so this baseball season I was blocked out. I didn't need it this summer anyway with my favorite pitcher not playing anymore and both the A's and Giants on all the time.

I'm watching Monday Night Football right now and I love HD but I really don't need to be looking at some guy's eye injury that closely. Thanks. It's just gross.

As a special bonus, I'm translating this week's posts into Spanish using Babel Fish. Enjoy the fun mistakes!

No me fui a la cama anoche hasta después de medianoche así que podría escuchar la retransmisión de medianoche pasada del béisbol del año. Amo el ir a dormir escuchando un juego de béisbol. Soy más un ventilador del A' s que el Giants pero KNBR juega de nuevo cada juego de Giants en la medianoche así que escucho el Giants. Gozo sus locutores también, especialmente de Jon Miller y de Dave Fleming, aunque todos son buenos.

Soy un pedacito triste la temporada he terminado. Tener dos equipos en mis medios del área allí es un juego en casi cada noche. No consigo a eso mucha cobertura del hockey especialmente con el NHL que no está en ESPN más. Consigo el NHL ahora acanalo sin embargo así que consigo mirar las demostraciones canadienses del hockey. That' s casi como bueno. Debo ver si ramping hasta la estación con cualesquiera demostraciones de la inspección previo o informes del campo de entrenamiento. Aposté que son.

Me pregunto cuando puedo firmar para arriba para el hielo de centro del NHL. Lo compré un par hace estaciones y cuando la estación de béisbol comenzó en el resorte yo conseguí mirar el béisbol para libre. Los dos paquetes comparten los canales en mi sistema. Los canales nunca consiguieron de alguna manera apagados. Incurrí en la equivocación realmente de pedir el hielo de centro la estación pasada y encontraron que salía los turnos adicionales para la esta de béisbol estación libre así que que me bloquearon. No la necesité este verano de todos modos con mi jarra preferida que no jugaba más y ambos los A' s y Giants encendido todo el tiempo.

Estoy mirando el balompié de la noche de lunes ahora y amo HD pero no necesito realmente mirar alguÌ�n guy' lesión de ojo de s que de cerca. Gracias. Es apenas gruesa.

Como prima especial, estoy traduciendo los postes durante esta semana a español usando Babelfish. ¡Disfrute de los errores de la diversión!

Final Four

Well, now that both my favorite teams are out of the Stanley Cup playoffs (Devils lost in 5 to Ottawa and the Sharks lost to Detroit in 6 tonight), I now have to choose which of the remaining four teams to root for.

A logical choice might be the Anaheim Ducks since they're in the Sharks' division but there's too strong a rivalry with San Jose and I fear that not even my admiration for long-time fave Chris Pronger will overcome it.

The Senators might have a chance since they're the lone remaining Canadian team and I do have a soft spot for the teams from north of the border. But I'm not that familiar with the Ottawa players so they're a long shot for my attention.

Buffalo has a few players I like and I could get behind the little-guy, little-town feeling of the Sabres. However, their uniforms might just be too horrid to stomach.

Which leaves me with Detroit who displayed their quality in the series against the Sharks. Tonight's decisive defeat could have left a bitter taste in my mouth but we all knew that San Jose was done for after the crushing blow of Game 4. The Wings came from behind many times and persevered through injury after injury in this year's playoffs. Here's to hoping they can give Anaheim the what-for and go on to play for the Cup. Go Wings!

Next to the Last Minute

I thought surely yesterday's Sharks/Wings game was headed for an overtime period after the Wings came back from again being two goals down in the first period to tie it up early in the third. But a next-to-the-last-minute goal at 18:36 by the crafty Pavel Datsyuk put the Wings ahead tying the series at one game apiece.

The Shark Tank will be loud and exciting tomorrow night for Game 3. I'm looking forward to watching our old crew on FSN Bay Area. I hear Drew Remenda is back from Hockey Night in Canada to do color with Randy Hahn. I feel sorry for those of you who have to watch it on VS.

My other team, New Jersey, was able to win their Game 2 in overtime to even that series with the Senators. I fear for them because Ottawa seems so very very good. Brodeur and the D will have to be better for them to come out winners in that round.

Sharks Win! Sharks Win!!

After two quick goals (within 24 seconds) halfway through the first period, the San Jose Sharks shut down the Red Wings with some good defense and even better goaltending from Nabokov (34 saves) to win the first game of the second round. The not-a-sellout crowd at the Joe didn't have much to cheer about and weren't a factor even though San Jose has rarely won in Detroit.

The Wings seemed to really miss Holmstrom in front of the net. We'll see if his injured eye will let him get on the ice next time out.

Game 2 is on Saturday. On NBC. In HD. At noon (PDT). Make your plans.

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...

Tracking the Tour

TagFest: Tour

Today is the next-to-last stage in the second annual Tour of California. Last year they went right through my town and I didn't even know it! I was disappointed.

This year they again started in San Francisco and again American Levi Leipheimer won the Prologue. He's still in the Yellow Jersey (of tour leader) after winning the individual time trial in Solvang yesterday. Today they're down in Santa Barbara cycling through the hills and canyons. I'm listening to and watching the coverage online. The map shows a satellite image of the course and you can even track certain riders (little colored jerseys) on the map and on the course profile. It's awesome technology even if the audio does keep cutting out.

Right now there's a nine-man breakaway (the red car) ahead of the peloton (the blue car) by 3 minutes. Levi's yellow jersey is in danger so the Discovery team is working hard at the front of the peloton. They have to bring the breakaway back or (my favorite) Stuart O'Grady might be in yellow tonight. I'll update later.

ETA: The long run-in to the finish allowed the peloton to catch up and Levi and the rest of the Discovery boys finished with the pack. Stuey's teammate won the stage so his team, CSC, got some victory out of the day even though he didn't don the yellow. Tomorrow is a flat stage to the finish in Long Beach. We'll see if a breakaway can stay away and break Levi's heart.

A Pack of Pucks

TagFest: Hockey

The trade deadline is coming up on Feb. 27 and already things have been heating up. Yesterday the Western Conference-leading Nashville Predators (it still feels weird saying that) acquired the right-foot-ailing Peter Forsberg from the Eastern Conference bottom dwelling Philadelphia Flyers. His contract is up and the Flyers need bodies so they had to move him. We'll see how much he actually contributes to the Preds' cup run.

Both my teams are well-situated for the home stretch. New Jersey is second in the East and leads the Atlantic by 5 points over a hot Pittsburgh squad who beat them tonight. The Pens have gotten at least one point in each of their last 15 games. Now that's impressive.

The Sharks are in 5th place in the West and are still chasing Anaheim for tops in the Pacific Division, only 3 points out now. However, they're only 6 points ahead of the 8th place team so they can't slow down. Losing tonight to Columbus (14th in the conference) is simply not acceptable. I'm wondering if they'll make any moves before the deadline. They need to score some goals (two consecutive shut-outs!) and having Marleau out with an injury is not helping things.

Seeing the Little White Ball

TagFest: Sports

I'm not a huge golf fan but I will occasionally check out the majors and other interesting tournaments. This weekend is the Pebble Beach Pro-Am which takes place just south of where I live. When I have visitors, I often take them along the 17-Mile-Drive which winds through a couple of the golf courses at Pebble Beach. The scenery is simply spectacular along the ocean.

This particular tournament has suffered from notoriously bad weather since it's scheduled during the rainy season here. It's kinda sad (and a tad ironic) that we were having dry weather until just a few days ago—just in time for the Pro-Am. Everything is gorgeous today though and I was overjoyed to see they're broadcasting it in HD. It really shows off the beauty of the area, and you can actually see the golf ball!

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!