SB Nation User Blog: OptimistPrime

If I were president

OptimistPrime — Tue, 19 May 2009 19:15:07 -0000

Ah, the good ol' days, when racism and sexism were taught to innocent children through Saturday morning cartoons, and kids dreamt of becoming President of the United States.

Well, times have changed thankfully, but to echo the sentiments in the song sung by Olive Oyl, "If I were President", I would make some radical changes, now.

First of all, Cahill and Anderson would get back down to Sacramento PRONTO. They never pitched in the minors (AAA) and they need the seasoning, not the intense media scrutiny and large crowds and elevated expectations that come with the big game. I would also stick Gallagher in the pen.

Then, I would go purchase the contracts of Mulder and Martinez. Since we are languishing at the bottom, the very bottom, of the American League, what do we have to lose? Nothing, and everything to gain in allowing our talented kids to develop. Duke will be back soon, so a rotation of Mulder, Martinez, Outman, Duke and Braden sounds better to me than what we have now. If I never have to see Gallagher start again I would die a happy man.

Then, I would bring up Petit, and let him ride it out at second. Let the guy have a legit chance at second. Sorry, but Kennedy and Petit cannot be that dissimilar at the plate. Kennedy has a better glove, but Petit has more upside potential.

Next....bye bye Buck! Join your friend Barton down in the minors. I would much prefer to see Cunningham get the chance out in right.

Next.... The big trade! I would go find us an emerging third baseman, or at least someone legit to man the position until we can secure a longer term solution.

Bobby Crosby? Oh Bobby Boy, you would be outrighted. Kaput! Adios. Bu-Bye. I am tired of your languishing bat and booting balls on the infield.

Radical changes, I know, what are we going to do, get worse? Is there a last-last place? Let our future star pitchers become future Maddux's not future VanPoppel's. Let's get some of our potential studs with upside some MLB at bats instead of shipping them back and forth all year, trading them or letting them go, and them watching them rake for another team down the road.

Last move? Bob Geren. How about someone with some passion? A younger, fiery ex-player who played more than 5 minutes in the game, or someone who can teach and is not afraid to pull players and bench them when they are stinkin' up the joint. At least someone who does not compliment the team when we are clearing not playing to the best of our abilities.

Eric Chavez? Minor league coaching job, golden handshake has already taken place in the form of way too much money given to a player who spent the majority of the past few seasons on the DL. Off the roster.

Yeah, that's what I would do.

Chez Nico! or....No Dog Is Safe!

OptimistPrime — Sun, 03 May 2009 17:31:13 -0000

Yesterday, in the sleepy burgh of Berkeley California, members of a secret society known simply as "AN" gathered at the compound of one of it's esteemed leaders, who answers to the moniker, "Nico". The purpose of the gathering was to sacrifice many small animals and feast on their flesh in an attempt to appease the baseball gods who afflict the object of their adoration, which, for this day, was represented by a poorly drawn oak leaf/elephant. And on this hallowed day, the adherents gathered, sacrifices were made and the gods were in fact appeased, as the Oakland Oaks defied logic and were in fact victorious despite the valiant efforts of Trevor Cahill.

The following adherents are personally responsible for yesterday's victory..

skigurl

optimistprime

nico

pam

gigglingone

englishmajor

wes7

oaklandSi

Guacamole was consumed, beer flowed in the streets, Puccini begged and cajoled, and farm animals within a 20 mile radius quaked.

On a personal note, having been an AN member for the better part of 4 years now it was a real pleasure and honor to put faces to the personalities! Nico is as pleasant and funny as he is online, and he graciously opened his home to us. Nico's home is beautiful and quite cozy. We all had the privilege of meeting Mother Nico who was a lovely woman and the famous Poochini was right there to offer a friendly lick to the chops.

After everyone settled in, we noshed on grilled goodies and chatted. What a great and opinionated group! Once the game started, we shared laughs and advice and funny quips. The game, as we all know, was not the prettiest thing in the world, but the outcome was a nice cherry on top of a very enjoyable evening! I highly recommend that you attend the next high meeting of the order of the Chez Nico!

skigurl and an elusive wes7 imbibing on ceremonial refreshments

I want to personally apologize the gigglingone, who in fact does giggle. I am sorry this photo was not better gigglingone, but you are cool!

Dead animals!

Pam was sporting the new BeerPhone from Apple

Did Crosby just swing at an outside breaking pitch?

Poochini, just moments before being placed on the grill.

CommandCentral, where it all happens!

My Trip to Watch our Boys in NY

OptimistPrime — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 18:40:32 -0000

I was fortunate enough to follow our boys out to NY to catch Tuesday night's game and Wednesday's day game at the new Yankee Stadium.

The trip started out a bit surreal. My flight was scheduled at about midnight out of SFO, so I decided to stop in at Kincaid's in Burlingame for a drink. Who just happened to be at the bar but Carney Lansford! Of course I did not have a ball with me, so I waited until he was done socializing and asked him for an autograph on one of their menus. I told him I was an A's fan, which seemed to make him smile, probably because on that side of the bay he gets recognized as the Giants batting coach. He was very nice and happily signed.

Walking into the new Yankee Stadium is an amazing moment. It is overwhelming. Cavernous, monstrous, rife with tradition at every turn. Hard Rock Cafe, sushi, banners and posters of Yankee's past....like making the trip to Mecca for baseball fans.

I had close to rail seats for both games. I caught a batting practice foul ball at the first game, and of course, as we all know, that was about the highlight of game one. The pen looked great though, and in batting practice Giambi was flat drilling it. The fans were very generous to Giambi.

I must make a note here about Swisher: He is now a God. I am serious, they worship him there already! Everyone around me was telling me how much he has energized the fans. They chant for him!

The second game, the rainy extra inning day game, was eventful. NY Yankees open their stadium 3 hours before game time and the place is packed! Fortunately, they are very strict about letting you down to the rail unless you have a low level ticket. I had access to all the A's pitchers!

Using my intimate knowledge of the team, I was able to coax over several players. Andrew Bailey was the first to come over and sign for me and chat briefly. What a great kid!

Next, I saw Dallas. I shouted "209" to him and he answered back "Holler", but kept walking. When the pitchers were heading in, Dallas was midfield when I shouted his name. He walked clear across the field, signed for me out of the whole crowd and walked away. Same thing happened with Santiago. Because I recognized him and called him by name when he came out, on the way back he came up to me, signed, and walked back to the dugout, signing for no one else.

Had a nice conversation with Dan Giese. What an affable guy. Too bad he has coughed up late inning homers of late :( We talked about how he was selling Hondas and how this was a much better gig. I really hope he can put it together, however, I fear he won't be here long.

The last autograph I got was Phil Coke of the Yankees. Now, I had no intention of "polluting" a perfectly good A's autograph ball, however, the guy is a class act. During batting practice, way up at the top rail, where many fans who did not have low level tickets congregated, was a boy of about 5 years. Phil walked up to the rail and asked if I would take the ball up to the kid. I thought that was real class. Later he came over to sign for fans and we had a nice chat. I asked him to sign despite the fact I love the A's. He laughed and signed. Good guy!

Wearing my colors into enemy territory, I expected to be derided and mocked. I must say however that I found Yankee fans to be very nice, extremely informed, not only about their team, but several fans I talked to knew about our farm system and players two levels down. I was locked and loaded and ready to fight, but I saw they save their venom for Red Sox fans. The few masochists who wore Red Sox garb were loudly derided.

All in all, a great trip despite the outcome of the games.

Autograph tally:

Carney Lansford, Dan Giese, Santiago Casilla, Andrew Bailey, Dallas Braden, Phil Coke...and one game ball!

Click on the photos to see a larger version....

Pretty cool to have a Hard Rock at the ball park!

Our boys warming up in the new park.

Sweeney is the first Oakland Athletic to step in at the new park.

The Babe and Lou welcome you to the new house.

There were a few of us at the park.

Carney made a point of signing over the steak.

The ball from the inaugural series. Nice collectible.

Bailey, Giese and Casilla.

Braden and Coke

Wild Giese land in Sacramento

OptimistPrime — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:25:45 -0000

Ok, it's pronounced Giese like vice, but play along.... :)

A cool story about Giese in the NY Post

SuSlu story

Get the wikipedia skinny on Dan

The A's just claimed ~~Goose Gossage~~ Dan Giese off waivers....

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) – The Oakland Athletics on Wednesday claimed journeyman pitcher Dan Giese off waivers from the New York Yankees and optioned him to Class AAA Sacramento.

A one-time used car salesman, Giese, 31, retired in 2005 after spending six years in the minor leagues without getting a shot in the major leagues.

However, the righthander returned to baseball with the San Francisco Giants in 2007 and signed with the Yankees following the season.

Giese went 1-3 with a 3.53 ERA in 20 games during two stints with New York last season, including his first three career major league starts.

To make room for Giese on the 40-man roster, the A’s designated righthander Chris Schroder for assignment.

A little insurance for the bullpen perhaps. Beats selling ~~jeans~~ cars!

Fan Appreciation Day. Updated Brett Anderson photo

OptimistPrime — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:03:06 -0000

(click on the Brett Anderson or Ziggy photo for bigger view. Awesome photos!)

To all of you who missed out on Fan Appreciation Day, or who bemoaned that this was not going to be as great as past FanFests, let me tell you what my experience was like.

I live down the street from the Coli, so I popped the top on my Miata and drove down to Fan Appreciation Day. I was an hour early but there was already huge lines to get in, which made me happy to see all the fans.

Upon entering the stadium, they were handing out autograph tickets, assigned to specific stations. I drew station #3. I could see Ziggy, Casilla, Gags, and Eveland signing, but not who was signing in my line. The family in front of me, consisting of a mom and two kids, were just happy to be there. They were wondering what they were going to get an autograph on. I brought two game used balls with me, one thrown to me in the stands by Calero in the 06 series, one by Todd Jones in the same day. The kids were about 9 and 11, and I remembered what it was like, how baseball was bigger than life, so I reached into my bag and gave the kids one of my game used balls to get an autograph. Rest of the day karma?

The sky was bright blue and the air was buzzing with excitement. As I got to the end of the line, there was Brett Anderson, signing his little heart out. Sorry about the quality, I had to scan my film photograph. I will have it on disc later today if anyone wants any of these in higher quality, I thought they came out nice.

Tally: One Brett Anderson, future ace, on the sweet spot.

Next it was off to the World Series photo line. You get to stand in line and have your photo taken for free with the trophies. Meh, kinda cool, and with an hour to burn before the onfield antics began, why not. Karma alert #1!! Just as I was getting close to my turn, Curt Young came up and posed with the trophy. I got to shake his hand, get an autograph and get a great photo!

Tally: One glossy photo of Me and Curt Young with the 4 World Series Trophies (eat your heart out Slegna!)

Then, lo and behold, out of nowhere comes Jason himself! I got an autograph on my ball, a photo and a nice chat with the man himself. He was very gregarious with everyone in the crowd, taking time to pose for photos with most who came up for an autograph, and personalized them when requested. After NY, the guy could be expected to be cold and indifferent, but he I found him to be as enthusiastic and engaging as a rookie.

Tally: Jason Giambi autographed ball and photo! Oh, and when I asked him how Jeremy was, he said he was just hanging out. Sucker should have slid!

Then I got this sweet closeup of the Ziggy himself, and an autograph.

Tally: Ziggy!

I also got to talk to Ken Korach and get his autograph, meet and shake hands with Bob Geren and get his autograph. His hands are HUGE!!!!

Tally: Korach and Geren!

The batting practice was insane. Let me tell you, Matt Holiday can flat rip the ball! Several balls hit off the second deck facade in left, and one home run was a line drive rope.

Tally for the day: One slight sunburn, autographs from Anderson, Ziggy, Geren, Giambi, Korach, Young. Photos with Curt Young and Jason Giambi and the trophies. And one huge smile from a 9 year old.

Karmatically awesome Fan Appreciation Day.

Go A's

What is going to happen sometime around July?

OptimistPrime — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:17:00 -0000

At this point going into the season, I think we can all agree that our fortunes have reversed from last year, and now it is our pitching staff that is the biggest question mark. Most of the focus on AN has been who is going to fill the five starting slots when the discussion of our pitching staff comes up. But I have another question: What is going to happen towards the middle half of the second part of the season?

Outman, Cahill, Anderson, Braden, Eveland....all the focus has been on how they will fare, and if they are ready to face major league hitting. But out of this group, only Eveland has over 150 IP last season. None of these guys have thrown 200 innings in their life. What is going to happen to our pitching staff, collectively, as the dog days of summer approach? Are we going to see a lot of 4 inning starts and a heavy dependence on our middle relievers? What happens when these guys run out of gas? Or will they?

2008 Trevor K-Hill 124 innings between A/AA

Brett Anderson 105 innings A/AA

Josh (You are) Outman 122 innings AA/AAA/MLB

Diamond Dallas 70 innings MLB

Dana (not here only Zul) Eveland168 innings

Break out the welcome wagon...err...boat!

OptimistPrime — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:31:22 -0000

ESPN story

Yadel Marti, a stud pitcher for Cuba, who dominated in the WBC, and Yasser Gomez, a great hitting, fast outfielder, are apparently at this very moment out in the Atlantic negotiating the treacherous waters between Cuba and Florida.

I say Billy and Co. should immediately hop a plane to Florida and sign these guys, on the beach, before the Yankees, Red Sox, Scott Boras or Somali pirates swoop in and snatch them up.

Ok, maybe I am being just a little silly, but isn't the business of baseball amazingly bizzare? I mean, literally, in a moment's notice, the landscape changes and potentially great players materialize out of thin air! Or, salt water for that matter!

HOF debate begins...

OptimistPrime — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:34:43 -0000

Rickey heads a 2009 HOF cast of suspects, just announced.

In my opinion, at cursory glance, Rickey is the only one on this list that stands out as a sure first ballot Hall of Famer.

After that, there seems to be a lot of guys who put up good numbers, but Hall of Fame? Would you be excited to be touring Cooperstown and see a shrine for Jay Bell next to Babe Ruth?

And Big Mac is dragged back into the spotlight. Is this going to be the final call for the much maligned "non-admitted" steroid user?

Just thought it would be fun to debate some of these names on a slow, foggy Bay Area day.

The 23 players on this year's Hall of Fame ballot:

• Harold Baines
• Jay Bell
• Bert Blyleven
• David Cone
• Andre Dawson
• Ron Gant
• Mark Grace
• Rickey Henderson
• Tommy John
• Don Mattingly
• Mark McGwire
• Jack Morris
• Dale Murphy
• Jesse Orosco
• Dave Parker
• Dan Plesac
• Tim Raines
• Jim Rice
• Lee Smith
• Alan Trammell
• Greg Vaughn
• Mo Vaughn
• Matt Williams

Failure and Fireworks

OptimistPrime — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:25:50 -0000

Being an optimist and an A's fan may seem a bit laborious, however, I like to think of it in these terms: How can you really appreciate caviar if you don't know the taste of dirt? How can we really savor the delicacy of a Duke start without the bitter aftertaste of a Meyer start?

And while we are eating dirt right now, what better way to wash it down than with fireworks?! Bought a set of front row seats off craigslist for tonight's game, taking the girlfriend and hopefully we won't fail as bad as some of these failures.

Enjoy! And feel free to add your fail pics and videos today!

Let's hope for an A's victory tonight and no FAIL!

About last night....

OptimistPrime — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:12:06 -0000

Grabbed some front rail seats for $25 a pop off Craigslist, brought my main squeeze and headed out to the ballgame last night, buoyed by the previous nights' victory. Loaded up on Blue Moon and fish and chips, then settled in for a great game.

Before the national anthem, I saw Blevins, who never met an autograph seeker he didn't like, signing away. I mean the guy is the nicest kid you'd ever want to meet. I have yet to go to a game that I did not see "Elbows and Knees" scurry over to the railing and sign till his arm falls off. I brought a clean baseball, that incidentally was tossed to me by Calero pregame before the 06' playoff game, in hopes of landing a Ziggy autograph. I want him on a ball by himself. I could have brought my A's ball, which includes autographs by such A's luminaries as Lon Simmons, Goose Gossage (on the sweet spot) Greg Luzinsky, Tony LaRussa, Scott Brosious, Eric Fox, Barry Zito, Curt Young, Huston Street and the Haas Family. But I figured Ziggy is something very special. Much like my Lou Brock, Dave Winfield, or Mickey Mantle autographs, this one needed to be on a ball by itself. And of course, here came Ziggy to sign as well, and I got it! What a perfect evening....until the game actually started.

Duke got hammered on the homer hit into the luxury boxes, and with another homer and uncharacteristic walks, it was evident that Duke is waning in the dog days of summer. It has been a long season and more innings than he is used to, but he found a way to get his control back and was his usual dominant self for a few innings in a row.

This game was ours to win. I don't mind getting spanked by a better team, but I do get overwhelmingly frustrated when we beat ourselves with bad baseball decisions. I feel that Geren made a non-decision that could have really affected the outcome of the game; a chess move that I would have thought any manager would make. First of all, I was shocked that Patterson came through with a single to score two. That was clutch! Perhaps a better first base man could have made a play on it, but it was sharply hit and Patterson deserved it. Now, one out, the young, speedy Patterson on first, WooHoo on third and what does Geren do? NOTHING. NOTHING! Hello? Is this thing on? Why in the HELL do you not send Patterson to avoid the double play? Am I wrong? I am open to public ridicule here if I am mistaken but is this not a fundamental decision? Worst case he gets thrown out, two outs. Best case he avoids the double play, the ground ball Ellis hits scores a run, or the catcher throws the steal attempt throw into center field. I will give him props for batting for Pennington, although having a guy batting .222 for a guy batting .000 is like having George Bush teach an english class.

Ok, so, Huston came on and looked pretty good, tickling 92-93 on the ever-so-generous stadium gun, but was still not pushing off the mound as much as normal. And Embree was great as usual when the game is not on the line. The ninth came and now we steal. Oh, wait, was that not the worst jump in the world? I called Davis out as soon as he left. It would have taken a throw to the center field bleachers to miss him. And quietly into the night our beloved A's slunk back into irrelevance.

Baseball game with my girlfriend A++

Fish and Chips B

Geren D+

Seats and surrounding fans A+

Free parking at Bart A

Game Overall D

Getting Ziggy to sign on a game used ball.....PRICELESS!!!!