SB Nation User Blog: OptimistPrime

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!!!!

Rant(s)

OptimistPrime — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:52:04 -0000

I have followed the A's for 36 of my 42 years on this earth. Growing up in Southern California, my buddies all bled Dodger blue but I gravitated toward the A's because whenever I opened up the sports pages, there were these colorful characters and tales of their on-field and off-field exploits. Also, I loved their colors. I remember going to an Angel's game against the A's and using all the money I had to buy a plastic A's batting helmet at the game. I wore that thing for years. In Little League, I can recall the angst I felt when they posted the new teams for the year and I did not get on an A's team.

Having followed a franchise for this many years, I have seen my share of triumphs and tragedies, winning and losing, players come and go. I moved to Sacramento just after the earthquake series and a few miles from the stadium just a few months ago, which affords me an opportunity to go to more games. I can get to the game in under 15 minutes from house to seat.

Yeah, it's hard to endure losing, and this season is particularly hard because of the great and unexpected start. I predicted that we would be better than average at the onset and always tend to paint with broad strokes of optimism. And yes, it is more difficult to maintain that optimism in the face of the current travails.

But whether we are winning or losing I just love baseball. It is in my blood. It is and has been as a much a part of my life as anything. I don't have much of a close family or many of my childhood possessions, but I do have my love of baseball. Win or lose, it is pure.

Another thing I really enjoy is AN. Having discovered it a few years ago, it has become this wonderful place to immerse myself in a community of fans who share the same level of fanatical enthusiasm for our team. I start most days here as I figure if some stubbed their toe in Kane County one of our number will have written a fanpost about it.

However, as much as I love coming here, it always bothers me when people are really mean towards others here. I don't mean the sarcastic biting barbs from PT or Nico, but I mean the real demoralizing, personal swipes because someone does not share the same opinion on whether Jack Cust is good or bad. I guess I was just a bit dismayed when reading some of the threads this morning. Hey guys, it's just baseball. In the immortal words of Rodney King..."Can't we all just get along?"

It's going to be a long rest of the season I fear, with not a lot to celebrate. But I predict someday, somewhere, we will be good again. Until then, let's have some fun, and try to be a bit more civil in our dealings with each other.

Ode to Billy Beane...as sung by Michael Jackson

OptimistPrime — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:03:19 -0000

Performed by Michael Jackson, lyrics by every General Manager in Major League Baseball. (For those of you who are under 30, the black guy with a nose in the video is really Michael Jackson)

Feel free to sing along...

I was more like a GM from a losing team
I said "Don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one,
who got fleeced when the Beane came to town?"
They said I am the one who got fleeced when the Beane came to town.

He told me his name was Billy Beane and I peed my jeans
Then every head turned when I trade nine guys for one
I got hosed when the Beane came to town

People always told me be careful of who you deal
And don't go round dealin' young boys arms
Steinbrener always told me "Watch out for MoneyBall"
And be careful of what you do, Billy Beane will come for you

Billy Beane is at my door
he's just a guy who claims that he's not a bum
"That Cupcakes' got a gun."
He says "I Am The One", but he'd probably trade his son

For forty days and forty nights
He was on my side
But who can stand when Beane is "Da Man"
His schemes and plans
You'll get screwed when the Beane comes to town
So take my strong advice, just remember to always think twice
(Do Think Twice)

He told me "Baby, trust me
check his OBP"
Then showed a photo, Jocketty crying
His eyes looked like mine
I got hosed when the Beane came to town, Baby

People always told me be careful of what you do
And don't go around dealin' young boys' arms
Beane came and stood right by me
The press they filled the room
This happened Much too soon
Gammons called me a buffoon

Billy Beane Is at my door
he's just a guy who claims that he's not a bum
But the guy would trade his son

Billy Beane Is at my door
he's just a guy who claims that he's not a bum
But that guy would trade his son

He says trade nine for one, I swear the guys not done.
he says I am the one, come on trade me twelve for one

Billy Beane Is at my door
he's just a guy who claims that he's not a bum
But The guy would trade his Son

he Says trade nine for one, Sabermetrics is such fun
he Says I Am The One, I would trade my son
he Says I Am The One

Billy Beane Is at my door
Billy Beane Is at my door
Billy Beane Is at my door
Billy Beane Is at my door
Billy Beane Is at my door
Billy Beane Is at my door

IT CAME FROM OAKLAND: The Team That Almost Was...The Movie

OptimistPrime — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:08:17 -0000

Coming to a theater near you, the epic saga of a ragtag bunch of misfits, wet-behind-the-ears rookies and has-beens who overcome adversity, japanese food, rouge swimming pool bottoms, big name trades, an array of disabilities, Emil Brown and a mercurial general manager to capture the imagination of a nation....for half a season.

Starring, in order of appearance....

Val Kilmer as 3 True Outcome Icon, Jack Cust

and Ray Liotta as the nomadic Wes Bankston

with Gomer Pyle, PFC as that lovable lunk, Huston Street

SEE! as they defy the odds and inexplicably contend with their evil detractors to the south!

WATCH! as virtual nobodies shutdown some of the leagues best hitters!

HEAR! the screams of pain as the team is dismantled one player at a time!

(Feel free to add your own character suggestions as we are still casting the movie.)

Ghostridin' all the way to Fremont baby

OptimistPrime — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:33:01 -0000

Ghostridin' all the way to Fremont baby

What we need is a good moustache

OptimistPrime — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 19:34:16 -0000

What is the answer to our offensive woes?

Maybe we don't need another right handed bat. Maybe we just need a good moustache. Perhaps Billy can offer each player $500 if they can grow a moustache before the start of the second half, and thus we can channel the swagger and the spirit of the Moustache Gang, The Swingin' A's.

The '72 World Series against the Reds was termed "The Hairs vs. the Big Squares," as the Reds wore more traditional uniforms and required their players to be clean-shaven and short-haired. The A's were called the Moustache Gang. The A's seven-game victory over the heavily favored Reds gave the team its first World Series Championship since 1930.

Maybe this team is just too darn nice. I mean, how about Chad Gaudin throwing down with Blanton in the bullpen, telling him that he sucks and that he deserves to be in the starting rotation.

Rollie Fingers and Blue Moon Odom had been involved in a pre-Series fist fight that destroyed any camaraderie in the bullpen. Despite the political overtones, Oakland maintained its hold on the American League and prepared to meet the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the first all-West Coast Classic.

How about Mike Sweeney back handing Custy and telling him that he needs to go back to his own hitting school. Instead of cowering at the end of the bench toward the end of the game, Gerg Smith should march right up to Geren, spit on his shoes, and say "I am pitching a complete game, I dare you to take me out." Maybe in the press Geren should just come right out and say "our hitters are sucking wind and need to step up or will be benched!"

Ok, obviously I am bored and just wanted to have some fun today, but maybe there is something we can learn from our roots. The Swingin' A's had attitude, they were brash and had swagger. This team just seems so gosh darn......nice! How about a little controversy? Let's mix stuff up a bit! Is anyone going to call out Blanton and challenge him to step up? Nothing like a good bench clearing brawl to bring a team together, light a fire under them.

I don't know what the answer is, heck, I am just a fan. But I do know that we need to do something, or we are going to just float along in another "just good enough to almost make it" season. Hopefully The Big Hurt comes back soon, or Patrol Craft and Lil Sweeney go on some ridiculous hitting tear and ignites a fire under this team in the second half.

I say, BRING BACK THE 'STACHE!

Poll

Bring Back the 'Stache?

Yes!

51 votes

Not going to help

1 votes

Bring back Ronald McDonald!

8 votes

60 votes | Poll has closed

How about a lively debate on the A's All-Star selection?

OptimistPrime — Mon, 26 May 2008 23:38:31 -0000

Here we are on the edge of summer and with Major League Baseball starting to rev up the All-Star game marketing machine, I was wondering who would get the nod as our lone All-Star representative.

I am assuming it is safe to say no one from the team is going to get voted into the game. I would also assume it is a safe bet that it means a pitcher would get selected by the American League manager.

Who do you think would/should get selected from the A's at this point? Has anyone stood out more statistically?

Personally, I don't think anyone of our position players has captured the imagination of the baseball world. I would love to see Ellis get recognized, as he is perennially one of the best gloves in the game, but he is not setting the world on fire this year with his bat, as he has in the past. Emil has cooled off in the RBI dept.

Street is having a resurgence of late, but a slow and unimpressive start to the season plus the dominance of other closers would probably keep him from consideration. Duke with his near no-no...Harden if he stays healthy...Smith?

I would have to say, if it were my choice and it had to be made today, I would probably take Harden. If he can stay healthy and make all his starts between now and the end of June, with the consistent dominance he has displayed of late, it is an easy choice. If he characteristically goes down between now and then, perhaps Duke? Shame about Santiago Casilla. If he had stayed healthy I think it would have been great to see him in the game.

Oakland A's top of ESPN's power ranking

OptimistPrime — Fri, 09 May 2008 21:23:50 -0000

ESPN's Power Rankings

I love how their article starts out....

"No one could have predicted it, a silent force rising out of Northern California, a team that was supposed to be in a rebuilding mode, one lucky to reach .500, let alone the top of our MLB Power Rankings."

I think there is a contingency of us here on AN who not only saw it coming, but shouted it from the electronic rooftop. I remember how the local press basically derided Lew Wolff for his prediction that we would be over .500. The naysayers and pessimists can no longer cry "small sample size" and "too early". This team is magic. Billy pulled another Moneyball mircale out of his hat and pilfered the competition, taking advantage of their lust for the now. Hats off to Billy and Co. for a great team when the world laughed us off and said we would be nothing. Sure, we will see if this holds up, but I am OptimistPrime for a reason. Go A's.