SB Nation User Blog: mrbendy

Pictures and Thoughts from A's 8/11 game.

mrbendy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:49:36 -0000

Even though the game ended in a loss for the A's, I don't think I could have asked for a better "First A's Game" experience. I hate to say this, but a good part of seeing a couple last place teams play in August is that you can get great seats at the stadium. My friend and I got seats right behind home plate 11 rows back, perfect to view the pitchers and get some pictures. Now about those pictures...

Historic Eutaw St. Entrance

Eutaw St. entrance (via Dave_Spencer)

View of the Dugout from our seats

The Dugout(1) (via Dave_Spencer)

One doesn't comprehend how big Tommy is until you see him in person

Tommy Everidge (via Dave_Spencer)

AK doesn't sleep, he waits

AK is ready to go. (via Dave_Spencer)

Wait? Managers can argue?!

Geren arguing (via Dave_Spencer)

Nighttime panoramic view

Panorama of Oriole Park (via Dave_Spencer)

I apologize for noise in the pictures, I was working with a camera with limited capabilities.

Thoughts on the game:

Trevor Cahill

He pitched one hell of a game and for the most part kept the Baltimore hitters off balance. There was only one really hard hit ball and that was Markakis' double.

If there is one thing I would say he could work on, it would be varying his looks when in the stretch. The runners were getting great jumps off of him and that cost him in fifth when the Orioles were able to get first to third rather easily multiple times.

He had great stuff last night though. For the most part his breaking stuff was sharp and his fastball had a lot of life and movement to it.

Dave Hernandez

Keep an eye out for this kid. He pounded the strike-zone all night with plus pitches. He may not be a 1 or 2 guy, but he can make a career of being a very solid #3 guy.

Rajai Davis

Having seen him in person now, his speed is truly ungodly and so effortless.

Jay Marshall

He looked very good tonight. I hope he sticks around for the rest of the year to help give some of the 'pen a rest.

Oriole Park

This is easily the best stadium I have been to. Located in a wonderful part of Baltimore with easy access to parking and easy to get in and out of. With views of downtown noticeable all over the park, I hope this is the kind of stadium the A's will build if/when they get a new one.

Wuertz's Slider

mrbendy — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:26:45 -0000

Wuertz's Slider

Harry Pavlidis, who I think is tied with the SB Nation blog Beyond the Boxscore, rates Wuertz's slider as the hardest pitch to hit in the MLB this year.

The following link explains his findings:
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2009/7/10/944659/expanding-on-harrys-whiff-rate

Should We look at replacing Beane?

mrbendy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:54:05 -0000

Should We look at replacing Beane?

Found this over at one of the SB Nation's sister sites Driveline Mechanics, and thought I would share it.

It is interesting timing seeing as we, and by we I mean AN, have throw around what needs to change.

Brad Ziegler on The Show on XM

mrbendy — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 20:15:31 -0000

Don't know if anyone one else heard this, I only caught the tail end of it. This afternoon Ziegler was interviewed on The Show. For the most part the interview was about Team USA in the WBC, but there was a small part about the upcoming A's season they spoke about. A couple favorite quotes of mine, from what I heard:

On whether or not the coaches and/or teammates had called him to check up on him:

"I don't know if they have, I've turned my phone off. I'm one of the few guys here who is still being paid the Major League minimum, I can't really afford the internation roaming charges [in Toronto]. They have my e-mail, so I figured if they needed to get a hold of me, they could get me there."

On having O-Cab at short:

"You know I really felt comforatable with Bobby behind me there, but to now have a three time Gold Glove winner there now, it's really nice"

Overall it was a typical interview, but it was still nice to hear an A's player getting some air time.

Did anyone catch the start of the interview?