A's Bid Farewell to Minnesota Leading 2-0
As I go through the post season I like to look for a pitching staff that can dominate a game.
Last year the White Sox did it from game one of the ALDS right through to the end of the world series.
The Sox didn’t thrash the opposition merely with starting pitching, but used Bobby Jenks, El Duque, Cliff Politte and others to sweep to the title too.
The A’s are getting that look right now.
Click below for more!Esteban Loaiza handled the Twins until obviously tiring in the sixth inning.
Barry Zito took the game through eight innings. Justin Duchscherer handled his two innings without a blip. Even Kiko Calero, who is not the same pitcher he was mid season, got through his inning unscathed.
The A’s hit behind the runner when they need to to advance those on the bases. The Twins don’t.
Torii Hunter’s ill advised shoe string attempt which handed the game to the A’s was attempted out of
frustration more than anything else because the Twins haven’t scored enough runs to beat anyone, let alone a good team like the A’s.
The A’s have outplayed Minnesota in every facet of the game including managing and game strategy.
This series is not going back to the Metrodome.
How about Mark Ellis breaking up the DP saving Kendall once again?
The Twins are vulnerable to right handed pitching. Dan Haren and Rich Harden wait in the wings.
Marco Scutaro is making Bobby Crosby obsolete at 1/20th of the price.
The A’s pitchers are fantastic making the big pitch with runners on base. This didn’t just happen over night, their ability to do this has been evident all season, that is why they win so many one run games.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again the Twins bull pen cannot shut the A’s down. The A’s give Reyes, Rincon, Crain, and Neshek trouble. These pitchers are constantly behind in the count to Oakland and it hurts them. In fact Kotsay hit a 3-2 pitch if I’m not mistaken or was it 3-1, in either case Reyes was feeling for the strike zone and in trouble.
So what is going on with Milton Bradley? It’s not as simple as saying “grow up” he has overwhelming issues which crop up all the time. Macha and Gerald Perry deserve double playoff shares for putting up with him.
As goofy as Bradley is what is Swisher doing laughing all the time? Nervous reaction to the pressure I guess. It sure would be nice to se him have a more determined look on his face during critical times.
Huston Street is a project that will bear more watching especially next week. He just doesn’t look comfortable on the hill.
Say good night to the Twins. If they are good enough to win Friday Santana has to come back on three days rest Saturday, no other choice without a doubt.
As good as he is, he doesn’t pitch on three days rest effectively so don’t worry.
Yankees anyone?
Marty
0 comments
The A’s need to stay focused. This series is by no means over. We’ve seen the A’s go up 2-0 before and still get bumped. The Twins are a very good team and will not roll over. The A’s need to play just as well as they did in the dome to take the series from the Twins. Hopefully the two loses to the Angels in Oakland at the end of the season taught the A’s an important lesson, don’t ever let up.
-John
P.S. Marty, please don’t say “Ellis breaking” anything. You almost game me a heart attack. Any news on that front?
Ellis has a fractured right index finger. He goes out a champ because if he doesn’t barrel into Castillo, then Kotsay doesn’t get his chance to shine against Reyes.
I guess D’Angelo Jimenez will be his replacement if
Ellis can’t play with a fractured finger.
I realize the A’s have fallen apart before, but you know this team is different. All the one run wins gave them a mental toughness, they know how to play baseball.
Marty
I know they’re different
but we’ve been here before…I’m not saying anything til they win the third game
It’s not over until it’s over. So true.
Marty
Hey Marty, just wanted to say I really enjoy your pre-pregame shows, especially Memories of the Game. It really shows us that every life has a story.
I appreciate your comments about Memories of the Game. Many people tell me how much they enjoy the show. I have Mike Norris, Dave Henderson, and David Wells coming up next on the show. This is the eighth year of Memories, I still enjoy every interview and putting the shows together. This week I talked with Charlie Silvera Yankee catcher who in 1956 warmed Don Larsen up in the bull pen before his perfect game. The 50th anniversary is this Friday Oct. 6th.
Marty
wow…I’ll be in the stands for Game 3. that’s awesome that it will be the anniversary of Larsen’s perfect game.
Oakland SÃ
CHOKELAND NO MORE!!!
The Tigers now take a 2-1 advantage. On a sad note for us baseball fans, I just that Buck O’Neil dead at age of 94.
Thanks for memories, Buck.
-Edgar Martinez, A’S Fan
Hall of Fame should be terribly sorry for not inductiing Buck O’Neil this year. They take themselves a little too seriously at times.
How about Kenny Rogers tonight? He reminded me of Whitey Ford the way he sliced up the Yankees.
Marty
Marty, why on earth are the A’s thinking about bringing back Ginter? His defense is terrible. He has trouble with the routine plays. And who cares about getting offensive production from the 2nd base replacement? It’s not like Ellis provided the A’s with much during the regular season. Solid defense is the priority and Jimenez is the best option at this point. Or is his defense not that good??
-Mike E.
I agree Ginter is not the answer at this late date. He wasn’t the answer last year either. Jimenez has enough time in the big leagues to be effective for this postseason.
Marty
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