After the major contenders "loaded up" with talent at the trade deadline, some of the races seem to have gotten upset?

AL East? I truly don't see how the Yankees can lose, barring injury. I like the Red Sox, and Tampa Bay can surprise you, but I really think the East belongs to the Yankees now.

AL Central? White Sox all the way, especially now with two closers. Opposing teams have essentially only 7 innings now, to try to beat them, then... it's over. I think Detroit has A VERY GOOD chance at second place.

AL West? Houston, never any doubt

NL East? The Mets could be toast with deGrom on the IL ......even with the addition of Javy This division will be decided more as a matter of which team survives the other, than by actual power

NL Central? Milwaukee....they would really have to come apart big time for the Reds to overtake them

NL West? I really don't care whether the Giants or Dodgers win this one, both are deserving. Just so long as San Diego doesn't. There is just something about the Padres swagger, with that golden bike chain, etc, that really, really annoys the heck out of me. And then there is Manny Machado....burn in heII Padres!

The players acquired by the A's before the trade deadline should give them a boost but I don't think it's enough to pass Houston.

I think the Padres are OK, at least I like them better than the Dodgers or the Giants, and it's good that the Padres have returned to the brown and gold uniforms, those colors are their identity and hopefully they will continue to stay with those colors.

As usual, it will probably be a wild chase till the end to see which teams qualify for the playoffs and everything won't likely be determined until the final games of the season.

The Cleveland Idiots will be in the basement...**** The Dolans!

I see that the A's have re-signed Khris Davis and plan to give him another chance to be their designated hitter. Davis has currently been assigned to the minors but if he performs well enough I imagine the A's plan is to call him up to the pro team in September when the rosters expand to 40 players.

Davis has had his struggles the past two seasons but if he can regain his power/home run hitting ability he would be a boost for the A's as they attempt to qualify for the playoffs for the 4th straight year.

Have to give the A's credit for the transactions they've made recently in attempt to improve their playoff chances. It might work out and it might not but at least they didn't just sit back and do nothing.

The Yankees deadline acquisitions continue to pay off, Joey Gallo with a game winning 3 run HR tonight as the Yankees win their 3rd in a row.

The Cleveland Idiots Season IS Over!

Michael Stanley and Ernest Angely are more active than Cleveland's Baseball Team!...I know they're pushing daisies as we speak....

The Cleveland Idiots Season IS Over!

Michael Stanley and Ernest Angely are more active than Cleveland's Baseball Team!...I know they're pushing daisies as we speak....

So, now that my Tigers are just 1 1/2 games out of second place, and start a 3 game series in Cleveland tonight, which team do you expect to be in third place, come Monday morning?

So, now that my Tigers are just 1 1/2 games out of second place, and start a 3 game series in Cleveland tonight, which team do you expect to be in third place, come Monday morning?

The Cleveland Idiots!

They'll be in the basement by the end of this year!

29 baseball teams, but Cleveland isn't one!

I know how frustrating it can be when your team doesn't even want to win, just spent 3 1/2 years there myself.

And, IMO, the sting is less when your team has a high payroll, but still can't win...at least that way you know the owner is suffering too. But when the team is bad, the payroll is among the lowest, and all evidence indicates that they intend to keep it that way.......you start to suspect the owners enjoy yanking the fans around.

Because of the revenue sharing arrangement, some team owners that keep their payrolls shaved to the bone actually make a profit despite the outward appearance of fail.

Here is an interesting link for anyone interested in examining team payrolls:

https://www.spotrac.com/mlb/payroll/

I think the Padres are OK,

You actually like them? I really get turned off by their "sizzle", the bat flips, the other boorish exhibitionism....I know that some think that their indifference to baseballs "unwritten rules" is going to be the game's salvation. But I don't agree. I think their impertinence is a blight on the game.

.**** The Dolans!

Do you think that Dan Gilbert might be a possible buyer for the Guardians?

You actually like them? I really get turned off by their "sizzle", the bat flips, the other boorish exhibitionism....I know that some think that their indifference to baseballs "unwritten rules" is going to be the game's salvation. But I don't agree. I think their impertinence is a blight on the game.

I'm not really a fan but I prefer the Padres over any other NL West team. And I also approve that they have gone back to the brown and gold uniforms. They look much better in the brown and gold.

The Yankees deadline acquisitions continue to pay off, Joey Gallo with a game winning 3 run HR tonight as the Yankees win their 3rd in a row.

Winning their division might be out of reach but I expect the Yankees to make a push for one of the wild card spots.

The Red Sox seem to me to be a team that has peaked, and is set for decline. The Rays I do not have a great deal of regard for, I think they are currently enjoying a cinderella moment.

I'm not a Yankees fan, but I think they are gonna overtake the other two

The Red Sox seem to me to be a team that has peaked, and is set for decline. The Rays I do not have a great deal of regard for, I think they are currently enjoying a cinderella moment.

I'm not a Yankees fan, but I think they are gonna overtake the other two

The Yankees currently are about five games out of first place, which isn't that much but there are two teams in front of them in the division which makes it a little harder to catch up. But anything is still possible.

The A's currently trail Houston by four games so the division title is still within reach but will see what happens. Six of the A's last nine games on the schedule are vs. Houston so those six games could possibly determine which team wins the division.

The Red Sox seem to me to be a team that has peaked, and is set for decline. The Rays I do not have a great deal of regard for, I think they are currently enjoying a cinderella moment.

I'm not a Yankees fan, but I think they are gonna overtake the other two

Not a Rays fan, but that’s a long moment. They won the division and went to the World Series last season and have been just as good as Yankees and Redsox the last 4 seasons.

Wins since 2018

Yankees 295
Rays 291
Red Sox 280

Not a Rays fan, but that’s a long moment. They won the division and went to the World Series last season

The Rays are a different team this year, no more Snell, others are gone too. So the moment I speak of is in regard to this specific time, for this specific team? Could they win division? Sure, but I don't think that it's likely (JMHO)

The Rays are a different team this year, no more Snell, others are gone too. So the moment I speak of is in regard to this specific time, for this specific team? Could they win division? Sure, but I don't think that it's likely (JMHO)

It’s possible they don’t win the East I don’t care either way, but they are the favorites.

I just looked at the Rays schedule the rest of the season, and it does look soft. They play the Red Sox and Orioles a bunch of times, so you may be right...

Hopefully the Blue Jays, Astros, Tigers, and White Sox can give them enough trouble to make the season ending series against the Yankees worth watching.

The Yankees got a break in facing the Tigers earlier in the year when the Tigers were hopeless, while the Rays still have all their games with the resurgent Tigers still to play.

I think the Red Sox may fall back and it will come down to Yanks and Rays.

Which team do you prefer?

Which team do you prefer?

I am a diehard Dodger fan I have been all my life.

Dodgers are one of my favorite NL teams. Hey, I'm sure you remember this home run. What do you believe is the intended meaning of Gibsons arm gesture?
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22542354/zj4x0NI.0.gif

Dodgers are one of my favorite NL teams. Hey, I'm sure you remember this home run. What do you believe is the intended meaning of Gibsons arm gesture?
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/22542354/zj4x0NI.0.gif

Haha. Yes I do remember it. “And she is gone”


I believe the meaning of his arm gesture was f@$k yeah! F@$k yeah!

Gibson, a Michigan native, grew up hunting in northern Michigan.

And I have always seen that gesture as symbolic of "ripping the guts out" like you might do while cleaning a small animal, before cooking.

But I've never found anyone to agree.

I'll have to admit that I am greatly concerned now, as to whether my Tigers can accomplish anything meaningful the remainder of the season. Last night two of our most promising up and comers crashed violently into each other in the Baltimore outfield, both removed from the game,.. possible concussion for one of them

It's been a bad year for brutal collisions. Indians OF Josh Naylor got seriously hurt in a collision with 2B Ernie Clement last month.

It always seemed that there were protocols in years past, the Centerfielder had priority over the others, that outfielders had priority over infielders, that apitcher would catch a popup only as a last resort...which kept the guys focused. Now it often seems like they are playing "hot potato" with each other..."you got that?" etc

Here is a video of last nights crash https://www.mlb.com/tigers/video/hill-baddoo-outfield-collision

Left fielder on the 7 day injured list with a concussion. Center fielder on the 10 day DL with bruised ribs

https://i.imgur.com/fGZhT2s.gif

I thought the Braves would fade without Ronald Acuna, but they are making a surge. They made some good trades to rebuild their outfield.

The Field of Dreams game tonight should be a good one.

If you build it, he will come.

Is this heaven?
No, it's Iowa.

R8qKrJkjvws

Here's hoping the Yankees win the Field of Dreams game!

Do you think that Dan Gilbert might be a possible buyer for the Guardians?

Anyone but Scrooge McDolan!

The Cleveland Idiots are the WORST Team...or lack thereof...in Baseball!

Might as well forfeit the rest of the season...Cleveland will NEVER Win The World Series again! ohno: ohno: ohno: ohno: ohno:

The Indians have one player who I historically disliked. Jose Ramirez. Just something about the perennial sneer he always has on his face that I find irritating.

But recently was impressed with how he applies himself. Stretching a single into a double,...smart baserunning, etc He's a sparkplug!

He just always has an expression like he just bit into an apple and found half a worm...

Well, the Yankee's acquisition of Joey Gallo paid huge dividends last night against the White Sox.

It was kinda soothing to see both Kimbrel AND Hendicks both choke in the same game.

Yanks really gotta find a better solution than Zack Britton

Tampa Bay is hanging in there. I Gotta give The Giants credit they are having a great regular season.

Tampa Bay is hanging in there..

Yes, your endorsement ,may very well prove prophetic...They aren't going to go down easy.

Meanwhile I see that I am not the only one with misgivings about Britton in the role as closer.

New York Yankees reliever Zack Britton to manager Aaron Boone: Remove me from closer role

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32024043/remove-closer-role

Riding a 6 game winning streak, the Yankees take over sole possession of second place in the AL east, while Oakland continues to have difficulty solving the White Sox

Miggy (finally) does it

Detroit Tigers' Miguel Cabrera joins 500-home run club (https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32067352/detroit-tigers-miguel-cabrera-joins-500-home-run-club)

I don't know who is the hitting coach for the A's but he should be fired because I've never previously seen a team squander so many opportunities with runners on base.

I'm not really fond of Bob Melvin either. He isn't the worst manager but there are others that are much better.

The A's made a few deals before the trade deadline and I'll give them credit for that, but as I said before I don't think it will make that much of a difference and so far it hasn't.

Take away the fluke 13 game winning streak from earlier in the season, and the A's are only 2 games above .500, certainly not the sign of a playoff team.

My gut feeling remains that the A's will eventually fall out of the playoff chase and not qualify but will see what happens.

I think that San Diego is "through". Nice try guys, but when you signed Arrieta, that was the kiss of death.

I don't know who is the hitting coach for the A's but he should be fired because I've never previously seen a team squander so many opportunities with runners on base.

That’s exactly what we Yankees fans were saying about the Yankees till around early August.

I'm not really fond of Bob Melvin either. He isn't the worst manager but there are others that are much better.


This too (Just swap out Bob Melvin for Aaron Boone)

By the way, Yankees in Oakland for 4 this weekend, where they historically do not do well, Derek Jeter flips to home from the first base line notwithstanding.

I think that San Diego is "through". Nice try guys, but when you signed Arrieta, that was the kiss of death.

Arrieta was a red hot pitcher for the Cubs in 2015 and 2016 but since then his numbers have steadily declined and at age 35 his pitching career might be over or nearly over.

Yankees in Oakland for 4 this weekend, where they historically do not do well, Derek Jeter flips to home from the first base line notwithstanding.

I currently have little confidence in the A's so I expect the Yankees will pretty much have it their way in that 4 game series but will see what happens.

The injury to A's pitcher Chris Bassitt, being struck in the face by a batted ball, is not a good sign for the A's as Bassitt had been their best and most reliable starter this season.

RE: Yankees ......With the addition of Rizzo and Gallo, I don't think there is anyone that can stop them, except perhaps Houston (ALCS)....provided everyone gets, and stays, healthy

Funny how most team owners historically have treated the Luxury Tax threshold like it was a penalty box, yet are now suggesting that the threshold be lowered to $180 million.

No ulterior motive there, huh?

I currently have little confidence in the A's so I expect the Yankees will pretty much have it their way in that 4 game series but will see what happens.

The injury to A's pitcher Chris Bassitt, being struck in the face by a batted ball, is not a good sign for the A's as Bassitt had been their best and most reliable starter this season.

A funny thing is I was reading a Yankees message board this afternoon after I had read your post, and despite having won 9 in a row (now 10), someone had written after the season they should dump Boone and hire Bob Melvin.

By the way, Yankees in Oakland for 4 this weekend, where they historically do not do well, Derek Jeter flips to home from the first base line notwithstanding.

You all want to see it again, right? :)

ApoJk9X7Vto
https://youtu.be/ApoJk9X7Vto

And while we’re here, who thinks we should attempt to bring professional baseball back to Baltimore?

Here is my favorite Derek Jeter video. From the 2012 ALCS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvSpYbdfT9c

Here is my favorite Derek Jeter video. From the 2012 ALCS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvSpYbdfT9c

So you take joy in someone’s injury? Good to see you’re as stupid on the sports board as you are on other places around here. Consistency matters.

So you take joy in someone’s injury? Good to see you’re as stupid on the sports board as you are on other places around here. Consistency matters.

And your approval was SO important to me. I'm crushed.:lol:

It's called schadenfreude, get over yourself.

Oh,...did I forget to mention that was the last post season appearance in Derek Jeter's career?
Tigers win the game in 12 innings, go on to sweep the series?

Yankees fans in the Bronx are so warm and snuggly with their banter, I feel so guilty for not reciprocating...ROTFLAMBO!

You all want to see it again, right? :)

ApoJk9X7Vto
https://youtu.be/ApoJk9X7Vto

Giambi was not that fast of a runner and the 3rd base coach probably should have given Giambi the stop sign at 3rd base. Might not have made a difference but I don't understand why Giambi didn't slide as he made his approach to the plate. Was he afraid to get his uniform dirty? :rolleyes:

Watching the replay closely, it sort of looks like Giambi's foot touches the plate before the catcher makes contact with the tag, either way it's very close and hard to tell. The ball clearly arrived in the catcher's glove ahead of Giambi and I think that's mainly why the umpire chose to make the out call.

Art Howe was the A's manager at that time, he should have put in a pinch runner for Giambi. I'm sure the A's had a faster runner available on the bench to run in place of the lumbering and slow footed Jeremy Giambi.

A funny thing is I was reading a Yankees message board this afternoon after I had read your post, and despite having won 9 in a row (now 10), someone had written after the season they should dump Boone and hire Bob Melvin.

I think Boone is a better manager than Melvin, the Yankees are better off with Boone.

Lou Trivino blew it again for the A's last night and I am getting very close to declaring the A's done for 2021.

I think Boone is a better manager than Melvin, the Yankees are better off with Boone.



I agree with you about Melvin. Not that he is a "bad" manager, but I think he lacks the ability to inspire players to exceed themselves.

There always seems to be an odd dynamic between proven superstars and their managers. Where the stars grow too accustomed to the fawning attention of the fans, the media hype.....and while I won't say they quit trying...it frequently seems like they have a "don't you know who I am? I AM this team" sort of complacency.

When you have a Billy Martin. or a Sparky Anderson, or an Earl Weaver, or even a Joe Girardi, I think those guys have a knack for getting into the stars heads and inspiring them to "prove" their greatness.
Sort of a back-slappy "oh? so you're the big dog? then get out there and howl" sort sort of dynamic.

I know several people who insist that a good manager makes no difference, that it's solely an end outcome of the player talent....and the manager's reputation is merely a by product of the talent on the field.

I could not disagree more with that assessment. I feel very fortunate that my Tigers went out and gave AJ Hinch the opportunity to restore his reputation

I suspect that some of that anti-manager cynicism is due to many fan's current obsession with ANALytics.

They don't want to give credit to any aspect that cannot easily be factored into a formula. They want to believe they have the secret sauce to determine outcomes on a spreadsheet. and give credit nowhere else.

I agree with you about Melvin. Not that he is a "bad" manager, but I think he lacks the ability to inspire players to exceed themselves.

Bob Melvin has a blah personality and I agree he does little if anything to motivate his players. I would be perfectly fine if the A's let Melvin go and bring in a new manager for next year. It is time for a change, almost anyone would be better than Melvin at this point.

I am very close to declaring the A's done for the year, but I'll wait first to see how the 4 game series goes this weekend vs. the Yankees. If the A's drop 3 of the 4 games or get swept, I'll likely say that they are done.

Sorry to hear that you have nearly lost hope.But it happens.

The last 5 years with the Tigers in the doldrums might have been a mixed blessing for me.
When they are in contention, I tend to cling to every pitch as though the world depended upon it. When they succeed, I am joyous, but when they fail every strike against them feels like a punch in the gut.

Whereas, with the last several years of assured failure, I've been able to lighten up, and admit to myself how much they suck. Doesn't hurt near as bad when you have no expectations whatsoever for them to succeed.

Sorry to hear that you have nearly lost hope.But it happens.

The last 5 years with the Tigers in the doldrums might have been a mixed blessing for me.
When they are in contention, I tend to cling to every pitch as though the world depended upon it. When they succeed, I am joyous, but when they fail every strike against them feels like a punch in the gut.

Whereas, with the last several years of assured failure, I've been able to lighten up, and admit to myself how much they suck. Doesn't hurt near as bad when you have no expectations whatsoever for them to succeed.

There is a certain level of pressure that goes along with winning because the expectations are high. When the team has a losing record and out of contention there is no pressure because there's no expectations.

The A's lost again to Seattle today so that just makes me one step closer to declaring them done for the year. Will see what happens with the Yankees series this weekend. Regardless of that, I suppose it's possible the A's could turn it around and have a magical month of September but right now I have no reason to believe that will happen.

And while we’re here, who thinks we should attempt to bring professional baseball back to Baltimore?

...and that's what I'm saying about The Cleveland Idiots (even when they're the Guardians...they'll be the WORST Baseball Club next year since Scrooge McDolan won't pay a penny for talent and Francona is done)! And we'll NEVER win another World Series!!!

So...Go Browns!

I am very close to declaring the A's done for the year, but I'll wait first to see how the 4 game series goes this weekend vs. the Yankees. If the A's drop 3 of the 4 games or get swept, I'll likely say that they are done.

Well, you can't be too disappointed with this weekend's results?

Well, you can't be too disappointed with this weekend's results?

True, the A's earned a split of the series after dropping the first two games. However, as far as the playoffs are concerned, the A's are currently on the outside looking in and I figured this would happen eventually. If the A's are to qualify for the playoffs, they will need to have an amazing month of September and win somewhere between 20 and 25 of their last 30 games and I don't know if that's realistically possible. I believe Khris Davis will probably join the team for the month of September and if he can bop home runs again on a regular basis then it might make things interesting. But the way I see it right now, the A's won't qualify this year and will have to regroup and try again in 2022.

True, the A's earned a split of the series after dropping the first two games. However, as far as the playoffs are concerned, the A's are currently on the outside looking in and I figured this would happen eventually. If the A's are to qualify for the playoffs, they will need to have an amazing month of September and win somewhere between 20 and 25 of their last 30 games and I don't know if that's realistically possible. I believe Khris Davis will probably join the team for the month of September and if he can bop home runs again on a regular basis then it might make things interesting. But the way I see it right now, the A's won't qualify this year and will have to regroup and try again in 2022.

That's how I feel about The Cleveland Baseball Club right now...the only reason why I can see the Dolans being cheapskates is because we'll be The Cleveland Guardians next year and I'm sure it costs money to change everything!

I HATE The Woke/Cancel Culture!

If the A's are to qualify for the playoffs, they will need to have an amazing month of September .

Well, they should have little problem picking up 3 easy wins in Detroit. My Tigers are currently masters of the sleeping lumber.

There are times where it looks like your team is just making their plate appearances as a mere formality, sort of a "we are obligated to make 27 outs, so let's get this over with" sort of thing. And that's the game they seem to be playing lately.

Well, they should have little problem picking up 3 easy wins in Detroit. My Tigers are currently masters of the sleeping lumber.

There are times where it looks like your team is just making their plate appearances as a mere formality, sort of a "we are obligated to make 27 outs, so let's get this over with" sort of thing. And that's the game they seem to be playing lately.

If the A's were playing vs. Baltimore now instead of Detroit, I might think it's an easy 3 wins but I don't take the Tigers lightly at all. I expect it will not be an easy series and it wouldn't surprise me if Detroit wins two of the three games or maybe all three. The A's should have some momentum going into this series after taking the last two games in the Yankees series but momentum is not a guarantee of anything.

Aside from Matt Olson who's having a pretty decent season, the other A's for the most part have been out of sync and inconsistent offensively. The team batting average currently is only .235 and that is just not good enough to get the job done. The players the A's acquired prior to the trade deadline, Starling Marte/Josh Harrison, have helped a little but the other guys have to step it up also. I expect Khris Davis will probably join the team in September and if he can start hitting home runs again it might make things interesting.

Josh Harrison was one of the Tigers failed "high potential upside" signings a couple years ago, who never panned out,. I was glad to see him go.

Josh Harrison was one of the Tigers failed "high potential upside" signings a couple years ago, who never panned out,. I was glad to see him go.

Josh Harrison had an off year the one season he played for Detroit, don't know what happened there but aside from that his career batting average is .275 and he's given a boost to the A's offense since joining the team. He's a versatile player and can play both infield and outfield although he's mainly an infielder.

Josh Harrison had an off year the one season he played for Detroit, don't know what happened there .

I think it's the realization that the only reason a team signed you is because it has already purged itself of all tradable talent, and is trying to keep it's payroll as low as possible...because "cheap and controllable" are more important than winning...has an effect on player's self image.

I think it's the realization that the only reason a team signed you is because it has already purged itself of all tradable talent, and is trying to keep it's payroll as low as possible...because "cheap and controllable" are more important than winning...has an effect on player's self image.

Another reason for Harrison's low numbers with the Tigers in 2019 could be that he appeared in only 36 games that season, so unless he was dealing with injury issues it's difficult for a player to perform at his best when he's on the bench the majority of the time and not seeing game action on a regular basis.

Another reason for Harrison's low numbers with the Tigers in 2019 could be that he appeared in only 36 games that season, so unless he was dealing with injury issues it's difficult for a player to perform at his best when he's on the bench the majority of the time and not seeing game action on a regular basis.

You are correct, he did spend some time on the IL during the first part of the 2019 season. But it's a little deeper than just that.

He was one of the "high potential upside" signings that teams obsessed with "cheap" tend to sign.

When they don't care about winning, they shop the bargain basement for players coming off a down year, under the hope that the player will rebound and become a desirable trade chip at the deadline. The end strategy is to trade them (assuming they rebound) for young players who are the holy grail for tight fisted teams..ie "cheap and controllable".

Harrison didn't pan out, he continued to under perform, had a stint on the IL, and after the trade deadline passed, he was released on August 9. THAT is the biggest reason for his small number of games played for the Tigers.

He signed with the Phillies the following year, and was released by July 21....I feel sorry for him

Glad he is finding success with the A's.

You are correct, he did spend some time on the IL during the first part of the 2019 season. But it's a little deeper than just that.

He was one of the "high potential upside" signings that teams obsessed with "cheap" tend to sign.

When they don't care about winning, they shop the bargain basement for players coming off a down year, under the hope that the player will rebound and become a desirable trade chip at the deadline. The end strategy is to trade them (assuming they rebound) for young players who are the holy grail for tight fisted teams..ie "cheap and controllable".

Harrison didn't pan out, he continued to under perform, had a stint on the IL, and after the trade deadline passed, he was released on August 9. THAT is the biggest reason for his small number of games played for the Tigers.

He signed with the Phillies the following year, and was released by July 21....I feel sorry for him

Glad he is finding success with the A's.

I don't know what the A's plans are for 2022, but the four players they acquired before the trade deadline, Josh Harrison, Starling Marte, Yan Gomes, and pitcher Andrew Chafin, I'm fairly certain that all four players won't be on the team next year. Marte is the best player of the group, I believe he is a free agent after this current season ends, so unless the A's are fully committed to retaining Marte's services he will end up signing elsewhere. The A's are a small market, budget conscious team with salary limitations so Marte might be considered too expensive for them to keep, he's a good player and I hope he stays with the team but will see what happens.

Well, I saw that Josh Harrison had a nice little "thank you" reward last night for all of my nice thoughts, opening the game with a lead off double, and going 3 for 5 overall. Never fails.

Well, I saw that Josh Harrison had a nice little "thank you" reward last night for all of my nice thoughts, opening the game with a lead off double, and going 3 for 5 overall. Never fails.

Will see what happens with tonight's game. Tomorrow's game which wraps up the series is an afternoon contest with a start time of 1:10 PM.

So the A's choked away a 6-3 lead in tonight's game and ended up losing, what a disgrace this team is. All season long with them it's been one step forward and two steps back, this is why I believe they will not qualify for the playoffs.

So the A's choked away a 6-3 lead in tonight's game and ended up losing, what a disgrace this team is.

That was the first game the Tigers have won from the A's, all season. You won the 5 previous meetings. Last game between the two this year happens this afternoon.

Duplicate post deleted

That was the first game the Tigers have won from the A's, all season. You won the 5 previous meetings. Last game between the two this year happens this afternoon.

After the choke job the A's pulled in last night's game, I wouldn't be surprised if they go on and lose today's game as well. I'm not saying they are going to lose today, just saying that I wouldn't be surprised if they do lose.

I've had a bad feeling about the A's all year long and it goes back to the off season when Marcus Semien and Liam Hendricks were allowed to leave and sign with other teams. Elvis Andrus is a poor replacement for Semien, and without Liam Hendricks the A's currently don't have a reliable closer on the pitching staff.

Khris Davis has now returned to the A's and if he can hit home runs again on a regular basis it might make a difference but it might already be too late because the A's are currently five games behind Houston in the division and two games behind in the wild card chase and catching up will be very difficult.

Well, it appears you are in good hands today...leading 7-0 and the Tigers can't even tun the bases without giving outs away...

Well, it appears you are in good hands today...leading 7-0 and the Tigers can't even tun the bases without giving outs away...

MLB TV is airing the game today and I am watching it. The A's seem to be focused today after choking away the game from last night but this game isn't over yet, it ain't over until it's over.

The two homers hit by the A's in the first inning, neither ball appeared to be hit that hard so the ball must be traveling well in Detroit today under the clear and sunny skies.

Dodgers finally caught the Giants. Question is who will win September. Big series coming up between the two.


Well, it appears you are in good hands today...leading 7-0 and the Tigers can't even tun the bases without giving outs away...

You may have spoken too soon. Tigers trying to come back.

Well the A's tried to choke away today's game also but they managed to hang on for an 8-6 win. The one relief pitcher for the A's was terrible, if not for his dismal performance it would have been a stress free victory.

The frustrating thing about being a devout Tigers fan right now, is that there is this huge cop out that we are "rebuilding"...meaning that failure to win is always excused as a sacrifice for the "future".

One of our rook pitchers takes a shellacking and it's "I thought he showed good composure, which will be invaluable in future years when it "matters". Or they trade away a rightfielder who can hit, and excuse it as needing to 'provide playing time for the up and coming kiddies'.

Or they put some human gas can in as a reliever with a two run lead, and he walks the bases full and then hits two consecutive batters, and they say "well, he's got a plus fastball, but we;ve got to work on control during the offseason".

excuses like that are appropriate for a year or two, but after enough years and they are still claiming to be "developing for the future"...you start to wonder WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR US FANS TO EXPECT TO SEE THE TEAM WANT TO WIN?

When can I say with unrebutted confidence that the team just is too cheap to field a dominant roster? Without being conned with this "future-future-future" mantra?

I've seen the Astros, Red Sox, and Nationals all go to win championships utilizing multiple players we gave them in sacrifice for our "future", and while I'm happy for them, I am sick to death of the threadbare explanation that we "don't want to become the Phillies".

And frankly "cheap and controllable" is not what motivates me to pay $150 a ticket just for an opportunity to sit out in the sun all afternoon and drink overpriced beverages.

To quote the old burger commercial "Where's the Beef?"

If it was "composure" that I wanted to see, then I'd buy tickets to the opera. I want to see some ARR BEE EYES BRO! And not the painful kind!

The frustrating thing about being a devout Tigers fan right now, is that there is this huge cop out that we are "rebuilding"...meaning that failure to win is always excused as a sacrifice for the "future".

One of our rook pitchers takes a shellacking and it's "I thought he showed good composure, which will be invaluable in future years when it "matters". Or they trade away a rightfielder who can hit, and excuse it as needing to 'provide playing time for the up and coming kiddies'.

Or they put some human gas can in as a reliever with a two run lead, and he walks the bases full and then hits two consecutive batters, and they say "well, he's got a plus fastball, but we;ve got to work on control during the offseason".

excuses like that are appropriate for a year or two, but after enough years and they are still claiming to be "developing for the future"...you start to wonder WHEN IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR US FANS TO EXPECT TO SEE THE TEAM WANT TO WIN?

When can I say with unrebutted confidence that the team just is too cheap to field a dominant roster? Without being conned with this "future-future-future" mantra?

I've seen the Astros, Red Sox, and Nationals all go to win championships utilizing multiple players we gave them in sacrifice for our "future", and while I'm happy for them, I am sick to death of the threadbare explanation that we "don't want to become the Phillies".

And frankly "cheap and controllable" is not what motivates me to pay $150 a ticket just for an opportunity to sit out in the sun all afternoon and drink overpriced beverages.

To quote the old burger commercial "Where's the Beef?"

I can understand your frustration.

Billy Beane who is the GM for the A's, he seems to be competitive and he usually puts together a competitive A's team while working within salary limitations since the A's are a not a big budget team. Beane has made some pretty smart trades over the years but one trade he made that I did not like and it did turn out to be a bad trade was in 2014 when he traded outfielder and slugger Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox for starting pitcher Jon Lester. That was not a good trade for the A's.

Since Billy Beane became the GM, the A's qualify for the playoffs a fair amount of the time but they have problems winning in the post season. Regular season success hasn't translated into post season success.

And frankly "cheap and controllable" is not what motivates me to pay $150 a ticket just for an opportunity to sit out in the sun all afternoon and drink overpriced beverages.

To quote the old burger commercial "Where's the Beef?"

Holy smokes. I even don’t pay anywhere near that for Dodger tickets.

Holy smokes. I even don’t pay anywhere near that for Dodger tickets.

Tigers team salary is about $85 million/year. Of that, $30 million is for Miguel Cabrera, the only hold over from the glory era.

And, the only reason he is still with us is because his performance has declined so much that there is zero trade interest from other teams. So, the Tigers are stuck with him.

Otherwise, they are paying about $55 million per year, for salary, and evidently are content with the level of play that kind of payroll brings with it.

Comparing that to what most other teams are willing to pay, just to field a remotely competitive team, (league average is $130 million) tells me that there is zero priority for winning in Detroit.

Their only priority is "cheap and controllable".

At least when the owners are paying hefty salaries as their team underperforms, I know I'm not suffering alone. But the way it is now seems like they prefer it this way.

Since Billy Beane became the GM, the A's qualify for the playoffs a fair amount of the time but they have problems winning in the post season. Regular season success hasn't translated into post season success.

When I was living out there, Sandy Alderson was running the show. Those were some good olde days for A's fans.

When I was living out there, Sandy Alderson was running the show. Those were some good olde days for A's fans.

Agreed, the Sandy Alderson years were good ones for the A's. Three straight trips to the world series from 1988 to 1990, but unfortunately only the one series win in 1989.

With both the Giants and the A's in the World Series in 1989, AND THE 49'ERS working their way through their "threepete" performance, it was a sports fan's paradise.

It was just the odd coincidence of a life time that the company I worked for transferred me from the East coast to the Bay Area in 1989.

With both the Giants and the A's in the World Series in 1989, AND THE 49'ERS working their way through their "threepete" performance, it was a sports fan's paradise.

It was just the odd coincidence of a life time that the company I worked for transferred me from the East coast to the Bay Area in 1989.

So you were transferred from the East coast all the way to the West coast, that's pretty interesting.

The 1989 world series, I was expecting it to be the A's vs. the Cubs but then the Giants pulled off the upset and beat the Cubs in the NLCS. And while the world series was going on, the earthquake happened which interrupted the series for about 10 days if I recall correctly.

So you were transferred from the East coast all the way to the West coast, that's pretty interesting.



I was a "blame" guy. Nationwide company, offices in several states. And whenever one of the offices had a persistent problem that home office were sick of dealing with, I would get nominated to go sort out the problem. And of course, if the problem ever recurred, I was the one they beat on "I thought you said you FIXED that?" etc

I got transferred to Denver once "permanently", and was there all of 6 months before they decided to send me to my next challenge.

And another time got sent to the SF bay area "temporarily", and was there for 3 years.

Made a lot of good friends, as well as bad ones.:cool:

Well I think I've seen enough so I'm going ahead and declaring the A's done for 2021. Last night's embarrassing debacle vs. Toronto where they choked away two leads, 8-2 and 10-8, was the final straw for me. And I see they got pounded again today which is absolutely no surprise whatsoever. I'm completely finished with baseball in 2021 and not watching games again until 2022.

I'm fairly certain now that the AL wild card game will be the Yankees vs. Red Sox, a game that will generate lots of money and revenue which is exactly the way MLB wants it.

Well I think I've seen enough so I'm going ahead and declaring the A's done for 2021. Last night's embarrassing debacle vs. Toronto where they choked away two leads, 8-2 and 10-8, was the final straw for me.

My condolences, I saw that......and thought of you. How do you feel about the A's potentially moving? A more lucrative market might give them more money to spend on talent?

I say that because I think I recall you saying you don't live there, anyway.

My condolences, I saw that......and thought of you. How do you feel about the A's potentially moving? A more lucrative market might give them more money to spend on talent?

I say that because I think I recall you saying you don't live there, anyway.

If the A's don't work out a new stadium deal in the bay area, they will eventually be moving, probably within 3 years or so unless a stadium deal is worked out in Oakland. The Raiders left Oakland for Las Vegas, the A's might do the same and become the Las Vegas Athletics.

True, I'm not in the bay area, I'm in southern Indiana actually. I used to live in Chicago until I moved nine years ago. I had been a Cubs fan until I started following the A's in the late 1970's.

Well, the Tampa Bay Rays are hanging tough (or perhaps the Yankees just don't want it bad enough?) Pretty safe bet that the Yankees with get a wildcard.
Meanwhile the Mets, Reds, and Phillies all have their eye on a possible wildcard.

Personally, I think wildcards are an abomination. It gives team owners the opportunity to milk fan interest without the owners having to go "all out" in team building. More often than not that interest is rewarded with a "one and done" experience in the post season once forced to reckon with more deserving teams...Although there have been exceptions, I'm more inclined to attribute that to "lightning in a bottle", if not outright flukes.

Yankees are in a tailspin, Suddenly the A's, Mariners, and Guardians appear to have a glimmer of hope?

You forgot the Blue Jays.

You're right, I did...my bad.

Yankees are in a tailspin, Suddenly the A's, Mariners, and Guardians appear to have a glimmer of hope?

I still think the A's are done and believe the two AL wild cards will be New York and Boston. But there is still enough time left and enough games still to be played so Toronto and Seattle can't be completely ruled out yet.

Well, it appears that the Yankees have lost all the momentum they acquired after picking up Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo ....shock to me....I expected them to be world beaters.

The Mets have imploded, and the only available wildcard in the NL appears to boil down to either Cincinnati or San Diego.

The Yankees and Blue Jays are going in opposite directions and the Blue Jays have put themselves in position for a wild card spot.

Well I think I've seen enough so I'm going ahead and declaring the A's done for 2021. Last night's embarrassing debacle vs. Toronto where they choked away two leads, 8-2 and 10-8, was the final straw for me. And I see they got pounded again today which is absolutely no surprise whatsoever. I'm completely finished with baseball in 2021 and not watching games again until 2022.

I'm fairly certain now that the AL wild card game will be the Yankees vs. Red Sox, a game that will generate lots of money and revenue which is exactly the way MLB wants it.

I've said "**** the Cleveland Idiots"! When they are The Cleveland Guardians...they'll suck!

Cleveland Baseball will NEVER Win The World Series in my lifetime!

The Cleveland Indians are the only team in.MLB history to be NO HIT three (3) times in one (1) season. Congrats Paul Dolan, you cheap b*stard.

I've said "**** the Cleveland Idiots"! When they are The Cleveland Guardians...they'll suck!

Cleveland Baseball will NEVER Win The World Series in my lifetime!

I've been done with the A's since about a week ago when Toronto swept them, but I see the A's dropped themselves to a new low today as they choked away another comfortable late inning lead and lost to last place Texas by an 8-6 score after having a comfy 6-2 lead in the 8th inning.

Bob Melvin is a terrible manager and he needs to be fired because he doesn't know how to properly handle a pitching staff. Putting Sergio Romo into the game in the 8th inning after Cole Irvin was cruising along and pitching well was a bonehead decision. Irvin didn't seem fatigued and I believe he could have pitched another inning, but no the idiot Melvin had to pull him from the game.

And my Tigers win 2 out of 3 from the indomitable Tampa Bay Rays, today's rubber match going back and forth several times before the Tigers pull it off 8-7 on a bases loaded walk in the 11th inning.

In September as the baseball season winds down, some of these teams that are not in the playoff chase enjoy being in the role of spoiler. They have nothing else to play for, so driving a wedge into contending teams playoff chances is their source for motivation.

In September as the baseball season winds down, some of these teams that are not in the playoff chase enjoy being in the role of spoiler. They have nothing else to play for, so driving a wedge into contending teams playoff chances is their source for motivation.

I hear what you are saying, and have often shared your exact sentiment.

However, after suffering through 3 consecutive "tank" seasons, many Tigers fans are looking for a commitment to win, at least in mindset. We are tired of being a joke, and are looking towards next season at least being in the "hunt"

If one compares the Tigers results from before this season's All Star game, to after....there is reason to feel encouraged. We have three young pitchers ready to attain their potential, and all hopes are that the ceiling is high.

We don't have a lot of power at the plate right now, but a trio of sluggers have risen from A level to AAA level this year, including 2020 overall # 1 draft pick Spencer "Moonshot" Torkelson.

Hopes are that all 3 will be ready to assume their roles in the show next season.

And, that eventuality has not escaped the attention of the young position players currently on the team, realizing that when the time comes to create openings in the roster for the heirs apparent, then the least productive members of the current roster will become expendable.

So, it has created an atmosphere of urgency for some of them, to start building a reputation that says "keep me".

And, it's kind of enjoyable seeing these youngsters trying to be all they can be...exceeding expectation when they are fortunate.

I think that is a little bit of what we saw today. Our manager is rotating them through this final month to evaluate who he intends to keep.

While it is exciting to watch, thinking forward it's saddening in a way anticipating who the "cut" casualties will be.

It's great to have a team with a future once again!!:cool:

For Tigers fans, I believe there is reason for optimism and some winning years are in the future as long as those who are running the team don't mess things up.

The Cleveland Indians are the only team in.MLB history to be NO HIT three (3) times in one (1) season. Congrats Paul Dolan, you cheap b*stard.

I know God HATES Cleveland...and me! The Cleveland Idiots got swept and The Cleveland Clowns lose the primere...The Cleveland Clowns will NEVER win another opening game!

God has placed a "Kick Me" sign on Cleveland! And I did something to anger God, so he makes me suffer and be a victim! He put me in Cleveland...The Mistake-on-the-Lake!

So...I spit on the grounds of Cleveland!

Quite a bottleneck forming for the American League Wildcard race. I'm hoping the Yanks and Bosox both lose today and the Jays and Mariners both win, just so they have a real mess to sort out. (I don't like the WC format, so the mess serves them right)

While in the National league I'm seeing a lot of press over how unfair it is to the Dodgers for a 100+ win team to be faced with a 1 game elimination in the WC tournament game. Just think how it feels for the wildcard team that has to face them, and then, if successful.... having to face yet another 100+ win team in the divisional round? That's got to look like a steep slope to climb, indeed.

Seattle and Toronto tried to make things interesting, but as I figured all along, it will be Boston and New York facing off in the AL wild card game. This matchup between two storied and rival franchises is exactly what MLB wants because the game will generate the most money and revenue compared to if Seattle or Toronto got in there.

And as for the A's, 2021 was a terrible season, I had a bad feeling about them from the beginning this year when they let Marcus Semien and Liam Hendriks leave and sign with other teams. Now I can vision them going into another rebuild mode by breaking up the current team and having losing seasons each year now for the foreseeable future. Rumor is that Billy Beane and Bob Melvin might both leave the team to join up with the Mets, time will tell if the rumor is true but I expect the A's to have a much different look in 2022 compared to 2021.

it will be Boston and New York facing off in the AL wild card game.


Yanks need to resign Bucky Dent ASAP

Well, here are my brackets. Atlanta over the Giants was a tough call, but the Braves have been hot, we'll see how it goes......

https://i.imgur.com/1sBiyFq.png

Bob Melvin is a terrible manager and he needs to be fired .

Well, you got your wish, Melvin on his way to San Diego

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/32498017/san-diego-padres-hire-oakland-athletics-bob-melvin-new-manager-source-says