GameDay Thread #80: 6/30 vs. A's

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 9:37 PM EDT in Diamondbacks News

Claudio Vargas, RHP (6-4, 4.85)

Kirk Saarloos, RHP (3-4, 4.57)

Vargas has been our most consistent pitcher this month, allowing more than two earned runs only once in five starts. However, he only has one win to his name, going 0-2 over the course of the current losing streak, partly because he's got only 3.5 runs per game in support during this time. In June as a whole, he's allowed 30 hits and six walks over 30 innings, which is credible stuff. His ERA for the month (3.90) is the best in the rotation, so hopefully he'll keep us in the game.

Saarloos had been pretty tough this month (allowing more than two earned runs only once), and the A's have as well, going 18-7 including a streak of ten in a row. They did drop two of three in San Diego, scoring only seven runs in the series, so will be looking forward to coming home again. You should, as ever, go check out Athletics Nation, which is what I hope the SnakePit becomes when we grow up. ;-) Their last GameDay thread had almost 1400 comments, split over four separate posts. Some day...some day... Of course, whether they'd have adequately amused suitsmetoATandT, is an entirely different matter altogether... :-)

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Vargas has been our most consistent pitcher

How bizarre is that?

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 9:49 PM EDT reply actions

Same thing happened last year

2005 Vargas GameLog

There was a spell from the end of June through mid-August, where he was brilliant (7 earned runs over 31.1 innings in July). Outside of that..."meh", as VIII would say. Maybe he'll keep it up a bit longer this year? We can but hope.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Today's lineup

C. Counsell ss .277
E. Byrnes cf .290
C. Tracy 3b .276
C. Jackson 1b .275
L. Gonzalez lf .254
J. Estrada c .307
S. Green rf .302
O. Hudson 2b .257
J. DaVanon dh .275

Davanon DH's, an interesting but credible choice. Otherwise, Melvin seems intent on putting out the same lineup that failed miserably against Seattle, though I appreciate his hands are largely tied.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 9:53 PM EDT reply actions

The pitchers formerly known as the mighty bullpen

The bullpen's ERA and WHIP. Scary numbers for the top 4. Lyon's WHIP is not too bad but Julio can blow up any time. Randy Choate is, well, Randy Choate

J Valverde    8.22    1.79
L Vizcaino    4.24    1.41
G Aquino    4.61    1.57
B Medders    3.44    1.65
B Lyon        5.06    1.18
R Choate    0.00    1.00
J Julio        2.25    0.88

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 10:02 PM EDT reply actions

And down we go, 1-2-3

On eleven pitches. Tracy is the only one to reach a two-strike count before making an out.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:13 PM EDT reply actions

And there go the A's

1-2-3 as well, though it looked a bit dodgy at the start - leadoff hitter Kotsay had an 8-pitch at bat before grounding out. Nine strikes in 13 pitches for Vargas.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:17 PM EDT reply actions

Leadoff walk to Jackson

But Gonzo swings at a 1-0 pitch, and lines out to right. Johnny 'Happy Hacker' Estrada doesn't even get that far, flying out on the first thing he sees from Saarloos. Shawn Green takes two balls, then grounds out. Four batters, three outs, one strike taken.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:24 PM EDT reply actions

Can't expect

the D'Backs to out-Moneyball the A's :)

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 10:25 PM EDT reply actions

But we've got...

Josh Byrnes! :-) And the A's have...Frank Thomas!

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Phew

Two men on, but Vargas gets Melhuse swinging to end the inning.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:36 PM EDT reply actions

How desperate are the D'backs?

They're having a Singles Night at Chase Field next month. I imagine Luis Gonzalez will be the guest of honour, since that's all he's been hitting this season...

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:37 PM EDT reply actions

DaVanon has a prolonged at-bat

before grounding out. Can he play SS and leadoff? :)

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 10:40 PM EDT reply actions

I'd settle...

For the latter. Put Counsell #7 or #8, and I'll be happy.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a hit!

Counsell muscles a ground-rule double

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 10:43 PM EDT reply actions

Much better at-bats this inning

After Hudson

Davanon: 9 pitches
Counsell: 6 pitches double
Byrnes: 5 pitch walk
Tracy: 5 pitch RBI single
Good things happen to those who wait. ;-)

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:47 PM EDT reply actions

Saarloos seems to be missing by a lot

if the GameDay pitch locations are correct, he's missing high and way outside

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 10:48 PM EDT reply actions

Saarloos's pitch-count

Up to 55 after three innings, thanks to those good, deep at-bats. Let's see if Vargas can keep the lead for a bit.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:51 PM EDT reply actions

Wish I'd been paying attention...

When Byrnes came up to bat. Wonder what kind of reaction he got from the A's fans?

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 10:56 PM EDT reply actions

Applause

He got a very loud ovation from the crowd. They even showed some "Welcome home, Byrnesie" signs in the stands.

by azshadowwalker on Jul 1, 2006 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Vargas being very careful with the Big Hurt

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 10:58 PM EDT reply actions

More RISP

Vargas gets Thomas to pop up on a checked swing with two men aboard. The lead survives, but I'd be happier if it was - like Frank Thomas - getting bigger...

Sorry, couldn't resist a cheap shot.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:01 PM EDT reply actions

Gonzo's average is down to .253

He's below Hudson now....think he can catch up with Clark?

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:02 PM EDT reply actions

Gonzo doubles

Guess he's motivated now :)

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions

Bit higher now...

Another double for Gonzalez. If he was hitting a lot more of those, and still batting .310, his absence of homers wouldn't be such an issue.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Estrada takes a pitch

so low that even he can't swing at and then singles. Runners at the corners with no outs

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:05 PM EDT reply actions

I must be mistaken

I could have sworn they said Estrada took a pitch. :-) Still, he smacked the second one up the middle for a single, so men on the corners and no outs. We. Must. Score.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:06 PM EDT reply actions

Wow.

Back-to-back-to-back hits. Haven't seen much of that lately. Let's play "add on" and get a nicely crooked number on there.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:07 PM EDT reply actions

4 straight hits

1 run in and bases loaded

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

Every hit

Makes me more greedy... I was initially looking just for one run - now, less than three would be disappointing...

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Colorado and the Dodgers

both winning interleague games. The NL West Fights Back!

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

The Battle for Lost Dignity?

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Sac fly by DaVanon

All runners move up. 3-0 D'Backs

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Blah

Counsell pops out with runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:11 PM EDT reply actions

Byrnes

I missed his first at bat, but no noticable ruckus from the crowd this time- he's obviously no Richie Sexson.

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

I believe they were quite fond of him

Report from last year, when he was with Baltimore

Eric Byrnes received a warm ovation in his return to his native Bay Area just more than a month after the A's traded the popular outfielder. He finished 0-for-5. Byrnes became a fan favorite in Oakland for his no-fear style of play in the outfield, which frequently featured crazy crashes into the wall to make clutch catches. In the very spot along the left-field fence where Byrnes banners used to be a mainstay, a sign reading "Byrnes Bleacher Creatures" hung from the railing to welcome him back.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Nice

Glad to see there are some players who don't burn their bridges when they switch teams.

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I think...

In his case, he was traded away, which is slightly different. See Steve Finley, our CF who was similarly dealt - think he got a warm reception coming back with the Giants earlier in the year.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions

And like Finley

Byrnes did so badly for his new team(s) that the A's fans felt they 'won' the trade

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Not all A's fans

liked him. I post at a blog run by an A's fan who just hates the guy. He says his hustle is of the "false hustle" variety that leads to more stupid mistakes than good play.

Frankly, with everything that's gone on here over the last month, Byrnes has my affection. He's one of the few who I actually feel might do something when he gets up there.

by azshadowwalker on Jul 1, 2006 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Thus far...

I've few complaints about Byrnes. He's played well enough, and hasn't drawn the collective wrath like so many other players on the roster...

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

Bases loaded, no outs

and they add just 1 run....Hope that doesn't come back and bite them

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

Yep...

Counsell first-pitch hacking again, with one out. A little disappointing, but a three-run lead is much better than one. Ideally, I want a non-save situation come the ninth, just to be (relatively) sure...

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Looking at the Oakland lineup

and their averages, you have to wonder how they are leading the AL West....Guess having Zito and Haren helps a lot

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:32 PM EDT reply actions

Yep.

DEAD LAST in the AL for runs scored this month: only 108 in 25 games. 3.46 ERA, but I note they have 11 saves this month in 18 wins. Their run differential is only +11, so it seems their 18-7 record is a bit lucky.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Vargas pitching quickly

He's hardly waiting any time between pitches at all. That's a good sign, I think. And why not, with five innings of shutout ball so far?

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:33 PM EDT reply actions

Another chance

Green at third, one out. This is the kind of opportunity that the "bad" D'backs would let go begging. Are we them tonight?

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:39 PM EDT reply actions

BAD D'backs...

A ground-out and a fly-out keeps Green at third. I'd like another zero up there from Vargas - ideally two - before we turn this over to the bullpen.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Halsey in from the pen

Let's not collapse to that tendency to make our ex-pitchers look like Cy Young contenders, okay?

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:39 PM EDT reply actions

That's only starters...

I seem to recall we lit up Cormier and Villarreal when we played Atlanta, so here's to more of the same.

Mind you, not sure whether Halsey counts as a starter, or a reliever. It's odd. We game them a starter, whom they converted to a reliever, and they gave us a reliever, whom we turned into a starter!

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Cy Young

Patterson and Capuano ARE Cy Young contenders

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Orlando Hernandez, on the other hand...

:-(

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Saarloos out after 5 1/3

First time in a long time I believe that the opposing pitcher didn't last 6 innings. Former D'Back Brad Halsey coming in to pitch

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:40 PM EDT reply actions

Oh, look!

It's Brad Halsey. Did we win or lose that trade?

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:40 PM EDT reply actions

Hard to say

Halsey has a better ERA, but Cruz has a better WHIP and BAA. If Cruz wasn't on the DL...

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Cruz is better

To me, BAA & WHIP trump ERA. There are things that can lead to earned runs over which a pitcher has no control. BAA & WHIP are a bit more accurate in establishing a pitcher's worth. Of course, as you mentioned, it's all moot if the pitcher is sitting on the DL.

by azshadowwalker on Jul 1, 2006 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Advantage D-Backs

2 runs in on his watch and now it's 5-3 AZ!

"If my mind and my heart were done, it would be easier." -Troy Percival

by LTUPHLO on Jul 1, 2006 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Oakland bullpen thin?

I think they played 14 innings last night, which will hopefully work in our favour.

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

Micah Owings

The Sidewinders are so short of bench players that they keep asking Owings to pinch-hit....

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jun 30, 2006 11:45 PM EDT reply actions

LOL

Yeah, but how's he doing? Probably better than Tony Clark...

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Ugh

I've been listening to D-Backs radio broadcasts since the 2002 or 2003 series, and one thing has always remained the same- I really hate the Truly Nolen ad they've had for the entire span I've been listening. Bleh.

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:49 PM EDT reply actions

Yes, I'm not fond of that one either

I also am rapidly growing to loathe the Leslie's Pool Supplies one... But from recent reports, it seems we may not hear that one for much longer!

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

Also, an angry fist shake to the Circle K one that ends with "Now how about putting this game on ice?" Not enjoyable after a loss.

At that point, one is probably more convinced by the jingle earlier in the ad that mentions they sell rum and aspirin. =)

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh-oh...

First two on in the sixth for the A's. I trust we have the bullpen warming up. Or not. I don't know any more. :-(

by Jim McLennan on Jun 30, 2006 11:54 PM EDT reply actions

You'd think...

wouldn't ya? Why did Melvin wait so damned long to get Choate up? It was obvious Vargas was losing it. Even the announcers were discussing the fact that he was running out of gas. I swear, most of the losses have been the fault of the players, but there have been a few times when I've wondered what the hell BoMel is doing. This was one of them.

by azshadowwalker on Jul 1, 2006 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions

In a bit of trouble

Vargas gives up a hit and a walk, but strikes out the next batter. He seems to have slowed down between pitches again.

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:58 PM EDT reply actions

Oooof...

Hit batter, so they've got the bases loaded, one out.

by kishi on Jun 30, 2006 11:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Two run double

Lead cuts to 3-2. For a few moments, the crowd was loud enough that you almost couldn't hear the radio broadcasters.

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:01 AM EDT reply actions

And just like that...

The lead evaporates. Maybe this is Vargas's way of saving time, blowing the lead himself, rather than waiting for the bullpen to do it. ;-(

Looks like those earlier missed chances are indeed coming back to haunt us - this should have been a 5-0 lead, not 3-0. Mind you, the A's might not have finished themselves yet... Double-play, he asked hopefully?

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:03 AM EDT reply actions

Hey Vargas,

I'm a lead.
Blow me.
Blame Melvin's lethargy.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:04 AM EDT reply actions

Exactly

Blame Melvin's lethargy.
I couldn't have put it better myself. He just sits there like he has no idea what to do. Apparently, it's not an act.

by azshadowwalker on Jul 1, 2006 12:09 AM EDT up reply actions

This would, perhaps...

Be in contrast to the four run lead blown by the Giants tonight?

Hey, Wright
I'm a lead.
Blow me.
Blame Felipe Alou's lethargy...

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:11 AM EDT up reply actions

A foul out

And a strongly needed out that is, too. It'd be nice if we could get out of this inning tied...

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:04 AM EDT reply actions

Fly out to Hudson to end the inning

It's almost a relief to not be losing right now.

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:06 AM EDT reply actions

How often does Vargas last >5 innings?

Fool me once, shame on you.
Fool me twice...
Fool me three times...
Fool me four times...I'm Bob Melvin.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:14 AM EDT reply actions

10 times so far this season

7 quality starts on the season. Those numbers scream "pull him during the national anthem" in your eyes?

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

Since you asked...

Vargas Game Log

Of 14 starts so far before tonight, he's lasted > 5 innings in ten of them.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Right...why I asked.

Now, what's his ERA before/after Inning 5, you so smaat.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions

Not got that...

All I can get is 1-6 and 7+, and since he has only 4.1 innings past the sixth, it's not significant (though his 7+ ERA is 0.74 lower than his earlier one). But here are the opponent's batting splits:

Pitch 1-15 .405
Pitch 16-30 .239
Pitch 31-45 .240
Pitch 46-60 .214
Pitch 61-75 .224
Pitch 76-90 .273
Pitch 90+ .367

Seems he's awful to start with, reaches peak efficiency in the middle, then decays after the 75th pitch. Seems fairly normal to me, I'd guess.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Come on Estrada

If you don't deliver, I'll have to bench you for Piazza!

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jul 1, 2006 12:18 AM EDT reply actions

Looks like he's survived.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Wild pitch!

Byrnes scores from 3rd

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jul 1, 2006 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

Hey!

Stop stealing my headlines! ;-)

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions

My sincere apologies

I'll let you type the next wild pitch :)

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jul 1, 2006 12:23 AM EDT up reply actions

Wild pitch!

Byrnes scores from third, and we're back up 4-3.

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

Oooh.

Think we caught a huge break. That 6th pitch was almost right down the middle according to GameDay.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:20 AM EDT reply actions

Yeah

I was wondering how that was a ball before I saw the wild pitch being flashed out

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jul 1, 2006 12:22 AM EDT up reply actions

Three two-out runs

I'll even let Green off the usual "first-pitch hacking" lecture. :-)

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:22 AM EDT reply actions

A 3 run inning of our own, so far

Wild pitch run scores, Estrada gets an RBI, and then Shawn Green brings Estrada in. 6-3, Green on second, and they look to be walking Hudson.

by kishi on Jul 1, 2006 12:22 AM EDT reply actions

Lines I didn't think I'd be seeing

This year:
"Brad Halsey intentionally walks Orlando Hudson."

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions

What the hell...late game offense?

Like professionals or somethin'.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:22 AM EDT reply actions

What the...

Easley pinch-hitting for DaVanon??

by William K @ AZ Snakepit on Jul 1, 2006 12:24 AM EDT reply actions

Estrada and Byrnes

Seem to the bleary, unwashed eye to be Enthusiasm Personified.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:24 AM EDT reply actions

The curse of the ex-D'back reliever continues...

Halsey: 1.2 IP, 3 ER.
Thanks to Easley's new-found talent of pinch-struck out looking... :-(

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:26 AM EDT reply actions

Mr. McClellan,

You have a technical question above. At your convenience.

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:27 AM EDT reply actions

Dul;y responded

Wise to post a nudge down here though!

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks fo' the 'fo.

So fo'ard that to BobM, who should put Jean-Claudio on a friggin' pitch count, I guess...
...Claudio Cardio?

Ladies and Gentlemen...The Ken Kendrick Karma Kameleon Kangaroo Kourt Karnival Krusade welcomes you to Urine Sample Cup Night!

by victor frankenstein on Jul 1, 2006 12:40 AM EDT reply actions

Unfortunately...

The way the bullpen has been pitching lately, the count would need to be at least 150... :-(

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions

Seems

No-one much cares over at Athletics Nation tonight - they're "only" at 193 comments thus far. That's not even twice as many as we have here. Go us! :-)

by Jim McLennan on Jul 1, 2006 12:45 AM EDT reply actions