Torridd

It's never too early to talk trades.

I thought they would miss him from the outset. He's definitely impacted the offense as it wasn't a great hitting team with him anyway. Pitching is obviously important, but I saw no real need to get Lester. They already got Shark and had a good staff. Ultimately, they're fortunate they've pulled themselves together and it looks like they'll make the postseason, but everyone knows you have to score runs to win and Oakland has made themselves look especially vulnerable in that department.

We were all sure DiPoto would get someone when Richards went down, but maybe they're testing these guys. Maybe Arte didn't want to give any more money or the take on the give and take trade was too high. I also think they didn't envision the struggles of Wilson and Santiago which has made these last weeks really nail-biting.

Good point. I haven't looked this up, but from the reports that he's doing better, I just figured he could pitch in a crunch. Management hasn't mentioned that he needs to be 100% to pitch, although that has always been assumed. My thinking is if he's experiencing any "real" pain, Shoe won't even take the mound. But if he can deal with it and still be somewhat productive, he'll try. It's the postseason and this could be a one-in-a-lifetime shot for Shoemaker. With all our pitching question marks, who know if Arte gets a couple of pitchers via free agency and Shoemaker could be traded or something. Remember his background.

If you believe what he says in the article, then I'm convinced he could help us. Basically, he screwed up and needs to give all he can rather than saving himself.

There's been a lot of talk lately about our struggling two pitchers. Who do you think is better? Who has the most upside? If Santiago, is it solely because he's younger?

I think Shoemaker will start, by hook or by crook, in the ALDS. That's a main reason they've shut him down for the regular season. They know he's crucial with the way Santiago and Wilson have faltered of late. If Shoe is not 100%, then they'll have Rasmus, LeBlanc and Santiago back him up.

If he does poorly today, and I really doubt that happens, coupling his last two outings, a day game and Oakland's offense, I don't think he starts. They'll give Rasmus a go, I believe, and let him back him up in the 5th or 6th.

I disagree flop. The opposing pitcher makes a great deal of difference. I do think our offense is due to give Lester some trouble.

...I doubt he'll be tougher than Gray was. The key is if Santiago can keep us in the game. I expect 3 or 4 runs at least from us today.

Certainly we can. We just have to hit enough.

If you knew Shoe would be 100% for the ALCS if he skipped the ALDS, would you take your chances on leaving him off its roster? Note: no guarantee that we'll go to the ALDS. My pick is to get him assuredly healthy and try to win 3 games without him.

More so for him, Red. We're going to the postseason regardless.

I get the feeling he'll do a good job and will make the postseason roster because of it. Because of injury and ineptitude, many opportunities are open. They just have to take them. The A's are a good team, but they aren't Murderers Row. You have to let them swing the bats and don't give free passes. We really let them off the hook yesterday.

If he does, we win for sure.

Shame on you. Howie's my guy. I hope his hamstring heals all right.

I have a good feeling about Cron and Iannetta. I think Weaver will be good too.

On the road, with all the pressure on the As and Ms, the odds we win 3 or 2 of the last 6. I hope we take at least 2 from the As, but I think that game yesterday put them back on the right track.

Which two come out? I still think, unfortunately, the A's pull this out along with the Royals.

Thanks!

Who is the woman who does Angels' interviews after wins?

I was going to create a new message about this so I was glad it was addressed. Actually, I wasn't so much concerned with winning the game as I was the playoff repercussions. Does sending in our B team constitute "giving away" a game to the Ms?

Thanks, Taylor. Still don't know how you guys create Gifs here and all that.

You have to scroll down a bit for the commercial, but it's pretty funny. http://wapc.mlb.com/cutfour/2014/09/16/94946800/bryan-cranston-stars-in-one-man-show-about-postseason-baseball-kind-of

Alyssa Milano?