Well, I'm done with baseball this year.

Not watching game 5. Not taping it and watching it in the morning.

The Tigers have proved -- beyond any shadow of any doubt -- that they don't belong here. (So have the Orioles: you let Raul Ibanez beat you? Raul Ibanez? How old is he, sixty? Raul Effing Ibanez?!) They don't care, so why should I?

So, I'm done. F@ck this.

My favorite detail for this game: after the game was tied, Balfour REFUSED TO WARM UP in the bottom of the 9th, telling Curt Young that the A's would win it in 9.

I'll be there tomorrow. This will be the 4th game 5 I've seen at the Coliseum. I feel like we're due to have them win one of these.

Enjoy, Athletic Supporter.

My favorite detail for this game: after the game was tied, Balfour REFUSED TO WARM UP in the bottom of the 9th, telling Curt Young that the A's would win it in 9.

There goes the doubt that Balfour is a total douche.

Well, I'm done with baseball this year.

Not watching game 5. Not taping it and watching it in the morning.

No one believes you. If the Tigers win, you'll come crawling back like you always do.

Well, I'm done with baseball this year.

Not watching game 5. Not taping it and watching it in the morning.

No one believes you. If the Tigers win, you'll come crawling back like you always do.

Naah. Playing like this, and no Verlander in Game 1 in Yankee Stadium? Can you say "sweep", boys and girls?

We can all take solace in the fact Valverde has pitched his last inning in a Tigers uniform, and after tonight, Leyland will have managed his last game.

And I'm totally never going to drink to excess or put too much sour cream on my baked potato ever again.

You've got Verlander pitching in an elimination game. Enjoy it!

We can all take solace in the fact Valverde has pitched his last inning in a Tigers uniform, and after tonight, Leyland will have managed his last game.

Yes, Leyland has taken them to the postseason twice. He's clearly a problem and must go. I hear Bobby Valentine is available!

(Valverde? I see your point).

Brandon McCarthy speaks.

He seems way too adjusted and grounded to be a Big League ballplayer. He's definitely this team's Scott Hatteberg.

Naah. Playing like this, and no Verlander in Game 1 in Yankee Stadium? Can you say "sweep", boys and girls?

If - gigantic if - the Tigers advance to play New York, starting pitching would be the least of my concerns. I'd be much more worried about our popgun offence and ropey bullpen. Oh, and that we can't catch the ball worth ####. It might be a different game if Infante actually makes a play on Reddick's grounder last nite.

Enjoy the game Athletic Supporter. These Oakland crowds have been incredible.

And I'm totally never going to drink to excess or put too much sour cream on my baked potato ever again.

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

See, I don't get this...why not?

I'm tired!

I'll be there tomorrow. This will be the 4th game 5 I've seen at the Coliseum. I feel like we're due to have them win one of these.

Hope for Athletic Supporter The A's have been in this position before and gone on to win the World Series.

---------------------------------------

Well, I'm done with baseball this year.

Not watching game 5. Not taping it and watching it in the morning.

The Tigers have proved -- beyond any shadow of any doubt -- that they don't belong here.

RMc, ignore who won and take heart and hope from the home-road victory pattern of this ALCS. This has so far been the mirror image of that series, right down to the game 4 comeback, and if it continues you'll have a happy ending.

Now if only I could figure out a way for the Yanks to steal another game from the Orioles, but I fear that's asking for way too much..........

If - gigantic if - the Tigers advance to play New York, starting pitching would be the least of my concerns. I'd be much more worried about our popgun offence and ropey bullpen.

Watching the games, it seems like a bullpen of Albuquerque-Benoit-Coke-Dotel would be pretty solid. If last night means the demotion of Jackass Grande, it could be a blessing in disguise.

The Tigers have been a three-man offense most of the season. That is probably a better alignment, for a poor hitting team, than a lineup that's just mediocre all the way through. They can score against anyone in the innings their 1-3-4 hitters bat. That's a problem overall, but not a new one.

In a potential seven game series, the Tigers would still be able to pitch both Scherzer and Verlander twice (2-6 and 3-7). Their starting pitching is still the strength of the team, and would still be in a potential ALCS.

EDIT: Wait, with the off days, Verlander can go 3-7 on normal rest if they get to the ALCS. But Scherzer would have to go on short rest in Game 2 to make that work. Would the Tigers do that, given his shoulder? And given that Sanchez and Fister are good pitchers themselves. Seems like Fister-Sanchez-Verlander-Scherzer would be the more likely alignment.

If the over-under on Verlander's pitch count tonight is 140, I'm betting the over.

I've got Verlander for 8 IP and 3 H, with 11 K and 1 BB. Don't think Parker makes it past the 5th.

Exactly what I predicted last time, and Parker pitched very creditably. So the likely result, of course, is that Coco hits another leadoff HR, and that his 2nd HR in his 2nd PA knocks Verlander out.

Exactly what I predicted last time, and Parker pitched very creditably. So the likely result, of course, is that Coco hits another leadoff HR, and that his 2nd HR in his 2nd PA knocks Verlander out.

Verlander pitches poorly early on when he gets too up for a game. He loses his control, particularly on his off speed stuff. If he comes in like he did in game 1, he should be fine. But if he comes in think he has to strike everyone out on one pitch, he won't last long.

Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.

But I don't drink.

.

I'll be there tomorrow. This will be the 4th game 5 I've seen at the Coliseum. I feel like we're due to have them win one of these.

Bring us a win AS!

The A's are the least despicable team left in the tournament.

There goes the doubt that Balfour is a total douche.

That or he's seen Valverde pitch a lot this season.

Valverde has always been the nail-biter sort of closer, but he generally got out of those situations in 2010 and always in 2011 (assuming it was a save situation), but it's been a different story in 2012. He's still nailed down a lot of save opportunities that looked bad, but there have been some outings that resembled last night's where he just got smacked around and it wasn't really a question if he'd blow the save, but if he'd get out of there before the other team went ahead.

As for tonight, I still think the Tigers have to be favored. Their offense may be incapable of scoring without homers and Coco Crisp bobbles, but Verlader will almost certainly throw 140 pitches to keep things close.

In my mind, the Tigers were eliminated last night. And since this postseason seems determined to produce an unspeakable Yankees-Cardinals World Series, looks like I'm done with baseball for 2012.

Lemme know how it all turns out, eh? (On second thought, don't.)

I respect the reverse jinx, but there has to be a limit.

Quitting on your club when you have the world's best pitcher on the mound is disgraceful fan behavior. Stand by your ace.

As for tonight, I still think the Tigers have to be favored. Their offense may be incapable of scoring without homers and Coco Crisp bobbles, but Verlader will almost certainly throw 140 pitches to keep things close.

This pretty much kills the A's strategy of wearing down the starter and getting to the Tiger pen. Also I assume Fister is available in relief after those 140 from Verlander. Parker, Cook, Doolittle and Balfour just aren't that imposing compared to this duo.

This pretty much kills the A's strategy of wearing down the starter and getting to the Tiger pen. Also I assume Fister is available in relief after those 140 from Verlander. Parker, Cook, Doolittle and Balfour just aren't that imposing compared to this duo.

I think the A's need to forget trying to wear Verlander down today and just try to hit him. And mostly pray Jarrod Parker pitches the game of his career.

Maybe somebody talked about this somewhere else, but anybody have a thought about why the A's didn't run for Smith last night?
I was thinking they'd get Weeks in there, as the winning run + fastest man on the bench... but I'm probably missing something.

Maybe somebody talked about this somewhere else, but anybody have a thought about why the A's didn't run for Smith last night?

I was wondering the same thing. If Garcia plays that ball clean, I'd bet on Smith being out at the plate. Is Smith faster than I thought he was? He looks like an oaf.

On a level of 1 to 10, the baseball insanity level in the Bay Area must be about 14. I'm finding it hard to not run around in circles and yell incoherently.

In my mind, the Tigers were eliminated last night. And since this postseason seems determined to produce an unspeakable Yankees-Cardinals World Series, looks like I'm done with baseball for 2012.

Yes, last nite sucked. But this is the playoffs. You have to go through good teams. Winning playoff series is difficult. If you'd asked me in March if I would take having the planet's best pitcher on full rest for Game 5 of the ALDS, I would have grabbed that with both hands.

LET'S GO TIGERS

I was thinking they'd get Weeks in there, as the winning run + fastest man on the bench... but I'm probably missing something.

Perhaps the fact that Weeks isn't on the roster. Rosales, Carter or Gomes would have been the choices.

So, it seems I'm a Tigers fan tonight. Let the navel-gazing begin...

I was neutral to start the series - have Tigers fans in the family and some family still in Detroit, but have some close A's fan friends and followed the A's down the stretch vicariously. When the A's got down two games, obviously I was going to root for more baseball. Now that it's game 5, it appears I'm going with my family. I just love watching Justin Verlander pitch, and I still really like the city of Detroit. Go Tigers.

(Still totally undecided on Giants-Reds.)

Perhaps the fact that Weeks isn't on the roster. Rosales, Carter or Gomes would have been the choices.

THERE we go... I had this image of Weeks leaping around after a recent late win, but that was LAST week's late win(s).

Anyway, OK, Rosales, then. Definitely faster than Smith, no?

Anyway, OK, Rosales, then. Definitely faster than Smith, no?

Probably not enough so that you'd want to handcuff yourself if you need someone off the bench later. Rosales is no Herb Washington.

I've seen Weeks during the playoffs. Guys who aren't on the playoff 25 are still allowed in uniform in the dugouts, apparently. I've seen 'em on other teams, too.

If last night means the demotion of Jackass Grande, it could be a blessing in disguise.

Is there any chance Valverde loses the closer's job? There's not, right?

I've only seen the clip a couple of times, but my impression is that Smith was going to be way, way out if Garcia fielded it cleanly and made just a decent throw. He looked like he was going to be more out than Drew was at third. Of course, in that situation, I see why you send him.

Anyway, OK, Rosales, then. Definitely faster than Smith, no?

Probably not enough so that you'd want to handcuff yourself if you need someone off the bench later. Rosales is no Herb Washington.

Also, after Smith's double, Kottaras hit for Norris. That makes Rosales kind of the non-catching emergency catcher, in that if Kottaras were to get injured, Donaldson would have to catch and Rosales play third.

I've seen Weeks during the playoffs. Guys who aren't on the playoff 25 are still allowed in uniform in the dugouts, apparently. I've seen 'em on other teams, too.

Ah, OK, good. I know I saw Brandon McCarthy in there, though he definitely isn't getting into any games... yet.

Probably not enough so that you'd want to handcuff yourself if you need someone off the bench later. Rosales is no Herb Washington.

No, but I agree with RB, that Smith looked to be out by a LOT if Garcia picked that up cleanly.
My first thought was, "Get the fastest guy you can on second base, and worry about later, later."
My second thought should have been, "It is October 10, so NOW you are second-guessing Bob Melvin? Just go do the Bernie, and while you're doing it, shut up."

As a Tigers I have to say last nights game was brutal and here it is going on noon and I still haven't gotten over Valverde's blown save. I must say that after watching these games the A's fans are absolutely amazing and if the A's were playing any other team I would be rooting like hell for them to win. Every time the cameras show a shot of the crowd everyone is on their feet and someone is blowing a horn and another person is waving a sign and it is LOUD. Very impressive. I was fortunate enough to go to the first two games of this series in Detroit and I couldn't have been more disappointed. Yeah it was cold but the only time the crowd did anything was when they chanted MVP every time Cabrera came to the plate, and most of the time the fans were complaining about the players, grumbling about Leyland or booing the relievers. Very pathetic. I don't know when Tigers fans became so entitled but it is very annoying. After suffering through that awful 2003 season I just feel grateful for anytime they end the season with a winning record or when I get to a game and don't have to watch Adam Bernero "pitch"

However, with all that being said I hope Verlander goes out there tonight and pitches a two hitter and Parker gets chased out of the stadium by the third inning and the place is as quiet as a church.

Lost in all this euphoria is how in the hell do the Yankees keep winning with their offense being so bad in the series? I thought the Orioles would hit a lot better than they are right now.

However, with all that being said I hope Verlander goes out there tonight and pitches a two hitter and Parker gets chased out of the stadium by the third inning and the place is as quiet as a church.

As is only natural.

However, with all that being said I hope Verlander goes out there tonight and pitches a two hitter and Parker gets chased out of the stadium by the third inning and the place is as quiet as a church.

BUT THE A'S SCORE SIX RUNS ON TWO HITS AND WIN ANYWAY

So in less than 12 hours we'll find out whether or not Beane is an idot or a genius, at least for another week.

So in less than 12 hours we'll find out whether or not Beane is an idot or a genius, at least for another week.

Yeah, all we'll need is Backlasher to spice up the discussion with a few drone missiles.

Lost in all this euphoria is how in the hell do the Yankees keep winning with their offense being so bad in the series?

Good question. I still think the Orioles are likely to pull it off.

I thought the Orioles would hit a lot better than they are right now.

Well, the Yankees' pitching has had something to do with that. That rotation of theirs is like the little girl with the curl, either very, very good or very, very bad. So far they've been very, very good, but that's hardly money in the bank going forward.

Good question. I still think the Orioles are likely to pull it off.

Don't say stuff like that around your kids, they may seek power of attorney.

The A's are the least despicable team left in the tournament.

Good lord, I think this is right...

I still have warm fuzzies for Detroit and the way they smacked down those damnable upstart Gaveys 28 years ago, though.

In the NL, though, I am earnestly hoping to see everyone alive get caught in a massive PED scandal that decimates every remaining roster... Slim pickings - I guess the Nationals are the team for which I harbor the least resentment.

Cook has now pitched in 8 of the A's last 9 games. Balfour's pitched in 7 of the last 9 and Doolittle in 7 of the last 8. Finishing it off in the 9th and allowing Balfour to rest should allow him to go 2 innings tonight. They're gonna need it, as Tommy Milone coming in from the pen in an all-hands-on-deck situation isn't all that helpful.

I feel bad for Gomes and (to a lesser extent) Carter, who probably won't play this series. I'm still totally into the platoons, but it sucks for Gomes after putting together a career year. He was probably a better PH option than Kottaras.

Balfour isn't a #########, he's a raving lunatic. The twitter account BalfourRage is not far off from the actual Balfour.

Vegas as of last night had the tigers as a 58-42 fav. Sounds about right to me.