Hec - interesting baseball news this morning!!!

That's how JZ got me out of bed this morning. "LexineMaidengurl says there's exciting baseball news!"

So I knew it was a trade, and I knew it was the A's and I figured it was Bradford for Payton. But it was also Byrnsie for two pitchers in Colorado.

To sum up: will miss Byrnes but that was inevitable; not so keen on getting grumpy butt Payton, but he hits righties which we need and can back up Kotsay in CF; we still need power; Kennedy is a long term project; Witasick is immediate bullpen help; they'll probably still move Ginter; What to do with Durazo when he comes off the DL?

Ultimately they're making a run for the wild card this year. Which is exciting.

Go, Lilty! Have so much fun.

Excellent news for Connie's DH and his bionic back.

Our TiVo captured the poker game that Phil hosts. He's playing with Sean Astin in this episode. Cognitive Dissonance!

Bon Voyage, Lilty! Have a wonderful time, and I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventures when you return!

I will post this is F2F and will send an email to the Somerville list- JZ, you may wish to subscribe - but is there interest in a Buffista gathering in Salem on thatSunday afternoon, August 7? We can do a simple BBQ type thing, hamburgers, hotdogs, as well as veggie and vegan options, hang out in the house and in the yard? I understand it's a bit of a drive, though very close to the commuter rail. It's not too far by car, actually.

If people are interested, we'd love to host y'all.

go Litly! have fun.

my office doesn't have quite as much stuff as laura's - but it is smaller. glad I am not the only one with piles.

Sorry the new boss isn't working vw, if it had health benifits it might be worth sticking out.

Nora, I think that's a wonderful idea. You guys probably have the most room. Let me know what I can bring!

To sum up: will miss Byrnes but that was inevitable; not so keen on getting grumpy butt Payton, but he hits righties which we need and can back up Kotsay in CF; we still need power; Kennedy is a long term project; Witasick is immediate bullpen help; they'll probably still move Ginter; What to do with Durazo when he comes off the DL?

Joe Kennedy is a young pitcher with a lot of potential. He had a good year last year (even in Coors), but is struggling this year. Away from Coors and with some time in the pen, etc., he may straighten out sooner rather than later. He's a low-risk acquisition, especially since Witasick can help right away and Kennedy can do lefty specialist work, even before he gets his overall game back on track.

Have a great trip, Lilty!

Laura is a brave woman to post pictures of her office. Mine is saved from looking quite like that only because it's too tiny to put boxes in.

Joe Kennedy is a young pitcher with a lot of potential.

When I said he was a project, I didn't intend to imply he wasn't good. The A's look like they think he's got a chance to be a starter, and I'm sure he's got a live arm. As you note, just getting away from Coors does a lot for a pitcher's confidence. I think you're right - it's a low risk gamble with plenty of upside.

The A's look like they think he's got a chance to be a starter

He is a starter. He threw 162 innings, started 27 games with a complete game, had a 3.66 ERA and an opponents' batting average of .265 last year, and his ERA was under 4.00 in Coors. I think he's the first Rockies starter to achieve that. I don't know what's wrong with him this year, but he can't get righties out. I'd guess the A's think they can get him straightened around, and based on his track record, I think so too. Maybe he'll throw the curveball with more confidence away from Coors.

Anyway, I think if they get him going, the deal is a steal for Billy.

Sorry for the semi-rude awakening, though I'm sure JZ made it sweet.

I'm not very surprised either. As much as I love Byrnes, this year he seemed like he was just trying too hard. At spring training he couldn't catch a ball without flopping on the ground.

My daughter is a huge Chavez fan and I considered calling her at 6:30 to tell her the "The A's traded Eric". I resisted.

I trust in Billy Beane.

Awwwwwww. My bro just called me and asked me if I would read a poem at his wedding. (I said yes, of course.) He told me it was a Walt Whitman poem, and so I asked, "One of the gay-love ones?"

My co-workers think I am a HUGE freak.

My bro replied, "Oh, absolutely! And we're taking our wedding vows from Bukowski -- the piece about the Asian hooker with the sideways vagina."

I love my bro.

In any case, the poem is actually NOT about gay love; it's this poem:

I do not offer the old smooth prizes,
But offer rough new prizes,
These are the days that must happen to you:
You shall not heap up what is called riches,
You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve.
However sweet the laid-up stores,
However convenient the dwellings,
You shall not remain there.
However sheltered the port,
And however calm the waters,
You shall not anchor there.
However welcome the hospitality that welcomes you
You are permitted to receive it but a little while
Afoot and light hearted, take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before you,
Leading wherever you choose.
Say only to one another:
Camerado, I give you my hand!
I give you my love, more precious than money,
I give you myself before preaching or law:
Will you give me yourself?
Will you come travel with me?
Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?