Lets begin with Green. When Cespedes in the lineup, he makes all the difference. Yesterday he times the game in the 9th with a 2-run blast on a 1-2 pitch. While the A's pitchers are still struggling, it sure is nice to have Cespy back in the lineup.
Which makes me wonder, the A's have gone from hunter, totally under the radar hunter, to the hunted. There is also something to be said--or learned-about dealing with success. The A's pitchers and some of their everyday guys, in particular Josh Reddick, may all be dealing with one or both of these issues. The A's have 3 games with the Angels coming up that will be pretty interesting. Dan Strailey gets the call tonight while Bret Anderson goes on the DL briefly. If Strailey pitches well, there could be a little shakeup in the old Athletics rotation.
Gold. How about them W's! Man that Steph Curry is fun to watch let it fly. By the way, when did first round series' change to Best of 7? My Middle Village NY contact tells me about 10 years ago--ironically, that was about the last time I was emotionally invested in an Association series. Some of you may remember, that was when the Kings and all of Sacramento had their collective hearts ripped from their throats by Big Shot Bob and those ugly Purple and Gold Lakers. Things have never quite been the same in Arco Arena or Sleep Train Area of whatever they call that soon to be warehouse up in Natomas. I just want to give Chris Weber a hug. Oh well, here we are, I am driving the W's bandwagon. Man, I sound so Californian. Even though they are up 3-1, it ain't over.
There is just something compelling in my world about the NFL draft. The anticipation, the twist and turns., even the heartbreak and anguish for some. Here is where the Grey comes in. The Raiders actually had an entertaining draft. They traded down to begin with, then it sure looked like they were kicking the tires on Tim Cannata's guy QB Matt Barkley--before the Eagles flew in and snatched him away--to begin the 4th round. I give Reggie McKenzie this--when your team is bad, you need players at almost every position! Well, he drafted guys at just about every spot except kicker! Don't be hating on SeaBass! As Green is my favorite color, and Broadway Joe one of my all-time favorites celebs, and hearing all of those crazy Jet fans hooting and hollering at draft (booing is just so fun--that is clearly the Raider fan in me, just thinking about a football official makes me want to BOOOOOOO!) maybe I am a little J E T S fans way deep down in the pancreas!
Now on the Clock, the event moving up the board on my Bucket List: The Kentucky Derby.
A Work In Progress...With the Goal to Entertain!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
ReCap/Night Cap, enjoy your coffee--and your week!
Well here is hoping that all of the people and Boston and the surrounding areas can have a normal, uneventful week. I can't imagine the surrealness of last week's events. I also can't imagine what was crossing the minds of anyone who travels for a living, such as professional athletes. Crazy, just crazy--our thoughts are with you Boston!
So I am going to give the A's a pass for their stinker weekend in Tampa due to all the events of last week, however there were a couple of items that stood out:
1. No Cespedes, no bueno. Cespy is The Straw that stirs the drink. He is Reggie Deuce.
2. Their approach needs to change in close games. I understand the theory of not bunting--how it gives up outs, etc. They need to find a way to win games when their hitters are scuffling. I want to see a 2-1 win
once in a while, which means beating Verlander and King Felix types. They have got to employ a little
small ball at times.
3. Speaking of 2-1 games, I have some real concerns about the A's front end of the rotation. Brett Anderson seems like an accident waiting to happen. The guy-again-hurts himself stumbling off the mound.
Man on man, it is almost comical who many times he injures himself on the bump. Jarrod Parker just doesn't
seem to have same effectiveness. I need to see him in person.
A few other random thoughts:
Great game by the Warriors, it didn't end up well, but hey, for entertainment value it was a heck of a game Saturday. I don't think they can win the series, but I would love to see Curry just go off in one game!
Zito. The guy is a trip. Also surreal to see him getting all the love at AT&T or whatever that place is called.
The Giants too seem like their offense is much improved, so if they can just pitch a little, they should be fine. Six games with the Snakes in the next 10 days should say a lot. The baseball season is setting up to be loaded with storylines.
The draft, NBA playoffs, baseball is rolling, and don't forget about the Golf Channel and Hockey. Good time to control remote. I still haven't seen "42" yet, but need to. Really hard to imagine the crap that took place in our country in just the past century! Rolando McCain was arrested again, ish man.
My next story for Traffic Magazine (www.mytrafficmag.com) will center around the Fresno Grizzlies (Giants) and the Visalia Rawhide ((Dbacks). Thus I get to attend a few minor league games--you know I will see out the Ports and River Cats first as a matter of principle. I am not sure my last story on one time Reedley resident John Davidson has been posted yet. John a fascinating guy--and, of course, yet another world famous Sac State grad!
Here is to a great, safe, and peaceful/uneventfull week!
So I am going to give the A's a pass for their stinker weekend in Tampa due to all the events of last week, however there were a couple of items that stood out:
1. No Cespedes, no bueno. Cespy is The Straw that stirs the drink. He is Reggie Deuce.
2. Their approach needs to change in close games. I understand the theory of not bunting--how it gives up outs, etc. They need to find a way to win games when their hitters are scuffling. I want to see a 2-1 win
once in a while, which means beating Verlander and King Felix types. They have got to employ a little
small ball at times.
3. Speaking of 2-1 games, I have some real concerns about the A's front end of the rotation. Brett Anderson seems like an accident waiting to happen. The guy-again-hurts himself stumbling off the mound.
Man on man, it is almost comical who many times he injures himself on the bump. Jarrod Parker just doesn't
seem to have same effectiveness. I need to see him in person.
A few other random thoughts:
Great game by the Warriors, it didn't end up well, but hey, for entertainment value it was a heck of a game Saturday. I don't think they can win the series, but I would love to see Curry just go off in one game!
Zito. The guy is a trip. Also surreal to see him getting all the love at AT&T or whatever that place is called.
The Giants too seem like their offense is much improved, so if they can just pitch a little, they should be fine. Six games with the Snakes in the next 10 days should say a lot. The baseball season is setting up to be loaded with storylines.
The draft, NBA playoffs, baseball is rolling, and don't forget about the Golf Channel and Hockey. Good time to control remote. I still haven't seen "42" yet, but need to. Really hard to imagine the crap that took place in our country in just the past century! Rolando McCain was arrested again, ish man.
My next story for Traffic Magazine (www.mytrafficmag.com) will center around the Fresno Grizzlies (Giants) and the Visalia Rawhide ((Dbacks). Thus I get to attend a few minor league games--you know I will see out the Ports and River Cats first as a matter of principle. I am not sure my last story on one time Reedley resident John Davidson has been posted yet. John a fascinating guy--and, of course, yet another world famous Sac State grad!
Here is to a great, safe, and peaceful/uneventfull week!
Friday, April 19, 2013
#1
Grooving....in the Get Down Lounge!
Love and Looks
April 19
So in honor of the Great City of Boston, I raise my cup in honor of the Delta's own, and Chelsea Mass's
favorite New England Patriot, Tony Eason. To Doug Flutie--the little man with the swag, the Big Heart, and the cannon arm--to my man Tim Cannata and his all time favorite Red Sox Manny Ramirez. Least we forget the Iconic Rock Band, Boston. To all of you, "may you live forever, and I never die."
So the family and I are visiting Boston a couple of years ago, being escorted by our most generous Irish Godsister, Carolyn Cox. While we are ordering at Regina's Pizzeria, we attempted to order the standard
Hawaiian--you know Canadian Bacon (a.k.a. ham) and pineapple. The waitress looks at us with
that look, and in my mind, she used her best Allan Iverson voice and said, "pineapple. You want pineapple." Love ya Boston.
Speaking of famial love, how about those Upton brothers putting on a show in Atlanta! The Braves are en fuego right now, and isn't it interesting in a sport that has gone sabermatic, it is family love that is setting the pace. Speaking of brotherly love, for years now I have been telling my big bro he should hire me--that we would be great together--like the Upton brothers! Well he too glances at me with that look, and says, man for years you were on the payroll. Love you too bro!
Some of you would contend I have issues, and this may be proof. I have never been more proud of my son 7 and 3/4 old son Noah than yesterday. To give you an idea of Noah's personality, he is a cross between the characters Ray, from "Everyone Loves Raymond;" Sheldon, from "Bing Bang Theory", and his grandfather Portuguese immigrant Armando Jose Fonseca, who himself is kindred spirit to the late Al Davis. That pretty much sums up Noah's personality. (Well, and he is a little like his motherrrrr!) So yesterday he essentially tanked a spelling test, to avoid being in the Spelling Bee. Classic. I asked him to prove it--he picks a word, yourself, spells it correctly, than procedes to tell how he spelled it: y e r s e l f. He too gave me a look. Eat all the ice cream you want son! That my friends is a warm fuzzy. Love ya boy!
So on to Sports, and would an A's-Braves World Series have some serious soul or what? You know that we here in the Get Down Lounge would be all over that one! Also, if you start around 1988, think of how many times the A's and Braves have been in the postseason, and how few times--once in each city to be exact--they have brought home the cup. Buffalo Bills fans can relate with the Braves and A's. I'm tyring to tell you. (I love that AT&T commercial!)
What the A's need is an ace. A hoss. A stud. Somebody that when he takes the hill, puts a little fear in guys like Verlander and Cain. Brett Anderson is good, really, good, but to me he is like a #2 starter--and he is always falling off the mound in some most unusual, unathletic fashion. This A's team is really deep, and can actually hit a little, but man, to lift the cup, they need an electic armed flame thrower dude. A Bad Bleep.
You know, someone with that glare, that look.
Gigantes, 2013 starting to look a little like 2011. I just wonder if those Giant's pitchers wore down from
all those close games in 2012, even going back to 2010. Cain has pitched a lot a of stellar innings, but I just
wonder, look at Linceum, and remember Bryan Wilson? The Giants need a young infusion of pitching, in my opinion of course. They also overpaid for Scutaro. Yes, he can hit, and oh Nellie was he clutch last Summer and Fall. Have you looked at his resume? He has bounced around a lot--and you won't see him making any diving or sprawling catches, or make any great play backing up a throw. I am just trying to tell ya.
But the Gigos have got to love this whole Dodger & Padre angst! Really Dodgers, let me see If I've got this? With no offense to Jack Hacker's beloved Padres, the Dodgers go and pick a fight with the worst team in the Division. Really? You spend all the $$ to focus on the Padres? Greinke has an arm but he is
not getting in to Harvard--and he goes after the moose Carlos Quentin? Giants fans have got to be giddy over this one, but I hate to tell you, not as giddy as those Diamondbacks. Watch em slither there way
into the mix of things. Before you think I am a DBack fan, remember there manager is Kirk Gibson--who is right up there with Franco Harris and the Tuck for making me ill. I'll be back, I have to go puke.
I mentioned Studs earlier, and really does it get better than the NFL Draft and the Kentucky Derby?
Very few things in life are certain, and the Draft and Derby each provide there own unique style and dramas.
I am just reminding you that's all-because they are both right around the corner. You gotta watch "Secretariat" by the way--that will help get you in the Derby mood. (Read the "Couch Potato" bit if you get a chance, please.) The horse actor, he too (I think it was a he?) had the look. Diane Lane has a look too, yada yada yada.
Finally, with the NBA playoffs getting started, I have fot to admit I am on the W's bandwagon. Steph
Curry should shoot an underhanded, Ricky Barry style free throw, just to get the old MoJo going.
Isn't it great to have NorCal back in the NBA mix? The Kings were oh so close (just grab it Vlade it, grab it!), now they I have a feeling they are gone. Poor Chris Weber, somebody give that man a hug. Talk about close to winning it all in college and the pros.....ish. Oh well, thanks for the memories Kings! ( And thanks Bro and Pops for ALL the Kings tickets!) Mitch Richmand, love you too man.
Love and Looks
April 19
So in honor of the Great City of Boston, I raise my cup in honor of the Delta's own, and Chelsea Mass's
favorite New England Patriot, Tony Eason. To Doug Flutie--the little man with the swag, the Big Heart, and the cannon arm--to my man Tim Cannata and his all time favorite Red Sox Manny Ramirez. Least we forget the Iconic Rock Band, Boston. To all of you, "may you live forever, and I never die."
So the family and I are visiting Boston a couple of years ago, being escorted by our most generous Irish Godsister, Carolyn Cox. While we are ordering at Regina's Pizzeria, we attempted to order the standard
Hawaiian--you know Canadian Bacon (a.k.a. ham) and pineapple. The waitress looks at us with
that look, and in my mind, she used her best Allan Iverson voice and said, "pineapple. You want pineapple." Love ya Boston.
Speaking of famial love, how about those Upton brothers putting on a show in Atlanta! The Braves are en fuego right now, and isn't it interesting in a sport that has gone sabermatic, it is family love that is setting the pace. Speaking of brotherly love, for years now I have been telling my big bro he should hire me--that we would be great together--like the Upton brothers! Well he too glances at me with that look, and says, man for years you were on the payroll. Love you too bro!
Some of you would contend I have issues, and this may be proof. I have never been more proud of my son 7 and 3/4 old son Noah than yesterday. To give you an idea of Noah's personality, he is a cross between the characters Ray, from "Everyone Loves Raymond;" Sheldon, from "Bing Bang Theory", and his grandfather Portuguese immigrant Armando Jose Fonseca, who himself is kindred spirit to the late Al Davis. That pretty much sums up Noah's personality. (Well, and he is a little like his motherrrrr!) So yesterday he essentially tanked a spelling test, to avoid being in the Spelling Bee. Classic. I asked him to prove it--he picks a word, yourself, spells it correctly, than procedes to tell how he spelled it: y e r s e l f. He too gave me a look. Eat all the ice cream you want son! That my friends is a warm fuzzy. Love ya boy!
So on to Sports, and would an A's-Braves World Series have some serious soul or what? You know that we here in the Get Down Lounge would be all over that one! Also, if you start around 1988, think of how many times the A's and Braves have been in the postseason, and how few times--once in each city to be exact--they have brought home the cup. Buffalo Bills fans can relate with the Braves and A's. I'm tyring to tell you. (I love that AT&T commercial!)
What the A's need is an ace. A hoss. A stud. Somebody that when he takes the hill, puts a little fear in guys like Verlander and Cain. Brett Anderson is good, really, good, but to me he is like a #2 starter--and he is always falling off the mound in some most unusual, unathletic fashion. This A's team is really deep, and can actually hit a little, but man, to lift the cup, they need an electic armed flame thrower dude. A Bad Bleep.
You know, someone with that glare, that look.
Gigantes, 2013 starting to look a little like 2011. I just wonder if those Giant's pitchers wore down from
all those close games in 2012, even going back to 2010. Cain has pitched a lot a of stellar innings, but I just
wonder, look at Linceum, and remember Bryan Wilson? The Giants need a young infusion of pitching, in my opinion of course. They also overpaid for Scutaro. Yes, he can hit, and oh Nellie was he clutch last Summer and Fall. Have you looked at his resume? He has bounced around a lot--and you won't see him making any diving or sprawling catches, or make any great play backing up a throw. I am just trying to tell ya.
But the Gigos have got to love this whole Dodger & Padre angst! Really Dodgers, let me see If I've got this? With no offense to Jack Hacker's beloved Padres, the Dodgers go and pick a fight with the worst team in the Division. Really? You spend all the $$ to focus on the Padres? Greinke has an arm but he is
not getting in to Harvard--and he goes after the moose Carlos Quentin? Giants fans have got to be giddy over this one, but I hate to tell you, not as giddy as those Diamondbacks. Watch em slither there way
into the mix of things. Before you think I am a DBack fan, remember there manager is Kirk Gibson--who is right up there with Franco Harris and the Tuck for making me ill. I'll be back, I have to go puke.
I mentioned Studs earlier, and really does it get better than the NFL Draft and the Kentucky Derby?
Very few things in life are certain, and the Draft and Derby each provide there own unique style and dramas.
I am just reminding you that's all-because they are both right around the corner. You gotta watch "Secretariat" by the way--that will help get you in the Derby mood. (Read the "Couch Potato" bit if you get a chance, please.) The horse actor, he too (I think it was a he?) had the look. Diane Lane has a look too, yada yada yada.
Finally, with the NBA playoffs getting started, I have fot to admit I am on the W's bandwagon. Steph
Curry should shoot an underhanded, Ricky Barry style free throw, just to get the old MoJo going.
Isn't it great to have NorCal back in the NBA mix? The Kings were oh so close (just grab it Vlade it, grab it!), now they I have a feeling they are gone. Poor Chris Weber, somebody give that man a hug. Talk about close to winning it all in college and the pros.....ish. Oh well, thanks for the memories Kings! ( And thanks Bro and Pops for ALL the Kings tickets!) Mitch Richmand, love you too man.
Friday, April 12, 2013
Living Coach Potato Style!
Grab The Remote Sports Fans, April and May is Your Time!
Major League Baseball: First Week of April
The 2013 season actually kicks of March 31, but all 30 teams
will have played by
April 2nd.
Can the Giants repeat and reach dynasty status? With a healthy Matt Cain and Buster Posey,
they should be near the top—and of course we can’t forget the loveable fluffy
Panda, Pablo Sandoval? Will the A’s
catch lightening in the bottle like they did a year ago? The Green and Gold had
a solid relief corps and a key surprise was
Yankees and Red Sox play 150 games a year!
Fonz’s Forecast: Washington DC
Win the World Series.
Longshots:
Think Blue, Blue Jays and Royals.
Movies to get you in the Mood: The Natural, Moneyball, and Trouble With the
Curve
Men’s Division I College Basketball Championship, Atlanta GA
Final Four Saturday April 6; Finals Monday April 8
March Madness actually rolls into April! If there is one day you have to watch
Basketball, it has got to be April 6! 68 teams have been whittled down to 4!
Heartbreak, elation, and every emotion in between is
experience during this tournament. If
you were born near 1965 you remember when in 1978 Indiana
State ’s Larry Bird, and Michigan State University of Louisville
Fonz’s Forecast: Louisville or Indiana
Longshots:
Gonzaga. Small school from the West hopes to upstage
all the
rest. Gonzaga is playing for underdogs
everywhere.
Movies to get you in the Mood: Hoosiers; Glory Road
The Master’s: April 4-7, Augusta
Golf’s best complete for the vaunted Green Jacket at the
Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia Augusta Atlanta
Be rocking!
Fonz’s Forecast:
Ricky Fowler won me over with his Flat Bill bit.
Longshots: Clovis West alum and current Cal Bear Michael Weaver
Is in the field. Weaver finished
2nd in last year’s US Open
amateur to get in the field. Dustin
Johnson, belongs here
too-every drive he hits is long!
Movies to get you in the mood: Tin Cup, Bagger Vance, and for you hard core
golf
Enthusiasts, Bobby Jones-A Stroke of Genius
April 15: Tax Day. Get refund, upgrade TV and/or cable package!
April 20, NBA Playoffs Begin.
The Finals don’t roll around until June, but this should
tide basketball fans over
until then. The last
3:00 of playoff basketball, good theatre!
Can anyone stop
LeBron and the Heat, well the Thunder, Spurs and Clippers
hope so!
April 24-26: NFL Draft:
The NFL draft takes place in Radio
City Music
Hall in New York City
Having football withdrawals, well then here you go. Three days talking about
whats-his-name from a what-cha-ma-call-it-state all over the
country. The first pick still gives me a
chill—what Red blooded American lad wouldn’t want to be the number #1
pick. Niner’s fans have to wait until
pick #31, as the Niners pick next to last in the first round. Raiders fans (sigh), unless there is a trade,
the Silver and Black picking third.
Cinco De Mayo, May 5
I really loooove when Cinco De Mayo falls on the first
Saturday in May. Read Below.
Kentucky Derby
The first of Horse Racing’s Triple Crown, and can I just
say, I loooove this race!
Personally, there is nothing like gathering around to sing,
My Ole Kentucky Home. (When the sun
shines bright, on my old Kentucky Home….) The Ladies Hats, the Mint Juleps, the
tradition, this event high on my Bucket List!
Don’t forget the Preakness on May 21 in Baltimore Derby
the first Saturday in May every year.
Fonz’s Forecast:
At press time, Shanhai Bobby appears to be the favorite;
Longshots: Mac The Man; It’s My Lucky Day
Movies to get you in the Mood: Secretariat and SeaBiscuit
May 25, The French Open Begins
Not to be left out, the second of four Grand Slam Tennis
begins on Sunday. If you
Can’t sleep, there are usually matches on all night due to
the time change. The great
Thing about this tournament is all the upsets; and that
orangish clay the players slide on.
American players typically struggle here. Can anyone forget injured Michael Chang serving
underhand versus the stoic machine-like Ivan Lendl? Rain delays common
during this tournament, especially the early rounds so plan
accordingly. I just to enjoy hearing retired broadcaster Bud Collins announce
at Roland Garos, his voice was so regal!
That sticky clay also makes for some very, long rallies.
Memorial Day, May 26 The Indianapolis
Wouldn’t it be great if NASCAR drivers would cross over for
the Indy 500?
The milk for the winner—I love that! As a kid, I always pulled for A.J. Foyt.
Why, well, he had the same initials as my Dad and Big Bro.
Still, the two auto
races in my mind, are the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. The
Old Brickyard,
a special place indeed.
May 26-May 29, Bay
Bridge
Oh la, la—now for my money, is just doesn’t get any better
than this! Who do I root for?
Come on now, can’t we all just get along? (Psst, didn’t you
get the “fuzzy” Panda, and Moneyball hints?)
Giants fans all say their #1 rival is the Dodgers, and well OK, I get
it.
But who do they hate to lose to more? The Giants Yard is beautiful, but have you
checked the ticket prices? Ouch? Take the family to an A’s game dad, and you
can get afford to get the kids a souvenir, and still have enough change left
over for a slurpee and a Nation’s Burger on the way home!
Monday, April 8, 2013
What we learned in Week 1
What we learned in Week 1:
*Jed Lowrie may just be as good--or better--than many prognosticators suggested. Can he remain healthy?
*Just how many ways can Brett Anderson injure himself on the mound?
*Having the Astros in the same division, all of sudden, doesn't look so bad!
*The Mariners don't appear that far away from contending--is local boy Lincecum in their future?
*Nothing like hot Coco!
*Week #2 would appear to be significantly stiffer, with Anaheim and Detroit on the schedule. It looks
like Verlander will pitch Friday night.
*Josh Hamilton just doesn't look right.
*The Giants need a BIGGER World Series Ring.
*Posting everyday, a little trickier than anticipated--for now. I will also have a little diddy during the week from the "Get Down in the Lounge," just to keep things funky.
*I did predict Louisville....on the men's side. You know I was rolling with the Fighting Irish--or Cal on the Ladies side!
*Kentucky Derby a month out--on the tube Saturday, there was the Final Four, A's and Giants, and two Derby prep races, the Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby--nice TV programming.
*I am on the Warriors bandwagon, but it hit a little bump in the road.
*Speaking of bumps, Reddick bumped into the wall in Houston, pretty hard. I would think he is out a few days; and Cespedes in going through a bumpy stretch himself. Keep bumping!
*Jed Lowrie may just be as good--or better--than many prognosticators suggested. Can he remain healthy?
*Just how many ways can Brett Anderson injure himself on the mound?
*Having the Astros in the same division, all of sudden, doesn't look so bad!
*The Mariners don't appear that far away from contending--is local boy Lincecum in their future?
*Nothing like hot Coco!
*Week #2 would appear to be significantly stiffer, with Anaheim and Detroit on the schedule. It looks
like Verlander will pitch Friday night.
*Josh Hamilton just doesn't look right.
*The Giants need a BIGGER World Series Ring.
*Posting everyday, a little trickier than anticipated--for now. I will also have a little diddy during the week from the "Get Down in the Lounge," just to keep things funky.
*I did predict Louisville....on the men's side. You know I was rolling with the Fighting Irish--or Cal on the Ladies side!
*Kentucky Derby a month out--on the tube Saturday, there was the Final Four, A's and Giants, and two Derby prep races, the Wood Memorial and Santa Anita Derby--nice TV programming.
*I am on the Warriors bandwagon, but it hit a little bump in the road.
*Speaking of bumps, Reddick bumped into the wall in Houston, pretty hard. I would think he is out a few days; and Cespedes in going through a bumpy stretch himself. Keep bumping!
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