From the Get Down Lounge...Aces Style.
On Wednesday in Oakland it was A.J. Griffin of the Swinging A's two-hitting the Big Red Machine 5-0. Griffin looked like an ace the way he kept the Reds off balance. The first hit was a bloop single to center that could have been hauled in by struggling center fielder Chris Young. Third Basemen Josh Donaldson went yard for the second day in a row, and despite the plethora of talent at the hot corner in the AL, he is forcing himself on the the team with his team high 51 RBI's and a .379 average with runners in scoring position.
With a home record of 24-12, the A's have the best winning percentage of any AL team. Which then stirred the wheels in my brain. First they need to secure the best record in the AL, then "simply" win out all home games in the postseason. Simple formula for getting back to the Big Dance.
With the trade deadline around the corner, I was looking around to find some names of players that might be available. If the A's can add one bat, another arm in the pen, and maybe some help at shortstop, man I think they would be as good as anyone. I would still love to see them bring in a true ace, but I just don't think it is going to happen. So let's throw a little mud on the wall and see what sticks. Remember former Athletics Killer and Ranger Michael Young? He is riding the pine with the Phillies, and he would seem like a great guy to have on the bench versus a tough lefty late in a game. The big issues with him, the $13 Million big ones he makes. Jesse Crain of the White Sox is a reliever to be rumored available. Crain has had a very good career with the Twins and now White Sox. An athletic shortstop might be on the radar, but the demand for those guys is pretty high. Another White Alexei Ramirez's name has been floating around. Some big names may be on the move like the Cub's Matt Garza (a CenCal guy), perhaps Andre Eithier of the Dodgers. The Big Names are pitchers Cliff Lee and the Marlin's Ricky Norasco. The Catching position in another spot the A's made look to upgrade. However on Wednesday, the A's recalled CenCal native Stephen Vogt. (Vogt went to high school at Central Valley Christian in Visalia.) Vogt brought home his first MLB rbi with a sac fly on Wednesday. Nice story as he as been referred to as a quality guy, in the same vein as Mark Ellis. Follow the bouncing ball with me, as Ellis is my wife's current favorite MLB player.
Speaking of the spouse, she gets all the credit for this moving idea. She proposed that Moneyball II begin with the flood of sewage in the O.CO's locker rooms. Classic. She even implied maybe that Lew Wolf had something to do with pipes issue. Classic cinema indeed! What I have found very interesting the past week is the silence in the media over the San Jose lawsuit, and even the Biogenesis case in Florida. The lack of media attention is, well, a real mystery. Well Mr. Selig not only is dealing with a curve, he also just had a high hard one graze his chin. Interesting times in the MLB, interesting times!
On Deck: Well the A's host the Cardinals this weekend in what could indeed be a World Series Preview. It's like Moneyball vs. Jennifer Anniston. (One of the spouse's favorite shows is "Friends" so I have been taking in some of the old reruns. Great TV. I have just gotta say, Anniston, perfect.) What a contrast in the teams yards. This series might give the A's some national attention as well. Smile Bud, Colon is going for win number 11 on Friday Night. Don't forget, Saturday is Coco "Bernie-Lean" Bobble head day.
On Deck Deuce: Get out the whites it's Wimbledon time. Although Maria Sharapova has essentially digged me for quite a while now, I have to raise a glass of my best Fonseca Port to Portugal's own Michelle Brito. Brito to was one of the many surprises at Wimbledon thus far, but her Portuguese heritage makes it oh so special. So remember, 4th of July is Fireworks and Wimbledon!
Triple Play: Taking in the River Cats Friday Night, A's game on Saturday, and then the Ports. That is a Green and Gold Triple Play!
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