Vacation Edition, Moneyball Style

Keeping it light and fun in honor of a little vacation time here you go, and if you have yet to see Moneyball the Movie, now is the time! In fact, the book a pretty good read as well. Depending on your math interest, you may want to skim through the chapter on stats however.

Moneyball not only lives, Moneyball rules! The A's are now 20 and amazing twenty games over 500., at 63-43. The A's currently share the best record in the American League with the Tampa Rays. The A's have the 5th lowest payroll in the bigs, while the Rays have the 3rd lowest payroll. The Red Sox, still fuming from the blown call at the plate in Fenway last night, have the 4th highest payroll at just over $158 Million. The A's and Rays have a combined payroll of $125 Million. The Pirates, aiming for their first winning season in 20 years, have the 4th lowest. The top two, the Evil Empires East and West, the Yankees and the Dodgers. The Phillies by the way, roll in at #3.

In fact since July 1, the A's are more than 50 games over five hundred. Man they are raking, but like the line from the movie goes, unless you win the last game of the season.....well maybe, just maybe this will be the year!

At post time, the White Sox's Jake Peavy has yet to be traded, even though he was pulled from his start tonight. The latest rumor has the Diamondbacks in the lead. The A's apparently do not want to trade prospects Addison Russell or Sonny Gray. Farm hands outfielder Michael Choice and pitchers Michael Inoa and Raul Alcantara would seem like the most likely possible trade chips. If Peavy is obtained by the A's, his first game could be against Matt Garza and the Rangers, when the A's host Texas this weekend. By the way, if you like fireworks, like my family sure does, then you may want to catch the A's at home this Friday.

Spending more than my fair share today listening to sports and radio and checking on ESPN, made wonder, is there indeed an East Coast bias or is it simply that the West Coast doesn't have the same thirst for sports? For example, today, how many sports minded Califorians are dialed into the first baseball trading deadline, or even NFL training camps? I think we Californians love our teams, and we watch games, but I don't know that we necessarily live and die with our teams? I wanted as many Peavy updates as possible today, but most of the baseball talk I heard today was around A-Rod? A-Rod is so yesterday, so what gives? Let me be clear, I am not knocking Californians, but I am asking. With beaches everywhere, amusement parks, Tahoe, Carmel, the Delta, San Diego, I mean the list just goes on and on and on, maybe our passion here in the West just not the same? Heck, I am not suggesting it is a bad thing, but I do wonder?

The one baseball nugget today, Brian Wilson has signed with the Dodgers. Not that is good drama. He will start in the minors, but he will in the blue sometime soon. Wilson against the Panda or Buster, now that would be interesting. Wilson literally gave his arm for the Black and Orange, but he sure seems to me like the forgotten man in the Giants world.

How about a "Gray" or Silver update. Early indications are that Matt Flynn will be the Raiders starting QB. With the A's rolling, and the W's making the second round of the playoffs, it would sure would be nice to see another team that plays in the O.Co make a playoff run!

Finally, "Trouble With the Curve" a great little vacation type movie, you know, keeping with the sports theme and all. Like a good two seamer, it kind of surprises you with its zip. On the video game front, my 8-year son bought one of those old school plug in retro video game units that plug into the TV. All I can say it was the best $25 he has ever spent! Son, I raise my glass to you today!

The Worm Has Indeed Turned!

Wow have things changes in a hurry! The A's were on a Fox National Broadcast, and wouldn't you know, the day was perfect. The weather was beautiful, the attendance was 32,000 plus; the A's were sporting classic 1969 jerseys, and they even managed a come-from-behind win. The A's would take a 2-1 lead in the 7th on a pinch hit homer by Derek Norris. For DeNo it was his first pinch hit of the season. DeNo has had some big hits before, his most memorable being the walk off homer last year against the Giants in Oakland. Ironically, it was the 4th consecutive game when an A's catcher has homered. With Texas scuffling (that great Barry Zito originated verb), the A's now lead the West by 5 games. Who would have guessed with Cespedes hitting .220, and Reddick .219 that your Oakland A's would be 18 games above .500? Wow. Not many Angels fans, that's for sure! If the A's can take care of the Halos this afternoon, and then have the Angels turn around and take care of the Rangers next week, this pie eating team can really take control of the division. The A's are winning games at over at .700 clip since last June (124-72 per EPSN Buster Olney). These guys really are the Amazing A's!

Looking ahead, I would still love to see the A's acquire Jake Peavy. I would also like to see them make a run at White Sox Shortstop Alexei Ramirez. Current shortstop Bret Lowrie can hit, but he does not cover a lot of ground up the middle. Ramirez would be a great addition, and he would play two more years until A's top prospect Addison Russell is ready. I would still love to see Brian Wilson in the A's pen. Along those lines, with Brett Anderson expected to return in late August, here is a pen I would love to see: Balfour, Cook, Doolittle, Anderson, and Wilson. That is a pen that can win in the postseason! In fact they make their own little Fab 5. So along with Peavy, Ramirez, and Wilson, I would still like to see another bat in Oakland. In Sacramento, A's #2 farmhand Michael Choice has been on a tear recently. He could possibly provide the bat that sends them to the top! Speaking of Balfour, I would love to see the A's sign him to sore sort of contract extension. It would be great for A's Nation to know, the zany Australian will be back in 2014 and perhaps beyond!

Flipping the remote, with a a big bag of popcorn please:

*I have to say, I don't remember the A's sporting jerseys like they did yesterday. I was born in 1966 and and my earliest memory is of Reggie's blast in the '71 All Star game that hit the lights in Detroit. I remember because I couldn't see the ball! It seemed to me they wore the same type of jersey as yesterday, but with more green, Kelly green. My middle name is Kelly by the way, maybe there is a connection somehow?

*I don't usually feel for the Kill-Joy Giants, friend or foe. Oh man, however, were their losses the last two nights painful. Now I would call the last two nights real "torture." Last night the Giants had the bases loaded in the 8th, with Posey, Panda, and Pence up, and did not score. Then in the 9th, bases loaded and one out, and sure enough they hit into a double play to end the game. The Cubs scored their only run on a homer hit by a former Giant. Ouch, Ouch, and triple ouch. On Friday, Brandon Belt has a ball scoot threw his legs--with two on and two out in the ninth--that lead to a 3-2 win. Now, I would like to write something like, see, if the Giants would just pay it forward and let the A's move to San Jose, but I just can't, those games were too too painful.

*Any West Coast types notice the Tampa Rays? The Rays 24-5 in their last 29 games. (21-3 since June 28 per Yahoo Sports.) That my friends in smoking hot!

*Yesterday was movie day in our house, so before noon (after a little time at the golf course) we took in Turbo. Not bad. I would say the movie suited towards the male mind, but it was entertaining. The movie was a little slow in the middle, but it finished with a real bang! My son and I were bouncing to music, which by the way, had some real soul! In fact, my son was getting funky in the aisles as the credits were rolling! The music to this movie definitely "Get Down Lounge" approved! Then in the evening, we rented "42." I thought this movie a very simple and clean look at Jackie Robinson's journey to breaking the color barrier in the MLB. I thought the movie was tastefully done, with glimpses into all of the issues that probably came into play during Robinson's time with the Dodgers. In the end, I really don't think it is possible to wrap one's mind around all of the layers of crap Robinson had to deal with. So to Jackie--and to Turbo, maybe even Snoop Dog--I raise my glass to you today! (By the way, in making improvements to the blog, I may have accidentally pushed or bumped some buttons in the wrong way, I will get with my consultants here shortly!)

**Update--The Sacramento Bee had the A's on the Front Page in Sunday's edition--that worm just keeps turning and turning!

It's Friday, Friday--MLB opportunity to Double Dip Saturday

From the Get Down Lounge...

*I came across an interesting article this summer while visiting the Reno/Tahoe area. The article essentially said when a baseball team has just returned home from a road trip, like the A's last night, bet against them. Hum? The article noted the issues of a player returning home after being on the road, including errands, relationship issues, family, etc. Very, very interesting article. Last night the A's did not look very good in an 8-3 loss to the Angels. We will have to keep an eye on this trend.


*For those of you who like to see batting practice homers, the gates are opening tonight at 4:30 so fans can see the Yo Yo show. The majority of A's fans I believe just want to see him stay healthy--so let's help his wrist hold up!


*For you old-schoolers, the A's will be wearing jerseys from 1969 for tomorrow afternoon's game. The game starts an hour earlier(12:07), so if you want the t-shirt they will be passing out to the first 10,000 fans, I recommend arriving by 10:30 a.m. Hello Starbucks!


*Tomorrow is one of those rare days when the A's and Giants play home on the same date, and when a there is a possibility to catch both games. The Giants and Cubs play at 6:05 tomorrow, so if you want to see both, you can. Now, if you would like to save a few bones, (Man oh Man are Giants tickets expensive!), the next time to see both teams on the same day is September 7. The A's host the Giants in the afternoon, and the Giants host the Diamondbacks in the evening.


*Great article regarding Golden State Warrior fans on Yahoo today, worth a look if you like the W's.


*Remember the Wonder Years? Winnie Cooper was Kevin's main love interest during the series. Well, Winnie is all grown up and she is in a new Avril Lavigne's music video. Winnie (Danica McKellar) is, well, she is rocking!

*Still hoping Beane and Co. make a major play, and get the fan base fired up!

In It To Win It?

Well, well, well well well.  As we sit here on July 25, the Athleticos of Oakland are sitting in a pretty good position.  They lead Texas by 3 games, and would be in the postseason if the playoffs today.  So know the A's have a take a look inward and determine the prize they are after.  The team constructed as it is is good enough to get the dance, but I don't envision this group being good enough to claim the prize.  Yes it is a tad early, but let's dare to dream BIG!

Enter Jake Peavy of the Chicago White Sox, the "Peave" so to speak.  Peave and his White Sox will be going head to head today with the Verbeast and the Tigers.  Teams looking to upgrade their pitching will be watching this game very carefully.  It Peavy defeats the Tigers, the asking price will spike upwards.  Peave is under contract for a cool $15 million for this year and the next.  Typically this may be a little too rich for thye A's blood, however, with the payroll currently around $58 million, chump change on the MLB landscape, maybe just maybe Wolf, Beane and co. will pull the trigger.

There also has been a lot of chatter regarding the A's and Phillies second basemen Chase Utley.  Utley too would be a great addition, but I am not sure the A's would throw the hat in for the old 2 month rental.

There is nothing like the postseason in any sport, but if you go dancing enough, eventually you want to have a smoking hot date.  I think of the Atlanta Braves who had so many good seasons in the 1990's, but only tood home one trophy.   In It To Win A's, In It To Win It!

Flipping the Remote:

*Looking at the A's stats on the ESPN web site was very interesting.  The A's are middle of the road, or less, in most hitting categories.  They are however, 9th in home runs and 10th runs scored. (The one stat I could not find was for Runners in Scoring Position (RISP).)  On the pitching side of the numbers however, A's were near the top in almost every category.  They are number one in my favorite category in WHIP, walks plus hits divided by innings pitched.

*Here are a couple of other trade nuggets.  Marco Scutaro would be a great fit--he would sure help the A's at the plate!  Not sure if Sabe Sabes and the Kill Joy Giants would deal with the Good Guys.  Another ex-Athletic who would be a great fit is the Jays Raj Davis.  Davis can steal bases and he rakes against left handed pitching.  Davis would be a nice addition come postseason time.

*If Greinke hadn't gone all He-Man on the Padres man child Carlos Quentin early in the season, would the Dodgers be cruising in the NL West?

*Kate and Big Will, really-you named the future King GAL?  George Alexander Louis.  I am cool with George, but really, G-A-L?  They should have called me.

*The last two games with the Astros, u-g-l-y.  The A's were able to get out of Houston yesterday taking 2 of 3.  At the end of the season, all that matters, are the W's!

Pretty Good News Day, and Can We Please Get the Daughter to the World Series

Taking a look from the Get Down Lounge.....

*Let's start by raising the glass to the proud parents Kate and William.  Naturally, I feel obligated ,to help with the naming of the young stud.  There is always Brian, wink wink, however since this a serious matter in order, I would go with Sonny, Lenny, Al, Zebedee (Zeb) for short, and of course Timmy Brown.  I like Billy too, but since his dad is the original English Big Willy, I feel that name is spoken for.  Did you notice all of the people around the hospital the last few days.  All I can say is Baby Wales is going to have no problems with the ladies!  He is destined for Board Membership in the Get Down Lounge!

*Garza to the Rangers.  Gulp. Well, maybe he won't like Texas.  The good news is by rule, he can't resign with Texas so the Ranger rolled the dice Big Time.

*I vowed not to be so sarcastic, and as some might say antagonistic to all my show killer (save one Marsha T.) buddies and frenemies who follow the team that has recently won 2 of 3 (or 51 depending on how you are counting!)  So after last night's pasting by the Reds, did the Giants miss their chance to sell little Timmy L. for a premium price?  I guess the Padres not quite the Reds eh?  That Timmy L. a real "trip."  Speaking of Giants with personality, I sure hope the A's give Brian Wilson a look.  I envision his entertainment value in the Green and Gold being off the hook, or maybe even of the rocker!  Bring on the Beard.

*To my poor sports bretheren who are Angels fans, I sincerely offer my empathy.  Yes, I do occassionaly draw a line,  and for me it is to never bag on Angel or Saints or BYU for that matter!  However your Angels are still the biggest enigma around.  Why that team has not won more games the last year and a half still a real head scratcher?  However, I believe there may be a trend that says to be successful, less superstars is better.  I didn't say NO superstars, I said less.  The A's have proved during that same time there is something to be said for having a stable of good young players, including pitchers, and that perhaps depth is the key.  The A's can't beat Verbeast, of King Felix, or Weaver, or Wainright, but man oh man, do they clean up on just about everyone else!  However you still have to have "enough"game changers or you are not winning the last game of the season.  There might also be said for players that are hungry, for whatever reason, money, championships, fame, whatever.  I look at the new model as the Boston Red Sox, who essentially have combined what the best of the A's and Giants.  A handful of stars with a deep supporting cast.  (Especially in the bullpen!)

In my sweet, gentle, can't we all get along opinion, here is what it takes to win it all:

1.  Great Starting Pitching:  Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Matt Cain, Version 2010 Timmy L;

2.  Star Offensive Players:  Reggie Jackson, Buster Posey;

3.  A bullpen that finishes games when the team has a lead:  Rollie, B. Wilson, Romo. 

4.  Defense.  You have to make enough plays, however usually it is one or two that really are the difference makers here:  Rudi's catch against the wall in Cincinnati.

5.  Intangibles/Supporting Cast:  Sure you need a other guys to get hot, and sure you need that winning vibe, but if you don't have 1-4, it doesn't matter.  Remember the Giants when Buster got hurt?  Do the Tigers have a lights out pen?  Do the A's have enough of 1 or 2?  However, the right supporting cast may in the end make the difference.  Team members who in the end, want to win, and players who not only accept their roles, the relish in them!

6.  Breaks and bounces, injuries, etc.:  Sitting Strausburg.  (Really, was this the worst baseball decision of all time?)  The B & B's always come into play, but without the 1-4, it just doesn't matter.

7.  5 game playoff series are the worst--so short, and so few plays determine who moves on.  Well, if you only have a few races, wouldn't you prefer to have Secretariat out there every inning?

As my wife as noted elsewhere, my daughter has visions of attending a World Series.  Well, Mr. Beane and Co., for that to happen, you need to tap a little deeper into the vault.  The A's need a pitcher who can go toe-to-toe with Verbeast.  I get cold sweats thinking about a 5 games series vs. Verbeast or anyone for that matter.

Back to the Angels.  I am not sure if it has been the slow starts, the Weaver injuries, or just the fact that the Angle$ get paid so darn well, do the players really sweat or fret not winning?  Drive a little north and look at the Dodger$$$$$$.  It took a young, hungry, not overpaid, freaky athlete, to jump start that gazillion dollar lineup.  The Cardinals haven't missed Big Al, the Red Soz improved by subtracting, and the real good guys, the guys who brought color and flair and long hair and white shoes to baseball, well they just keep on chugging along.

No Show Killer Today!

Big Phil, looking happy and maybe even a little slimmer, looks like he is about the win another major!  The big lefty banged a big 3 wood on the 17th hole, then followed it with a magical approach on 18, and he appears on the way to winning the British Open.  Lee Westwood still has a chance, but is slowly fading away.  As he walked to the 18th tee, he was fist bumping and slapping hands with a few of the many gallery lining his walk to the box.  Phil's finish was legendary!  He played the Scottish Open to prepare for the "Open Championship" and clearly it has paid off.  I raise my glass to you Phil!

Clearly in the majors, it is tough playing with the lead. I believe a big part of the pressure is that you play last, so  you have to wait, and wait, and wait.  It seems like the place to be is in striking distance, a couple of shots back, then start feeling it on the final day!  Sport is elation and heart ache, and today, it is so evident in Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood.  Man, to be Phil, and man you just want Lee to get off the course, have an adult beverage or two, and then tee it up again in the next major.  (Lee is the guy called the best player to no win a major, a real life oxymoron!)

*Well, maybe the A's are watching and will do some ball striking of their own today!  They are really struggling to score runs, regardless of who is on the mound.  Of course, Big Bart is on the mound today, so there is a good chance the A's can get their first post All Star break win!

*While on a quick basketball trip to the Southern California the last two days (Some of you may or may not be aware I coach Men's Basketball at Reedley Community College.), I listened to parts of the Angels broadcast of the last two games.  I have got to say, the Angels radio announcers Terry Miller and Mark Langston very enjoyable, and very A's friendly.  Langston in particular, very complimentary toward the A's.

*Of particular note, Miller noted that he found that in MLB games of 2012, the team who lead after the first inning wins 70% of the time.  He also reported that in Angels game this season, before last night, the team who was ahead after the first frame was winning at 71% clip.  Very interesting data!

*I would love to see Garza in an A's uniform.  I am not sure they can pull it off, but he is a Central California guy, who could be a real ace.  One step to getting the Green and Gold over the hump!

A Bad Weave

Angels pitcher Jared Weaver proved while he is an A's killer again as he shut down the Green and Gold over 6 plus innings.  The tall, long, blond, lanky surfer dude just dominates the A's every time out.  I would hate to face the guy, from the batter's box he looks like all arms and legs!  The A's have now failed to score off the big fella in 22 consecutive innings.  Ouch.  Weaver is on my Fantasy League team so I don't feel too bad.

The game started off with a thud, as Yo Yo was scratched before the game with a sore wrist.  Oh I would have loved to have been in the room when Billy B heard that one!  Maybe it was strategic as Mr. Home Run Derby champ was exactly tearing the cover off the ball once the games began.  John Jaso didn't help things any by getting picked off first with two on, two out, and the A's first half MVP Josh Donaldson at the plate. A move like that could be considered point shaving?  

On a good note, Sonny Gray docked a little mound time last night after A.J. Griffin was knocked out.  Gray is the neck hurler in line in Oakland, and this was the second time he has faced big league hitters.  Gray will definitely be back in September, and perhaps even sooner.  

This morning the Angel$ sit 10 games behind the A's, but that is one hot streak away from being right in the mix. The Angels have 6 more games with Oakland, and 6 more games with Texas between now and August 7.  Much like 2012, the Angels started 2013 very slow.  The A's need to hold serve the next week, and then let Texas and Anaheim beat up on each other!  On the Angels radio network I heard last night the Angels are the only team in the bigs this season with two winning streaks of more than 7 games.  Keep em down Oakland, keep them down!

Flipping the remote:

*While driving to SoCal yesterday, I heard an interesting tidbit on AM radio.  From All-Star break 2012 to 2013, Tigers third basemen as put up numbers that are matched by none! With the unfortunate news that the city of Detroit has filed for bankruptcy, there has got to be a fund raiser in there somewhere!  Tigers fans do love their baseball.

*How is this for the Bucket List with kind of an Euro slant?  Attend Wimbledon and the British Open Golf Tournament in the same Summer.  Now that would be priceless!  Don't forget to get up early as Tiger was making a move Saturday!

*Well, Good Ole Bud must be pretty happy today about the standing in the MLB.  All of the races have some compelling characteristics, and even the NL East with the least tension now, could get interesting if the Phillies or Nationals get hot.  Here's hoping the Phillies fade, so the A's can swoop him up and plant him at second base!

Time For A Game, or a Trade Perhaps?

From the Get Down Lounge:

*After 3 days without a game, it's time to Play Ball!

*Chase Utley's name has popped up in more than once place.  He is a California guy, with a little pop in his bat.  The Phillies veteran would be a very interesting pickup!  Might he get the A's over the top?  I like the idea actually, and I would still like to see another flame thrower in the pen!

*The A's will open up batting practices to the masses on Friday home games, so the world can take in the Yo Yo  batting practice show!  It just so happens, that next Friday, the A's will be hosting the Angels. In fact, in the next 2 weeks, the A's and Halos play 7 times.  The A's could bury the Angles, or the Angels could get new life.  Good theater  either way.

*Lost in the pre All Star Game buzz, was just how far Josh Donaldson's 2 run homer traveled in Oakland last Sunday.  The ball was a good 30 plus feet above the center field wall.  JD absolutely crushed it

*Kool in the Gang performing at the California State Fair on Thursday, July 25 in Sacramento.  Not much better than a night of gettin down with this group!

*My daughter may be the first Portuguese person to actually be concerned with being on time!  Today she wanted to arrive to Piano Camp early.  Hum, perhaps anything IS possible!

Yo Yo captures the belt in NYC!

Finally, a little limelight for the low-budget-just-keep-out-cranking-winners Oakland Athletics.  Cespy put one a show, and quite frankly, isn't that what the Home Run Derby is about?  If you missed it there is a great story in today's Chron about the trial and tribulations of Cespedes.  So after watching him win the champion's belt, and a new Chevy truck, I have two questions:
*Does Yoenis have a driver's license?
*Can he please hit few more bombs like tonight, during the season!

I still can't believe Josh Donaldson did not make the team, and the Balfour literally had to make the team through the back door.  It just seems like no matter what this organization does, it will never be enough?  Like I have posted in a couple of other places, I just think there are too many people who are either Green or Beane with envy!  Donaldson should be in the All-Star Game, just the like the A's should be moving to San Jose. Oh well, the little green and gold train just keeps on chugging.  So come on Billy, get your team over the top!

From the Get Down Lounge:

*For the first time in my life, I was part of a foursome that actually one a Golf Tournament!  To Dave Yoda Sorenson, Jim Old Man Big Gun Mash The Ball A Mile Drop Big Puts But I Can't Chip Rogers, and Dennis
Dooley, I raise my glass.  Also to former Cal Bear and Denver Bronco Tim Lucas, for putting on a great tournament and dinner every year in Rio Vista CA!   Even though Brian Flave Flaherty was not on the course, he was there in spirit.  You would think with the win we could play a round at the British Open or AT&T at pebble or something!
*Reggie Jackson's blast in the 1971 All-Star game has just got to be the greatest All-Star moment!  If he had  hit that same blast as a Yankee, it would be shown over and over and over.  It was great for Cespedes to have his moment in and on the top of the mountain!  Keep on Keeping On Athleticos!

Feels Like Fall, With a Some Freak Action.

It has been quite and intense week for the A's as they have finished the season with a week full of playoff caliber dueling Pittsburgh and Boston.  The Green Gold are guaranteed to head into the All Start Break with no worse than a share of the American League West Lead.  After 5 intense games this week, I am sure the A's faithful are once again thinking about the postseason.

The Red Sox lineup is indeed formidable.  I really like how they stack up from the second to fifth in the lineup with Victorino, Pedroia, Big Poppy, and Napoli.  Not only can those guys all swing it, they all pose a match up nightmare as those Big 4 alternate sides of the plate with their righty lefty right lefty look.   If the lead off spot for the Red Sox gets on base, I see the offense rolling.  Pitching may be the key for this bunch, and I envision them being very active before the deadline.  We have seen over the last few days that Pedroia is one heak of a ball player, and their pen looks very good at the back end.  I would say they are in the market for a starter and a right handed power arm.  As a franchise full of legendary stories, the tale of reliever Daniel Bard is yet another.  I was fortunate to see him pitch in Fenway a couple of summers, and his arm was indeed electric.  I would rank him in the Rich Harden class.  His tale from riches to rags is indeed an interesting one.  Bard is currently laboring in Double A ball.  Man oh man a 2011 version of Bard sure would look good right about now.

Well the A's smoke and mirrors lineup keeps on keeping on.  Last night in the 3-0 over Boston, it was pitching and just enough hitting.  This is the A's formula for success, they hit it well, enough, and when they are pitching, man they are very good.  They are pretty deep, and Beane and Co., have done a creative job in  building a roster.  Adding Lowrie was a great move, as his consistent bat has really stabilized their lineup.  Donaldson has been "All-Star Worth" stellar, and the rest seem to chime in with timely hitting.  Coco has had a fine first half as well.  It will be interesting to see if Cespedes and Reddick can regain some of last summer's majic.  Cook and Doolittle have struggled a bit of late, but those two guys are still pretty good in the back end of the pen.  I can envision the A's adding another reliever between now and the trading deadline.  If they have a stumbling block, it might be their defense, as they do seem to kick the ball around the yard.  It looks like another exciting fall in the O.Co.

Grant Balfour should somehow be at the All-Star game tomorrow.  It would be a travesty for him and the A's if he is not somehow put on the team.  The A's were thrown a bone with Cespedes being added to the home run hitting contest.  They also have two minor leaguers in the Futures Game.  Shortstop Addison Russell and pitcher Michael Ynoa will get a taste of action against other top minor leaguers.  Even thought the A's got a pretty crappy deal--especially Donaldson--there will some excitement for A's fans during All-Star week.

From the Get Down Lounge:

*Timmy Time!  Just when it looked like it he was down for the count, the Freak bounces back with the no no in San Diego. He put his name in the books man style by tossing 148 pitches.  Now that was a very old school way to put his name in the record books.  Now things get very interesting for the Freak and the Gigantes.  With his free agency looming, and a no hitter recently behind him, do you sign him, or trade him?

*Red Sox nation does travel well, but when the Giants play in San Diego, it is like a home game for the Black and Orange!

*The A's have given rookies Sonny Gray and Grant Green a look here of late, but I have a feeling they will adding a player or two here soon!  A healthy Bret Anderson could provide a real boost down the stretch, but I just have a feeling Beane is going to go for it with a splash in the next week or tw!

Here comes Sonny!

Well, well, well, this is a most interesting week in A's land!  Last night it was another, tight 2-1 over the Pirates.  Starting pitcher Dan Straily was stellar, while Brandon Mossy Moss launched the decisive 2-run homer.   The game started after a rain delay, sort of, as it never actually rain.  For the team that features a little bit of everything, that delay only seemed appropriate.  As I mentioned earlier, when we saw Strailey pitch a couple of weeks ago, and he was not impressive.  However, last night he was mixing in some sort of breaking pitch, and it was extremely effective.  The Balfour/Cook/Doolittle regained their early season form, and today the A's will look for the sweep.

So here comes Sonny Gray from Sacramento, the A's top rated pitching prospect.  Gray has been extremely effective logging a sub 3.0 era in the hitting friendly Pacific Coast League.  Fangraphs have an excellent piece on Gray, essentially noting that he is one player who could be very good, but one who is void of all the hype.  (Fangraphs an interesting site, if you like stats, you want to give that site a look!) While Sonny days are hear, is there gloom around the corner?  The Biogenisis Case appears to be coming to a head, and Colon' name keeps appearing?  The real question at this points appears to be has Colon already been punished?  Or is this a new case?  The arrival of Gray provides lots of intrigue.  There is some thought out there that Gray would be a better reliever in the bigs.  Could the A's simply be looking to see if Gray could help them in the pen?  Here comes Gray, and here come the mighty Red Sox, with the best record in the AL.  From where I sit, if they wanted to ease Gray in, they would have not picked the series with the Sox.  Maybe there is or are some trades brewing in Beane and Co.'s office, but either way, something is brewing!

Flipping the Remote:

*Yesterday, (Tuesday July 9th) my favorite talk show host, KNBR 680's Gary Radnich, gave me a big boost of street cred when they read my trade proposal over the air.  My suggestion:  Jemile Weeks for Marco Scutaro. Giants would get an NL type of player, who is quick and young.  A's would get a veteran stick, who could also play shortstop in a pinch. A win-win scenario, naturally!  Any assistant General Manager positions out there?
*Oh man, the Giants are torture for their fans.  They should be sellers at the deadline, then use their cash in the off season to haul in as many electric arms as possible.  The 20 million dollar question, what will become of Timmy Lincecum?
*The Diamondbacks have left the door wide open for the Dodger$.  They will just keep adding players as the deadline draws nearer.  Arizona had better put all of their chips on the table, and in a hurry!  I am starting to see lots of Dodger hats out their on the street.
*Just when it looked like the Angels might be making a move, they have stumbled a bit.  Wow, still hard to believe.
*White Sox outfielder Alex Rios went 4 for 4 last night against A's Playoff Killer Justin Verlander.  Rios has had a roller coaster career, but if he can hit Verlander, he might be great coming off the bench.  Man I do not want the A's to have to play the Tigers and Verlander ever again in a playoff series.
*The Rangers are right there with the A's, in fact, the Rangers might be the most under the radar team who is playing great ball.
*Finally, the A's get a little love, finally, with Yo Yo Yoenis Cespedes being chosen to participate in the Home Run Derby.  The honor is great for Yo Yo, and he will be swinging from his pancreas.  Balfour will end up in the all-star game too, taking Colon's spot.  The real injustice is that Josh Donaldson will be be at home during the All Star break, he should be in NYC!
*How about Arnie in the stands last night in Pittsburgh?  I would have love to see him sipping on an Arnold Palmer of course!
**Great article on the A's by Yahoo's Tim Brown. (I love the name Tim Brown, actually I wanted to name our son Timmy Brown, but I couldn't get it past the committee.  At the time the name came from former Irish and Raider receiver, but clearly other parents liked the ring of the name too!)  Mr. Brown captured the essence of the A's, the O.Co, the fans, and the players!  Well done Timmy B!

Coco Saves the Day

Can I just, for Mid-July, this is a pretty exciting week.  First a showdown with the new and improved Bucos, and then, the Nation comes to town.  Great Drama.  Essentially A's fans, the final games pre all star break will feature the teams with the best records in the American League.  Good times, good times!  However,  before they get return home, there will two more playoff type intensity games in Pittsburgh.  Poetic Justice would clearly rule the day, if the A's entered the break with the best record in all the bigs.

*Coco's catch last night in the gap, all stick shift baby, that was clutch.
*Just another ho hum save for Balfour.  I think he walks off the distance in all of the parks, because he sure know hot to serve 'em up warning track style.  Last night again, a possible late inning homer dies on the warning track.   Maybe he has magical powers, ooh.
*Now that the A's have brought up Grant Green, are there more moves in the hopper?  Another athletic shortstop perhaps?
*Hey Gigos, man last night was torture.  How about this trade--Scutaro for Jemile Weeks.  A's get a hitter, Giants would get an NL type of player, athletic with gap power.  Just an idea, but I still feel the A's should give the black bearded one Brian Wilson a looksie.  Can you imagine next season, the Bay Bridge Series, Wilson pitching to Panda and Posey, I am trying to tell you!  Maybe the Giants should  "Pay it Forward" and negotiate a deal for the A's to move to San Jose.

Going Green

The A's week will have them taking two of the top teams in baseball, the Pirates and the Red Sox.  Yes you read that correctly, the Pittsburgh Pirates.  I have to admit, I am getting amped for the Sox visiting the O.Co for 3 games this weekend.  If all goes well, it is possible the A's could enter the All Star Break with the best record in baseball.  Man would I love to see that--especially with their one all star rip off!

Tonight in Pittsburgh, all indications are that rookie Grant Green will be starting at second base.  The book on Green is that he can swing the bat, it's his glove work that his issues.  Drafted out of USC as a shortstop, the A's have tried him all over the infield, and even the outfield.  When I have seen Green in person, what has impressed me most is his athletic frame.  He is tall, long, and lean.  With Adam Rosales, really, and I mean really struggling, the opportunity door for Green has swung wide open.  The A's have not yet made the move official.  They could designate Rosales for assignment, or possibly send a pitcher down with an off day Thursday, and the All Star Game break next week.

If Green give the A's a spark with the bat, that could be a major boost.  They still need a another power in the pen.  This will be quite a week for the Green and Gold.

Even though when I think of Pittsburgh, I think of that bleepity beep Immaculate Reception, it is great to see the Pirates playing so well.  If you are over 40, you might remember when the Pirates had big Willy Stargell and the "We Are Family" gang.  In fact, arent't the Pirates and maybe even the Steelers, the first pro teams to start the towell waving craze?  Is the next 3 days a World Series Preview?

Flipping the Remote:

*It was great the way responded with 10 runs after the All Star snubbing!  Eric Sogard went deep for the first time this season--maybe he was tipped off Green was on the way!
*The Men's Final at Wimbledon was a surreal scene yesterday.  Britain's own Andy Murray had the crowd totally behind him.  I had never witnessed such a home court advantage in tennis.  I would love to know what Novak Djokovich really thought of that experience.  Talk about playing the villain--that had to be extremely tough for Novak, and incredibly inspiring for Murray.  I have to give the my spouse credit for pointing out Murray looks slimmer.  Murray appears on a level athletic plane with Novak and Nidal.  I envision an outstanding and compelling U.S. Open. (Psst, which the wife and I will be attending.)
*Speaking of the spouse, all the hours of sports radio and sports television may be catching up with her. As we are listening on the radio yesterday, when the Dodgers took the lead against the Giants in the 9th yesterday, she did a fist pump, in the car.  Pretty impressive, a little scary, but impressive!

The Raging A's

Wow.  I haven't felt this much rage this the first time I saw the Tuck play with my own eyes.  This morning, July 6, the A's are one of only 5 teams with more than 50 wins, yet only one, 1, o n e, player was chosen to the All-Star team.  Congratulations to Bartolo (Jaba the Hut) Colon who has a had a great first half of the season.  Colon's teammates Josh Donaldson and Grant Balfour should be joining him--and if not both of them, at least one!  How Balfour did not make, after converting 22 of 22 Save opportunities is a real mystery, and quite frankly, a bogus decision.

(Now there is a real possibility that if Colon pitches Sunday, he won't be eligible to pitch in the All Star Game.  In that scenario, Balfour could theoretically replace Colon.  Oh great, so one A's player, again, can actually play.  I would love to see Bartolo and the A's simply boycott the classic.   Why not?)

It starts with AL Manager Jim Leyland.  He was nice of to choose 5 of his own Tigers.  Might as well bring the whole team.  A sixth, Miquel Cabrera was voted in by the fans.  You would have thought the Tigers won the World Series with so many All-Stars!  Perhaps getting swept in the Fall Classic causes long-term traumatic issues.  You would think would have a better system in place to choose their team, but this is Bud Selig's league after all!

Then, there is the write in candidate.  For the AL, the choice is among 5 relievers, and not one of them is named Grant Balfour.  You would think the write in ballot might include Evan Longoria, or Adrian Beltre, or Josh Donaldson.  Nope.  Here are the names:  Steve Delabar, David Robertson, Koji Uehara, Tanner Scheppers, Juaquin Benoit.  No Mr. 22 for 22 here either.  What a farce!

I just get the feeling Green Envy (or perhaps Beane Envy) is spreading throughout MLB.  The A's just keep winning.  It makes you think Bud's boys don't want the A's in San Jose because they know Beane and the A's would be very good year after year after year.

(Speaking of Moneyball, for a little fun, check out the website Baseball Reference.Com.  A common sybermetric tool is WAR, or Wins Above Replacement.  Look for Josh Donaldson, you will find his name just about everywhere!)

I posted yesterday that the A's played like crap in their 4-3 loss to the Royals, the O.Co had an issue with sewer flooding the locker rooms, the entire San Jose/MLB/Antitrust/SF Oger Giants issues, and then this All Star Game matter, that is a whole lot of crap in Oakland!

Flipping the Remote:

*Djokovic and Murray in the midst of an epic match.  Having the Englishman in the final, sure gives the crowd an extra jolt of electricity!
*Congratulations to Ladies Champion Marion Bertoli.  She is actually quite a story--here is one nugget, her dad, who taught her how to play, well, literally got the boot by Bertoli.  There is quite a story to be written in Bertoli!
*The Giants and Dodgers play an interesting game this afternoon.  Although it is still very early in the season, this particular game might be a real momentum swing for one of these two teams.  Beware of the Dodgers, they are smelling snake blood.  They just went and traded for Ricky Nolasco of the Marlins, and I am sure the $$ will keep rolling in LA!
*Puig not in the All-Star game either, my money says he gets voted in by the fans--hey someone got this right by putting Puig on the ballot.
*The Angels have heated up and are lurking at 8.5 games back in the AL West.  They scored 4 in the 9th, then won in extras last night against the Red Sox.  I envision the Angels spending some dough on pitching here in the next couple of weeks! Their game with Boston today could also be a bit of a momentum swing.
*Despicable Me 2 a great family movie--hilarious and a decent moral.  
*The plane crash landing in San Francisco yesterday just terrible.  Our thoughts and prayers to all persons and their families!

Finally to River City, and Breakfast in Wimbledon

Well, last Friday we took in a River Cats game in Sacramento.  I thought that Sonny Gray was pitching, so I decided to spend a little cash, and get us good seats behind he plate.  The River Cats have seats which give you a little more room--counter space to be exact.  The are called the Raley's Diamond Club seats.  They looked like the seats that newspaper writers would use back in the day, with long counters.  They were actually very nice, a little pricey for AAA, but a nice treat none the less.

I really, really wanted to see Gray, as he is having a solid season, and appears headed to A's starting rotation in the near future.  Well, as fate would have it, he actually pitched the night before!  The curve ball to my plans did take an interesting break, as on this night Dan Strailey would take the hill for the River Cats.  My interest had been rekindled.  I was curious what it would look like to watch Strailey from behind the plats.  Simply, I was not impressed at all.  There wasn't much sizzle or movement on his pitches--in fact on this night, the Reno Aces (Diamondbacks) would knock him around pretty good.  His line for the evening stood at 6 ip's., 6 runs, 2 earned runs, 9 hits and 6 strikeouts.   OK I guess, but not what you would expect for a guy who was in recently in the A's rotation until a scheduling quirk had him make a start in Sacramento.  I would love to talk with Strailey, because on the 4th, he was very effective against the Cubs, allowing only a single hit in one inning.  I have to surmise that when he was in Sac on that hot June evening, he was working on his offspeed pitches.  Strailey draws those loveable and top-of-the world Pirates on Monday, thus I will be very curios how he follows up his one-hit performance from the 4th.

On this night, the Heat was very un Sacramento-like, as the cooling Delta Breezes were missing.  Maybe the players were a little wilty too, because really there wasn't a player who stuck out in a good way, but here were some general observations:

*Hiro Nakijima looks like a knock-off version of Jed Lowrie.  He looks like a decent hitter with good hands at short, but not a lot of speed and not a lot of range.
*Michael Taylor needs a body language makeover.  He lumbers, at the plate and in the field.  He could use a pep-in-the-step retreat with Adam Rosales.  Taylor has struggled in his brief appearances in the Show, but I believe he has a chance to be a late-bloomer, like Brandon Moss.  It will probably happen with another club, but please Big Mike, put a little bounce in your step!
*Grant Green.  Lean and long, I wonder if he can be a first basemen?  His glove keeps holding him back, but every time I see him, I just marvel in how athletic and long he looks--he should have played basketball.
*Jemile Weeks.  What a trip his story is--he essentially move steady Mark Ellis out, then has proceeded to slowly fade away.  I remember hearing an interview with him where he remarked he would be back to the bigs in a big way, but still believe he must have said something to Beane and Co.?  There is story around Weeks somewhere.
*The Aces closer, Kevin Munson, on this night, his ball was really moving
* I fondly recall the time I watched Rich Harden pitch for the River Cats in Fresno years ago.  Man his arm defined electric!  You could literally hear the laces humming when he pitched!  I loved Harden, and envisioned a game where he struck out 27 in a row.  He is the bar I use for all pitchers to follow.  So where ever you are Rich, you were my favorite!
*Raley's Field is overall a very nice venue.  It is very similar in style to the Grizzlies Park in Fresno.  What these parks don't quite capture is the old school charm of baseball.....again, they are really nice little venues, but to me they are missing that little something.  The fireworks show by the way, AAA plus!
*The best $13 spend was one of those spray bottles with the fans.  My son loved it, and so did everybody else he came in contact with.  Hey single guys out there, if you want to meet the ladies, buy one of those spray bottle fan gizmos.  (I am not sure if have a cute little one doing the spraying will help, but I am thinking it might!)

To the Grass Area

Taking in a Wimbledon Final now moving up on my Bucket List.  I didn't quite make it at 6 a.m., today, but I did wake by 7 a.m. to catch the second set.  The true emotion shared by Ladies finalists Marion Bartoli and Sabine Lisicki was truly remarkable.  Lisicki had played Giant Killer the past two weeks, and at one point after missing her serve, she started to cry.  She held it back, barely, sort of, but man, you could feel her sensing her moment in the sun just slipping away--for today anyway.  Anyone who has ever been close to a dream, and have it slip away, well, you can relate.  On the other side, Bartoli too showed great emotion.  After losing 3 match points, her cushy 5-1 lead in the second set was trimmed to an not-so-comfortable 5-3 lead.  Putting a great opponent away, one of the most difficult and under appreciated tasks of being a champion.  There is point, when a worthy opponent literally just throws haymaker after haymaker.  If to many land--like the Heat in Game 6--momentum can drastically swing, and Championships slip so heart-ripped-out through the throat style.

When it was finally over, the first time Grand Slam Champion was all class.  She was class the way she responded to her family and friends, and she was classy the way she treated Lisicki.  Bartoli cherished, shared, and appreciated the moment.  Perhaps it was her finest moment ever?!  It was brutal for Lisicki to have to sit through the awards ceremony, and she always seemed just a breath away from losing it.  Chris Evert is very insightful as an analyst, especially on what it takes and feels like to be a Champion.  I do not feel however she captured the essence of the person in the #2 chair.  NBC, I will make myself available next summer!  Wimbledon can be a tad stuffy, but some of that tradition really cool.  I may have to put attending a Wimbledon Final on my bucket list.  Donations will be accepted!

So, you want to wake up early tomorrow morning, and catch the Men's Final.  One of greatest players ever, Novak Djokovic, will be dueling the local guy, Andy Murray.  When it comes to tennis on TV, it is OK to be like Dodger fan and tune in a third of the way through!

To Bartoli and Lisicki I raise my glass to you!

Midwest Visitors in the O.Co

Happy Fourth of July!  (I am sure of you all are taking in a little Wimbledon correct?)

Well twice this past week we have visited the O.Co, and twice excellent pitchers really killed the mood!  Last Saturday, in the middle of our Man Style, A's Triple Play Weekend, it was Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainright shutting down the Athletics.  Last night, it was the Cubs Matt Garza baffling the Green and Gold.  (Garza is from CenCal  by the way, he was born in Selma, which is right up the road from my home of Reedley;  he also was a Bulldog at Fresno State.)  So here are some observations and even a wish list.

Rant #1:  The A's need an ace.  Garza would be great!  They are so close, but getting over the top, now that is another story.  Garza and Wainright were masterful in their ability to change speeds.  Both reached 93 on the O.Co gun, both dipped down to around 70 mph, and both featured an arsenal that included pitches 83-85.  By the body language when they became irked, they reached back an brought the 94-95 heat!  In the playoffs last fall, Detroit's Max Sherzer was similarly masterful.  Billy B, work your magic!  Cubs closer Kevin Gregg looked very good last night as well--I am just saying Billy, if he is available!  So there you go Billy, an ace, a power arm reliever, and maybe one more bat, any you Mr. Moneyball will when that final game of the season!

Rant #2:  The West Coast Cubs and Cardinals fans are pretty cool.  They root for their teams, the sport their colors, but they are cool and fun.  I did not witness any obnoxious types.  However, at the end of the Cardinal game, with two outs in the 9th, the Redbird faithful started to clap and rose to their feet.  It was a tad annoying, but understandable, there were 2 outs after all.  Well the A's faithful, despite being down 7-1 started the "Let's go Oakland" chant.  Classic.  For what it is worth, I have to say the West Coast Cardinal Gal fans, in general a rather cute bunch.  Hey, it was a Man trip overall.

Well, have a great day, it is like Christmas day for the son as he is obsessed with his firework stash!  I have to say, and you baseball fans take note--if you have kids, the firework shows at the O.Co after A's games solid.  Thirty minutes or so of booming and color.  Good times.

(Fabine Lisicki just won her semi-final match--she has made a positive impression on me.  She smiles a lot, I like that, and just seems like a real, well raised gal, the kind of young lady you would like your daughter to be.  So today, I raise the glass to her parents!)  I also raise the glass to all of you Americans near and far today.  Have a great, festive, colorful, baseball, and barbecuing and apple pie eating kind of day!  Later today group is also off to see Despicable Me 2.  Happy Fourth everybody!

San Jose baseball, Giants style (for now!)

Our last A's Triple Play game featured the Class A Stockton Ports battling the San Jose Giants.  For the record, can I say, the weather was just beautiful in San Jose, in case anyone was wondering, or perhaps even wanted to move Major League Team there.  The SJ Giants home sits adjacent to the sport fields for San Jose State.  This brought back memories of years ago,when my father had taken us to Spartan Stadium to watch Santa Clara play SJSU.  The Spartans rolled that day.  Years later I would return to watch one of the greatest football games of all time as the Spartans rallied late to beat Kevin Sweeney led Fresno State 45-41.  Spartan QB Mike Perez threw for two touchdowns in the games final minute to secure the win.  I do  believe Spartan faithful were singing the phrase "It ain't over, 'till we say it's over!"  Those teams played some great games back then, and I would love to see that old rivalry rekindled!

Back to 2013, well, part of making the trip to San Jose was to check out the Ports, and their young hot prospect Addison Russell. On this night it was pretty much all Giants, but the kid did look O.K.  Russell sure looks young, and he is, 19, but he did flash some athletic ability.  Whether he will be in the A's staring shortstop someday in San Jose, er I mean Oakland is yet to be seen.  A young Cal Poly Alum Bobby Crocker had a nice double, and pitcher Jonathan Joseph was impressive pitching the eighth inning.  Unlike their parent club 30 minutes up the 101, these Giants can hit, really hit!  Speaking of Cal Poly, SLO that is, is just seems to me, alumni of that school are smart, AND have personality!

This game started at 6, so by the time the game rolled around, well, we had seen more than one curve.  Municipal stadium had a variety of food and beers.   The boy scarfed down the double plain cheeseburger, and the wings I had were delicious.  The wing guy reheated my monster wings, and they were good.  They also have barbecue turkey legs that would make the Flinstones (and the Dinuba Oliver family) quite proud!
The staff was great--old school friendly and helpful.  Only because of the heat (wink wink) we ate backwards naturally, starting with a yogurt cone and sprinkles.  A toast to the food and staff!

Well, the night in SJ concluded with a Firework Show.  With my son, fireworks is always a winner.  Before the show, there was a tennis ball throw on the field to win prizes.  We gave the throw a go, but couldn't land a prize.  It was worth the $5 however!  After a short wait, it was time for goods.  For a minute there, I thought it was the Fourth of July!  The Giants put on a nice little show, and it was a great way to end our 3 games in 28 hours.

For you old schoolers, or those of you who like to reminisce, take in a ballgame in Visalia some time.  The seats there are as close as any you will find in a professional park.   I recommend seats right behind home plate! The Rawhide play there, and they are the Single A team of the Diamondbacks.  I recently completed an article on the team and the park in the June/July edition of Traffic magazine (www.mytrafficmag.com).  There is charm about Single A games that make for a old fashioned evening!

On the ride home, my never-sleep-in-the-car-son, who is a cross between Ray Romano on Everybody loves Raymond, and Sheldon from Big Bang Theory, was knocked out!  I figure next year, maybe we will try the A's and Giants in the same day!

A's Triple Play Man Style Weekend in Review

A quick little recap of the ideally something "he-will-always-remember weekend" with my 8 year old son.  

*Friday Night in Sacramento to take in the Sacramento River Cats, the A's AAA affiliate, and the Reno Aces,  (Diamondbacks).

*Saturday afternoon we were in Oakland to see the Cardinals, first pitch was at 1:07.  I won't mention the morning with my parents, but it was scary and hilarious at the same time!

*Saturday, evening, we drove down the 880 to catch Fireworks, and a little A ball, as the A's farm team the Stockton Ports, were visiting the San Jose/San Francisco Giants.  

**Sunday, the Man of Steel movie.  With big bro in toe, we were off to the show!

One little tradition I have started in our house is to eat backwards (I have enjoyed this style of food consumption for a long time), you know, dessert first.  Well, allow me to share  a serving of the tidbits from my son's and my Man Style Weekend.

The Grand Final of the weekend was yesterday, June 30, when we ventures inside out of the 100 plus degree heat to take in the Man of Steel.  Now I have go to tell you, the Big Fella in Blue, previously not one of my favorites.  In fact, the old cartoon with the Super Friends probably my favorite SM edition prior to yesterday.

On the way to the theatre in downtown Lodi, we literally stepped into the path of race, a cycling race.  Here it is upwards of 100 degrees outside, and here come these cyclists flying around the corner.  Crazy.  I had never seen a race this close.  This excitement hors d'oeuvre set the the tone for Man of Steel!

This comes as know surprise that I was not aware of SM's childhood issues.  Thus, the beginning of the movie a little hazy.  That, and my son and I were seriously chowing down the popcorn, so perhaps I missed something early?  Anyway this is where the movie begins to ooze with coolness.  Russel Crowe plays SM's dad, and I may say, that casting was just nails.  Then on earth, in Kansas, which is next to "Build it and he will come Iowa", Kevin "Perfect Game" Costner is SM's surrogate father.  Oh it gets better.  As you can tell I raise my glass to the casting department for the they were just spot on with the characters.  I don't want to give too much away, however I will share with you that Amy Adams plays the role of the how-can-you-not like Lois Lane.  (If you haven't seen Leap Year, or Trouble with Curve, or Julia Julia, trust me here, take a gander!)  It is common knowledge that AA digs me by the way, so instantly SM attains some real get-down lounge kind of cred.  There is more, Diane "I have the best grin and am filled with moxy from head to toe" Lane plays SM's mom on earth.  Point, set, match.  Even the dog is cool is this movie!

Henry Cavill rocks the screen as Clark Kent.  It was very, very refreshing to see a super hero mix in restraint, good deeds, and of course a little humor.  I still think he could loose the red cape, but his new suit was very man-style impressive.  

Trust me, just go see it.  There is a lot of crashing and smashing, you know, guy style, and a few swears, but overall, I would say it is midrange kid friendly.  Just go see it.

This was a 60-60 day, as both my sister-in-law and brother hit the senior mark--saved us a few bucks getting in!  They were great company, and purchasing the free refill popcorn a great veteran move on their part.  If you are ever in Lodi, and have the slightest interest in trains, there is a great little diner called the Oxbow.  My boy loved the decor of the place, absolutely loved it!  After 3 baseball games in 24 hours where the team we went to see got smashed, The Man of Steel went Bash Brothers style and launched one out of the park!

Well, here is to your next "Man-Style Trip."