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!