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!