Tigers Save Best For Last, and My Bucket List!

A Friday Evening, EST, in the Get Down Lounge (Part 1)

*Well good old Torii Hunter who has been a real pain in the A's backside the majority of his career, did it again yesterday in grandiose style with a 3-run bottom of the ninth walkoff!  Hunter's walkoff provided the Tigers with a stunning come from behind 7-6 win over the A's.  The A's even managed to score some run off of Max Sherzur, and appeared sweep bound, until the Tigers scored 4 in the bottom of the ninth.  Winning 3 out of 4 was a great accomplishment any way you look at things, but man oh man, yesterday afternoon's loss was a heart breaker!  Ironically, Balfour has had a fair share of batted balls this season die on the warning track, so perhaps this just even things out.  Something about the excitable Australian worries me when he enters the game with a "comfortable" lead.  Brandon Moss and Jed Lowrie both homered in the loss.  Detroit just always seems so very capable of the big inning, AARGH!  Lefty reliever Jerry Blevins, who has been struggling of late, also gave a long ball to Prince Fielder.

**Well, the rest of my blog seemed to have vanished.  I will serve up a second serve here shortly.

We are back.....I am having very, very, very, frustrating technical issues this afternoon and evening!
*Last year I was able to cross out two items from my Bucket List.  The first was to take in a live concert, of that funkalicious party band Kool and the Gang.  In all honesty, the group live was far more entertaining that I had imagined.  Literally hanging out with those guys is a "Celebration."  Another item was to attend the U.S. Open Golf Tournament.  In 2012, this took place that Olympic Club in San Francisco.  Again, I had an absolute blast.  On this day, Tiger, Phil, and Bubba Watson were all playing together.  In fact, as I waited with anticipation to see this trio for the first time, well Phil's drive goes into the trees.  After a couple of minutes he walked back to the tee to hit again, his ball was lost!  Surreal.  Then here comes Tiger, and man he was intimidating!  Tiger looked more like a NFL linebacker than a professional golfer.  I had an absolute blast that day at the open, and I hope to attend an golf major again.  Someday I plan to chronicle my entire day!

*Here we are in 2013 and it's the U.S. Open yet again, but this time it's New York City and the event is the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament.  I always wanted to attend to an evening match, so that will have to wait until next time.  So today, it was what is called a "grounds pass" which means admittance to all courts except for the monstrous Arthur Ashe Stadium.  (In my opinion, Ashe' story should also be chronicled into a movie.  Ashe not only a champion, but a champion of a man.)  The highlight of today was sitting in the second row on Court 17.  My wife and I were there while #9th ranked Jelena Jankovich battled Kurumi Nara.  I also was able to see one of favorite women's tennis player Italian Francesca Schiavone up close play a little doubles, and then have her walk right by me!  I would have loved to see Roger Federer, the Williams Sisters, and of course Portuguese player Michelle De Brito.  I did see Chris Evert, which was very cool.

*I what discovered today was that the open is part carnival, part athletic event.  There is plenty of tennis, various tennis products, and all kinds of food and beverage.  Included in the beverages is just about every type of adult beverage you could think of, including champagne!  Now wonder this event is so festive, and the evening sessions increasingly rowdy.  I was amazed at the amount of people, and the carnival like atmosphere.  I was also pretty amazed at just how hard both ladies and men knock the ball around!  Did i mention the humidty?  My mild California born and bred self was wilting.  The weather provided me with a true appreciation for just how much these athletes really push their bodies.  The hard courts, the pounding, the travel, the heat, I raise my glass to the pros today!  I would like to return to this event again, but much like golf, I wouldn't mind taking in another major tennis tournament if the situation presents itself.

*I came across a pair of great sport aficionados from the great city of Philadelphia.  While waiting in line in from of this esteemed pair, I was treated to stories of the great Philly sports scene.  Heck, I may even become a Flyer fan, and now I look forward to the day when the Phillies and A's meet in the World Series.  I am sure this makes my boyhood friend and Philly Fanatic, Ron Blade pretty happy too.

*Well, you know your life has changed some when two of the first places you visit in the Big Apple are the Lego store and the American Girl Doll Store.  Yep.  I have to share with you though, that the NBA Store is hip and groovy.  If you like hoop, especially of the NBA variety, you have got to check that place out-in fact, I may need to retrace my steps.  Lots of great Steph Curry items!  I may have failed to mention my classic blunder this trip.  My bag with most of my clothes, well, it's still home!

*Talk about a small world, it was great to see a Delta Wine, Bogle Vineyards from Clarksburg just outside of Sacramento, prominently displayed in an NYC restaurant!  (I grew up in the Sacramento town of Isleton for those of you who weren't aware.)

*Next up, attending a Triple Crown Horse Race, anybody in?

*This Eastern Time Zone kind of interesting.  A's game started at 10 p.m. NYC time.  That's a little different.

*Finally note to self: while red eye flights easy on the wallet, they are a killer on the sleep patterns.

Holy Toledo!

From the Get Down Lounge.....

*Wow, so the A's just landed another haymaker!  Even the staunchest of die hard fans would never have imagined the Green and Gold taking 3 in a row from the mighty Tigers.  After the 14-4 win last night--and there is no typo in the score--can the A's complete the quadfecta?  This team was scuffling big time coming into the motor city, and now, man has the worm turned! This morning (10 a.m. PST) the A's will try to finish off the "improbable" by taking 4 in a row from the defending American League Champs.  Today it's the Thursday afternoon special with Max Shurzer facing Bartolo Colon.  You know if the A's can just squeeze another 6 weeks out of Bartolo's right arm.....and Cespedes can catch a little fire here soon....find another arm Billy, find another arm!  (Javier Lopez?)

*Baseball has so many story lines and subplots, but come on now, Daric "Mr. Walk" Barton and Kurt "I can block any ball in the dirt like none other but hitting a fastball another story" Suzuki both in the starting lineup as the A's amassed 21--that' correct--21 hits!  Oh Nellie the thrill of victory!  Ironically, on a night when the A's were on fire at the plate, their hottest hitter, Mr. Crisp, went 0-fer.  Head shaking.  Incredulous.

*Now might be a good time for Billy B. to reward the core group of players who have made the last two seasons so entertaining.  Start with Mr. Perseverance, Brandon Moss.  Moss went yard twice last night for a grand total of 24 this season.  I would reward Moss, Donaldson, Crisp, Balfour, Parker, and Cook to start with.  They have been the core group that just keep going and going and going.

*Manager BoMel's lineup last night simply his best.  No Young or Smith, and Callapso was at the DH.  BoMel also has moved Donaldson up to the two hole.  I hope he stays with the same formula.  Big Nate can platoon with Barton, while Zuke and Vogt can share the catching duties.  Here is the lineup from las night:  Crisp, Donaldson, Lawrie, Moss (After the game on Comcast he actually said he "love" hitting cleanup.)Yo Yo, Barton, Big Al, Soggie, and Zuke.   Keep running it out there BoMel!  Callapso has been solid at the plate, but any ball hit his way is an adventure.  Speaking of Zuke, perhaps, just perhaps, he gives the guys on hill just that extra bit of confidence to throw anything and everything to the plate.  Maybe that extra bit of confidence plays a significant.  Tommy Malone and Dan Strailey looked pretty good the last two nights, and may have a little something to do with a guy who I know you can tell I love his name too:  Suzuki!
(Sa-ZOOK-E;  now say it loud and fast!  Again..and again.....)

*With Brett Anderson back, it's like the old band is back together--the new and improved band!  How good could this team be if John Jaso comes back in the next couple of weeks?

*By the way, tomorrow night at the O.Co, it's Jarod "Popeye" Parker versus the Rays ace David Parker. Parker has an 8-0 record in his last 16 starts.  It is also another firework night--so mom, dad, the kiddies love the show after the game.  One helpful hint:  save a few snacks, the fireworks don't begin until about 30 minutes after the last pitch.  Save one food snack--an ace in the hole so to speak!

*A's radio announcer Ken Korach has written a book "Holy Toledo" about the one-of-a-kind legendary announcer Bill King.  I always thought King was the best calling Warrior games, but man, he seemed to capture the essence of the Raiders with such flair and style.  When he and Lon Simmons were doing A's games together, now that was good radio.  To Bill King, I raise my glass.

*Speaking of King, Martin Luther King that is, I caught a great bit Keith Olberman on the network last night.  Olberrman was telling a story of his father, and the significance of Dr. King's "I have a Dream" speech.  Olberman's father shared memories with his son of watching Satchel Paige pitch in the Negro League for the New York Black Sox.  Olberman's father recalled how at the time, back in the early 1940's, it never occurred to the senior Olberman that Satch might want to pitch for the New York White Yankees.  It was a real moving and compelling piece.  I have always felt, that sports is one arena, where color really doesn't matter, and where people of all races come together, sit together, eat and drink together, boo together, cry together, and ideally roar together!  Now I grew up primarily attending sporting events in the Bay Area, so the crowds were always pretty diverse as far as I can remember, at least the professional crowds.  The color of a person's skin never mattered to me, heck we just wanted our guys to win--Reggie, Canseco, Joe Rudi, Eck, Vida, Catfish, Campy,  Cespedes, just win baby, just win.  (Perhaps I should thank my parents and Dr. King!) Hard to imagine that it has only been 60 odd years since baseball was integrated.  As Bill King would say, "Crazy,just plain Crazy."  So to Dr. King, and to the Keith Oberman and his father, I too raise my glass to you!

*Tomorrow, we talk about Bucket Lists--and well, let's just say I might be spinning a slicing a couple your way!

Let it Rain, Let It Rain!

Confidence.  In my humble opinion, that is what the A's gained last night in there 6-3 win over the Tigers, CON-FI-DENCE!  The Green and Gold finally were able to overcome Nemesis #1 in beating the Tigers and Justin Verlander. If they face the Vearbeast again, it will be in the post season, and there is nothing greater for the psyche of an athlete, than to know they can be their opponent.  Even Mother Nature kicked in as the game was called after 6 innings due to rain.  Is this a sign from above?  A win like last night's, coupled with plenty of video of Big Nate Freiman's tuck and roll at home plate on Monday, now that builds team chemistry!  Big wins on the road, where teammates can enjoy the spoils of winning, that is what brings a group of men together.

I still have this feeling that as I write, Beane and Co. are trying to pull off one more piece to the Athletics puzzle.  That piece would be a power-armed reliever, or a starter.  If they can not pull of a reliever, here is my "suggestion":

**Make a play for former Athletic Dan Haren;  move Anderson into the rotation, and move Sonny Gray back into the pen.  My postseason rotation would be Parker, Anderson, Haren.  Tommy Milone, AJ Griffin, and even Dan Strailey are all solid number 4 or number 5 starer types.  They keep you in most games, they pitch some great games, but they will get lit up too.  Big Bart has been great, but I just don't know how much he has left in the tank.  I really like Sonny Gray,  however, I would protect his innings by moving him to the pen. Additionally, Gray look comfortable pitching in the pen a month ago when he first was on the hill facing major league hitters.  Parker, Anderson, and Haren, that is my model.  When one looks back at the Giants of 2010 and 2012, to me it was starting pitching that made the difference.  In 2010 it was Timmy, Cain, and Madison;  in 2012 it was Cain, Bumgarnrer, and Vogelsong, with a little Zito-Zen magic, and then Timmy in the pen.  The A's and Giants are similar, not the same, but similar.....however it is the starting pitching where the A's need an ever-so-slight upgrade.  It would not hurt if Cespedes started hitting more like Reggie and less like Dave Kingman!

With a night game this evening (Wednesday), followed by a day game tomorrow, this could be a pretty important little 24 hour window.  Two losses, and yikes!  Two wins however, and this group could be sky high rolling into the showdowns with the Rays and Rangers.  The A's will take a par, or a split, but man would a sweep by grand.  In the matinee Thursday, the A's will be facing Cy Young contender, Max Shurzer.  Mad Max is 19-1 and has an sizzling--yet brittle--right arm.  The joys of being in a pennant race.
(In case you were wondering, I did that name Max Shurzer, he just sounds like a guy who can bring the heat, you know, a real Man Cave or Get Down Lounge type of guy!)

It's CRUNCH Time! Verbeast is next.

From the Monday Morning QB--on Tuesday!

*Last night in the motor city the A's prevailed in a nail-biting-slug-fest, 8-6.  The gritty win featured big hits, a big tumbling run, and just enough big pitching. The Tigers left the bases loaded in the 7th and the 8th innings, and had two men on in the ninth, whew!   (For A's fans highlights of this game could have lasted a very long time, although you would never know watching the network.)  Start with Coco, who is on fire.  Coco slammed his 100th career bomb last night, and as Coco rolls, so does the A's offense!  There was the return of Daric Barton from Sacramento.  Barton is the flag carrier for much of the angst carried by any A's fan of the 2000's.  Years ago Barton was the centerpiece of the Mark Mulder trade.  Every female A's fan remembers that one--a horrible day for that demographic! Barton also brings back memories of the Bob Geren Era, (BURRH!) cold and bleak times indeed.  Barton has always been able to get on base-he has a keen eye at the plate.  However his lack of power, and some immature outbursts way back when, and well, I am sure you can deduce on your own why he is not exactly beloved.  This season in fact, he was "outrighted" twice, meaning he could have been picked up by any other team.  Yet, here he his, or should I write there he was? Regardless, last night, Barton had two run scoring hits.  Perhaps this is finally Barton's time to shine?  Then just to add some comic relief, there was Big 6-8 Nate Freiman's tumble around home plate for a big run.  Grant Balfour shut the door for his 33rd save, and the A's escaped with the win.

*At this point why even pitch to Miquel Cabrera?  He doesn't run well, and the man can hit just about anything near the plate.  He is the closest thing to Barry Bonds of the early 2000's.  Manny was close there for a while.  I would just roll it up there, behind him.  The man can hit anything.  (Maybe BoMel should call his "friends" across the Bay, the actually found a way to pitch to the big fella?)

*Interesting that with Reddick going on the DL--that is why Barton was recalled;  and Chris Young remaining on the bench the A's offense scored 8 runs.  Reddick, Young, Seth Smith, and Cespedes are all hitting real funky like, and not in a good way.  Daric Barton, who would have thought!  The A's will miss Reddick's glove in right, but his bat, not so much. The Albert Callapso trade looking a little better by the day. Al is not a third basemen--just ask any Angels fan, but he can play second, and he can hit a little.  Smoke and mirrors Billy, smoke and mirrors.  Find another reliever BB!

*Speaking of relievers, things will get very interesting.  Brett Anderson will come off the disabled list, probably today.  It looks like he is slated for the bullpen, or does BoMel have a little something up his sleeve?  Bartolo could be back this week as well--does Big Bart have anything left in the tank?  Can the Killer B's of Bart and Brett help lead the A's to the promise land?  With Tampa and Texas on the horizon, how the A's set their rotation will be very interesting to see?

*Today, it's the Beast, Justin Verlander.  As I like to call him the Verbeast, a true A's killer.  The A's have struggled mightily with the Verbeast in the recent past, and how huge would a win over this guy in Detroit be?  Lots of moving parts in that A's dugout.

*Saturday's nationally televised 2-1 win over the Orioles was also pretty stellar.  Coco hit the go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth.  Ironically, Coco "should" have walked on the previous pitch, but the ump called a strike, leaving Coco with a 3-1 count.  On the next pitch, BAM, an angst filled Coco crushed one out into the right field pavilion!  Balfour followed Coco's lead pitching an absolutely spot on nails 1-2-3 ninth! The win Saturday was just the type of game the Green and Gold need to play.  Like last night in Detroit, here is a key stat, no errors! Nice little win on the national stage!

*Parker pitched like a true Ace Saturday, a real bona fide number 1 MLB starter.  On a staff and team with great depth, but little star quality, Parker's emergence would and could be critical.  He may go head to head with 19-1 Max Shurzer on Thursday.  That ladies and gentlemen would be a doozy!  High drama for the Green and Gold, high drama.  It could just be my delicate age, but that Orioles lineup sure looks very formidable.  If the Birds ever get some front line starting pitching, look out in Camden Yards!

*Raiders fans, you all just keep thinking of Terrelle Pryor scampering around the O.Co.  I thought the Raiders had made some real strides, but their interior lines are a big, big, concern.  With Pryor, McFadded, and Woodson, well, in sports anything is possible correct?  Not that long ago, the Niners were looking up and the A's were supposed to lose 100 games.  As the great Jack Hacker would say, "sports is the original reality T.V."  Daric Barton, Daric are you kidding me, Barton?  Anything indeed is possible!

*Don't forget the US Open now?  Friday night in the Big Apple is must see look in TV.

Memories from Long Ago, and Suzuki!

A Saturday Morning in the Get Down Lounge:

*Who says you can never come home?  The A's yesterday acquired (or is it reacquired) catcher Kurt, Suzuki (Sa-zuke-ee).  Zuke has not exactly been tearing the cover off the ball, but he does do one thing very well, and that is block balls in the dirt.  Recently there have been more than a fair share of pitched balls clanging off the backstop.  With Derek Norris' broken toe, Zuke was a nice last minute addition.  The A's need a spark, and maybe just maybe Zuke can catch a little lightening in a bottle.

*Speaking of lightening in a bottle, man hopefully the A's can get a spark between now and the end of the season.  Last night in Baltimore, the A's led, then they trailed, then they led, then AARGH they lost.  For the third game in a row, the Green and Gold led after the 5th inning.  Ouch!  While they are clearly leaking oil, the A's still maintain the lead for second wild spot by 2 games.  To his credit, Manager Bob Melvin is skipping Tommy Malone, and going with Jarod Parker today, and my man Sonny Gray tomorrow.  I believe Brett Anderson will back in the rotation very soon.  He was rocked in Stockton on Thursday, but his pitch count is getting closer to game ready.  Brett might be the guy who provides that ever so needed spark!

*Think Billy regrets the Chris Young for Cliff Pennington trade?  The way the A's boot the ball around, I have to wonder.  The A's have made 19 errors in 21 games.  Ish!  I don't know if the old Castle Seed, Isleton California Little League team made that many errors.  Last night second baseman Erik Sogard pulled the nifty ole', and it led to the Orioles go ahead runs.

*Camden Yards looks like a fun place to catch a game--and a scary place for opponents to play.  It has a short porch in right, and lots of room in left center.  If MLB could put the A's in Baltimore the same weekend as the Preakness, I am in!  Those of you who know me, know how I get down, and tickets would be purchased as soon as I was given the green light.  Funny, the Nationals don't seem to be killing Orioles vibe. You might think Bud and the Giants would take notice.

*Speaking of the Giants, they placed Matt Cain on the DL.  They should just shut him down.  MLB network noted Big Country pitched over 250 innings last season when the playoffs were included.  Heck Gigos, I would shut down Madison too--why mess with it?

*The Dodgers have won like 50 out 55 games!  That is just crazy.  Crazy good.  I have noticed a little more Dodger gear starting to show on the horizon.  (Funny how all of those life-long Giant fans seemed to have lost their sparkling new lids. (In all fairness, they may be sporting those Kaepernick jerseys.)  I still wish the A's would have signed Brian Wilson.  The guy is just so entertaining.

*You know, way back in my memories, I remember a time when watching Raider games was actually an enjoyable experience. Raider Nation in 2013 it looks Seabass, Pryor and a lot of Hail Mary's.  Seabass nailed a 58 yarder from the dirt, with about 10 yards to spare last night, and Pryor can sure run.  Other than that, well, I have always been a fan of white Gogo Boots!  (That might have been a little bit too much of an inside remark, but if you ever watch a Raider game in the O.Co, you will see the boots if you pay attention.)

*Speaking of Gogo boots, that reminds me of about the only time I can honestly recall being speechless.   After a Raider game years ago, my father somehow managed to have a Raiderette say hello to me.  I just crumbled.  Speechless.  Everything stopped.  Knees were wobbly.  Vision may have even become blurred. The whole ride home, I couldn't speak I was so traumatized.  Oh If I could back in time!  (To the best of my recollection, I would say I was around 9.)  Remembering my cold feet is another AARGH!

*Did I mention I am ready for some college football?  I think I did.  I might have to go online and order a USC or Fighting Irish video.  When I think of college football, I think Trojan Horses, shiny Gold helmets, and Touchdown Jesus naturally.

*Finally, nice to see Big Poppy make a stand against Mr. Plunkster, his teammate Ryan Dempster.  Throwing at guys just can't be tolerated.  (However, in the defense of all pitchers, I have noticed, many batters do get their hands out over the plate. Not sure how you regulate that one?)

*On deck:  the U.S. Open gets underway in the Big Apple next week.  Labor day weekend a good time to be in the man cave, remote in hand!  Enjoy the weekend everyone!

Losing Ugly Too! Props for Mad Max

From the Get Down Lounge, where it has been kind of downer the last few days!

*After losing consecutive games to the Mariners, where the A's led 4-2 and 3-1, manager Bob Melvin had this to say.  "Ugly, ugly game for us, and it's been going on for a while."  Wow, clearly BoMel reads 100%3G!  BoMel's quote appeared in the SF Chronicle.  I would have liked to ask him, what exactly is a "while" and do you think John Jaso's injury is directly linked?  Since Jaso has been out, the A's offense has sputtered.  The baseball season is long and difficult, filled with multiple twists and turns.  No piece of cake being a loyal die-hard live or day on every pitch either!  Hitting a projectile hurled at 90 mph do day at the beach as well!

*I wonder if A's reliever's Ryan Cook and Sean Doolittle a little gassed?  The last year and a half, whenever these guys are in the game, the pressure cooker is on.  Everything is magnified when they know their team not scoring a lot of runs.  Other guys in the A's bullpen, need to step up.  Lefty Jerry Blevins was much more effective last season.  Former Giant Dan Otero has pitched extremely effective as of late, and his role could become pivotal down the stretch.

*Yoenis Cespedes a very interesting case.  Yo Yo doesn't seem to interact with his teammates, or his mates much with him?  Just an observation.  A few weeks back Sussan Slusser of the Chronicle wrote an interesting and well written piece on Cespedes adventures to the United States.  One nugget that was left untapped in the article, was that Cespedes defected after he failed to make one of Cuba's top teams.  My question would be, why didn't he make that team?  He dropped a key ball in the loss on Tuesday--it was not an easy play, but the ball was in his glove.  When was the last time in 2013 we have seen Cespedes make a great catch?  (He did make a great throw Sunday, but I am referring to an actual running catch.)

*The Walk-Off wins--where did they go?  Walk-Off's are an interesting stat to me.  They are a little like a save in reverse.  They happen in the bottom of ninth or later, and the team is either tied or behind.  That is a pretty defined stat.  In comparing all of those Walk-Off wins from a year ago, a couple of items jumped out at me.  First, no Cespedes.  Dodger fans remember his Walk-Off in the O.Co last season.  The other noticeable omission in my humble opinion is Jed Lawrie.  Lawrie has been hovering around .300, yet he hasn't yet been graced with the victory pie.  Speaking of victory pie, Reddick hasn't had any served this season either.  Yet (fingers crossed).

*Sonny Gray does indeed resemble Tim Hudson.  Michael Choice, as I believe and hope we will all see soon, does resemble Kirby Puckett.  Maybe just maybe shortstop-of-the-future Addison Russell will be another Derek Jeter.  Bring them both up--A's need an infusion!  I would also recommend another catcher after Derek Norris broke his big toe.

*On a positive note, how about the season Mad Max Scherzer is having.  Dude is unhittable!  I recall in Game 4 of the LDS last year in Oakland, Max was electric!  In fact, what A's fans probably remember is the awesome comeback in the 9th inning, when Max was sitting on the bench in disbelief.  Scherzer battled arm issues last season, but in 2013 he is pitching like Cy Max.  Mad Max is 18-1, with and ERA under 3 runs per game, and is averaging more than one strike out per inning;  185 in 172 innings pitched.  Max brings the gas!  I sincerely thought in the World Series last year, Max and Verbeast would give the Giants a better tussle.

*Day off today for the Green and Gold, then begins a tough, tough, stretch of games.  The road trip begins in Baltimore, who was the East Coast version of the Green and Gold in 2012.  Then, 4 games against the Tigers.  Who in the heck made this schedule?  Then the A's return home to face the Rays and Rangers in consecutive series.  Crunch time is upon us!

Winning Ugly, and As the A-Rod Turns, and Really MLB? Really?

From the Monday Evening Quarterback:

*Man the A's just keep winning ugly.  I mean UGLY!  Last night they rode Jarrod Parder's stellar complete game performance to a 2-1 victory.  Brandon Moss provided the go-ahead walk-off run, with a bomb to dead center field.  For Moss, it was homer number 19, for Parker he is now a tidy 7-0 in his last 15 starts. Parker slowly becoming ace material.  He made things interesting in the 8th when he tossed a bunt down the right field line.  He then proceeded to shut down the Mariners despite runners on first and third and no outs.
In the 7th Reddick threw yet another laser from right field to nail Kendrys Morales at third.  (Now if Red Dog would just start hitting a little like in 2012!) Why Kendrys didn't slide is a mystery to every one watching the game.  I guess there is a reason why the M's are 10 games under .500?!

*As the A-Rod Turns is actually getting interesting.  On Sunday, Ryan Dempster plunked A-Rod square in the back--after throwing behind him early in the count. You read correctly, the first pitch went behind A-Rod! Dempster should have immediately been tossed and suspended.  I guess Bud is going to put together a Blue Ribbon committee to look into the event.  What a joke--regardless of how you feel about A-Rod, when pitchers start blatantly throwing at dudes, not cool, just not cool.  Later, when A-Rod was asked if Dempster should be suspended, A-Rod surprised everyone with an answer that did not appear rehearsed.  A-Rod's response, with a grin "I am the last one who should be talking about suspensions."  Hilarious.  Maybe A-Rod is human after all!  So to A-Rod I raise my Muscle Milk this morning!  I also loved how Yankees manager Joe Giradi went ballistic on the home plate ump for not throwing out Dempster.  When you have been driven over and over and over by the proverbial bus like A-Rod has, it was great to see his manager have his back!

*Then comes word that A-Rod's legal team is claiming the Yankees knew A-Rod was injured last October and didn't tell him.  Hum, very interesting.  Then on the NBC morning show the MLB gives a letter for Matt Lauer to read to A-Rod's attorney?  Huh, did I miss something?  The new MLB policy is to release information through the NBC morning show?  That is simply flipping crazy nuts!  A-Rod is going to be 50 before they get all of this cleared up in the courts.   All is know is, MLB (and perhaps even the Yankees) have bumbled this situation so bad, they literally saving A-Rods hide.  Unbelievable.  I just keep laughing at his comment--dude gets beaned and makes all time joke.  I don't like the guy per say, but I always acknowledge good humor!

*Raider fans, you doing alright?  You knew that game in the Superdome was going to be tough.  Even tougher is losing starring left tackle Jared Veldheer.  The Raiders will be better, but that O-Line is now a real concern.  My prediction for their upcoming game with the Bears, Raiders win 9-8.

*I don't know about you, but I am ready for some college football.  I have been rocking my USC and Notre Dame Band CD's a lot lately!

*Poster Boy for 100%3G Sonny Gray on the hill tonight in the O.Co!   I miss Ichiro.

Good Day for Cespedes, For the Old Guys, Not So Much

Well tonight in just about an hour, the A's will be hosting the Cleveland Indians.  Tonight was Cespedes Bobblehead night, with 15,000 Yo Yo bouncing beauties being handed out to fans.  A's fans don't get much respect of positive attention, but I can say this:  we love our free stuff, like bobbleheads, and we love fireworks.  Tonight their should quite a buzz in the O.Co, and I would fully expect Cespy to be swinging from the his inner pancreas tonight!

(I literally just slide Pablo the Panda slide head first into first base.  I think he may have gotten swiped or swallowed the bag or something?  Man, Panda, take a Yoga Class would you please?)

Well just when it looks like maybe the A's will get rolling, comes a little downer news.  Big Bartolo Colon was put on the DL with what the A's are terming a groin strain.  Big Bart has thrown 154 plus innings this season, and in 2011 and 2012 Bartolo tossed 151 and 164 innings respectively.  Before 2011, the last time Bart pitched a high number of innings, was back in 2005 when he logged 222 innings for the Angels.  My guess is it won't hurt the A's most popular player to have a few weeks to get his swag back.  Bart leads the A's with 14 wins, and also lead the starters with an ERA (Earned Run Average Per 9 innings) of 2.97.  Get healthy and rested Big Bart, I have a feeling you have some big games left in that arm of yours in 2013.

Those of you living near Sacramento (also very underrated by most populations) might want to head over to Raley Field to watch Brett Anderson.  Brett is going to start for the River Cats this evening, and is scheduled to pitch 3 innings.  Brett will find himself on I-80 back to Oakland very soon, with the only real question will he start or will he be in the pen.  Before Bart when on the DL, I really liked the idea of Anderson working out of the pen, ala Tim Lincecum last year.  Know I am not so sure.  If you wonder what I am thinking, well, in the forefront of my mind, how would the A's beat the Tigers in a short series?  How the starters pitch from here on out will play a big factor in how the A's eventually handle BA.  (I do like using initials after all, and his are kind of funny!)

My idea for this week, is for the A's to re-acquire pitcher Dan Haren.  Haren has struggled in the recent past, but my vision for his is simple, Dennis Eckersley Part II.  Back in 1987, the A's brought in a struggling Eck who seemed at the end of his career.  Well voila, Eck was reborn, and became one of the best closers of all time.  I am not implying Haren would be great in the pen, but Dan has always been a good strikeout pitcher, and I would love to see Haren join the pen.  I envision, a Balfour, Cook, Dr. Doolittle, Anderson, and Haren pen.  That group, is the kind of group I can see getting past those mighty Tigers!

Speaking of mighty, wow are the Dodgers are on a roll.   They have won 9 in a row, and 40 out of 48.  Like I said yesterday, I have visions of another I-5 series!  In fact, Giants fans, many of my angst with you joy killers by the way, is how many of you turned yellow, and outwardly rooted for your arch enemy in the 1988 series.  You know who you are.  I guess we will just wait and see what happens next time won't we kill joys?

(Apparently A's fans arrived at 9 a.m. for bobbleheads, and Yo Yo rewarded them with one of his patent batting practice explosions!  A's fans know how to get down--hey an some of them might be Raider fans just rolling in!)

Flipping the Remote:

*Little League World Series always worth a look.  How cool it must be for the teams who make it all the way to Pennsylvania!

*The Solheim Cup interesting.  Essentially it is the ladies version of the Ryder Cup.  Euros versus Americans in a good old golf match.  There has been a little controversy the last couple of days, and that makes for some good drama.  The American gals were wearing bright red, Tiger Sunday Red, which looked pretty sharp.  To me perhaps a little USC Song Girl Red, especially for the gals sporting the pumas!  I also really have come to like the name Lexie.  Lexie and Sonny might be my new favorite names!

*Poor Miquel Tejada.  Looks like a suspension is looming.  He was a lot of fun back in the day, especially his key hits to keep the 20-win win-streak alive!  What I will always remember however, is his base running gaff at Fenway in the 2004 playoffs.  Peace to you Miguel tonight, peace to you.

*Well if the Mariners can come through again tonight in Arlington, and Cespy puts on a show tonight in Oakland, perhaps in about 3 hours, the they will really be "Celebrating" in the O.Co!  For those of you not aware, after the A's win at home, Kool and The Gang's groovy tune "Celebration" fills the air.

*Be strong Raider Nation, be strong!

Sonny Indeed! World Series Tixs on the Way!

Grooving on a Friday in the Get Down Lounge.....

*Well, thanks to Rookie Sonny "Can't Ge Me Down" Gray, there was a loud sigh of relief felt throughout the O.Co yesterday afternoon, in beautiful Oakland.  After the A's had dropped two in row to the Lastros, you could hear the rumblings all the way down here in CenCal!  Nothing like winning to make a fan base feel better!  Baseball such a game of inches, on Monday a game winning homer foul, by the hair of a chiny, chin, chin.  On Tuesday, the same batter, Chris Young, has a walk-off homer brought back on a nice play by the Astros left fielder.  Man, Young was wondering what he had done wrong?  (Does make you wonder if you happen to see both of his almost homers?) Another  A's rookie, Big 6-8 Nate Freiman had 4 hits and 4 rbi's in the 5-0 victory.  Freiman, a Duke Grad, is married to a touring LPGA pro.  (That is the Women's Pro Golf Tour.)  With that pedigree, and because I always like Big guys to protect me, Big Nate can chill in the Lounge any time!

*Speaking of fan bases, I am a little concerned about Raider Nation.  The Silver and Black are rolling into New Orleans for a preseason tilt, and well, I just don't want my brethren all salty for the entire weekend if things don't go well this evening in the French Quarter!

*The A's Postseason Playoff Ticket Application arrived in the mail, today and that got me thinking, in a perfect world what opponent would bring the most value for the buck.  Naturally, the Giants came to mind, but that ain't happening in 2013.  Then, all of a sudden, I started to see blue, as in Dodger Blue. Hum, A's beat Dodgers in '74, A's got the Orel treament in '88, so, isn't it about time for Round 3?  Cespy vs. Puig.
No one East of the Rockies will care, but, oh well?  Kind of like the Stanley Cup in reverse?  I know, I know, don't put the cart before the apples, or is it the horse before the dog, or tail the wag--oh you know what I am talking about.  Dream big baby, dream BIG!

*A's postsesason tickets actually pretty family friendly financially speaking. Bleachers baby, that's where I will be!  I am NOT telling you how much, because when you Dodger fans hit me up later, well, let's just say, Ticketmaster has a few fees when tickets are purchased and so will I.  (Besides we all know you Hollywood types reside in the Uptown Demographic!  Cash only please.) My daugter for some reason determined to see a World Series Game in O-Town.  Good kid, and really smart.  All of her teachers love her. Still, when it comes to sealing the deal,  nothing like hearing the "O.K." from the spouse on making the purchase.  Once I get the go ahead, I don't look back!   By the way, once again, some of you will NOT be receiving Christmas presents again this year.  Sorry Man.

*Great, great article in SI by Thomas Lake in SI. Great, Great article in the January 2014 edition on what it is like being an Atlanta Falcon.  Great read for anyone who enjoys sports.  Billy White Shoes Johnson, and Steve Bartkowski always welcome in the Lounge by the way.  Nobody dance after a TD like Billy, and Bart is a former Caliornia Golden Bear.  Bart and Jim Plunkett the last to wear the funky, kind of small, weird, double bar looking face masks.  (Why Plunkett not in the Hall of Fame a topic for another day by the way!) Lake wrote just how exciting it is the make the big stage, but then how dissappointing it was as fan to no quite make it.  Great read.  So, back to the O.Co, dear Mr. Beane, please pull some magic out of your book cover and find a bat and power arm. Please.

*Kind of weird today being interviewed for a story in the local paper.  The reporter was great, but still, a little weird.  Cool, humbling, but a little weird--I did try to sneak the Ole 100%3G in there! 

*So today, I raise my Diet Coke (with maybe a splash of Captain Morghan's and lime, it that is how you roll?) to the spouse, and to all those Atlanta Falcons fans out there--to a World Series in the East Bay, and a Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta!

Yes, No, Maybe so........So Close!

AArrgh!  Down 5-1 heading into the bottom of the 8th last night versus Houston, the A's would rally for 3 runs to make 5-4 heading into the ninth.  Then in the bottom of the ninth, Chris Young, hitting a whopping .195 hits what appears to be a walk-off pie-in-your-eye game winning homer!  After further review, the ball was ruled just barely, I mean barely foul.  A sliver, hair, inch, gust of wind just foul--aarrgh!

The A's have shown some good signs the last 3 days.  Sunday and Monday they prevailed in two real ugly grinders.  Then last night they appeared out, and all off sudden, they are a whisker away from a blast off walk off.  The long ball has returned the last few days and if just one or two Athletics can hit hot, hello postseason.  Cespedes ripped 3 hits yesterday, and it sure would be swell if "La Potencia" got hot.  Rookie Dan Strailey was also steallar Monday on the mound.  On the negative side, they A's defense continues to kick the ball around--they simply give too many runs away--and ole Bartolo is starting to pitch like his age. Last night the 'Stros, the youngest team in the Bigs by the way, were knocking around the veteran one pretty good.  Not many swings and misses by the Astros.  By the way, back in the day, the Astros were my favorite NL team.  I loved the jerseys, all of them!  I love when Nolan Ryan pitched for them-->it may have simply been that I just liked rooting against the Giants and Dodgers?!?

Well, it could have been a lot worse as Texas, Tampa, and Baltimore all lost as well.  Thus the good guys in Green and Gold remain a game behind the Rangers, and 2.5 games ahead of Baltimore for the last Wild Card Spot.

Two Thoughts:

1.  Why not install some sort of sensor on the foul poles in major league parks?  If a ball nicks the pole, circle the bases and count the run.  Or perhaps like Tennis, an umpire should sit right underneath the foul pole to determine fair or foul home runs?

2.  You may recall previously I mentioned an article that essentially said bet against the home teams when they are returning from the road?  Well, the A's returned home from the East Coast and lost, and Texas also just returned home, and lost as well.  Next time I am in Tahoe, I may just test this theory?

Grinding in Canada, and Dufner is The Man!

From the Monday Morning Quarterback....

*Before today, my favorite sports moment or image of all time is Joe Namath walking off the field after his underdog Jets upset the Colts in Super Bowl III.  (Eck performing the punch, and Tiger's fist pump up there too!) There is no image cooler that Broadway Joe walking out the tunnel in the Orange Bowl with his index finger high in the sky, the original were number 1 sign.  Well hold on Joe,  today in Pittsburgh New York comes Jason Dufner.   Dufner is a classic example of Mr. Cool, Calm, and Collected.  In fact, some would even say is a tad on the boring side.  Hold everything--today at Oak Hill Country Club, Dufner captured his first Major Title, winning the PGA Players Championship by two strokes over Jim Furyk. While the final few holes contained little drama, the celebration was, well, memorable.  As a joyous Mrs. Dufner rushes up to greet her husband, Dufner gives his spouse a love squeeze on her rear cheek, man style!  Oh man the spoils of being a champion!  Not only does the Duf Man take home a tidy 1.5 Million, he celebrated in real style.  Even better, Jason directed his wife to pick up a few acorns to plant back at their home to remember this day forever.  Well, to the Dufners, today I raise my glass to you!

*The A's won an absolute grinder in holding off the Blue Jays 6-4.  The bottom of the ninth lasted for what seemed like an eternity, and finally ended with the bases loaded, and Balfour inducing a ground out to second base.  The victory was a very nice win for the Green and Gold.  Brandon Moss and Al Callapso had the big hits in the win.  For Manager BoMel, it was a dramatic way to record victory number 700.  One injury concern, Coco Crisp appears to have a injured wrist.  Coco made a headlong, diving catch early in the game, but had to leave in the 8th inning.  BoMel said Coco will not play Monday, when the A's and Jay's play an extremely early 9:37 PST game.  For the A's, there would be nothing better than enjoying that long, long flight home.  The A's will open a 10 game home stand on Tuesday against the Astros, followed by the Indians and the Mariners.

*While the A's trail the Rangers by a game, they currently are tied with the Rays for the two Wild Card Spots.  With the A's payroll near the bottom of the league, is making the playoffs the biggest prize A's fans could hope for?  How about winning a series or the Wild Card Game?  Just a thought.  The Orioles trail t he A's and Rays by a game and a half, while the Royals and Indians remain in striking distance.

*A's farmhand for you to keep an eye on is left-handed hitting outfielder Jake Goebbert.  The former Astros farm hand has been raking in Sacramento, and could find himself in Oakland soon.  Speaking of soon, I believe it won't be long until Bret Anderson is pitching for the A's, and I predict, it will be in the pen to begin with.

*Watching the Dufman and Jim Furyk made me ponder what makes Tiger and Phil so special.  I belive it is simply because those two seem capable of pulling out some amazing shot on just about every hole.  This is no offense to the all the tour players, simply credit to Tiger and Phil.  If Tiger can ever be in the lead late in a major, I can envision the crowd just going nuts!

*Giants fan, really?  Tossing a banana at an opposing player.  Not cool, not coll at all.  Try booing.

*Did any of you see the clip of the great catch made in a wiffle ball game?  Try comcast?  Anyway, while the catch is fantastic, how about the scaled down version of Fenway Park?  Impressive people, very impressive.

*While the Raiders win last Friday over the Cowboys essentially doesn't mean anything--well, I can tell you this, in our society, it always feels better to win!  The Silver and Black travel to New Orleans this week--now beat them, and the nation will be out in full force buying Matt Flynn jerseys!

Moving Day at the PGA, and Here Comes Sonny Gray

Well here's to flipping the remote-and like I tell my kids, I am a "Rhymer" not a "Rapper!"

*The A's showed some resolve in whacking around the Jays last night 14-6.  Nice to say Red Dog, Josh Reddick get rolling at the plate, as the bearded lefty hit 3 out of the park!  Multiple homer are always cool for the player, but I would prefer to see them spread out over a couple of games.  Keep it going Josh!

*It will be an early 10 a.m. PST game today, and tomorrow, and here comes Sonny Gray.  (I mentioned before, I love his name, however, isn't his name almost an oxymoron?) The A's are hoping Sonny can provide a shot in the arm as the Green and Gold keep battling the sizzling Texas Rangers!  If you recall Sonny came up last month to get his feet wet in the Bigs, and now he gets thrown to the fire as he will be starting in Toronto in a couple of hours.  Keep an eye on that second Wild Card race as that post season position could become very important.  It sure would be nice if the Giants could be the Orioles once or twice.  The Orioles are currently only one game and a half behind Oakland for that second wild card spot if need be.

*If Bobbleheads are how you roll, then next Saturday at the O.Co is Yoenis Cespedes bobblehead day.  The game is at 6:05.  If you want to be sure to receive one, I would suggest you are through the gate by no later than 4:30 to ensure Yo Yo will be up bobbling on your mantle.

*Single A Stockton pitcher Tanner Peters struck out 14 last night in hurling 8 plus innings of shut out ball last night, I do believe that earns him the "Toast" for the day.  To Tanner, I raise my glass!

*How about them Raiders?  Come on now haters out there, ease off the gas.  First they scored, more than the A's in face, and most importantly, they won!  After the last couple of trying years, at least Raider Nation finnally slept well (if they went to bed that is!).

*It's PGA moving day, and Jason Mr. Cool Dufner has stormed out to the lead.  Big Phil throwing a little psychological pressure on the Dufman by saying there are "great scores" to be had on the course today.  Oohh, Phil, taking a verbal shot at the leader.  Phil stated how it can be tough playing from the lead.  I am know PGA Player Whisperer or anything, but I have a feeling Phil not Dufner's biggest fan.  Dufner and Matt Kuchar my favorite players:  try sayig "Koooch, Koooch," that will make you smile--and you can probably glean my fondness for the walking nickname, JD!  The PGA Championship is the 4th and final "Major" on the men's tour.  Tiger is still trying to tie Jack Nicholas for #1 in Major wins, and it just doesn't look like it is going to happen this weekend.

*Wow, Dodger fans are just going to become harder and harder to live with!  Man oh man, down 6-0 on in the 7th to the "we-don't-hit-very-well-Rays-but-we-can pitch," and the Blue Crew comes back to win 7-6, scoring 4 runs in the ninth  It is starting to feel like one of those magical years for the Puigsters--as long as Greinke doesn't pick any more fights!

*Kind of a bummer, but the summer days are getting shorter.  Sniff sniff.

Morning Edition

This morning it is very simple:  it's all on the Big Fella, Bartolo The Hut Colon.  Bart has been great for his club the last year and half, and this afternoon's game in Cincinnati pretty important.  The A's are in serious funk, and the Rangers are hot!  With an off today tomorrow, the A's could possibly enjoy the win, and ideally start turning things around in Toronto.  Who knows perhaps the Angels can won game against the Rangers.  Manager BoMel (Bob Melvin) has juggled the lineup for today's game trying to jump start the offense.  Seth Smith is batting second an Albert Callapso gets the start at second. The A's have only scored 10 runs in the last 6 games, while losing 5 of their last 6.  Ouch.  Even before the Break, the A's were struggling to score.  The major difference then, as that  Josh Donaldson was carrying the club.  Donaldson has not homered since the break, is batting .186, and has no RBI's.  Yikes!

*Still no word on John Jaso. His bat would clearly help this lineup.  Michael Choice was not in the lineup last night in Sacramento, so is he on the move?  He was not on the scorecard this morning in Cincinnati yet either however.

*Need some football? Raiders host the Cowboys Friday Night in Oakland.

John Jaso, Dick Tracy, Women's Softball, a Reading List, and Rule Breakers--Aren't We All?

From the Monday Morning QB, (Sort of)

*Can the A's recent troubles scoring and at the plate be directly traced to the absence of catcher John Jaso?  Jaso missed all of last week due to concussion like symptoms.  Jaso was a typical Moneyball type of acquisition as he was acquired primarily for his ability to get on base.  On a team featuring little star power, can one missing cog in the machine cause a negative chain reaction?  Regardless,  I would guess Jaso returns sometime this weekend in Toronto.  Jaso currently leads the A's with an OPB of .387 (On Base Percentage), would rank him #11 in the MLB if he had the minimum amount of plate appearances.  As a comparison, the A's team OBP sits as .320, which ranks 12 in the MLB.  The A's problem isn't necessarily getting on base, it's knocking those runners in, or knocking a few over the fence!

*Have the A's just gotten a little long in the tooth?  With Seth Smith and Coco Crisp struggling at the plate, is it simply Father Time?  Do future contracts weigh on the minds of hitters?  Did the A's simply catch lightening in a bottle in 2012?  Is Cespedes more showman than player?  Will anyone in the lineup put the team on their back?  We will find out here in the last 50 games.

*Now that the Group of 13 have been handed out their suspensions, I have a couple of questions?  Did any of these players actually test positive on a MLB drug test?  Obviously the MLB had plenty of proof in the Bio Gate, but I just wonder, in our society, doesn't it seem like the Rat gets off pretty well?  I mean, the Rat makes money on the way in, and the way out?  Just curious, I know good investigative journalism had much to do with breaking the story, I just feel like there is much of the story left out there.  I predict ARod will eventually serve close to a 100 games suspension.  My exact guess 81 games, or half a season.  We are such a hypocritical society.  Most people chastise these players for breaking the rules, well, have you ever been on a freeway?  There is a speed limit, so why do so many of us break that rule.  Because we can right?
I know it is comparing orange baseballs to shiny white ones, but in our society, where do we draw the line?
It is very blurry indeed.

*Remember the line from this movie:  "The enemy of your enemy is your friend."  Well, if that is the case the Angels should find a way to beat the Rangers once or twice.  Last night the Halos had the bases loaded in both the 7th and 8th innings but couldn't get the big hit.  I won't even mention the error where former Athletic Colin Cowgill ran into second baseman Howie Kendrick allowing Ranger runs to score.  Come on Angels, lets get this right.  The movie by the way, wait for it, wait, Madonna, Warren Beauty, Dick Tracy of Course!

*The Dodgers just keep winning on the road.  The Royals are also heating up.  That's a lot of blue, that's for sure!

*The O.Co has been changed for football as the Raiders have a preseason game on Saturday.  The Raiders were so baaaad last year, however this Fall, could they sneak up on some people?  They still have Seabass and can McFadden stay healthy?  Matt Flinn clearly has a lot to prove at the QB position, but call me crazy, weren't the prognosticators saying the same thing about the A's prior to the 2012 season.  Charles Woodson the veteran surprise signing, isn't that a little like--or even better-than the A's signing Johny Gomes.  I am just saying, a young team with something to prove that is under the wire.  Hum, only the O.Co knows!

*Former softball superstar Jennie Finch ran a triathlon then played in the celebrity softball game before the All Star Game.  Cool, like a Bucket List kind of day.  People who can bring the heat always fascinating to me? Any one remember the Michelle Granger from Cal back in the day?  I saw the lanky lefty pitch years ago, and man could she bring it.  Granger single-handedly gave me a finer appreciation for the upper echelons of women's softball.  Hey Michelle, today I raise my glass to you!

*The book "The Sports Gene" looks like a very interesting read.  In the July 29th Sports Illustrated, there is an article on the same topic.  The book know on my reading list.

I Am In For a Real Rivalry With The Rangers!ttt

Flipping the Remote:

*It was an indeed a nice 4-2 win by the A's over the Rangers yesterday.  Nice to see Cespedes hit a long  ball, nice defense, nice pitching, and of course nice to see the A's utilize the bunt.  As you are probably well aware, "Moneyball" or "Sabermaticians"  are anti bunting.  Briefly, they view avoiding outs as the keys to runs, thus bunting not preferred.  While I understand this argument, against upper echelon pitching, teams need to scratch out runs any way possible.  I view small as part of a bigger picture, and if the A's can scratch across a few more runs in tight games, it may be what they need to bring home the rings!

*Matt Garza blowing a gasket kind of interesting.  You can't really hold on to what athletes say in the heat of battle. However Garza's tweets after the game regarding the A's Mr. Nerd Power, Eric Sogard, well, to me just comical.  Sogard bunted twice on the day, challenging Garza' reputation as a poor fielding pitcher.  All I know is that the A's won, so really, who cares?  What I would like to see however, is the A's/Rangers games take a notch up in their intensity. Rivalries are good for the game, and the fans! Maybe these two teams can acquire some sincere angst for each other--now that would be nice.  Even in the early 2000's the A's and Angels never really shared a dislike for each other.  I am not sure if it is because both teams have a Raiders connection or if so many players come from SoCal, but whatever the reason, the rivalry really never blossomed.  Enter the Rangers, and after losing the title in Game 162 last season, one would think, a sincere dislike for losing to each other could be brewing.

(The only issue I have about the Garza blowup, is that apparently, after Sogard's bunt in the 7th led to the A's 4th run, Garza shouted at Sogy, and may have used the word that no woman ever wants to hear.  If that indeed was the case, the umpires should have, or MLB needs to, step in.  Not cool or manly.)

*Nice article on the A's Fans and the O.Co today by Bruce Jenkins in the San Francisco Chronicle.  One thing I have clearly noticed is attendance is up on weekends and special promotion days.  Firework nights on Fridays have been well attended, and my 8 year old in particular loves attending those games!  Attendance lags during the week, however in my humble opinion, low attendance mid-week more about locale and venue.  Look, many Giants fans love to razz the A's about attendance, but like I always say, can anyone please show a ticket stub from the Stick of a weekday game, that was not against the Dodgers.  I haven't been presented with one yet!  The bottom line is attendance is up because the team is winning, the team is fun, and for the most part the personnel are the same as last season.  It doesn't hurt that the San Jose issue isn't mentioned much either!  Nice job A's fan, nice job.  One very interesting topic in this area:  A's ticket prices currently very, very, affordable.  When a new venue arrives, well, it might cut into my Nonfat Mocha's and slurpees!  The bottom line, nice job A's fans and guests!

*Congratulations to Stacey Lewis on winning the Ladies British Open.  Ice veined Lewis nailed clutch money puts on 17 and 18 to secure the victory.  Those puts on 17 and 18, both for birdies.   Most of the ladies today had to play 2 rounds as high winds forced postponement yesterday.  That sounds like fun on one hand, but man that had to be tough.  The announcers kept saying this was the first American win in the last 10 majors, does it matter?  I don't know, but I am sure the American players have heard about it enough.
To Stacey Lewis, I raise my glass!  To Sogy, the spouse's new favorite A, you will get yours after you make the postseason, and get to the Series!  To all of the NFL Hall of Fame inductee's, congrats as well.

*By the way if I here one more time "sports fans" across the country probably could not name 3 current Athletics, I may break something.  My 10 year old daughter just named 8 players, unprompted while she was watching Disney Chanel!  These guys are good--how good, well, we just have to wait and see.

*Finally, I have shared with you the past days some deep emotions and events hidden way down in the depths of my pancreas.  Today, I will get it light, and say I think a visit to St. Andrews now on my Bucket List.  Today the landscape and course appeared absolutely magnificent.

Enjoy Your Sunday, Go A's (Boooooooo Rangers!)

Warts and Nostaglia

Thanks to the Halos, the Rangers are in fuego!  The 2013 Rangers are reminding me a little of, gulp, the A's last season!  Lots of season left, and in first place by 2 and 1/2 games not the worst place to be, but man, the A's need to as least split one with Texas the next two day, and rekindle that old pal Mr. Momentum.

All the A's "Warts" came into play in last nights 8-3 loss.
*Tommy Malone's lack of an out pitch--after Brandon Moss provided the sell out crowd with a 2-run double, Malone gives it right back when Nelson Cruz goes yard.  That was a momentum killer, and enough to get the Rangers and their mojo up and kicking.  Malone has a change, and his only other pitch appears to be  a fastball that hums in the high 80's.  In my opinion, he needs to add another speed, maybe an even slower, an off speed pitch around 70 mph perhaps?
*Coco makes a key mental mistake.  With the score tied at 2, runners on first and second, ball is hit to Coco.  Instead of throwing to second, he tries to get the runner at third;  both runners move up.  Beltre then hits ball that may have been double play.  That time of mental error, not the type champions make!
*The middle infield. To begin with,  I don't understand why you move a guy from the 9 spot, up to the second spot?  Why not to 6 or 7 first?  I am talking about Eric Sogard.  His bat as been consistent, but I am not sure he belongs in the two hole?  He and Big Al both had chances with men on and 2 out and didn't deliver.  Then, shortstop Bret Lawrie makes an error later.  I am still concerned the lack of speed and defensive range at short and second, may haunt the A's.
*Lack of a big hit from anyone not named Moss.  In their short careers Donaldson and Reddick have been very streaky, and they are a real concern.  Add Cespedes to the mix.  Seth Smith looks like he has just forgot how to hit?  Chris Young is at .192.
*Playing from the lead.  This very difficult to do.  A's fans should remember, this team lead the division essentially for no minutes last season.  When the last out was made, they were in front.  I argue one of the hardest tasks in sports playing from the lead.  The opponent playing from behind has literally nothing to lose, and here come the haymakers.  It will be interesting to see how the young veterans handle themselves down the stretch?
*Solution:  A healthy Bret Anderson may just be the emotional tonic this teams needs.  I still say bring up Michael Choice and see what he can do. Maybe Billy B has a trick or two up his sleeve.  The wavier deadline is August 31 and trades can still be made.  It is complicated process, but essentially, teams have the ability to trade players, but they must pass through waivers from all other teams.  For example, say the A's want to trade Anderson now.  They put him on waivers, and based on record, other teams have the right to claim him.  If a team claims him, then the A's could only trade him to the claiming team.  Teams claim based on there order in the standings, so right now, Texas can essentially block an A's claims.  I can only hop this makes sense?!?
*Solution #2.  Winning isn't everything, but it sure makes you feel better.  Just win A's, just win!

More Nostalgia:

As I wrote yesterday, the Guest Book that resides in the "Richardson" cabin, brought back all kinds of memories.  There are multiple entries by my sister, including her remarks about my skiing prowess.  Now for those of you who don' know me, I wasn't exactly the model for a behaved child--ask my brother sometime.  (Hey don't blame me, I am just a product of my environment!)  Props to my sister for not throwing me under the bus at any time in her notes!  It also made me recall fondly my main man and fellow Portuguese Leonard Freitas.  (I tried to name my own son Lenny, and Sonny, and Al, oh and Zebeddee, but I couldn't get em past the committee!  Timmy Brown was in their too, but I was dealing with a stockade of a blockade!)  Anyway, Leonard's mom made me the coolest pillow ever.  She stitched--with color--the A's, the Radiers, and the ND Irish all in one.  I will take a picture sometime and post it.  Back to Leonard, this guy so cool he took me to the circus in the now Oracle Arena, and even a Raider preseason game years ago played in Berkeley.  What I really remember, disturbingly so, is that he had me convinced I was going to have to put my head in the Tiger's mouth.  Unnerving.  To this day, I don't get too close to Big Cats, I just don't like the way they look at me! Rumor has it, Leonard's household may from time to time view this blog. Big Lenny also gave may some old swimming trophy of his, which I treasured!  One final tidbit, the cabin I mentioned, belonged to Mrs. Richardson, or Mrs. "R." as far as know.  Not only did she teach most of the people I grew up with how to play piano, she made the best jam (sorry mom, your runny apricot concoction up there too!).  To Mrs. R and Leonard, I raise my glass!  I can still play piano with the right hand, sort of!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend, and thanks for reading!

Significant Series, and A Timeless Idea

Taking a spin in the Get Down Lounge.....

*Rangers in Oaktown for 3 games, and any way you slice it, this this series is significant.  A's can put a little distance between the Rangers and themselves, or the Rangers can really close the gap.  The key question is how the A's will play in the lead--always easier coming from behind.  Why you ask?  Well, when you are behind you have nothing to lose.  In our society, where winning IS pretty much everything, the idea losing weighs heavy on one's shoulders.  Ideally the A's will take 2 of 3, or even sweep, and then get some help from the Halos next week!  (The Halos by the way absolutely not help earlier in the week, geesh.)

*The trade for Al.  The A's picked up a middle infielder before the deadline in acquiring infielder Alberto
Callapso from the Angels.  Al is switch hitter who has pretty good career numbers batting from the right side.  I am pretty sure the A's are hoping for the "Scutaro" effect from Al, so time will tell.  The A's bats in general need to heat up!  I love the name Al by the way!

*Speaking of the Giants, nice dramatic win over the Phillies and Jonathan Pop-Off-Elbon.  Wow, earlier in the week, Pop-off-elbon complained about the Phillies losing, then he proceeds to have the Giants take him to town.  Hey Gigos, what did I tell, you, Special K Roger Kieschnick and Brett Pill were the guys.  I am just saying Gigos, every once in a while you just gotsta trust me?!? (Insert Big Cheezy Smile here.)

*For you sentimental types, here is one for you.  For years our family stayed at the cabin of some family friends.  Well, the friends kept a "Guest" book.  The book has journal entries from 1955!  Wow.  Even better, I found entries written by mother from 1967 ( I was one!) and the best, a journal entry she made on the Fourth of July, 1970.  I got a little choked up.  She even mentioned a relative who joined us, Uncle Joe, who would later pass of a heart attack within a year.  Wow, wow, and more wow!  There even was an entry by a neighborhood friend's mom--yes sir, Yoda Dave's mom, Melinda has an entry from 1955.  Crazy cool.  Yoda Dave a Gigo, who taught me how to golf, but don't hold that against him.  He's not all bad, as he does get down withe Silver and Black!  A classic Yoda Dave quote, "I never saw a short put go in."  My man Yoda Dave, always has a way of explaining things, so that I can understand them.

*One peeve of mine.  This may surprise you, I frequently listen to sports talk radio.  For the  most part, at some point, they always get crass and a little rude.  In a way it's sad and a little disappointing, because young ears "should" be able to enjoy sports radio.  In particular when they talk about athletes and women, radio hosts can still get the humor across in more subtle and discrete ways.  I must be getting old, because the language these young guys use, well it bothers me.  Clean it up a tad fellas, the next generation may be listening!

The Dog Days Are Here; Time For A Choice

August 1, the Dog Days of Summer are upon us. School, (yuk!) is right around the corner and so is the football season (yeah!). August 1 also means the baseball postseason is right around the corner, and teams with hopes and visions of grandeur now must hunker down for the remaining 60 games or so.

The A's sit in a great spot, leading by 4 games over the Rangers. The Rangers may be feeling their own dose of magic as they swept the Angels the last 3 days all on walk-off homers. Ideally the Halos can return the favor next week when Texas visits the Magic Kingdom! The Rangers have a unique matinee make-up this afternoon with the Diamondbacks. A win moves them to a mere 3 1/2 games behind the Green and Gold, and the A's would feel that Texas heat breathing down their collective necks. I know it only represents one game in the standings, but the difference between a 3 1/2 game lead and a 4 1/2 one, seems pretty big. Regardless, the Rangers visit Oakland for 3 important games this weekend. If you want to beat the heat and like Fireworks, I recommend the opening game of the series on Friday Night. Adding to the intrigue of the series, neither team will have their ace as Bartolo pitched last night, and "Yu" is pitching this afternoon in Arlington.

As I wrote earlier this week, the A's offense is really scuffling. Donaldson has not homered after the All Star break; Reddick has a sore dome after Lowrie banged into him as both were chasing a ball on Tuesday. Reddick is great defensive right fielder, but his .219 batting average and sub .300 OBP (On Base Percentage) just isn't getting it done. Reddick not only has a powerful hose in right field, but he gets such a great jump on balls hit his way. Cespedes went yard on Monday, but he too, is still producing well below his 2012 levels. Seth Smith was recently in an 0 for 30 streak, I mean that defines s t r u g g l i n g! Scoring runs is directly linked to the lead off man, and right now Coco is in a funk. His average too has dropped under .250. Coco has a reputation for being moody and streaky, and right now he seems to be in a funk. The A's ignitor, Coco needs to cause havoc on the base paths to spark his team. Speaking of funk, 4th outfielder Chris Young has a current batting average of .192. Yikes.

Clearly it is time for the A's to make a choice, and the choice is Michael Choice. (That's a lot of choices for one sentence!) Choice currently has a slash line (batting average/on base percentage/slugging percentage) of .308/.398/.469, including 14 homers and 73 rbi's. Choice was the A's top draft pick 2 summers ago, and it appears now is the time to see what this "Kirby Puckett" prototype of player can do. The A's need a spark offensively, and Choice is the guy. (Pitcher Sonny Gray is next in line, but we can save that topic for another day.)

If the MLB playoffs were today, here is who is in in the American League: Boston, Detroit, Oakland, while Tampa and the surging Nick Swisher led Inidans would have one heck of a Wild Card Game. The Orioles are right behind the Indians.

In the National League, the Braves, Pirates and Dodgers would be in with the Cards and Reds in an all Midwest, all clad in red, do or die affair. The Wild Card match-up are just so juicy, I believe eventually the play-in will eventually expand to a best of 3 format.

Flipping the remote:

*Oh A-Rod, what a mess you have dug yourself into. The Golden Boy about to take a mighty tumble!

*Looks like Bartolo will be spared in BioGate as he served his suspension last season, and the first 5 games of this season. That collective, "whew" was from the Kelly Green and Ft. Know Gold Nation!

*Speaking of "Athletics Nation," there is a great article on the AN website about Charlie Finley and the history of the A's. It is a well done piece. Recently I have been thinking it is too too bad that way back when, Charlie O and the Al Davis didn't somehow unify their forces. The City of Oakland missed an opportunity to make upgrades for two of the most storied--yet unglorified--franchises in professional sports. Yes I realize this is dreaming, but oh what if A's had a new stadium, and O.Co had been renevated for football. It would have been extremely interesting to be in a room with Charlie O, and Mr. Davis.

*In touch with your Female Brain Sports Side? The Ladies British Open is underway!

*KNBR 680's Bob Fitgerald posed an interesting question: why not move the fences in a little at AT@T park? In particular he was speaking of center field and Triple's Alley. This is indeed a novel notion, and I have to admit, I am a little curious what Giants followers think of the idea? Everyone knows that gals and myself dig the long ball!

*Here is just a little more love for the Gigos. (By the way, Gigos my sincere, heartfelt, loving, warm and nurturing term for SF Giants fans.) When I watched the Fresno Grizzlies earlier this year the two players that stood out were Bret Pill, and Roger "buy me a a vowell" Kieschnick. The ball jumped off their bat in Fresno, and ideally it will do the same in S.F.