From the Get Down Lounge on a Beautiful Fall Morning, West Coast Style!
*Well, well, well, well, well, by defeating King Felix and his court last night up in Seattle, the A's have assured themselves of hosting the League Division Series (LDS) next Friday and Saturday (October 4th and 5th.) It sure looks like it's going to be those Big, Bad, Tigers--again. (The Tigers have ended the A's season in 2006 and 2012.) If the A's win the next two, and Boston were to lose the final two, then the A's would host the Wild Card Winner. It ain't gonna happen. Next Friday, here come the Big, Bad, A's-Killing Tigers. It's going to be Verbeast (my clever little name for "former" A's killer Justin Verlander,) and 21 game winner Mad Max Shurzer. Gulp, gulp, and more gulp! The A's have not officially announced their rotation yet, but it is going to be the Ageless one on Friday, Bartolo Colon, and then Jarod "Popeye" Parker on Saturday.
Our main man Sonny Gray will pitch on Monday on Detroit, and hopefully, that will be that!
*Speaking of the Wild Card, we have to give Bud the Sludge Selig (Bud is Major League Baseball's Commissioner) credit for adding a second wild card! The American League Wild Card race is still up int he air with Texas a game behind Tampa and Cleveland. Sludge also gets credit for interleague play--I do miss booing Barry Bonds! However, when it comes to getting a new stadium for the A's, well Sludge, you are just balking. It would be so poetic for Sludge to be standing in sewer water while handing the World Series Trophy over to his old crony and A's co-owner Lew Wolf! (Moneyball II, baby, Moneyball II!) My sarcastic and cynical side will have you note it is eye raising that Sludge announces his retirement--really Bud, thanks for your time, but your upcoming retirement simply tooting your own kazoo--maybe to distract the media from his own Brewer, Carlos Gomez, and his most embarrassing MLB at bat and home run ever! Once again, in my humble opinion, the national media let Bud of the hook for his handling of that affair?
See you in the O.Co Bud, and pull up your boots!
*Good news, for you die hard Raider and A's fans, and I know you exist, you could be looking at a home Raider game next Sunday--now that is a weekend, A's playoff game Friday and Saturday, followed by Raider home game Sunday. My guess is the Silver and Black's game on Sunday will be moved either to the evening, or to Monday. Either way, that will mean a whole heck of a lot of human waste moving through the pipes of the O.Co in a very short time frame. I smell a problem....oh Mr. Sludge, or you watching!
*By the way, Braves catcher Brian McCann, for the way he stopped Gomez from crossing the plate--he has a permanent spot in the Get Down Lounge. That is how you do it BMcCann! (If you haven't seen the play I am referring to, google Carlos Gomez hits home run versus the Atlanta Braves--see for yourself.)
*Put this on the radar--Cleveland manager Terry Tito Francona leading his new team to Boston to face his old team? That would be a spicy match up. Speaking of Cleveland, remember that home run call that went against Oakland? Well, even though it would have only tied the game, that was one tuck of a call. Let's just say the Indians make the playoffs by a game, or the A's fail to earn home field advantage by a game. Hey Bud, are you paying attention? That single call-or non call--by power hungry and visually challenged Angel Hernandez may in the end by the call that stalls! That is one Angel we should not see over any one's shoulders in the postseason!
*To a great weekend!
A Work In Progress...With the Goal to Entertain!
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Hooray for USA Today!
Notes From the Tuesday Morning Quarterback:
*Great, great article in the USA Today regarding why your Oakland Athletics are just so darn likable! I've been trying to tell you! I always liked that former Hornet Alum Tom Hanks!
*With a more than a week two go, how about this juicy little League Division Series: Rangers vs. Oakland. If that series comes down the pike, and the Tigers face the Red Sox, once again Grandpa Bud Selig will be smiling all the way to the bank!
*It will be interesting to see if all of the Tarp seats do indeed sell for the Playoffs? If I were the A's, I would have gone one Tarp at a time based on tickets sold. Lew Wolf with Ray Fosse on Comcast hard to take last night. In case you missed it, Wolf a co-owner and the unofficial spokesman for the team, dissed the A's fans earlier in the week. Fosse is the color commentator for the A's on Comcast. Ray may have taken a few too many shots to the dome--in fact you may remember images of Pete Rose plowing him over in that early 70's All Star Game? It's is hard to explain the catcher-centric announcer's style--you really have to hear it. Hard not to like Foss, I just wish he would work on his "delivery." (I can guarantee you, at some point you will shake your head, and say eh, what did he just say?)
*Great for Pirates fans all over the world--unless of course they are also Steelers fans. (With the Pirates and Steelers, who came up with Penguins?) Whew, that's enough hockey!
*So, If I recall the Raiders were 15 1/2 point underdogs last night, and sure enough they lose by 16! Why not go for two? Makes you wonder? The Raiders are one draft away from being really good. The need a couple of snot blowing interior lineman on both sides of the ball. Add a big-time receiver, and this team will could be good. Pryor may have went to well a little too often last night, and reports are out that he suffered a concussion. Matt Flinn, this could be your chance with the struggling Redskins coming to town.
*Weird (and sad) deal across the bay, or should I say in Santa Clara? Aldon Smith's personal issues impacted the 49ers in a negative way--and it's not over. Smith is a superior player in every way, but Raiders fans remember two years ago when a likely playoff bound team was derailed by an off-the-field even by Rolando McClain. Events such as these, absolute momentum changers for a team. All eyes and ears are on Coach Harbaugh now. The next couple of weeks will be worth paying attention to see how the master media manipulator and team motivator handles this "problem."
*Is it me, or is it practically impossible to NOT LIKE Andrew Luck? Luck's father is former NFL QB Oliver Luck. Perhaps his parents should write a parenting book? (Luck or Schmuck?) Just a thought.
*Why do some folks celebrate Octoberfest in September? Is that an oxymoron?
*Great, great article in the USA Today regarding why your Oakland Athletics are just so darn likable! I've been trying to tell you! I always liked that former Hornet Alum Tom Hanks!
*With a more than a week two go, how about this juicy little League Division Series: Rangers vs. Oakland. If that series comes down the pike, and the Tigers face the Red Sox, once again Grandpa Bud Selig will be smiling all the way to the bank!
*It will be interesting to see if all of the Tarp seats do indeed sell for the Playoffs? If I were the A's, I would have gone one Tarp at a time based on tickets sold. Lew Wolf with Ray Fosse on Comcast hard to take last night. In case you missed it, Wolf a co-owner and the unofficial spokesman for the team, dissed the A's fans earlier in the week. Fosse is the color commentator for the A's on Comcast. Ray may have taken a few too many shots to the dome--in fact you may remember images of Pete Rose plowing him over in that early 70's All Star Game? It's is hard to explain the catcher-centric announcer's style--you really have to hear it. Hard not to like Foss, I just wish he would work on his "delivery." (I can guarantee you, at some point you will shake your head, and say eh, what did he just say?)
*Great for Pirates fans all over the world--unless of course they are also Steelers fans. (With the Pirates and Steelers, who came up with Penguins?) Whew, that's enough hockey!
*So, If I recall the Raiders were 15 1/2 point underdogs last night, and sure enough they lose by 16! Why not go for two? Makes you wonder? The Raiders are one draft away from being really good. The need a couple of snot blowing interior lineman on both sides of the ball. Add a big-time receiver, and this team will could be good. Pryor may have went to well a little too often last night, and reports are out that he suffered a concussion. Matt Flinn, this could be your chance with the struggling Redskins coming to town.
*Weird (and sad) deal across the bay, or should I say in Santa Clara? Aldon Smith's personal issues impacted the 49ers in a negative way--and it's not over. Smith is a superior player in every way, but Raiders fans remember two years ago when a likely playoff bound team was derailed by an off-the-field even by Rolando McClain. Events such as these, absolute momentum changers for a team. All eyes and ears are on Coach Harbaugh now. The next couple of weeks will be worth paying attention to see how the master media manipulator and team motivator handles this "problem."
*Is it me, or is it practically impossible to NOT LIKE Andrew Luck? Luck's father is former NFL QB Oliver Luck. Perhaps his parents should write a parenting book? (Luck or Schmuck?) Just a thought.
*Why do some folks celebrate Octoberfest in September? Is that an oxymoron?
Labels:
Aldon Smith,
ALDS,
Andrew Luck,
Jim Harbaugh,
Lou Wolf,
Ocktoberfest,
Pittsburgh,
Ray Fosse,
Tarps
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Moneyball II; and Elightened Fan Base Indeed, and Travel Planning
On the Couch, Sipping on a Latte, Glancing at Your Favorite Sunday Paper:
*Speaking of the Dodgers, their little pool party in Arizona quite humorous. Sure if I am a Diamondback player or fan, I might not find the humor. Hey if you don't want people swimming in your pool, drain the water! Or don't let 'em beat you. (Isn't that entire pool thing a little off anyway?) Regardless, always refreshing to see grown men having a little spontaneous fun--especially millionaires!
*Double standard? While A's fans were publicly thrown under the bus, again, for the crowds this week, they were not acknowledged for snatching up playoff tickets, and for the removal of the Tarps off of the upper deck for the upcoming playoffs. So, let's see, fan base spends hard earned money on playoff tickets, rather than attend go see the Angels and Twins--who are a combined 40 plus games out of first place in their respective divisions--and get chastised? For what, being financially prudent? Dave Ramsey, where are you? I just don't get it? Even A's radio announcer was almost begging people to come out to the game Sunday for once in lifetime "feeling" of a division clinching game. Really Vince? Well, Vinny how about a little history lesson? A's won the division in 1971, 72, 73, 74, and 75; In 1981, during a strike shortened season the A's won the first half title; then again the A's capture the title in 1988, 89, 90, and 1992. The younger generations remember titles in 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2012! Clinching titles is cool, but it does not compare to the postseason! With the Tigers, Red Sox, and Dodgers on the possible horizon, read it here first: A's fan base clearly a most enlightened group! (World Series Tickets not cheap! Playoff tickets are reasonable.) Speaking of seeing the light, it was packed for Star Wars Fireworks Night on Friday, and the A's did not disappoint! The kids love the show too. (In fact you can always count on a last one Wave appearance--and on Friday the Wave was rocking.) Might I suggest Firework Fridays?
*Along a similar line, another peeve of mine is being told to stand up. I hate that. Regardless of the situation, I feel a person should stand because they want to--because they are excited! Don't tell me to stand, I will stand when I feel in the fire in the belly! So back of the A's attendance, and back off telling me to get excited. You will know when I am excited! So many great stories about the A's are yet to be written, I wish the people with the power would lay off the crappy ones!
*Fresno State Bulldog Nation is excited. The Dogs held off Enemy #1, the Mighty Boise State Broncos 41-40. Red Wavers have been closely examining the schedule, and the Dogs could indeed run the table. Red Wavers up and down Central California are still doing the jig from Friday's win! See, you don't have to tell folks when to get up--and now when to sit down, that is a completely different subject!
*For those of you who like the bright lights of the Big Apple, the A's travel to NYC the first week of June in 2014. If you ever wanted to see the Green and Gold in Yankee Stadium, next season might be a winner. The A's are schedule to play three mid week games the first week of June. May be worth beating the heat and make the early summer trip. If you are Big Time, you could even follow the team to Baltimore on the subsequent weekend. A trip to the Big Apple, then a stop in Washington D.C. on the way to land of Earl Weaver, might be a trip worth considering--load up the motor home!
*Can the Raiders pull a stunner in Denver? All the Raiders have to do is take a look in the O.Co and realize anything is possible. Payton.....Payton......look out Big Fella! The Mile High City is one place SeaBass could make one 65 yards out. Mile High Miracle perhaps?
*One more game A's, then we can raise the glass to you!
*Have A Great Sunday!
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Winning and Whining!
From the Get Down Lounge:
*Well, with a little help from the Rays, the A's held on to their 6 and a half game lead. 10 games to go people! Yesterday sure was interesting--first Balfour gave up the gopher ball that tied the ninth; then later in the evening Sergio Romo of the Giants coughed up a 3 run 9th inning lead to Mets, and Rangers Closer and former Giant Joe Nathan let a 3-2 lead slip away. Not a great day for closers!
*I am so flipping tired of A's fans getting nagged on about the attendance! A's fans get nothing but CRAP from ALL sides. Let's review:
1. Stadium sucks, I suppose that is the A's fans fault;
2. Owners won't spend money, and that is the A's fans fault too. Way go Lou, by complaining about attendance-->how about signing Donaldson or Parker or Moss Long Term? Clearly we are the problem Lou.
3. CRAP in the dugouts and locker rooms, blame the fans.
4. Even KNBR jumped in on Tuesday with all of their backhanded compliments. I guess talking about the attendance a better topic than the Giants or the Niners getting blown out in Seattle,
5. To the 53,000 plus fans who attended the games I raise my mocha to you.
6. For those fans with kids or families, staying home and watching the suddenly hot, underachieving, highly overpaid Angels on TV makes perfect sense.
7. Its the Fans fault that Moneyball the movie was made. Man will the envy ever stop?
8. Hey Lou, when is Plunger Night?
9. Finally, playoff tickets sold so well, the Tarps look like their coming off. Oh, so look at that Lou, A's fans do support you strong. Hey Lou, maybe you should google the Oakland Athletics--we have been there, done that before--we want another title Lou, another title! We will take Fireworks by the way, but give folks a break for watching from the sofa during the week!
*So to A's fans and all of the great A's teams, I raise my glass to you. To all of the administration, staff, coaches, everyone involved, this includes you. The A's just keep on winning, and the rest of the world, just can't seem to deal with it. The Script is simple, let's run the table, knock off Boston and L.A, and they we can smile all the way through "Pie in Your Eye, Moneyball II."
*The last few days required some assistance of a personal nature. During times such as I was experiencing, it was just tough to sit down and write. I guess I was on the DL for a couple of days. The Texas series by the way, quite unexpected. When the A's just about burped up the lead on Friday, I about passed. Sweeping the Rangers really opened the door to the title. It's not over until it's over, however clinching at home this weekend would be a real blast. Speaking of blasts, it is the last post game fireworks show on Friday!
**By the way, A's attendance is up just about 7.5% from last year....funny that doesn't get mentioned often.
*Well, with a little help from the Rays, the A's held on to their 6 and a half game lead. 10 games to go people! Yesterday sure was interesting--first Balfour gave up the gopher ball that tied the ninth; then later in the evening Sergio Romo of the Giants coughed up a 3 run 9th inning lead to Mets, and Rangers Closer and former Giant Joe Nathan let a 3-2 lead slip away. Not a great day for closers!
*I am so flipping tired of A's fans getting nagged on about the attendance! A's fans get nothing but CRAP from ALL sides. Let's review:
1. Stadium sucks, I suppose that is the A's fans fault;
2. Owners won't spend money, and that is the A's fans fault too. Way go Lou, by complaining about attendance-->how about signing Donaldson or Parker or Moss Long Term? Clearly we are the problem Lou.
3. CRAP in the dugouts and locker rooms, blame the fans.
4. Even KNBR jumped in on Tuesday with all of their backhanded compliments. I guess talking about the attendance a better topic than the Giants or the Niners getting blown out in Seattle,
5. To the 53,000 plus fans who attended the games I raise my mocha to you.
6. For those fans with kids or families, staying home and watching the suddenly hot, underachieving, highly overpaid Angels on TV makes perfect sense.
7. Its the Fans fault that Moneyball the movie was made. Man will the envy ever stop?
8. Hey Lou, when is Plunger Night?
9. Finally, playoff tickets sold so well, the Tarps look like their coming off. Oh, so look at that Lou, A's fans do support you strong. Hey Lou, maybe you should google the Oakland Athletics--we have been there, done that before--we want another title Lou, another title! We will take Fireworks by the way, but give folks a break for watching from the sofa during the week!
*So to A's fans and all of the great A's teams, I raise my glass to you. To all of the administration, staff, coaches, everyone involved, this includes you. The A's just keep on winning, and the rest of the world, just can't seem to deal with it. The Script is simple, let's run the table, knock off Boston and L.A, and they we can smile all the way through "Pie in Your Eye, Moneyball II."
*The last few days required some assistance of a personal nature. During times such as I was experiencing, it was just tough to sit down and write. I guess I was on the DL for a couple of days. The Texas series by the way, quite unexpected. When the A's just about burped up the lead on Friday, I about passed. Sweeping the Rangers really opened the door to the title. It's not over until it's over, however clinching at home this weekend would be a real blast. Speaking of blasts, it is the last post game fireworks show on Friday!
**By the way, A's attendance is up just about 7.5% from last year....funny that doesn't get mentioned often.
Labels:
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attendance,
Crap,
Crap in the O.Co; KNBR,
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Giants,
Lou Wolf,
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Moneyball II.,
Moss,
Nathan,
Ninerr,
Parker,
Romo
Saturday, September 14, 2013
MVP MVP MVP
Flipping the remote on this Saturday Morning....
*A's and Rangers get going early with a 10 P.S.T.! Last night's 9-8 win last more than four hours, so double check those batteries. Many moons have passed since an A's bullpen hiccuped as loud as last night--giving up 6 runs in the 8th frame. Closing games on the road always difficult, but games in Arlington and Fenway, securing victory always seems extra treacherous. A win is a win is win, and while A's fans collectives hearts were moving their way up the esophagus--this morning the Green and Gold arise to 4 and one-half game lead over the Rangers. Not many people on the planet called a 4 game plus lead for the good guys!
*MVP, MVP, MVP. Time to make a stand. Josh Donaldson deserves to be in the MVP discussion. Last night he drove in 3 more runs, his rbi total moving up to 87. Donaldson plays a mean hot corner, and has consistently been the fire in the A's belly. Donaldson struggled a bit just after the All Star break, and coincidentally, so the did the A's. MVP MVP MVP.
*Brett Anderson needs to take a yoga or ballet class. It has become painful to watch him on the mound. Last night he suffered back spasms while pitching in the warm and humid Texas summer heat. It is time to put the oft-injured lefty back in the rotation and see what he can do. I still believe Anderson could be an affective closer someday, but for now, his bullpen stint not producing many positive results. Next Thursday in Oakland against Minnesota is the perfect time BoMel to insert BA.
*The flash flooding in Colorado forced postponement of the Buffs and Bulldogs this afternoon. There is still time to drive to Berkeley and check out the Midwest Invasion as the Buckeyes take on the Bears. For those of you inclined to make a road trip, the game starts at 4 p.m. PST. You can make it a Buckeye Special and watch the Raiders play in the O.Co 21 hours later. A Silver and Black Angel dropped a ticket in my lap, so it is off to the home opener I go--as a matter of principal naturally!
*The Battle in Seattle does have a certain ring to it. The post game handshake my favorite part. Seattle gets more NFL love than anyone not named Manning. Hey NFL Media, what's your problem?
Enjoy your Saturday everyone!
*A's and Rangers get going early with a 10 P.S.T.! Last night's 9-8 win last more than four hours, so double check those batteries. Many moons have passed since an A's bullpen hiccuped as loud as last night--giving up 6 runs in the 8th frame. Closing games on the road always difficult, but games in Arlington and Fenway, securing victory always seems extra treacherous. A win is a win is win, and while A's fans collectives hearts were moving their way up the esophagus--this morning the Green and Gold arise to 4 and one-half game lead over the Rangers. Not many people on the planet called a 4 game plus lead for the good guys!
*MVP, MVP, MVP. Time to make a stand. Josh Donaldson deserves to be in the MVP discussion. Last night he drove in 3 more runs, his rbi total moving up to 87. Donaldson plays a mean hot corner, and has consistently been the fire in the A's belly. Donaldson struggled a bit just after the All Star break, and coincidentally, so the did the A's. MVP MVP MVP.
*Brett Anderson needs to take a yoga or ballet class. It has become painful to watch him on the mound. Last night he suffered back spasms while pitching in the warm and humid Texas summer heat. It is time to put the oft-injured lefty back in the rotation and see what he can do. I still believe Anderson could be an affective closer someday, but for now, his bullpen stint not producing many positive results. Next Thursday in Oakland against Minnesota is the perfect time BoMel to insert BA.
*The flash flooding in Colorado forced postponement of the Buffs and Bulldogs this afternoon. There is still time to drive to Berkeley and check out the Midwest Invasion as the Buckeyes take on the Bears. For those of you inclined to make a road trip, the game starts at 4 p.m. PST. You can make it a Buckeye Special and watch the Raiders play in the O.Co 21 hours later. A Silver and Black Angel dropped a ticket in my lap, so it is off to the home opener I go--as a matter of principal naturally!
*The Battle in Seattle does have a certain ring to it. The post game handshake my favorite part. Seattle gets more NFL love than anyone not named Manning. Hey NFL Media, what's your problem?
Enjoy your Saturday everyone!
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Life, Home Runs, and Portagee Red
A Quick Recap from the Get Down Lounge.....
*A's play an early affair in the Twin Cities this morning, with first pitch at 10 a.m. P.S.T. A's have the opportunity to put a little more distance between themselves and the Rangers before the showdown series this weekend in Texas. This morning the A's lead stands at 3 games.
*9/11 such a unique day on our country's history. Hard to believe that day took place 12 years ago. As I get older I guess it is true what they say, that Father Time waits for no one. It may be a little hard for Californians to completely wrap our collective minds around the events of that day 12 years ago. The overall impact of the Towers might be similar to imaging Disneyland and the Golden Gate Bridge being struck down simultaneously. 9/11 one day when New Yorkers should be in the forefront of our hearts and minds.
*On September 10, 1925 in a little village in Northern Portugal, my father was born. On Tuesday we had a nice little gathering in his honor with a small group of family and friends. What I gleaned from our nice little event was just how good a runner my uncle was in the late 1950's, and in 1960! In fact, this former Sac State runner may even of had the chance at making the Olympic team, but a call to military duty changed his course. So to my father Armando J., and my Uncle Urban Gasperi, to you both I raise my glass of Portagee Red! After our little event we watched the A's highlights, where they lost a tough, tough, one 4-3. They led going into the eight when former A Josh Willingham hit the game winning 2-run bomb. On this day however, it was just a game. (Any other day, I may not have slept so well! Of course, sipping on a little red wine at dinner does tend to calm one's nerves!)
*Talk of years gone by had my mind racing. I can't recall the first A's game I ever went to? The first one I remember watching on television was in 1971, when Reggie Jackson blasted one off the light towers in Detroit. It was during the All-Star game. I can't seem to remember much, however I remember Reggie due to the fact I had trouble tracking the flight of the ball! (One of my prized possessions a Kelly Green bat with Reggie's name on it from the old bat days way back when!) I vaguely remember the playoffs with Baltimore that year but is all pretty hazy. I do however remember vividly the 1972 World Series. Sitting in the living room, I remember Gene Tenace going yard--twice! Once again, what I remember most was my inability to track the ball! Funny it is two long balls that I remember most--to this day, home runs clearly my favorite part of the game, especially when I can follow the flight of the ball! The Canseco bomb from the Bash Brother days up in Toronto one of my favorite memories as well. Remember that one? Upper Deck in left field, Holy Toledo!
*One last tidbit on my father, along with my mother, they produced two offspring in one year. My sister was born on January 4th, and brother December 26. Now that is getting the job done so to speak! My aunt used the term Irish Twins, which I had never heard before? My parents like the Cold War when it comes to historical facts and information, but I only could only imagine the look on both of their faces when they found out my brother was coming along! It sure sounded like that old Portagee Red had struck again.
*A's play an early affair in the Twin Cities this morning, with first pitch at 10 a.m. P.S.T. A's have the opportunity to put a little more distance between themselves and the Rangers before the showdown series this weekend in Texas. This morning the A's lead stands at 3 games.
*9/11 such a unique day on our country's history. Hard to believe that day took place 12 years ago. As I get older I guess it is true what they say, that Father Time waits for no one. It may be a little hard for Californians to completely wrap our collective minds around the events of that day 12 years ago. The overall impact of the Towers might be similar to imaging Disneyland and the Golden Gate Bridge being struck down simultaneously. 9/11 one day when New Yorkers should be in the forefront of our hearts and minds.
*On September 10, 1925 in a little village in Northern Portugal, my father was born. On Tuesday we had a nice little gathering in his honor with a small group of family and friends. What I gleaned from our nice little event was just how good a runner my uncle was in the late 1950's, and in 1960! In fact, this former Sac State runner may even of had the chance at making the Olympic team, but a call to military duty changed his course. So to my father Armando J., and my Uncle Urban Gasperi, to you both I raise my glass of Portagee Red! After our little event we watched the A's highlights, where they lost a tough, tough, one 4-3. They led going into the eight when former A Josh Willingham hit the game winning 2-run bomb. On this day however, it was just a game. (Any other day, I may not have slept so well! Of course, sipping on a little red wine at dinner does tend to calm one's nerves!)
*Talk of years gone by had my mind racing. I can't recall the first A's game I ever went to? The first one I remember watching on television was in 1971, when Reggie Jackson blasted one off the light towers in Detroit. It was during the All-Star game. I can't seem to remember much, however I remember Reggie due to the fact I had trouble tracking the flight of the ball! (One of my prized possessions a Kelly Green bat with Reggie's name on it from the old bat days way back when!) I vaguely remember the playoffs with Baltimore that year but is all pretty hazy. I do however remember vividly the 1972 World Series. Sitting in the living room, I remember Gene Tenace going yard--twice! Once again, what I remember most was my inability to track the ball! Funny it is two long balls that I remember most--to this day, home runs clearly my favorite part of the game, especially when I can follow the flight of the ball! The Canseco bomb from the Bash Brother days up in Toronto one of my favorite memories as well. Remember that one? Upper Deck in left field, Holy Toledo!
*One last tidbit on my father, along with my mother, they produced two offspring in one year. My sister was born on January 4th, and brother December 26. Now that is getting the job done so to speak! My aunt used the term Irish Twins, which I had never heard before? My parents like the Cold War when it comes to historical facts and information, but I only could only imagine the look on both of their faces when they found out my brother was coming along! It sure sounded like that old Portagee Red had struck again.
Labels:
A's in Minnesota,
Gene Tenace,
Irish Twins,
Jose Canseco,
Red Wine,
Reggie Jackson,
Urban Gasperi
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Numbers and a NFL Memory
A's win 2-1, Increase Lead Over the Rangers, and Some Numbers:
Dan Stailey pitched a gem yesterday in the O.Co, helping the A's hold off the Astros 2-1. Yoenis Cespedes grilled home run #22 to put the A's up 1-0. Sean Doolittle recorded his first save. So let's take a closer look at some numbers:
*Most Importantly, thanks to some help from the Halos, the A's lead the Rangers by a game and a half, with that BIG 3 game series next weekend looming in the distance. The last week of the season will be very interesting as the A's finish on the road in Anaheim and Seattle, while the Rangers host Houston and Seattle.
The A's may want to try and
*Strailey's numbers during the day: 4-1 record, 2.25 ERA, 1.0 WHIP, .181 BAA (batting average against);
*Strailey's numbers at night: 5-6 record, 5.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, .267 BAA.
Strailey's numbers slightly better at home than on the road, so it's pretty simple-->pitch Dan in Oakland, during the day!
*Cespedes' year has been of particular interest to me, so I compared his stats from 2012 and 2013. Interestingly, his plate appearances are nearly identical, 487 in 2012 and 471 thus far in 2013. The category that jumped out was that Cespy has 20 more strikeouts in 16 less late appearances. His hit total is down, as are his average and on base percentage. Walks are nearly the same, as our home runs. It would appear, Yo Yo needs to pick his spots, and think about more singles and doubles! If he can somehow someway get on a tear, things would look a little brighter in Oaktown!
Memories of my First NFL Game, Fall of 1972:
It was a rainy day in Oakland, when the Monsters of the Midway were visiting the Coliseum. The Bears Quarterback was Bobby Douglass. We must have been late, as we walked from a parking lot on Hegenberger Road. We meandered away through fences, across a canal, and finally into the lot of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. It was beautiful. We sat behind the Bears, in what they used to call the "Bleachers." I seem to recall more than one funny smelling type of cigarette out there, and maybe even an item or two being projected at the Bears bench. The field was sloppy, and I as I recall the Raiders prevailed 28-21. (I just looked it up, it was indeed the Fall of 1972, and I was 6 years old!) It was a blast. My father, my brother, and a friend of my father, wonderfully pleasant man by the name of George Hiromoto. I believe we stopped for ribs at Emmil Villa's in Walnut Creek. Good times, good times indeed!
I also have many great memories of Niner games at the Stick. The Stick seemed fine for football, baseball, um, not so much. The major difference in my humble opinion between going to the O.A.C. C., or the Stick, was that it was or is still much easier and faster to get out of the Coli than the Stick. In Oakland I learned the lessons of tailgating from Mary Spingolo and her family. Over at the stick, it was good times with the Rio Vista families, the Smiths and the Flaherty's in particular. ( I seem to remember the Landa's as well, but come to think of that, that may have been more for A's games?) In the 70's it was a great time to be a Raider, A's, and Warrior fan. There was some heartbreak involved, but there was definitely OUR share of raising the victor's cup!
So today, I raise the cup to the families of Frank Spingolo (Mary's Dad), Lincoln Chan (an Icon in Delta Pear farming); Mike Flaherty and Rex Smith, two guys who are always welcome in the Get Down Lounge!; and of course my fun-loving, always good food consuming parents. My mother the master of the Kitchen Sink sandwich which always tasted scrumptious in the second half. I eventually learned not to ask what was in it, just to eat it! To pops for all of the driving. And the chocolate malts. And maybe a pennant or two! To the Coli too, well just because you have always been there!
Enjoy the Sunday people, enjoy, and a little rib sauce on the cheeks, shirts, and arms is just fine for you 6 year olds out there, it just means they were good going down!
Dan Stailey pitched a gem yesterday in the O.Co, helping the A's hold off the Astros 2-1. Yoenis Cespedes grilled home run #22 to put the A's up 1-0. Sean Doolittle recorded his first save. So let's take a closer look at some numbers:
*Most Importantly, thanks to some help from the Halos, the A's lead the Rangers by a game and a half, with that BIG 3 game series next weekend looming in the distance. The last week of the season will be very interesting as the A's finish on the road in Anaheim and Seattle, while the Rangers host Houston and Seattle.
The A's may want to try and
*Strailey's numbers during the day: 4-1 record, 2.25 ERA, 1.0 WHIP, .181 BAA (batting average against);
*Strailey's numbers at night: 5-6 record, 5.21 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, .267 BAA.
Strailey's numbers slightly better at home than on the road, so it's pretty simple-->pitch Dan in Oakland, during the day!
*Cespedes' year has been of particular interest to me, so I compared his stats from 2012 and 2013. Interestingly, his plate appearances are nearly identical, 487 in 2012 and 471 thus far in 2013. The category that jumped out was that Cespy has 20 more strikeouts in 16 less late appearances. His hit total is down, as are his average and on base percentage. Walks are nearly the same, as our home runs. It would appear, Yo Yo needs to pick his spots, and think about more singles and doubles! If he can somehow someway get on a tear, things would look a little brighter in Oaktown!
Memories of my First NFL Game, Fall of 1972:
It was a rainy day in Oakland, when the Monsters of the Midway were visiting the Coliseum. The Bears Quarterback was Bobby Douglass. We must have been late, as we walked from a parking lot on Hegenberger Road. We meandered away through fences, across a canal, and finally into the lot of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum. It was beautiful. We sat behind the Bears, in what they used to call the "Bleachers." I seem to recall more than one funny smelling type of cigarette out there, and maybe even an item or two being projected at the Bears bench. The field was sloppy, and I as I recall the Raiders prevailed 28-21. (I just looked it up, it was indeed the Fall of 1972, and I was 6 years old!) It was a blast. My father, my brother, and a friend of my father, wonderfully pleasant man by the name of George Hiromoto. I believe we stopped for ribs at Emmil Villa's in Walnut Creek. Good times, good times indeed!
I also have many great memories of Niner games at the Stick. The Stick seemed fine for football, baseball, um, not so much. The major difference in my humble opinion between going to the O.A.C. C., or the Stick, was that it was or is still much easier and faster to get out of the Coli than the Stick. In Oakland I learned the lessons of tailgating from Mary Spingolo and her family. Over at the stick, it was good times with the Rio Vista families, the Smiths and the Flaherty's in particular. ( I seem to remember the Landa's as well, but come to think of that, that may have been more for A's games?) In the 70's it was a great time to be a Raider, A's, and Warrior fan. There was some heartbreak involved, but there was definitely OUR share of raising the victor's cup!
So today, I raise the cup to the families of Frank Spingolo (Mary's Dad), Lincoln Chan (an Icon in Delta Pear farming); Mike Flaherty and Rex Smith, two guys who are always welcome in the Get Down Lounge!; and of course my fun-loving, always good food consuming parents. My mother the master of the Kitchen Sink sandwich which always tasted scrumptious in the second half. I eventually learned not to ask what was in it, just to eat it! To pops for all of the driving. And the chocolate malts. And maybe a pennant or two! To the Coli too, well just because you have always been there!
Enjoy the Sunday people, enjoy, and a little rib sauce on the cheeks, shirts, and arms is just fine for you 6 year olds out there, it just means they were good going down!
Saturday, September 7, 2013
A's Back in the Lead; Chavez Frustrating Bay Area Fans Again! Happy Birthday BFF!
Flipping the Remote this Saturday:
(Remember when kids used to sleep in on Saturday's, wake-up and consume a buffet of breakfast cereal, and watch Scooby Doo ad nauseam? Boy have times changed--now it 's youth sports all day and video games? What ever happened to kids simply playing pick up games? We have become an uber-scheduled little society haven't we. My question simply, is it worth it?)
Here it is September 7, and the Green and Gold sit on top of the Western Division by a mere one-half of a game. The last two nights the A's have split a pair of games with those scrappy Houston Astros. The A's had their own little version of torture last night. While closer Grant Balfour scuffled in the ninth, an error by second basemen Eric Sogard help open the door, and before you could wonder just what the heck Ray Fosse was saying, the Astros would have the go-ahead run at the plate. A nice play by Brandon Moss, was followed by a Balfour punch out, and it was all good in Oakland. The last two seasons Balfour has pitched a ton of what baseball parlance calls "high stress innings." I wonder if is arm not a little "dead" right about now? Enter Brett Anderson. His fresh arm may be the deal maker--or breaker as it were. I envision the oft-injured lefty, eventually having to finish a game in the near future. As I mentioned before, Anderson needs to pitch in September and October like Lincecum did for the Giants in the 2012 postseason. In fact, I can envision Anderson pitching in just about every scenario. As I paid for my potential World Series Tickets yesterday, I am pulling for Anderson be lights out, and for Balfour to replenish the Lightening in his right arm!
Josh Donaldson continues to put the team on his back-my feeling is the guy is willing to do much, but he is having one heck of a season. Last night he steals 3rd at a critical juncture in the game, then for good measure blasts home run #21 for good measure. With the blast, Donaldson now has 82 rbi's, and if weren't for a cold stretch out of the All-Star break, (0 rbi's in 17 games), the Auburn alum may have nosed in the MVP race.
The AL West Champion will literally go through Anaheim and Texas, as both teams will play the A's and Rangers many times down the stretch. The Astros look they have assembled a group of good, young, athletic, hitters. If they find some pitching in the off season, they may not be the Lastros for long. The Mariners have given the A's fits in recent years, and with a healthy King Felix, Seattle may indeed prove sleepless! If the Angels can just get their act together and beat everyone not wearing Green or Yellow jerseys, (pleaseeeee) then, things will be all good! The Rangers have the luxury of finishing the season at home against Seattle and Anaheim, however games with Pittsburgh and Tampa may be the season turning games. Of course, there is a pivotal match-up in Arlington next weekend between the A's and Rangers.
If "splits" are how you roll, check these out. Today's starter Dan Strailey is lights out during the day. When the sun is out, the righty has an ERA under 3, and batters facing him are hitting under .200 during the day. When the lights are on, Strailey's numbers scary, as his ERA sits up over 5, and batters are hitting just about .70 points better. Pitch him in the day BoMel, pitch him in the day!
*Way back when Eric Chavez, was a slick-fielding, gold glove third basemen for the A's. Then he got paid, then he hurt his back, then last night he delivers a back-breaker. Giants starter Yusmeiro Petit was ever so close to that all majical perfect game when Chavez singled just in front of--and I mean like 30 inches--in front of diving right fielder Hunter Pence. I don't recall one athlete letting down so many people on both sides of the bay! This morning, I raise my mug of my wife's killer coffee to you Yusmeiro! You could almost hear the collective minds saying, oohh, if we have this guy next year with Cain and Madison, the good times will return. Well, let's hope so Gigos, let's hope so!
*Today one of those rare days when a person can actually catch a game in Oakland, then SF on the same day. Next season, no if's and or buts, I am going to do it! Any sponsors out there!
*Women's Final on Sunday, Men's on Monday in Flushing. Serena loves NYC, and I would say she will be hoisting another major trophy on Sunday Night!
*Time to "hit somebody!" Football aficionados are happy as clams this weekend. The Irish are at Michigan--love the bands, the team colors, the Big House. The two teams won't be playing for a few years after tonight's game, and well, to me, that's a little sad. USC fans, the Trojans hosting Washington State this evening at 7:30 p.m. PST. Start the caffeine drip early you Trojan East Coast Alums (some of my favorite people by the way!) Are the San Jose Spartans riding the Upset Express when they travel to Palo Alto this evening?
*Speaking of the East Coast, the Red Sox have ripped the hearts right out of the throats of the Yankees with two monster consecutive come from behind wins. The pin stripes my just by up every potential reliever. (Quick, hide Timmy and Balfour!) It's looks like the AL pennant running through Boston or Detroit.
*Super Bowl Prediction: I see a come from the packer emerging in the AFC. I am not buying the Broncos as Manning a boy from Tennessee, and he is not knows for his cold weather games. Someone like Cincinnati perhaps. The NFC is big boy football, and it would sure be hard to bet against the Niners. I know everyone loves Seattle, but I just don't know. The Niners are one hit away from serious trouble, with no Alex as plan B. So, I am going with Killer B Super Bowl, Bengals and Buccaneers.
*Speaking of Killer B's, Happy Birthday to my man in the Delta today (that's Sacramento River Delta, just south of Sacramento, just East of the Bay Area. The home of cool, evening breezes!), the one, the only, The Flave!
Enjoy your Saturday People!
(Remember when kids used to sleep in on Saturday's, wake-up and consume a buffet of breakfast cereal, and watch Scooby Doo ad nauseam? Boy have times changed--now it 's youth sports all day and video games? What ever happened to kids simply playing pick up games? We have become an uber-scheduled little society haven't we. My question simply, is it worth it?)
Here it is September 7, and the Green and Gold sit on top of the Western Division by a mere one-half of a game. The last two nights the A's have split a pair of games with those scrappy Houston Astros. The A's had their own little version of torture last night. While closer Grant Balfour scuffled in the ninth, an error by second basemen Eric Sogard help open the door, and before you could wonder just what the heck Ray Fosse was saying, the Astros would have the go-ahead run at the plate. A nice play by Brandon Moss, was followed by a Balfour punch out, and it was all good in Oakland. The last two seasons Balfour has pitched a ton of what baseball parlance calls "high stress innings." I wonder if is arm not a little "dead" right about now? Enter Brett Anderson. His fresh arm may be the deal maker--or breaker as it were. I envision the oft-injured lefty, eventually having to finish a game in the near future. As I mentioned before, Anderson needs to pitch in September and October like Lincecum did for the Giants in the 2012 postseason. In fact, I can envision Anderson pitching in just about every scenario. As I paid for my potential World Series Tickets yesterday, I am pulling for Anderson be lights out, and for Balfour to replenish the Lightening in his right arm!
Josh Donaldson continues to put the team on his back-my feeling is the guy is willing to do much, but he is having one heck of a season. Last night he steals 3rd at a critical juncture in the game, then for good measure blasts home run #21 for good measure. With the blast, Donaldson now has 82 rbi's, and if weren't for a cold stretch out of the All-Star break, (0 rbi's in 17 games), the Auburn alum may have nosed in the MVP race.
The AL West Champion will literally go through Anaheim and Texas, as both teams will play the A's and Rangers many times down the stretch. The Astros look they have assembled a group of good, young, athletic, hitters. If they find some pitching in the off season, they may not be the Lastros for long. The Mariners have given the A's fits in recent years, and with a healthy King Felix, Seattle may indeed prove sleepless! If the Angels can just get their act together and beat everyone not wearing Green or Yellow jerseys, (pleaseeeee) then, things will be all good! The Rangers have the luxury of finishing the season at home against Seattle and Anaheim, however games with Pittsburgh and Tampa may be the season turning games. Of course, there is a pivotal match-up in Arlington next weekend between the A's and Rangers.
If "splits" are how you roll, check these out. Today's starter Dan Strailey is lights out during the day. When the sun is out, the righty has an ERA under 3, and batters facing him are hitting under .200 during the day. When the lights are on, Strailey's numbers scary, as his ERA sits up over 5, and batters are hitting just about .70 points better. Pitch him in the day BoMel, pitch him in the day!
*Way back when Eric Chavez, was a slick-fielding, gold glove third basemen for the A's. Then he got paid, then he hurt his back, then last night he delivers a back-breaker. Giants starter Yusmeiro Petit was ever so close to that all majical perfect game when Chavez singled just in front of--and I mean like 30 inches--in front of diving right fielder Hunter Pence. I don't recall one athlete letting down so many people on both sides of the bay! This morning, I raise my mug of my wife's killer coffee to you Yusmeiro! You could almost hear the collective minds saying, oohh, if we have this guy next year with Cain and Madison, the good times will return. Well, let's hope so Gigos, let's hope so!
*Today one of those rare days when a person can actually catch a game in Oakland, then SF on the same day. Next season, no if's and or buts, I am going to do it! Any sponsors out there!
*Women's Final on Sunday, Men's on Monday in Flushing. Serena loves NYC, and I would say she will be hoisting another major trophy on Sunday Night!
*Time to "hit somebody!" Football aficionados are happy as clams this weekend. The Irish are at Michigan--love the bands, the team colors, the Big House. The two teams won't be playing for a few years after tonight's game, and well, to me, that's a little sad. USC fans, the Trojans hosting Washington State this evening at 7:30 p.m. PST. Start the caffeine drip early you Trojan East Coast Alums (some of my favorite people by the way!) Are the San Jose Spartans riding the Upset Express when they travel to Palo Alto this evening?
*Speaking of the East Coast, the Red Sox have ripped the hearts right out of the throats of the Yankees with two monster consecutive come from behind wins. The pin stripes my just by up every potential reliever. (Quick, hide Timmy and Balfour!) It's looks like the AL pennant running through Boston or Detroit.
*Super Bowl Prediction: I see a come from the packer emerging in the AFC. I am not buying the Broncos as Manning a boy from Tennessee, and he is not knows for his cold weather games. Someone like Cincinnati perhaps. The NFC is big boy football, and it would sure be hard to bet against the Niners. I know everyone loves Seattle, but I just don't know. The Niners are one hit away from serious trouble, with no Alex as plan B. So, I am going with Killer B Super Bowl, Bengals and Buccaneers.
*Speaking of Killer B's, Happy Birthday to my man in the Delta today (that's Sacramento River Delta, just south of Sacramento, just East of the Bay Area. The home of cool, evening breezes!), the one, the only, The Flave!
Enjoy your Saturday People!
Labels:
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Angels,
Astros,
Bengals and Bucs,
Dan Strailey'ssplits,
Eric Chavez,
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Mariners,
ND vs Michigan,
Saturday Mornings,
Super Bowl Prediction,
Upset Special,
Yusmeiro Petit
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Oh My! The Swinging A's are Rolling!
On a beautiful sunny and warm Bay Area afternoon, the Green and Gold outdid themselves on Wednesday by knocking the Rangers around in the O.Co, 11-4. The key frame came in the bottom of the sixth when the A's would tally 6 runs. The pivotal blows in that inning were struck from re-born again Daric Barton and Josh Donaldson. Barton's blast to right center gave the A's a 5-2 lead, and they never looked back! Donaldson would later crush one to deep left field, and it was game set match! Coco Crisp continues to ignite the offense as he jumped on the dog pile adding a two-run homer in the eight, his 18th of the season. Brandon Moss started the A's scoring in the first when he crushed a Yu Darvish offering well into the "Zanies" in the right field bleachers. Much like last season, the A's are finding their collective power stroke's here in the second half of the season. The A's have won an impressive 8 of their last 10 games, and that includes beating Detroit's Justin Verlander, Tampa Bay's David Price, and the Rangers ace Yu Darvish. Speaking of pitching, Jarrod Parker continues to step up with quality efforts in important games--heck any game! The A's have not lost game in Parker's last 18 starts--let's hope that continues for another dozen starts or so. Good times in A's land, good times!
Brett Anderson finished up yesterday pitching the final 3 innings, earning his second save. Anderson's role will be prominent somewhere sometime in the near future. The A's are steadily working the bearded lefty into important situations, while at the same time increasing his innings pitched on the mound. The results of Sonny Gray and Bartolo Colon's next starts, might provide the best indication of where eventually Anderson will end up. Gray pitches tonight versus the Astros, while Colon will pitch on Sunday. Colon pitched well enough on Tuesday in the loss Rangers, however his velocity clearly was down from earlier in the season. Ironically however, it was two sharp comebackers that Colon couldn't quite corral, that would eventually knock out Colon and the A's on Tuesday. (Allow me to dream for a moment, but I can envision Anderson's role being primarily in the pen--the perhaps, in the League Championship Series and World Series, Anderson sliding back to a starter as well!) The fact that Grant Balfour did not pitch yesterday, ideally saving or replenishing some bullets in his right arm, another extremely positive development from the afternoon's events in the O.Co yesterday.
It get's better. This season Yu clearly has struggled against the A's-I believe his inner Yu longs to be an Athletic! So when Mr. Personality and A's killer catcher A. J. Pierzynski came to say a few words to Yo on the mound, after a few words, Yu essentially waved the loveable catcher back to the plate! Classic. I wondered what all of A.J.'s teammates back in Minnesota, and San Francisco, and Chicago, and now Texas truly think of Mr. P? He is one heck of a player, but their appears to be some baggage there! On Monday, Ranger's manager Ron Washington was seen getting into his pitcher's dish. Love that Texas style implosion going down! Mark the calendar, A's in Texas next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The joint shall be jumping!
The A's may not be winning because of Daric Barton and Kurt Suzuki, but they are sure are winning WITH them. As compared to previous stints with the A's, now there roles are better suited for success. Both of the these guys are pieces to a puzzle, and their skill sets match with hitting in the bottom of the order. The A's have gone 8-2 with Reddick out, and when it comes time to pick a 25 man playoff roster, BoMel is going to have some interesting choices. We can save that topic for a later day!
23 games to go, all tied up. Plan B of making the playoffs looking pretty good at this point. So, the focus in simple--no letdowns! Houston is in Oaktown tonight, and with the Rangers not playing, the A's could be in first place all by their lonesomes at the end of the evening.
Flipping the Remote:
*NFL people, tonight is the Ravens and Broncos. Raider fans, have you all gone out and purchased a Terrelle Pryor jersey and dusted off your DMac jersey? (Hopefully the injury proof one?) The Raiders could surprise some people, and could very well be the 2012 A's? I am just saying. Niner fans, tired of hearing about the Seahawks? How about the Packers saying the may hit the QB a little on the option reads. The Packers and Niners have become a nice little rivalry haven't they? Notre Dame and Michigan this weekend in the Big House--that is a game that hovers on my Bucket List. How about the Open, Nadal, Djokovich, and Murry, the Best Big 3 of All Time? Ditto with Serena? Double check the batteries in the remote people!
Brett Anderson finished up yesterday pitching the final 3 innings, earning his second save. Anderson's role will be prominent somewhere sometime in the near future. The A's are steadily working the bearded lefty into important situations, while at the same time increasing his innings pitched on the mound. The results of Sonny Gray and Bartolo Colon's next starts, might provide the best indication of where eventually Anderson will end up. Gray pitches tonight versus the Astros, while Colon will pitch on Sunday. Colon pitched well enough on Tuesday in the loss Rangers, however his velocity clearly was down from earlier in the season. Ironically however, it was two sharp comebackers that Colon couldn't quite corral, that would eventually knock out Colon and the A's on Tuesday. (Allow me to dream for a moment, but I can envision Anderson's role being primarily in the pen--the perhaps, in the League Championship Series and World Series, Anderson sliding back to a starter as well!) The fact that Grant Balfour did not pitch yesterday, ideally saving or replenishing some bullets in his right arm, another extremely positive development from the afternoon's events in the O.Co yesterday.
It get's better. This season Yu clearly has struggled against the A's-I believe his inner Yu longs to be an Athletic! So when Mr. Personality and A's killer catcher A. J. Pierzynski came to say a few words to Yo on the mound, after a few words, Yu essentially waved the loveable catcher back to the plate! Classic. I wondered what all of A.J.'s teammates back in Minnesota, and San Francisco, and Chicago, and now Texas truly think of Mr. P? He is one heck of a player, but their appears to be some baggage there! On Monday, Ranger's manager Ron Washington was seen getting into his pitcher's dish. Love that Texas style implosion going down! Mark the calendar, A's in Texas next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The joint shall be jumping!
The A's may not be winning because of Daric Barton and Kurt Suzuki, but they are sure are winning WITH them. As compared to previous stints with the A's, now there roles are better suited for success. Both of the these guys are pieces to a puzzle, and their skill sets match with hitting in the bottom of the order. The A's have gone 8-2 with Reddick out, and when it comes time to pick a 25 man playoff roster, BoMel is going to have some interesting choices. We can save that topic for a later day!
23 games to go, all tied up. Plan B of making the playoffs looking pretty good at this point. So, the focus in simple--no letdowns! Houston is in Oaktown tonight, and with the Rangers not playing, the A's could be in first place all by their lonesomes at the end of the evening.
Flipping the Remote:
*NFL people, tonight is the Ravens and Broncos. Raider fans, have you all gone out and purchased a Terrelle Pryor jersey and dusted off your DMac jersey? (Hopefully the injury proof one?) The Raiders could surprise some people, and could very well be the 2012 A's? I am just saying. Niner fans, tired of hearing about the Seahawks? How about the Packers saying the may hit the QB a little on the option reads. The Packers and Niners have become a nice little rivalry haven't they? Notre Dame and Michigan this weekend in the Big House--that is a game that hovers on my Bucket List. How about the Open, Nadal, Djokovich, and Murry, the Best Big 3 of All Time? Ditto with Serena? Double check the batteries in the remote people!
Labels:
A.J. Pierzynski,
Brandon Moss,
Brett Anderson,
Coco Crisp,
Daric Barton,
Kurt Zuzuki,
NFL,
US Open,
Yu Darvish
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Big Game at the O.Co!
***Anyway you slice it, today is a Big Game at the O.Co. If the A's win, the are tied with Texas with 23 games to go. If Texas wins, if gives them a little cushion, and perhaps a little momentum heading into next weekend's showdown in Arlington. Today it's Yu versus the A's ace, Jarrod Parker. The A's have not lost a game in Parker's last 17 starts. The A's formula for winning is simple: good pitching, solid defense, and just enough hitting from Coco, Lowrie, Moss and Cespedes. Throw in a long ball of course! Play ball, and I will have plenty of comments later!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Memorial Day Edition! Let's Go Oakland! (Bam Bam Bam-Bam-Bam!)
To a blessed and enjoyable Memorial Day to everyone!
*Timing is everything, and wow, have the A's picked a great time to get hot! Oh what a difference a week makes! First they take 3 out of from the Tigers, then they sweep the Rays. In a couple of hours, first place is on the line when they host the Rangers. (Yes I thought about going by the way!) Today, rookie outfielder Michael Choice is in the lineup. Choice resembles a young Kirby Puckett, and boy if he could bring a little pop to the A's lineup, then Oh Nellie! I have to admit, my playoff fever really beginning to surface--and dreams of a World Series dancing in my head....but so are the nightmares of another, painful playoff series loss! Such if life eh, such is life! After spending a little time in NYC, watching the A's play in the postseason, in the Big Apple would be awesome! Hey, the A's in a World Series would be fabulous, I am just saying their is something extra special about NYC!
*Pitching really is the A's bread and butter, so if they can just hit enough--Choice or Cespedes in particular. Moss, Crisp, and Lowrie like camels right now, because they are carrying the A's offense! Ideally the A's can grab a hold of that postseason magic, just like the guys across the bay did in 2010 and 2012!
*Trying to watch the games on the internet a real challenge! The game on Friday ended around 12:30 a.m. eastern time. Crazee! I could see where a fan might need to purchase the MLB premium channels. That crazy Fresno State-Rutgers game that ended 52-51 in OT, ended like at 3 a.m. Eastern Time. I think we were flying over Kentucky at the time!
*Hang in their NFL fanatics, the real games will be here before you know it! Raider fans, well remember it is indeed a process! Maybe T. Pryor and the Ghosts of the Coliseum can bottle a little majic? Niner fans, your guys indeed the hunted! In my opinion, the Niners a little like the A's--because both teams have have such great success, their story gets brushed aside. Haven't you noticed, the Seahawks the darlings of the media?
*Make sure to spend some quality times with family and friends today, and to my old friend Michael DeCarlo from Middle Village NYC, to you I raise the glass today! Have a great day, and of course,
Oakkkkkklanddddddd, Oakkkkkkklnadddddddd, go A's!
*I am actually headed to the Kayak website here shortly--the US Open may just become an annual or bi-annual journey!
*Timing is everything, and wow, have the A's picked a great time to get hot! Oh what a difference a week makes! First they take 3 out of from the Tigers, then they sweep the Rays. In a couple of hours, first place is on the line when they host the Rangers. (Yes I thought about going by the way!) Today, rookie outfielder Michael Choice is in the lineup. Choice resembles a young Kirby Puckett, and boy if he could bring a little pop to the A's lineup, then Oh Nellie! I have to admit, my playoff fever really beginning to surface--and dreams of a World Series dancing in my head....but so are the nightmares of another, painful playoff series loss! Such if life eh, such is life! After spending a little time in NYC, watching the A's play in the postseason, in the Big Apple would be awesome! Hey, the A's in a World Series would be fabulous, I am just saying their is something extra special about NYC!
*Pitching really is the A's bread and butter, so if they can just hit enough--Choice or Cespedes in particular. Moss, Crisp, and Lowrie like camels right now, because they are carrying the A's offense! Ideally the A's can grab a hold of that postseason magic, just like the guys across the bay did in 2010 and 2012!
*Trying to watch the games on the internet a real challenge! The game on Friday ended around 12:30 a.m. eastern time. Crazee! I could see where a fan might need to purchase the MLB premium channels. That crazy Fresno State-Rutgers game that ended 52-51 in OT, ended like at 3 a.m. Eastern Time. I think we were flying over Kentucky at the time!
*Hang in their NFL fanatics, the real games will be here before you know it! Raider fans, well remember it is indeed a process! Maybe T. Pryor and the Ghosts of the Coliseum can bottle a little majic? Niner fans, your guys indeed the hunted! In my opinion, the Niners a little like the A's--because both teams have have such great success, their story gets brushed aside. Haven't you noticed, the Seahawks the darlings of the media?
*Make sure to spend some quality times with family and friends today, and to my old friend Michael DeCarlo from Middle Village NYC, to you I raise the glass today! Have a great day, and of course,
Oakkkkkklanddddddd, Oakkkkkkklnadddddddd, go A's!
*I am actually headed to the Kayak website here shortly--the US Open may just become an annual or bi-annual journey!
Labels:
Michael Choice,
Michael DeCarlo,
The US Open,
The World Series
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