California Dreaming

On a Beautiful, California Fall Day

*Does it get any better than October weather in California?

*The more I think about it, the more I like this idea:  The A's should spend some bucks and sign both Grant Balfour and Brian Wilson.  Talk about your Killa B's!  They could B the most entertaining relief tandem in the history of the Sport.  Sure, they both may have a little trouble sharing the limelight, but let's be realistic, both of them aren't exactly spring chickens.  Maybe there will be a little brawling in the pen as well--bring it on I say, bring it on.  The Oakland A's, and O.Co would be an ideal host for these two characters.  Most importantly, if the A's are ever to win the Trophy, they need a lights out pen.

*Skimming through a list of would be free agents, two other names jumped out--the first, is Kevin YOU-ka-lis (Youkalis).  The Greek God of walks yes siree.  He could play a little first, third and DH.  Look at the cast of personalities....trying to win the whole thing, but let's have a little fun along the way!

*Icihiro is the other player I would love to see in Green and Gold.  He is such and anti-A hitting wise, I sure would love to see him take his funky swings versus Verlander and Shurzer.  Icihiro, Wilson, Balfour now that would give the O.Co patrons something to Rage about!

*Taking in a little KNBR 680 replay the other night, I was struck by a conversation my man Gary Radnich was having with his co-hosts.  (Radnich a former baller at UNLV back in the day!) The topic was the idea of who the most recognizable player in MLB is or are?  Good question.  Has MLB done a poor job of marketing its product on a national basis?  Thus who is the most recognizable player.  My top 3:  Big Poppy, Mike Trout, and Yasiel Puig.  Perhaps that is my playoff mind, while Derek Jeter, ARod and Mariono Rivera would also make the list!  It made me think MLB needs to go back to a National Game once a week, spreading the love around.  Interesting conversation and topic by the KNBR crew.  (Too bad they don't cover the A's and Raiders a little more!)  Maybe MLB is still America's pastime, but not its passion? Who is most reconizeable:  LeBron James, Payton Manning, or insert any MLB player here. Heck, is Tiger Woods next on the list?

*This could turn out to be one heck of a World Series.  I feel for Red Sox reliever Craig Breslow who chucked one into the seats down the third base line.  First of all, a left fielder with a decent arm, and Red Sox are up 2-0.  Then, Breslow, a genius by athletic standards, backs up the play, has to scoot away from the umpire and his catcher; sees Drew standing on 3rd with the 3rd baseman nearby.  Just a weird, weird play.  I wonder with the stands at Fenway so close to the field, if somehow the throw didn't appear to be easier?  Breslow always has appeared to me like a stand up guy.  (I am a little surprised at his success-I view him as solid MLB reliever, not a guy I want on the bump with the Trophy on the line!) Did the curse of the Bambino re-emerge, or was it the Ghost of Manny?  Oohh, jeepers Red Sox fans!

*Ironic that Carlos Beltran and Matt Holiday--two former Bay Area outfielders involved in key trades, are playing such key roles in the World Series.  Baseball sure does lend itslelf to marvelous stories!

*To a great weekend!

Big Poppy and Little Poppy Versus the Rebirds

From the Get Down Lounge:

*Well this is an easy one--since I think the Red Sox are going to win in 6 or 7 games, I am going with the Cards in 5! For what it is worth, of all the fan bases I have seen in recent years, the Cardinals sported the cutest--that has got to be worh something!

*I have to admit last night I sure was having a case of baseball withdrawals. In fact, I was thinking just how nice it would have been if the East Bay team was hosting.  Sigh.  Oh well....game 7 could have been in Oakland on Halloween, sniff, sniff.

*Hard to go against a team that his The Little Poppy in the 3 hole, followed by Big Poppy batting cleanup.  Dustin Pedroia is a stick and has no strike zone.  Big Poppy is well, Big Poppy.

*I sure wish the A's would have taken a flyer on Brian Wilson.  He would have looked great in yellow spikes!

*Is there a player out there who fits the role of Mr. Kill-Joy than Matt Holiday (I think he is a Giants fan by the way!)?  When it comes to personality, he is no Johny Gomes--but who gets to hoist the cup?

*So, if  the Moneyball A's don't traditionally spend a lot of dough on bullpen arms, couldn't the argument by made perhaps, just perhaps that is why the A's struggle so Charlie Brown mightily in the post season?  Brian Wilson Billy,  AARGH!

*Speaking of bullpens, in recent years it seems like the teams who win all, don't cough up late leads in the playoffs--or leads in general?

*It looks like the stadium situation has died down--I wondered,  it was a little weird for San Jose to sue, but what if the A's sued?  Hum.....maybe with Bud gone, Lou will then try the courts?  Of course MLB has another interesting case in court with A-Rod.  Stay tuned.

*The Giants gave Timmy a lot of money.  Must be nice huh?  Chump change comared to what the Dodger$ will spend however.  It sure feels like the Evil Empire now wears blue!

*Still waiting on Bud's blue-ribbon panel to tell us their findings regarding the A's desire to move to San Jose.  Really?  Bud is going to step down and wash his hands of that one.

*Raiders haven't one a game in 10 years after a bye, and in coming the hated Steelers (as least hated by old school fans).  Oh, if the Raiders win this one, the Black Hole will one big smile!  Ka-ching!  As if a gizillion replays of Gibson's homer off of Eck wasn't enough, now we will get to see the Immaculate Reception over and over and over.  Yuck.

*Seems like the W's should worry about making the playoffs again--there is a lot of chatter about the contending for a title.  Ish, ish, and more ish.  Steph Curry is a joy to watch play, but those ankles of his a little brittle.  I just worry about the W's fans.

*So the Partriots think they got a bad deal on a rare, obscure NFL penalty?  Well color me Tuck.  Know, imagine if that was in a playoff game.

*To Mark Ellis, my spouse's favorite A, congrats on a nice post season run.  You definitely were a great pro and a solid guy?  I wonder how the Dodger clubhouse is going to be without you around?  I know he hasn't retired, yet.

*To Brian Kelly, head coach of the Irish--if I raise my glass to you and your team, will you bust out the Green jerseys a little more often?

*To all the fans in Boston and St. Louis, you both have great places to take in a ballgame--to all of you, I raise my glass, and here is to a fanatical week for all of you.  Sniff, sniff.

Keep on Keeping On....Spotlight on South Bend

Way Down in The Get Down Lounge, Man Cave Style:

*MLB pretty much got what they wanted huh:  the Northeast and LA markets with a splash of the Midwest throw in?  Both LCS' are actually pretty compelling, but I just have got to say.....I can't help but go back to game 4 of the LDS, in Detroit, A's leading the Tigres 3-0.  To me it all started when Fielder hit a high pop up and Cespy didn't come up with.  Two batters later Peralta went yard, and another Green and Gold playoff Downer was on the way.  I love the playoffs.  The playoffs make me ill.

*The way the Red Sox held off the Tigers last night, made me wonder:  was the acquisition of the year the Sawks pick up of reliever Koji Uehara.  I love that name by way--put him in the Get Down Lounge Registry!  Uehara actually had a very solid season for the Texas Rangers in 2012.  This series now gets real interesting with Shurzer and Verlander set to go for games 6 and 7 in Fenway.  There has been a lot of chatter about what a surprise the Red Sox have been in 2013.  Maybe, but I ain't drinking that kool aid--I would take Pedroia and Ortiz any day, in any lineup!

*One little piece in yahoo perked me up some.  The article suggested the A's should make a run at free-agent to be Carlos Beltran.  They paid Chris Young 8 mill this season, why not give that to Beltran.  Two years, 16 million, OK so that's done.  Next move, how about the Green and Gold making a play for Tricky little Timmy Lincecum?  Now that would make things interesting?  How about making Timmy the closer, a la the Eck.  OOHH, that would be spicey.  See you at In and Out Timmy!

*Did Zito take out an ad when he followed the money across the Bay?  Just curious?

*The Cardinals/Dodger series simply hard for me to get excited about.  I mean the Cardinals are hard not to like, but what about them makes em loveable?  The Dodgers, ish, are a lesson in economics--spend a gizillion and you should get a decent return.  Seriously though, is their sports franchise who gets more love for accomplishing what?  There was Orel and Kirk, in 1988;  that great 70's infield never hoisted the cup in the 70's;  there was Drysdale and Koufax.  OK, fine, and the big wow is?  Jackie Robinson perhaps, hey now that is great story. If it weren't for their rivalry with the Giants....I am just saying.  Lots of glitz......for 6 titles, two in the 80's, and two each in the 50's and 60's.

*As I gets colder and seasons change, so will my appetite for other sports--watching Raider games a pretty rough chore.  One thing that has clearly changed is that they aren't the knucklehead Raiders of years past.  They actually play pretty solid, their offense just isn't very good.  T. Pryor is entertaining, but when your best play is a when all things break down so your QB can imrprovise, oh brother.  Next year's draft and offseason will make or break for GM Reggie McKenzie and Head Coach Dennis Allen.  They need to address the offensive line, and add a durable playmaker.  Time will tell.

*Interesting series of articles in the SF Chronicle this week on Sports Specialization.  I have noticed and wonder over the years, due kids still play sports because they want to--or is it simply because parents want them too?  All play seems so organized.  It seems to me sports has become more about the scholarship or the "prize" than simply playing because kids love to play?  In my humble opinion, professional athletes were sprinkled with "sports dust" at birth.  Now, they have to work at their craft to reach the top of their fields, but athletic prowness is in the genetic code.  Man, I am starting to sound like an old guy!

*You know what I just realized....Saturday is that game of games, Notre Dame and Southern Cal.  The storied teams, the bands, the SC Song Girls, the Green Jerseys, does it get any better?  To all of you SC and Irish fans out there, to Joe Montana and Marcus Allen, here is to splendid and chilly Fall evening in South Bend Indiana.  Love that Golden Dome, and Touchdown Jesus always welcome in the Lounge!  To Knute Rocke--now that is a Football name-I raise my glass!

Rats!

Fenway Seems So Far Away.....

*Man oh man I was hoping to be watching the Green and Gold play in Fenway today!  Yesterday actually didn't feel so, but man, today, the Journey song "Lights" keeps playing in my head!

*One item really irked me after that stinging series with the Tigers.  Can you guess? It was the Tigers little "Haka" dance right there on the diamond--OUR DIAMOND!  If they had class, IF, they would have celebrated in the locker room, man style.  At home, celebrate on the field--on the road, show some class and celebrate in YOUR locker room.  We will see how the Baseball Gods treat the Dodgers.  Respect the game--one could argue, Grant Balfour didn't do the A's any favors in Game 3 with his antics.

*This series really stings.  I mean really stings.  Game 4 was there for the taking--more on that later.  This series right up there with the 2003 series with the Red Sox, remember that one?  Some high and low lights:

        The A's led series 2-0 heading back to Boston.  Game 1 was won on the Ramon Hernandez walk-off bunt;  Game 3 was the infamous Burns not touching home plate and Tejada stopped running to tru and bait the interference call--Sox win on a extra inning walk off--against my favorite A at the time, the electric Rich Harder.  Game 4, up early, Burns just misses a homer down the right field line that would have put the A's up big early.  Up 4-3 late, Keith Foulke gives up a two run double to Big Poppy.  Sick yet.  Then in game 5, A's have 2-1 lead when Zito gives up bomb to Manny.  In the bottom of the ninth, with the bases juiced and one out, Manager Ken Macha pinch hits for Jermaine Dye.  Adam Melhous strikes out, and so does Terrance Long.  AARGH.  The agony begins.

*Thus, the recents series with Detroit right up there as far as painful.  The A's led 3-0 in Game 4 after Bret Lowrie's 2 run homer.  Dean Strailey proceeds' to caugh one up to series Stealth MVP Johny Peralta and the game is tied.  A's retake the lead 4-3.  The the key moment.  Doolittle pitching to Victor Martinez-remember him-president of the Grant Balfour fan club?  BoMel opts to turn VMar around.  Martinez hadn't hurt the A's from the right side.  All of sudden, it's boom.  Tie Game.  Crowd interference--maybe.  The dude did hit the ball a long way.  Blame it on Bud Selig--Mr. Incompetence is the only commissioner who allows that kind of crap to happen in professional sports.  (A's fans, Detroit and Bud, should always hear from us whenever we see either of the two!).  A's led twice and could not seal the deal.

*Thus, what the A's need to win it all, it's great pitching across the board.   Good pitching won't cut it.  Good pitching gets the A's in it--they need great pitching to win it.  Hitters cost too much dough.  Pitching can be had--and I would contend it must be had, to win it all!  The A's scored enough--they could have won Game 4.  The could not hold the lead.  Simple as that.  If you really want to get depressed, go back to Game 2 in Detroit in 2012.  A's had the lead again--even after Coco's drop!  They need a lights out pen, and one front line starter.  I contend, if the A's would have acquired Jake Peavy, and added Brian Wilson to their pen, the A's would indeed be looking into the eyes of the Green Monster!

*Nothing better than participating in the post season;  nothing worse, than losing in the post season!

*At this point, St. Louis winning is the only team that won't turn my stomach.  I have issues.

*Flipping the channel this morning, the Texas Oklahoma game is raging along.  The "Red River War"  one the great traditions in College Football.  I was a little surprised to hear Brent Musberger calling the game--look out cute coeds!  (Have you seen Brent's favorite Arkansas coed on the Carl's Junior commercial?)  My eight year old loves it. Hum.   The game played in the Cotton Bowl.  Classic.  Texas/OU, Notre Dame/USC, Michigan/Ohio State, and throw in Alabama/LSU  (Bama vs Tennessee and Bama vs Auburn honorable mention), those are games, BIG games!  I have to throw in a Georgia Florida game, or Miami vs Florida game.  That is my top 5!

*To all of you Green and Gold towel waivers, it was a good run, good run indeed.  AAARRRGHHHH!

It's a Perfect Sonny Gray Day!

Tonight could be epic.

In Oaktown, it's the kid vs. the veteran. It's Moneyball vs. the Hired Guns.  It's two pretty evenly matched ball clubs, battling it out for a little piece of immortality!  It is the joy of victory and the agony of defeat. Tonight indeed could be a classic.  For the A's this game could be a springboard to something to something absolutely spectacular, or another in a series of heart-through-the-throat defeats.  If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best, so as the people at Budweiser like to say, "Here we go!"

Some thoughts from the Get Down Lounge:

*Will BoMel get Albert Callapso's bat in the lineup?  Would he sit Reddick to start, and save his glove for the late innings--the mass media has failed to notice that in August, when the A's rolled in and took 3 out 4 in Detroit, Reddick was hurt.  I can envision Seth Smith in right field, and Big Al DHing.  It would be a gutsy move, but this is a winner take all evening!

*Which begs the question, are the A's really in it to win it, or simply in it for an outside chance to win it?  Jake Peavy would have looked great in this rotation, in fact, I would have loved to have seen him on the bump Tuesday in the Motor City.  Regardless of how the A's do this fall, the team could use an Ace and one more power arm or two in the pen.  This a team pretty much in it's prime.  Here is hoping tonight is the start of something BIG!

*Good old Bud Selig, geesh.  Why do you let fans sit where they can disrupt the game?  It happened in Yankee stadium years ago, and it happened in Detroit.  I think Bud likes controversy--it keeps his sport in the news.  In no other major profession sport, do the fans have an opportunity to interfere on a great play.
Only in Bud's game.  You must be proud Bud, you must be proud.  Wail until it happens to the Brewers Bud.

*The O.Co will be rocking.  The SF Chronicle has an interesting story today, that winning can fuel a push for a new stadium.  Humm....kind of hard to imagine life without the Oakland Alameda Coliseum--could this be her final moment in the spotlight?

*Who will rise to be the hero today?  My money is on Cespedes--that is if Verlander will throw to him.  Eric Sogard has been pretty quite all series too;  then of course, there is always Stephen Vogt--a big knock and he is a folk hero forever.  Even Reddick, he of the wild swings, could square one up and be the difference maker.

On a crisp, cool, autumn Northern California Day, the stage is set:  get those drums ready (and guardian angels too!),  today appears to be a perfect Sonny Gray Day!

(***Remineder, Pink has a cocert this evening in the Arena--nice scheduling huh?  Arrive early!)

Raging On!

Is A Golden Age Upon Us?

*Grant Balfour made things perfectly clear in Detroit yesterday:  His team is not and will not back down from anyone!  Wow, what a game, and what a ninth inning!  After the ruckus, the A's now lead the Tigers 2-1, with game 4 tonight.  Wow, whew, and wow.  Balfour is who he is, and although the timing was quite peculiar with a 3 run lead in the 9th, the message he aired is still vibrating in the Motor City:  "Don't bleeping mess with us, we are for real."

*For the second consecutive game injured Tiger Star Miguel Cabrera failed to come up with a ground ball at a key time in the game.  You may recall on Saturday, in Oakland, the ninth inning started with a Cespedes ground ball just to the left of Cabrera.  Yesterday a tough hop led to an error and an early A's lead.  Cabrera was one who got up in the dish of Balfour during the ninth inning "walkabout."  A question for Tiger manager Jim "Old School" Leyland might be why not move Peralta to third and DH Cabrera?

*Cespedes, IS a lot like Reggie.  When they lights are on, so are they!  Each of them both loved to spread mustard so to speak, and both can do things that make you shake your head, oh but man oh man when they are dialed in, amazing feats are possible!

*The environment in Oakland on Saturday simply the best.  Early on it was Tori Hunter pointing at superstar-in-waiting Sonny Gray that awoke the boo juices in the 48,000 green and gold dressed fans.  Later in the top of the 5th, the Tigers would eventually have runners on first and third with one out--you could feel the collective, "oh oh" in the stadium.  (The Tigers did so without a ball leaving the infield--gulp!) One pitch, a full count strike 'em out, throw 'em out double play to end the inning, and the crowd was gassed!  Not only did vagabond catcher Stephen Hoyt have the game winning hit, but that play in the 5th was a huge momentum shift.  From that point on, the A's and Gray never looked back.  Sonny Sonny Sonny, classic.

*Fast forward to the bottom of the ninth, and consecutive single by Cespedes and reborn comedian Seth Smith got things rolling.  I thought both of those balls could have been corralled by nimbler corner infielders?
Smith by the way, with his side kick Brandon Moss, were hilarious during there interviews after the game Monday.  Smith tends to run hot and cold, and if he could stay hot for another couple of weeks, that would bode extremely well for the A's making a successfull run!

*The bullpen has been fantastic thus far.  Former Giant Dan Otero continues to impress--if you notice, he doesn't give up many deep fly balls--and Doolittle and Balfour seem to be packing their "A" games.  Ryan Cook could still be a key factor, but I envision Brett Anderson sealing the deal this evening.  Just a hunch, but I can see the lefty finishing off for Dan Strailey this evening.

*Perhaps, just perhaps, this is a ball club just hitting it's stride.  Back in the 70's, the A's lost to the Orioles in 1971, before that magical ride of back-to-back-championships in 1972-74.  The A's are a mix of young guys, with not-so-young guys, but guys in their prime, sprinkled in with a few veterans name Coco, Balfour, and Bartolo.  Tonight they have an opportunity to make a real statement.  (They actually have two chances, but I would prefer they seal the deal tonight in Detroit, rather than return to the O.Co to face Shurzer and Verlander on Thursday.

*Immediately after the game on Saturday work crews started working the on stadium, transforming the baseball configuration into a Football Field.  Just like the 70's.  Props to the Raider crowd for being there crazy selves late into the Sunday Night.  Terrelle Pryor may just be the real deal, and in fact, the Raiders are a mere couple of plays and a concussion away from being 4-1.  Might we be in the midst of another Golden Age--or perhaps The Golden Age-of Bay Area professional sports?  Stay tuned.

*By the way, growing handlebars on the old mustache a real chore.  I am getting there, but slowly.  As they say, it's a process!  To all Bay Area sports fans, I raise my glass to you!

*Pssttt, hey SF Giants fans, it did look weird watching Brian Wilson in Dodger Blue.  Remember when he first wore those bright orange shoes?  Anyway, will he be the Dodgers Lucky Charm, or will he be a curse with his Black Beard?

Break the Cycle, Break the Cycle Charlie Brown!

From the Bowels of an A's Fan.....

*Arrrghhh!  Since 2000, the A's have appeared in 6 post seasons, and up until today they are a little like watching a horror movie.  Let's begin on a positive note, there was that great little series versus Minnesota in 2006, remember?  Mark Kotsay hit the inside-the-park-home run when then Minnesota Twin misplayed what should have been a single.  Then in Game 3, Marco Scutaro had the huge game, the end result was a serenade of Marco.....Scutaro....throughout the Coli.  (I believe the Scutaro clip is on You Tube?) Sure there was the bunt walk off by Ramon Hernadez in 2003, and back in 2000 when the surprised the Yankees and stretched the series to 5 games.  Since then, a whole lot of last night, what could, would have, maybe even should have.  From the Jeter Flip, to Mad Max, all I can say is AAAARRRRGHHHHHH!

*Thus after last night's 3-2 loss to Mad Max and the Nemesis #1 Detroit Tigers, some would say it's only one game.  True.  This is a pretty gritty A's team.  I beg to differ because now comes the Verbeast, Justin Verlander.  Gulp.  The A's must scratch a run early and get a lead--in fact even better play from the lead.  I am just nauseous.  I will be up in section 228 if you would like to calm my nerves this evening.

*Here is breakdown of last night's game from the Get Down Lounge.

1.  To begin, why was Josh Reddick batting sixth?  If he plays, he bats eigth.  The guy has struggled all year at the plate.  His at bat in the second, with Cespy on third and no outs, a pivotal moment in the game.  The A's needed to scratch a run early, and the simply could not do it!  Uh, the old Yoda line comes to mind, "there is no try, either do or not do."  Aaaarghhhhh!  I expect to see Callapso or Smith batting sixth tonight, and throughout the rest of the series.  Red Dog dig make however a simply wonderful throw in the 5th to nab the not so fleet footed Victor Martinez.  Red Dog can play D know, so if he plays, move him down in the lineup BoMel, please?

2.  There were three hard hit balls that the A's could not field that were the differnce in the game.  Two were hit up the middle--one went right through Colon, and the other was a wiff by Lowrie.  Both balls were scorched, but this is Big Boy Time (you know, no crying, and nobody cares if you do!).  Then there was the grounder that somehow eluded Barton at first.  Aaarghhhhhh!  

3.  Cespedes came up big, with his bat.  In fact he was the only one who had an idea of how to hit Mad Max.  You may remember, last year in Game 4, Mad Max was also lights out, it was the bullpen that choked up the game in that memorable Oakland 4-3 win.  Clearly that 95 plus heater mixed in with that low 80's off speed stuff just too much for the Green and Gold.  If there is a Game 5, I don't want to think about, and I just don't want to wish ill will on Mad Max, so I will move on from here for a moment......

4.  I just had a feeling the A's had to score 3 runs, in fact, I wouldn't be surprised at all to see another 3-2 game this evening.  Dan Otero was solid by the way--has anyone noticed he looks a lot like Houston Street?
Sean Doolittle was back to Dr. Doolittle.

5.  That make tonight a Big, Big, Big Boy game.  Our man, the cool rook Sonny Gray gets the call on the hill.  I hope this begins a run that my kids will be talking about for the next few years.  So Sonny, eat your favorite breakfast young man, it's your time.  Big Bart may have been a tad nervous to start the game last night.  When he hit Hunter, that was my first oh oh.  He did settle down, but good wont be good enough.

6.  BoMel could have gone with Young to pinch hit in the eight, but I liked the choice of Big Al.  His at bat--a called third strike--another oh oh.

*In the end, the A's must continue to play like the hunter--they may have been just a little, little tight last night.
They will need a couple of big bops tonight against Verland, and perhaps too a few small wallops.  Scratch and claw Athletics, scratch and claw.  Here is to a "Sonny" evening in Oaktown.

It's the Most Wonderful Time...

*From the Get Down Lounge....Post Season Style!

*Well, well, well, it's almost here.  The Big, Bad, Tigers most likely are in route to Oakland today!  I had my emotions under check until yesterday, and know I am starting to perculate.  As I predicted, it will be Shurzer and Verbeast pitching on Friday and Saturday.  Colon gets the call Friday, with Sonny Gray surprising on the bump Saturday.  BoMel's tweak in the rotation moves Jarrod Parker to Monday in Detroit.  The change in the rotation spot on.  Let the rookie pitch at home, and move Parker to Detroit, where he can erase his ghosts from a year ago.  It also allows Parker--who has pitched many, many important innings for the A's the past two years--a couple of more days of rest.  Down the road, Parker's arm will be needed to hoist the trophy in the O.Co.

*I envision this series coming down to the left-handed bats of the Green and Gold.  A typical formula for post season success is for someone like Eric "Nerd Power" Sogard, or even back from the dead Daric Barton to go yard.  And yard.  While there is no question Coco, must do his part, and Lowrie, must get on base, my crystal ball says Brandon Moss is going to play Tiger Killer.  With chants of MVP MVP humming throughout the O.Co, Josh Donaldson will also play big, but it is going to be Moss that puts them over the top.  Cespedes is such a wild card in this whole series, however I do expect a little magic to be seen blasted from his bat!  The pride of Visalia Stephen Vogt is another candidate for hero--perhaps similar to Gene Tenace back in 1972.  I wouldn't be surprised if Vogt puts one into the A's Zanies out in right field.

*With my Green and Gold lenses firmly entrenched, I say the A's go for the jugular.  Game 1, Moss jumps on Mad Max early, and leads the A's to a 6-2 win.  In game two, with the O.Co, and the likes of my eight year old son going ballistic, the A's scratch a run early, and hold on to slay the Monster that is Justin Verlander 3-1.   Sonny Gray becomes the next Vida Blue, and I am going to say it is Cespedes that provides the insurance.  Game 3 in Detroit, the A's bust out.  Donaldson leads the way with not one but two homers.  A's roll 8-3, although I am really thinking double digits.  With a little help from Tampa, the A's return to the O.Co next Friday, October 11.

*Speaking of Tampa, they are playing with house money.  Boston on the other hand, and all of their beards, hard to bet against.  Tampa, Boston, Tampa, Boston, aargh all right, Tampa.  Tampa is playing with house money right now after knocking off Texas and Clevland.  I envision all of these games to be great, compelling theatre, including all the Red Sox fans who will show up in Tampa.  Rays in 4--could be 5--but hey, when you are on a roll.....well....Evan Longoria will prove why he is a star.  Three, 3-2 wins for the Rays, Red Sox win one in a blowout.

*Over in the NL, I am going with the Stealth team, you know, the team under the radar.  It is really hard to go against the Dodgers, they of the 42-8 run, but that is exactly why I am going with the Braves--that and the  Coca Cola glass sitting on my table.  Braves stun Majic and Co.;  this could be a sweep as well, but I see 4 games.  Braves fans get some redemption for that boneheaded Infield Fly Call gag last fall. In St. Louis, it's the feel good story, those pesky Pirates.  The Pirates though are just thrilled to be dancing, and that gives the Red Birds the edge.  Cards in 5.  

*The Tarps coming off is indeed a great story--if the seats are filled!  I don't like people to tell me when to stand or what to buy, so I don't have an opinion either way.  I just know it has been a pretty long time since the East Bay has felt like the top dog, and I think old school fans are returning are digging into their wallets and pulling out their cowbells!  Although rarely mentioned, if ever, is that fans of the Green and Gold have been inspired by the Golden Age of baseball played across the Bay.  Not like anyone is keeping score (4-2 to be exact in titles;  6-5 in appearances), the Bay Area sports fan is all about the bragging rights.  This weekend will be like the old Day on the Greens in the O.Co, as the place will be rocking.

*Man is Matt Flynn that bad or Terrelle Pryor that good--or both?  Pryor reminds me of when Vince Young did his thing for Longhorns.  The Raiders are still at least one draft away from being real good in my opinion.  Flynn's pick 6 when his team up 14-3, man that was a career killer.  I used to feel bad for the guy, real bad, then I heard something that made me say, "hmmm."  Flynn had one great game a couple of years ago versus the Seahawks, on the final game of the season.  Perhaps the Hawks had flown the coup?  Flynn seems like a real stand up guy, but that pick six, ouch.  Double ouch was McInjured being hurt again.  Just when the Raiders needed him to be a star, his hammy is a hurting.  Mr. McKenzie, your first 3 picks in the 2104 NFL Draft:  offensive line, defensive line, and durable running back!

*Well to the Ghosts of Charlie Finley, Catfish Hunter, and the Mustache Gang of the early 70's, I raise my glass to you this morning.  May your spirits be causing havoc this weekend in the O.Co--just like in '72 when the A's slid by the Tigers (Reggie stole home in Game 5 remember?) on their way to Cincinnati.
Play Ball!

*I mentioned the Gag of last post season my the umpiring crew, buy why do they add an two extra umpires for post season games only?  Makes no sense to me.  Why change the game?  I have never, never, liked the concept.  Shuttiing down the goverment another concept that doesn't make a lot of sense either?

*Okay O.Co, get your pipes ready, the people will be a coming!