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!