Trail Blazing, The Stick, and Some Not So Good Championship Game Memories 10 Years Apart!

*(I heard the other day that 35 states were adversely affected by bad weather, 35!  Well all I can say is the California living, as least weather wise, clearly appears to be golden!)

*A's fans actually earling a little love in an article in Athletics Nation.  On this holiday season, not a bad little read for those not on the good side of the force! Now the baseball world is on hold to see where Japanese pitcher Masihiro Tanaka lands.  After Tanaka, then the remaining pitchers will settle.  My money is Tanaka lands with one of the Evil Empires, the Yankees or the Dodgers.  Although I wouldn't be surprised to see Tanaka as an Angel.  Garza, Santana, Arroyo, will all be hot commodities once Masihiro is in line at the bank.

*Warriors and Clippers a real rivalry?  Hum, they have got the Norcal/Socal thing going?  Both want to be major players, but either team has really accomplished much, yet.  I like the old school rivalries when teams just do not like each other.  Time will tell on the Clippers and W's, but isn't the really story in the NBA the Portland Trailblazers?

*Thus Raider fans, as you fidget miserably through yet another disastrous NFL season, perhaps hope shines through from the North.  Not the North Pole, but in Portland.  The Trailblazers, who too have notched their fare share of languishing in the professional sports scene wilderness ever since that fateful day in 1984 when they drafted household name Sam Bowie with the #2 pick, immediately in front of the Chicago Bulls.  The Bulls by the way, chose some upstart no tag wearing young baller by the name of Jordan!   (I heard a great piece on the Trailblazers on National Public Radio by the way--the story noted the Blazers actually started the 4th quarter  leading the Kobe & Shaq Lakers by 15 in Game 7 of the 1991 Western Conference Finals before losing;  "Rip City" as they were called at the time did make the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992; at one time, things were so "tough" in Portland, the locals were calling the team the Jail Blazers.  Ouch!)  Just imagine, Jordan would have been teamed with Clyde Drexler--talk about a Posterlicious Backcourt Duo.  Well, Raider fans, hopefully this helps with the agony of JaMarcus and the 2007 draft.  While that draft was not the greatest of all times, Raider Nation can only imagine things could have been differnt if the Silver and Black had taken Adrian Peterson out of Oklahoma.  Peterson would eventually be taken with the 7th pick by Minnesota.  Have faith Raiders fans, have faith.

*Perhaps there will be a Gruden in Oakland after all--not John, but brother Jay.  Jay is currently the Bengals Offensive Coordinator, and his name has begun to surface as a candidate when coaching jobs open up next week.  It sure looks like Dennis Allen needs a win tomorrow versus Denver to keep his job.  Next week will be very interesting in Raiderland.....are the winds of change blowing in Oakland?  Allen and McKenzie were dealt a tough hand two years ago, but really, how much has changed?  The team has played with much more discipline--but you just don't earn many bonus points for 4 wins a season.  McKenzie need to hit on the first two picks of the draft in 2013 and that simply did not happen.  In fairness to Coach Allen, is it pretty hard to win without a QB, and when your superstar kicker has a very average season.  The Gruden Factor definitely in play very, very soon!

*I also heard yet another great little piece on public radio regarding The Stick. I didn't realize the Beatles played the Stick the same month I was born (August 1966).  What I reemember most about the Stick was it was the first time I viewed AstroTurf with my own eyes--the color was bright green.  Kind of cool, weird, but cool.  At the time, I believe Candlestick was the only pro sports team in California (perhaps amateur too?), to sport the hard stuff?  I remember thinking as an adult that the weather always seemed better for football than baseball?  In fact, the enclosed Stick always seemed liked a better venue for football period.  Yes, I was too young to see the Stick "open style!"  The outfield bleachers were always a little weird for baseball, and ala Mark Twain, the Stick was freezing during baseball season.  Additionally, the mustard was also a funky brownish color over in San Francisco. My three most vivid Candlestick Memories:

    1.  Tailgating with the Smith's and Flaherty's--man style!
    2.  Did I mention I froze my fanny off at a baseball game--Marlins I believe?
    3.  The NFC Championship Game versus the NY Giants back in 1991.  What I remember most is the hit Marshall put on Montana.  Ouch.  It was like Montana went 90 degrees parallel in the air, then fell hard to the ground. Ouch infinity. Now you have to remember, yes I am on the Silver and Black Side, but Montana is and was the original "Golden Boy."  He never seemed the same after that hit.  I also remember the sheer eeriness of the Craig fumble. The game seemed over.  All I remember was Hostetler seemed to roll right on every play.  The game winning kick was surreal.  My good friend from New York was with me, and I remember him making the weirdest noises--he was trying to keep his cool since we were among 49er faithful.  The kick was in slow motion, end over end over end....the stadium had its collective heart in it's throat; to this day, I swear the officials under the goal post took their time;  they looked at each other, nodded, then up came the arms.  My friend let out an oohh, wee, but all on the down low, tough, cool New Yorker Style.  (Ironically and a bit sadly, I recall 10 years later, in another playoff game in 2001--this time across the bay, that same collective eerie silence.  It was the AFC Championship Game, Raiders vs. Ravens. First quarter, game tied, Ravens backed against their own end zone.  Trent Dilfer connects with Shannon Sharpe on a slant, a little shake here, a miss tackle there, and Sharpe goes 95 yards.  60,000 plus screaming fans, go mute.  Eerie.  Against a Ravens D that day that was the fastest defense I had ever seen, that play, was literally, game, set, match. )

*Thus to the Smiths, Flahertys, and all of you wonderful but misguided joy-killing SF Giants fans (the black bat on Bat Day was cool by the way--not as cool as a Kelly Green Reggie Jackson model, but cool none the less!), I raise my glass to you.

*However, on this Holiday Season, I especially want to raise my glass high for the family of Delta Farming Icon Lincoln Chan.  For many seasons and games the Chan Empire graciously shared tickets with my father right behind the 49ers bench, Section 16 Row 2 to be exact!  When I used to walk guest down to these seats they always thought I was kidding--me, come on now!  To the Brown Spicy Mustard, (Gulden's I believe), thanks for the memories!

Have a favorite memory of Candelstick--share it with me, I would love to hear your story!

Is Chucky Under the Christmas Tree?

A Little Holiday Cheer....


*John Gruden back with the Raiders, nah he wouldn't do that--would he?  Interesting tidbit on Yahoo. Raider fans have not had much to celebrate at the Holidays in a long time, and I am just saying, cue the Kid Rock baby, "Who says, you can't go back, there is only place and that's a matter of fact..."  Only one way to put the Tuck game to rest Coach G!

*Athetics Nation had an interesting article--apparently one of the writers from Baseball Prospectus (Andrew Koo) has determined the A's players are on the high end of the percentages of Fly Balls Hit, and even Fly Balls pitched.  The article is a little techy but extremely interesting.  The story implies that perhaps the A's have figured out a way to tailor a team in the Coli.

*Grant Balfour apparently had a $15 million deal on the table by the Orioles until it was mysteriously pulled?  Hum.  Think he is a little irked?  I don't imagine any of the Birds will be digging in next they face the Rager!

*The Irish will be at Fenway next season against Boston College in the Catholic Clash--naw I just made that up.  Irish playing in Yankee Stadium next week.  Cool.  A little weird, but cool.   I like the fact ND comes to out West in consectuve years....any road trip takers out there?

*I caught a little of President Obama's press conference yesterday while driving north on good old State Route 99.  The man is adept at turning tough, laser-tazer like questions around, or at least re-directing them.  He uses um, a lot, but he seems to take his time, gather his wits, then proceed.  I made a note to myself about these finer points of communication!  Happy Holidays Mr. President!

*Lots of Bulldogs in Vegas for the big showdown with Trojans today.  I see Derek Carr projected as top 10 pick in many Mock Drafts.  Pretty big game for pride of the "Valley."  (Pssstttt--most Fresnoians refer to Fresno as "The Valley.  I am not quite sure why, as Redding to Bakersfield pretty much all valley, but none-the-less, just go with it!)

*Speaking of road trips, Sport Leisure Travel out of Sacramento has put one of my ideas in play (that doesn't happen too often!):   they have a package for the July 3rd Giants Game and then the A's game....going to be pretty hard to turn that one down.  This will be pretty high on my "list."  Don't forget to mention that the Fonz sent you!

*My team (Reedley College Men's Basketball) lost our second consecutive game by one point.  From about 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. I replayed most of that game.  AARRGH.  Gruden is up at 3 a.m. anyway, right?

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Flipping the Remote in the Get Down Lounge....

*One poster on the December 14 edition of the San Francisco Chronicle's "The Drumbeat" (PL 78) mentioned this morning that after all of the A's recent transcations, the Green and Gold are theoretically 5 games better based on the sabermatic "WAR" calculation.  (WAR stands for Wins above replacement.)  That's great news and all, however I just wonder if it will make them one game BETTER in the postseason!  By the way, yes I do like the moves they have made thus far, especially in regards to the bullpen.

*Another tidbit in the Chron mentioned that while the bay area has attractive and bright people, it does lack in sports bars.  I have simple explanation, California is the land of the bandwagoneer.  In California, attendance is good when teams win.  Period.  When teams aren't winning, Californians head to the beach, Tahoe, Yosemite, etc.  Oh don't look at me like that, you know it's true!

*The Giants pick up of big and tall Matt Morse sure is interesting.  The big fella was a pretty low risk, but the guy is really more like a DH.  Left Filed at AT&T seems like a pretty touch chore with all of the space, wind, and sun out there.  Morse, is longgggggg and lanky, I can just envision him running around in circles out there in left.  The guy was an A's killer during his short time in Seattle.  Time will tell....additionally many of the pundits on the MLB channel applauded the acquisition of Huddy.  Sure looks like from where I sit if Cain is Cy Cain, Panda can find a salad and a treadmill, and Marco DOES NOT act his age, Giants could have another fun sunner.  However, if the the Matandaro doesn't produce, the Black and Orange will be looking up at the Dodger$ again.

*The big winners in MLB thus far in the Hot Stove?  Well, isn't it the players and agents, because ball players are definitely getting paid!  Man the Marinter$ handed out Robinson Cano a lot of dough.  When the was the last time a player turned down the Bronx Bombers for the King's Army?

*Lots of excitement in CenCal about the Beloved Bulldogs traveling to Vegas to do battle with the Men of Troy.  I envision plenty of roadtrips being made to Sin City next weekend.  (I wonder how the Trojans feel about the matchup?)  Can Derek Carr move up to #1 pick in the NFL draft status with a big game in the desert?

*The Irish get 6-6 Rutgers in the Pinstripte Bowl.  Really?  That's the best matchup the NCAA could come up with? Geesh.  The Subway Alumni however doing the jig since the game in Yankee Stadium.  Couldn't that game be a little spicier, like how about the Irish and them Miami Canes.  Oohh...

*Now the Niners and the Seahawks, that's football.  One can only hope they meet again in the playoffs. In the AFC, here is a question:  when was the last time a Big AFC game didn't involve Manning or Brady?  OK maybe, maybe Steelers vs. Ravens but that's about it.  Time for some new blood in the AFC.

*The Raiders, sigh....I had to explain to my 10 year-old that the last time they were good, was just about the time she was born, 2001.  I can only hope that before she graduates high school, the Silver and Black will again be in the playoff picture!  Perhaps a better question, where indeed will they be playing?  Even better question, who will their signal caller?

*Poor Sacramento King's fans!

*San Jose's lawsuit against MLB moves on.  I can't decipher all the ongoings, but the current Anti-trust status that the MLB currently possesses seems might shaky.  It does seem to me however, that in reality, the A's should be sueing, not San Jose.  I am just saying....

*The W's:  are they down double digits in every game?  Their entertainment value is sure on the rise, they have been on the Network quite a bit lately!

*Here's a straight change for you.  At a nice little gathering of colleagues and friends last night, there was plenty of discussion about one of my favorite read's, the book "Look Me In the Eye" by John Elder Robisson.  If the topic of Asperger's is any way relevent to you, this book is a must read.  If you ever went to a Kiss concert, or have one of their album's, you too might want to pick this book up.  The author provides great insight--and perhaps even hope--for those living with Asperger's.

Spending Money, Del Mundo and Double Dipping

Taking a Stroll in the Get Down Lounge


*So the World Cup Draw is tomorrow, Friday.  Over the years I have found the Cup to be highly entertaining.  Of course, the fact that my native countrymen, the Portuguese, are typically in the mix, perhaps it is in my DNA.  I believe if the American Men ever win the Cup, soccer could literally blow up in the USA!

*Can I just say Monday was unbelievable!  First the A's sign Scott Kazmir, to a 2-year $22 million dollar contract.  Maybe opening up the third deck of the playoffs made some profits.  To this point Kazmir career has followed a riches to rags to back in the show career.  Here is why I was giddy on Monday--Kaz is a mere 29 years old.  In recent years, this has typically been about the age when good players leave Oakland.
Then.....later that day, Jim Johnson.  Whatttt?  Josh Johnson of 50 saves.  His numbers very similar to Balfour's, and the A's are going to pay him a cool $10 million or so.  For those of you who read 100% 3G, regularly, I have been begging for B Squared to spend in the pen, and man did ever.  I am feeling the love Billy B!

*The news just kept getting better!  The A's added another reliever, with a sub 3.00 ERA in Luke Gregerson from the Padres.  Keep adding power arms!  With the additions of Kazmir, I wasn't sure if the A's got better than last year, but I felt like they were at least as good as last season.  Then they add Gregerson, and I am thinking the old Tom Hanks line in the movie A League of Their Own, "were gonna win, were gonna win."It does seem apparent the A's are indeed going for it all in 2014.  I still cringe at the possibility of playing the Tigers in the postseason however.

*Then they added speedy outfielder and A's killer Craig Gentry.  Gentry is speedy, a very good defensive outfielder, and has been productive over his career versus left handed pitching.  Gentry can back up Crisp, spell Cespy and Reddick, once in a while, but perhaps most importantly, he gives the A's some serious speed.

*The A's did have to deal some of their highest ranked prospects--in particular for Gentry, they gave up former first round pick Michael Choice.  Choice looked okay during his September callup, but his big league success not guaranteed.  For Johnson, the A's parted with another first round pick Jemile Weeks.  If you want to play with the big boys, you need to play big, and Beane and Co. appear to be playing big.

*Will the final move be the trade of pitcher Bret Anderson?  The big lefty has been a case study in injuries the last two years, but he is very capable when healthy.  The A's appear to have enough starting pitching, but in reality, can you ever have enough good pitching?  The A's could use one more big bat, a short stop with some range, and perhaps an upgrade behind the plate.  However a staring rotation of Jarrod Parker, Sonny Gray, Anderson, and Kaz, looks pretty darn good.  Perhaps the A's pull an end around and trade A.J. Griffin or Dan Straley?  I am just saying...this team could be really good.  There was also some rumor of Cespedes being traded;  I don't see it happening, but if another team absolutely loves him, well, B squared would listed.

*Is the Seahawks/Niners rivalry the best going in the NFL?  In my opinion, yes, yes it is. In fact, I would argue it is the best going in professional sports.  Both teams are good, and they publicly share their genuine bitter dislike for each other.  That dear people, MAKES a rivalry.

*Need some holiay gift ideas:  April 6, in Oakland a person could take in the A's game at 1 p.m., then walk over the Oracle at 6 and watch the W's take on the Jazz.  For those with less time, on Friday April 4th, A's start at 7, while W's tip it off at 7:30.  Thus, you can catch first half of A's game, and then the second half of the Warriors.  Good gift ideas huh?

*The Bay-Area Double Dips Days:  May 28, Giants vs. Cubs at 12:45, A's and Tigers at 7 p.m. in the O.Co.  (There may be a June day, but the Giants have announced their game times.  Giants host the Rockies while the A's host the Bronx Bombers!) July 3rd might be the winner however, Giants host the Cardinals in the afternoon, while the A's will host the Jays at 6:05.  The caveat, after the A's game, there will be fireworks.

*If you have never been to Spring Training, I have to admit it is a lot of fun.  We went during the NCAA tourney last season and had a blast.  The Sunday in March when we were there, we just happened to catch some big old dude wearing #66 for the Dodger$.  The Big Fella smashed a double.  Who knew?  The Blue Crew that's who.  Take the loved one, leave the little ones at home.  I would recommend the Salty Senorita as a great place to watch the tournament games in the evening, and cool off after a warm day in the Arizona son.

*To Billy B, I raise my hot egg nog latte to you, even though we both know, the only toast that matters is when you win the last game of the season!

Many Thanks

Being Thankful in the Get Down Lounge......

*Is there anyone more thankful today than the fans of those frisky Auburn Tigers? What a finish! By the way, many moons ago I drove by Auburn U.  For those of you from NorCal, I remember driving through a town, that resembled Ryde California, then BAM, all of sudden there is this massive football stadium.  For you CenCal folks, use Traver for the imagery.  I remember thinking at the time, Auburn every country boy's dream school.  (Fans of Bama and the Georgia Bulldogs, perhaps not so thankful this year!)

*In a perfect world, I would have been in Palo Alto taking in the Irish and the Cardinal.  Maybe in two years--if anyone has tickets, I will drive!

*Since football takes first billing....oh my has it been a tough decade for Raider fans.  Tough, Tough, Tough.
Since the NFL is truly a QB's league, how many games would the Raiders win if Payton or Brady or Rogers was their QB?  I know, pretty good question huh?  One maybe two more draft Raider fans, then ideally things will turn around.  They need players--play ERS.  In order, draft an OL, DL, WR, RB, LB, DB, and then see what happens.  I am not sure about McGloin (I just can't help myself and call him McGroin!) and Pryor, but, this team needs more than just a QB.  Seabass has really struggled as well, and in a league with such parity, the Raiders brass may have a tough call on what do with the Polish Cannon!. Although Gruden is making a ton of cash in the booth, I just wonder if he might like to return someday and finish what he started?

*Isn't it eerie, how construction workers have died working stadiums for the Niners and the World Cup in Brazil.  Sad and eerie.  Someone brought it to my attention that I belive in conspiracy theories--and after some introspection on the topic....yes, yes I do!  I also believe in ghosts, and those stadiums, well, I don't want to say they are cursed, but... (whenver anyone uses but or however after a wishy-washy statement, it just can't be good!  Think breakups!!).

*With the Hot Stove cranking up, if you like me are an A's fans you have got to chuckle--or cry!  The A's big acquisition thus far, Nick Punto ladies and gentlemen, Nick Punto.  The A's are hoping for a Johny Gomes nose-in-the-dirt-leader type of guy on this one.  Time will tell, all I can say is BULLPEN BILLY, BULLPEN!  The Gigos made a splash with the signing of Tim Hudson and the recent signing of fan favorite Ryan Vogelsong.  Thus Giant Nation I ask the following question:  with essentially the same linup coming back, is the offense good enough?  Yes health is a concern, but the Giants were not very good last year and they are bringing back essentially the same time.  Minus Barry of course.  I would think Giants are feeling pretty good right about now, buy my question is should they?

*Yankees sign McCann, eh, no surprise, it would seem the Bombers might want some pitching?  Rangers and Tigers swap a pair of sticks in Kinsler for Felder.  Shouldn't both of those teams be looking at reliever?
How about the Twins, signing Nolasco?  Anything to get Detroit out of the playoffs.  The Red Sox are the new Moneyball--they have money, and they spend it wisely on ball players!  The Dodgers also added and another former Athletic in Dan Haren.  Lots of moves out there still to be made.

*So when I can't sleep, I watch my own edited version of Moneyball.  If you haven't seen it yet, (come on man, get over it) and watch it. Red Sox fans love it!   Next time you watch it, make sure you check out the  "deleted" scene with Art Howe.  Hilarious!  They should have left it in--I don't want to spoil it for you but I wonder if indeed Beane pulled that move?  Great lines in that scene with Billy talking about Bradford.  Watch it more than once, and your are going go laugh.  The section with the film makers also really struck a cord with me.  They referred to the Coliseum, as a piece of history, a character so to speak.  Which got me thinking, has any stadium seen more than the good old Oakland Alameda Coliseum?  NFL Playoff Games, World Series, heck even the Day on the Green concerts from the 70's?  (You with me old dudes?)  It was really cool and touching the way the directors described the coli. So cool it made my eyes water.  If you like Brad Pitt, and the dude is charming, the blooper scene with him laughing is pretty good as well.

*My new standard line which I have taken from the movie, "Pete, you're a good egg."

*Thus as some of you know, my family, has been dealing with people getting older, and all of the health issues that come along with it.  For those who have lost parents, I have a much greater empathy and sympathy with your experiences.  Mortality Reality I call it.  For those of you "youngsters," just remember to make time for the people that matter most.  Our world moves so fast--and it will keep on moving with or without us--just stop and not only smell the roses, but spend time with the gardeners.

*Thus, here near the end of this Thanksgiving Weekend 2013, I raise my glass to friends and family and foes and all of you around the world; to conspiracies, ghosts, and of course, my second home, the O.Co.  Finally, to that wonderful Raider fan who helped saved a woman's life by breaking her fall as she jumped from the 3rd deck at the Coli, you good sir will always have a spot in the Get Down Lounge!