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!
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