*From the Get Down Lounge....
*Forty seasons ago the A's beat the Dodger$ in the World Series--and in 2014 my crystal ball says it will happen again! Clearly the rain is a sign of a new beginning, or as I interpret the weather, the beginning of a new champion (Sorry Indians Fans!). Another key sign--no King Felix to start the season as the opposition on the hill!
*If you haven't head the tune "There the Oakland A's," by The Baseball Project, well then you have got to hear it for yourself. You can try You Tube; the website "Athletics Farm" added pictures, and can I just say, the video and song is fantastic!
*What about the injury to Jarrod Parker naysayers will contend? Keep an eye on Jessie Chavez and newcomer Drew Pomeranz. Pomeranz came over in the trade for Bret Anderson, and nothing better for a young hurler's confidence than leaving Coors Field in Denver, and landing in the O.Co.! Chavez will start the season flying under the radar, but he won't remain their for long! The Baseball Gods always like to throw their proverbial gyro-ball, but that will make the title that much sweeter.
(**Sonny Gray battled a tight strike zone, walking two, but the Indians go down without scoring.)
*In the off season the A's loaded up their bullpen, added a reborn Scott Kazmir, and added a little speed and versatility in speedy outfielder Craig Genty and versatile infielder Nick Punto. If need be, I can see the A's going for it all by adding a key piece or two at the trading deadline.
*For the first time in a longggggg time, the A's are recognizable, and the 2014 edition will return many key regulars. In a bit of surprise, the A's signed Coco Crisp for two more years. Coco is the face and perhaps personality of the franchise, and his signing was a key indicator things are indeed changing in Oakland!
(**A's go 1-2-3, on to the second!)
*This off season, unlike in recent years, the talk of moving was nonexistent. In fact, the A's are willing to sign a 10 year lease to stay in the O.Co. This a savvy business move, putting a lot of pressure on the Raiders, who have said they need a new home, and signed only a one-year lease. I would hate to see the Raiders leave Oakland, but it makes sense for the city of Oakland to commit to the A's, finally. Maybe, just maybe, the Raiders end up sharing the new house in Santa Clara?!? If the Raiders were indeed to leave the O.Co, I could see a few changes made to make the O.Co a little more friendly. (I gave my ideal solution previously-have the Raiders play a game or two or three in Santa Clara until the baseball season is finished--hey, can't we all just get along.)
(**Gray gives up a hit, but looks pretty sharp--pitch count up around 50 however, and it's still the second inning. Hey bullpen, you guys will get to flex your muscles early--like today!)
*Running a reverse here, the Raiders actually seem to be putting together a decent team. The pick in the first round looms as the lynch pin, but there will plenty of time for that later.
*The W's, oooh, they do have a way of making thing interesting. Injuries to Bogut and Lee were the reason they lost to the Knicks last night, but their playoff spot is anything but a lock. Stay tuned. There has also been a lot of discussion surrounding Mark Jackson's job security. Really? Come on now, the W's are in the mix, again, and that in itself IS something positive!
(*Cespedes K's, yuck; Jaso doubles...but he is left stranded. Ball clearly not carrying well in the heavy air. No score after 2!)
*Rawhide Rant: yes, indeed the Hide open up against the A's Advanced A team, the Stockton Ports. The park in Visalia, a great place to see the game. Come on now, adding features all part of the program! I have another item for you: now you can also follow me on Twitter, at 100percent3G, naturally!
*Irish Lady Hoopsters make the Final Four, again, and look like they are on a collision, with the U Conn ladies, again. ND and UConn, may be the best college rivalry going in all of the land. Of course, if Florida and Kentucky meet in the Men's Final, their might be a few folks from the SEC who would beg to differ!
*Die hard A's Fans--even my wonderful spouse asking what's up with Daric Barton? Poor DB, then he is followed in the batting order by the A's WonderBoy, and Mr. Likable, Eric Sogard. Hey, maybe this will finally be the season Barton puts it all together!
*In the end, it may all come down to Reddick and Cespedes returning the forms they flashed in 2012. When they do....it will be a lot of fun in the O.Co.
*The overall good vibes buzz around the A's reminds of way back when in 88 and 89. 1988 was a pretty good year until that $#*^&)! World Series against Orel and Gibson. Aarrrgh! 1989 ended up a little better as you recall, however the Loma Prieta earthquake took center stage, and the A's quietly claimed the 4th title in the East Bay.
*Time for the A's to shine--yes indeed, "Sonny" times in the O.Co once again!
*Finally, this one definitely goes out to my father, who passed this week after 88 and a half years on this earth. My love of the A's, Raiders, and Irish...well, you can guess where that came from! To you Dad, here's to you. Also...here's to that band The Baseball Project; when I heard the song Saturday, I laughed and cried simultaneosly. Hey, Hey, here come the Oakland A's.....
(**Barton with two nice defensive plays, as they head to the bottom of the 5th in chilly Oaktown with no score.)
No comments:
Post a Comment