*From the Monday Morning QB......
*The eyes and the hearts of our country are following today's events surrounding Patriot's Day in Boston. I for one find that 11:00 a.m. Red Sox game time to be particularly cool! If MLB would schedule the A's in Beantown on this historical day, I can envision a road trip! Today we move up our toast to the top, and raise our morning coffee to all involved with the Boston Marathon: To a great day people!
*A's and Brewers sporting the best records in the majors thus far--I mean everyone saw that coming, huh? Is it a better "play" to forecast the not-so-efficient teams? Currently toting a not-so-whopping 5 wins in the bigs, the Cubs, Padres, and Diamondbacks. Man, I can only imagine what Cubs fans endure? Ish.
*Once again the A's have locked up another key piece of their roster for multiple years. The latest, Dr. Doo Sean Doolittle. Doo basically is a one-man PR machine for the club with his twitter tweets, and his many positive off-the-field activated. On the field the powerful lefty has been stellar in the pen, and his name is consistently mentioned as the closer-for-the-future. Along with Coco Crisp, it appears the A's have a fan-friendly strategy of maintaining integral players who like being in Oakland. Doolittle's story with the franchise sincerely a feel good one--of course a world series championship with Dr. Doo finishing on the hill--that would make the ideal ending!
*With all of the riveting postseason hockey and hoop under way, the Warriors and Clippers series tonight in Game 2 takes center stage. Can the W's pull of another upset down in SoCal? Time and time this season, Mark Jackson's team has risen to the occasion on the road--can they continue the trend? Keep on eye on Blake Griffin tonight. On Saturday BG's foul issues greatly hampered his team. (His does flail his hands around quite a bit!) LA decided to smother Curry, and that strategy was affective as Curry was kept to a cool 14 team. Stay tuned. Griffin's accidental "pouring of" water on a Warrior's fan--that only adds to the drama of this good old fashion rivalry type of game!
*LeBron and the Heat warming up.....would another title for King James escalate him towards the top in the Rare Air category?
*How about those Sharks, down 2-0 on Sunday, and completely flip the ice around, pouring in 7 consecutive goals in their 7-2 win. Impressive, very impressive.
*Adding to the NorCal vs. SoCal week, the Gigantes traveled to lovely San Diego over the weekend.
While the Padres took two of three, Buster and Timmy were large as the Giants knocked off the Padres 4-3. Lincecum's career, his persona, I see a book there. Timmy lets get together--we can talk about that stache of yours! Man the Gigos must be sour on Panda, because, well, how can you just not love the big fella?!?
*Rawhide Rant: Over in Visalia over the weekend, the Hide strung together back-back-back to come-from-behind wins. Saturday was the topper, as a 6-run bottom of the sixth wiped out an 8-2 victory on the way to a 9-8 win. The Hide are on a roll winning 7 of 8, and if you like fireworks, well then you CenCalians might want to head over to Rawhide park Friday evening (April 26). Closer Jimmy Sherfy--I love that name--5 for 5 on save opportunities. The way the parent DBacks are playing, Sherf could be moving up the chain soon!
*Reminder: check out our tweets at 100percent3G!
A Work In Progress...With the Goal to Entertain!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Friday, April 18, 2014
Good Friday...Is this Possibly the Silver Age?
*And a good Good Friday to you and yours......
*Is the Silver Age of Bay Area Professional Sports? There has been plenty to cheer about in recent years, not many titles--excluding the Giants--but a whole lot of knocking on the door! Know, it the Sharks, or Wub's can somehow, someway manage to hoist a cup, well then, ....second thought, let's just wait and see what happens!
*This is of course the Silver Anniversary of the Bay Bride Series! The A's have a very good record thus far, despite, or DESPITE, very slopping defense and base running! There have been a few hiccups closing games as well. Pitching and the long ball carrying this club right now. I know, I know it's early. The Giants look pretty formidable--and this is without much production from that cuddly-Justin-Verlander-killer The Panda! How fun would a 7th game in late October between these frenemies be.....oh Nellie!
*What a tremendous week of NorCal/SoCal rivalries! Which makes me wonder, with all the professional success of the Bay's pro teams, are the Raiders paying some sort of penance for moving to LA? Even the Niners with Harbaugh-Carroll feud kindle the geographical rivalry? What could be worse for Mr. Davis than to see his own son, and his beloved Silver and Black, floundering. I am not the judge, but hopefully 10 years of doldrums will suffice. Of course, bringing back Gruden, er Chucky might settle the dept!
*Playoff hockey deservedly receives a lot of love this time of year.....but don't forget about the NBA guys.
Ironically, I firmly believe what makes the NCAA Men's basketball Tournament so compelling, the neutral site games. Imagine if pro teams played the same format......I know, I know, follow the money.
*Who would have ever imagined the day when the Wub's and the Clippers, the Clippers, might be the most watched NBA first round playoff series? Only the Easter Bunny saw this one coming!
*Speaking of the Big Bouncing fellow, the "Guardians" an entertaining film to watch with the kidos.
*Rawhide Rant: Great piece in on the Fresno Monsters website regarding broadcaster Donny Baarnes. Donny is the voice of the Visalia Advanced A Team. The broadcasting profession similar to the coaching profession. While their is clearly competition to move up the ladder, in the process, a fraternity forms. Donny is a true professional, and the type of guy that is just simply hard not to like!
*A's minor league note: infielder Tyler Ladendorf absolutely raking in Sacramento. The A's are not very athletic up the middle (Hey skeptics, I am sure of one thing--I know athletic!), and the book on Tyler early is that he was an athlete, not a polished baseball player. Hum.....just remember where you heard it first!
*Good times continue with The Derby and the NFL draft right around the corner!
*On this good Friday--and especially this weekend--the toast belongs to THE BIG GUY in the sky. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
*Final plug: follow us on Twitter @ 100percent3G!
*Is the Silver Age of Bay Area Professional Sports? There has been plenty to cheer about in recent years, not many titles--excluding the Giants--but a whole lot of knocking on the door! Know, it the Sharks, or Wub's can somehow, someway manage to hoist a cup, well then, ....second thought, let's just wait and see what happens!
*This is of course the Silver Anniversary of the Bay Bride Series! The A's have a very good record thus far, despite, or DESPITE, very slopping defense and base running! There have been a few hiccups closing games as well. Pitching and the long ball carrying this club right now. I know, I know it's early. The Giants look pretty formidable--and this is without much production from that cuddly-Justin-Verlander-killer The Panda! How fun would a 7th game in late October between these frenemies be.....oh Nellie!
*What a tremendous week of NorCal/SoCal rivalries! Which makes me wonder, with all the professional success of the Bay's pro teams, are the Raiders paying some sort of penance for moving to LA? Even the Niners with Harbaugh-Carroll feud kindle the geographical rivalry? What could be worse for Mr. Davis than to see his own son, and his beloved Silver and Black, floundering. I am not the judge, but hopefully 10 years of doldrums will suffice. Of course, bringing back Gruden, er Chucky might settle the dept!
*Playoff hockey deservedly receives a lot of love this time of year.....but don't forget about the NBA guys.
Ironically, I firmly believe what makes the NCAA Men's basketball Tournament so compelling, the neutral site games. Imagine if pro teams played the same format......I know, I know, follow the money.
*Who would have ever imagined the day when the Wub's and the Clippers, the Clippers, might be the most watched NBA first round playoff series? Only the Easter Bunny saw this one coming!
*Speaking of the Big Bouncing fellow, the "Guardians" an entertaining film to watch with the kidos.
*Rawhide Rant: Great piece in on the Fresno Monsters website regarding broadcaster Donny Baarnes. Donny is the voice of the Visalia Advanced A Team. The broadcasting profession similar to the coaching profession. While their is clearly competition to move up the ladder, in the process, a fraternity forms. Donny is a true professional, and the type of guy that is just simply hard not to like!
*A's minor league note: infielder Tyler Ladendorf absolutely raking in Sacramento. The A's are not very athletic up the middle (Hey skeptics, I am sure of one thing--I know athletic!), and the book on Tyler early is that he was an athlete, not a polished baseball player. Hum.....just remember where you heard it first!
*Good times continue with The Derby and the NFL draft right around the corner!
*On this good Friday--and especially this weekend--the toast belongs to THE BIG GUY in the sky. Enjoy the weekend everyone!
*Final plug: follow us on Twitter @ 100percent3G!
Sunday, April 13, 2014
A Masterful Sunday....
*Today really a good day to snuggle in, take in the final day of Masters, and do a little channel surfing of your favorite MLB team!
*Oh that Sonny Gray. There were questions heading into 2014 just how good Sonny Gray would be. Well, it's only been 3 starts, but A's fans everywhere are soaking in Gray's rays, and an ERA under 1.00! Gray is taking the edge off the gloom created by closer Jim Johnson's early season troubles. I believe Johnson will be fine, after he controls his "yips." The A's have gathered a ton of talent in the bullpen--it will all work A's fans, trust me. (I realize this concept very unsettling.)
(*I have got to give MadBom--or Maddy as I like to call him--props for going yard with the bags juiced! He's no Sonny, but the Abe Lincoln look has earned a table in the Get Down Lounge!)
*While shortstop prospect Addison Russell has zoomed to the top of the A's prospect list, another shortstop, Daniel Roberston is not far behind. The smooth Robertson, just looks like a ballplayer, and many prognosticators having him moving over to third eventually, to be Russell's wingman. I however envision a different future to the young man from Upland CA: second base. In fact the young Roberston reminds me of my spouse's favorite all-time Athletic....that's right, Mark Ellis!
*Perhaps parity has reached the MLB? On Sunday April 13, all American League teams were tightly bunched--the entire group possessing between 5 and 7 wins! The National league maintains greater disparity as those pesky Milwaukee lead the league with 9 wins. This will be interesting to follow thought out the season.
*By the way the new interpretation of the "transfer rule" just makes no sense.
*Soaking in the Master's similar to taking in a good book. The twists and turns, the new character plots, which seem to soar and fade instantaneously. How about a former Division II basketball player shooting a 30 on the front nine Saturday? While the Master's does have it's issues, it's drama tough to equal.
*What is all this noise about the Wub's? They are in the playoffs again, and in the NBA that's all the matters. Mark Jackson has a dine a fine job with his team again, thus I just cannot wrap my mind around all the chatter surrounding his job security? For much of the season, the Warriors have played without center Andrew Bogut, and his intimidating 7-foot self. (Ideally the W's will draw the Clippers in the first round--that will be entertaining!) In the end, with all of the success of Bay Area Sports teams over the years, there seems to be a prevalent thinking that winning titles is "easy." Just ask Sacramento Kings fans--or loyal Chicago Cubs followers!
*Unless of course you are at UConn! Wow, I can't imagine how fun the ride must be on the Huskies bandwagon! I just don't get all the lame destructive acts young people feel the the need commit while celebrating championships? I sound like an old guy, wait.....
*The NFL draft is getting closer....and I am feeling the intrigue. Now that the Raiders once again look like a football team, my interest in draft day peculating. I would love to see Clemson WR Sammy Watkins still on the board at #5, Mr. Reggie, are you hearing me? The Raiders may not be great in 2014, but they sure can be entertaining!
*Speaking of traditions, The Derby is right around the corner. Keep this horse in mind, California Chrome. This CenCal native, raised at the Harris Ranch near good old Coalinga, captured the Santa Anita Derby last weekend in SoCal. (The SAD actually on my Bucket List--oh well someday!)
*Rawhide Rumbling: while the DBacks have looked dreary out of the gate, third basemen Brandon Drury has been smoking! The young slugger from Grants Pass Oregon has 11 RBI's after 10 games--now that's raking when it counts. My two other favorite Rawhide thus far, relievers Jimmy Sherfy and Henry "Hank" Garcia. Sherfy was a closing machine at the University of Oregon, and my man Hank, well, I just love the lefty's aura on the hill. Combined this dynamic duo has yet to surrender a run while strilking out 14 opposing batters. Come on now, remember relievers were the new market inefficiency!
*Need someone to accompany you to a Wub's playoff game: look no further! Thus to UConn--men and women--and to the men in Gold and Blue, today the toast if for you!
*Oh that Sonny Gray. There were questions heading into 2014 just how good Sonny Gray would be. Well, it's only been 3 starts, but A's fans everywhere are soaking in Gray's rays, and an ERA under 1.00! Gray is taking the edge off the gloom created by closer Jim Johnson's early season troubles. I believe Johnson will be fine, after he controls his "yips." The A's have gathered a ton of talent in the bullpen--it will all work A's fans, trust me. (I realize this concept very unsettling.)
(*I have got to give MadBom--or Maddy as I like to call him--props for going yard with the bags juiced! He's no Sonny, but the Abe Lincoln look has earned a table in the Get Down Lounge!)
*While shortstop prospect Addison Russell has zoomed to the top of the A's prospect list, another shortstop, Daniel Roberston is not far behind. The smooth Robertson, just looks like a ballplayer, and many prognosticators having him moving over to third eventually, to be Russell's wingman. I however envision a different future to the young man from Upland CA: second base. In fact the young Roberston reminds me of my spouse's favorite all-time Athletic....that's right, Mark Ellis!
*Perhaps parity has reached the MLB? On Sunday April 13, all American League teams were tightly bunched--the entire group possessing between 5 and 7 wins! The National league maintains greater disparity as those pesky Milwaukee lead the league with 9 wins. This will be interesting to follow thought out the season.
*By the way the new interpretation of the "transfer rule" just makes no sense.
*Soaking in the Master's similar to taking in a good book. The twists and turns, the new character plots, which seem to soar and fade instantaneously. How about a former Division II basketball player shooting a 30 on the front nine Saturday? While the Master's does have it's issues, it's drama tough to equal.
*What is all this noise about the Wub's? They are in the playoffs again, and in the NBA that's all the matters. Mark Jackson has a dine a fine job with his team again, thus I just cannot wrap my mind around all the chatter surrounding his job security? For much of the season, the Warriors have played without center Andrew Bogut, and his intimidating 7-foot self. (Ideally the W's will draw the Clippers in the first round--that will be entertaining!) In the end, with all of the success of Bay Area Sports teams over the years, there seems to be a prevalent thinking that winning titles is "easy." Just ask Sacramento Kings fans--or loyal Chicago Cubs followers!
*Unless of course you are at UConn! Wow, I can't imagine how fun the ride must be on the Huskies bandwagon! I just don't get all the lame destructive acts young people feel the the need commit while celebrating championships? I sound like an old guy, wait.....
*The NFL draft is getting closer....and I am feeling the intrigue. Now that the Raiders once again look like a football team, my interest in draft day peculating. I would love to see Clemson WR Sammy Watkins still on the board at #5, Mr. Reggie, are you hearing me? The Raiders may not be great in 2014, but they sure can be entertaining!
*Speaking of traditions, The Derby is right around the corner. Keep this horse in mind, California Chrome. This CenCal native, raised at the Harris Ranch near good old Coalinga, captured the Santa Anita Derby last weekend in SoCal. (The SAD actually on my Bucket List--oh well someday!)
*Rawhide Rumbling: while the DBacks have looked dreary out of the gate, third basemen Brandon Drury has been smoking! The young slugger from Grants Pass Oregon has 11 RBI's after 10 games--now that's raking when it counts. My two other favorite Rawhide thus far, relievers Jimmy Sherfy and Henry "Hank" Garcia. Sherfy was a closing machine at the University of Oregon, and my man Hank, well, I just love the lefty's aura on the hill. Combined this dynamic duo has yet to surrender a run while strilking out 14 opposing batters. Come on now, remember relievers were the new market inefficiency!
*Need someone to accompany you to a Wub's playoff game: look no further! Thus to UConn--men and women--and to the men in Gold and Blue, today the toast if for you!
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Let's Play Two! Lots Of Barton Angst.....
*Well, Well, Well......
*First rain in California--lots of it--which has been rare this season; then a rain out, which happens, oh I would say rarely; then the rarest item of all, a Day/Night Doubleheader. All those bay area kids today with no school--including Big Kids--this could be a great day for you.
*Here is quick recap from Game 1: The A's battled but it just want their night. Sonny Gray will battle, and the youngster can field his position. Sonny displayed Gold Glove caliber defense opening night, making a handful of plays that, well, lets just say, former A Bret Anderson would not have made!
*Recap continued...A's fans, and now even teammates, have a lot of angst regarding Daric Barton. In the eighth, Barton led off the single, and was standing on second when Josh Donaldson was at the plate. JD crushed one. CRUSHED it. On a night where the heavy air in Oakland was no friend to hitters, it appeared as if Donaldson had put the A's 3-0. Not so fast, the baseball gods are indeed messing with the A's, as Donaldson's blast bounced off the top of the O.Co's cushioned fence. The ball bounced right back to the alert Indians center fielder who quickly relayed the ball back to the infield. Enter Barton. The ball was tricky to read, but instead of getting himself halfway between 2nd and 3rd, he did a poor Chow-Chow-Chow rendition of running in circles. Barton ended up at third, and Donaldson stood at first, irked at his 400 foot single. Now I am not convinced Barton would have scored, but he could have. Thus, after the game all I heard was Barton, Barton, Barton, but here are some other thoughts on game 1:
1. Jed Lowrie subsequently came up with the bases loaded and proceeded to look baaaadddd striking out. Early in the game with one out, Lowrie had runners on second and third--when a ground ball would have plated the A's first run. Lowrie hit it hard, but up the middle off of the pitcher, who scrambled and made the out at first. Lowrie had two chances to put the A's ahead, and did not get the job done. The first at bat Lowrie hit it hard, but oh those baseball gods! Lowries' at bats were where the game was decided.
2. After Barton led off the top of the eigth, why not insert speedy infielder Sam Fuld? When Barton was on second, Fuld, again a possibility. Fast forward to the bottom of the ninth, two on two out. Nick Punto had pinch hits for Soggie. Now, my question is this: the A's needed one swing, why not let Derek Norris take a rip?
Barton made a gaff.....but there was clearly a little more to the story!
For my son's sake, he's 8, the A's will not lose their 11 consecutive opening day game in 2015! You read it here first!
*The Wubs, man when they need a big win on the road, they deliver. Last night's game a huge step to ensuring post season play. Is Steph Curry the most likable NBA star?
*Since the Raider passed on DeSean Jackson....if Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins is there at number 5 when the Raiders pick, he is headed to OTown!
*Rawhide Rant: One more day, and then they play!
*First rain in California--lots of it--which has been rare this season; then a rain out, which happens, oh I would say rarely; then the rarest item of all, a Day/Night Doubleheader. All those bay area kids today with no school--including Big Kids--this could be a great day for you.
*Here is quick recap from Game 1: The A's battled but it just want their night. Sonny Gray will battle, and the youngster can field his position. Sonny displayed Gold Glove caliber defense opening night, making a handful of plays that, well, lets just say, former A Bret Anderson would not have made!
*Recap continued...A's fans, and now even teammates, have a lot of angst regarding Daric Barton. In the eighth, Barton led off the single, and was standing on second when Josh Donaldson was at the plate. JD crushed one. CRUSHED it. On a night where the heavy air in Oakland was no friend to hitters, it appeared as if Donaldson had put the A's 3-0. Not so fast, the baseball gods are indeed messing with the A's, as Donaldson's blast bounced off the top of the O.Co's cushioned fence. The ball bounced right back to the alert Indians center fielder who quickly relayed the ball back to the infield. Enter Barton. The ball was tricky to read, but instead of getting himself halfway between 2nd and 3rd, he did a poor Chow-Chow-Chow rendition of running in circles. Barton ended up at third, and Donaldson stood at first, irked at his 400 foot single. Now I am not convinced Barton would have scored, but he could have. Thus, after the game all I heard was Barton, Barton, Barton, but here are some other thoughts on game 1:
1. Jed Lowrie subsequently came up with the bases loaded and proceeded to look baaaadddd striking out. Early in the game with one out, Lowrie had runners on second and third--when a ground ball would have plated the A's first run. Lowrie hit it hard, but up the middle off of the pitcher, who scrambled and made the out at first. Lowrie had two chances to put the A's ahead, and did not get the job done. The first at bat Lowrie hit it hard, but oh those baseball gods! Lowries' at bats were where the game was decided.
2. After Barton led off the top of the eigth, why not insert speedy infielder Sam Fuld? When Barton was on second, Fuld, again a possibility. Fast forward to the bottom of the ninth, two on two out. Nick Punto had pinch hits for Soggie. Now, my question is this: the A's needed one swing, why not let Derek Norris take a rip?
Barton made a gaff.....but there was clearly a little more to the story!
For my son's sake, he's 8, the A's will not lose their 11 consecutive opening day game in 2015! You read it here first!
*The Wubs, man when they need a big win on the road, they deliver. Last night's game a huge step to ensuring post season play. Is Steph Curry the most likable NBA star?
*Since the Raider passed on DeSean Jackson....if Clemson wideout Sammy Watkins is there at number 5 when the Raiders pick, he is headed to OTown!
*Rawhide Rant: One more day, and then they play!
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