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!