*Showdown Sunday from the Get Down Lounge:
*(PSST: The Swinging A's have the best record in the MLB--however, outside of the East Bay, it's a little like Voldemort in the Harry Potter Saga--no national media talking about it! In fact, last night on ESPN, highlights vs. the win over the Nation, started, started, 24 minutes into the show. I am sure if the Yankees or Dodgers or Red Sox possessed the best records....ish! Just keep winning Oakland, just keep winning.)
*Listening to Michelle Wie, it sounds as if this talented young lady has grown up. I would not be honest if I didn't say I wasn't rooting for her today in the Ladies U.S. Open.
*I am amazed at the build up this week for the Brazilian Amazon Showdown between Team USA and my homeland (well at least my father's) Portugal! As a proud Portuguese American, today's match on the pitch, one of those few win-win sporting events. Here are two things to keep in mind:
1. Christiano Rinaldo is playing for his "American" Legacy. While considered one of the top players in the world, Rinaldo hasn't accomplished much on the World Cup Stage. CR is also scuffling with a troublesome knee. The question I have been posing all week: do CR's countrymen want to rally around the media darling? I have yet to set him talking, or laughing with any of hit Portuguese teammates. Try this on: has anyone ever heard CR proclaim the word "we" when talking about his National team. There definitely is an I in Rinaldo, the question therefore, is there a "we."
2. Everyone seems to be forgetting in 2002, the Americans upset the Portuguese in pool play. I remember vividly watching that game in a family friend's home in the Northern Portuguese town of Ihlavo. The Americans struck early and often, winning 3-1. Our hosts were stunned. "You don't understand," dear family friend Mario said in clear English to me. "Losing in Soccer to the United States would be like you losing to Portugal in Basketball." Wow. The only words Mario ever uttered in clear English!
*Today's match-up really could be a classic. I can envision this game tossing and turning, and while Portugal looked terrible versus Germany, something tells me their pride is on the line. If I had to put my life, on it, I would say 3-1 Portugal. Maybe 3-2....the Group of Death is about to get extremely interesting--and entertaining!
*There is a certainly some positive buzz in Raider Nation. The Silver and Black have a long way to go, however, it wasn't all that long ago that the Mike Singeltary led-49ers were uber scuffling themselves. At least here in CenCal, the drafting of Derek Carr has given the Raiders plenty of positive PR. (I have my tickets! My pal and Old Man Sacramento River and I are in! Friendly reminder: the 49ers visit the O.Co on December 7!)
*Hey Golden Domers, the Irish coming do Palo Alto in the Fall of 2015--you may want to plan ahead! The Cardinal host the Ducks, Irish, and Cal next season if college football is your kind of thing!
*Of all the teams in the MLB that scare me, those pesky Anaheim Angel$ worry me. If the Halos open the vault and acquire a front line pitcher, I'm just saying.....
*The Giants snapped their streak in Arizona last night, allowing Giants fans to enjoy the soccer match today. The NL West is clearly a 2-horse race between the Kill-Joys and the New Evil Empire. Will the Dodgers seek reinforcements? If the polish fades from Michael Morse's new-found glow, will the Giants look for a bat, or what about a second basemen. Stay tuned!
*(PSST: Here is hoping Billy B goes all in for a starting pitcher!)
*CenCalians, if you haven't checkout Rawhide Ballpark in Visalia yet, July a good month! Good times, easy on the wallet, lots of future big leaguers. Grab a boot mug and a cowbell! Good times--tell 'em the Fonz sent you!
*My new favorite name: Bastian Schweinsteiger! (Shh-vine-staager!). I love it, absolutely love it! The Nigerian uniforms are the coolest, but my man is Schweinsteiger!
*To the parents of Lucy Li: whatever you are doing with your little girl, keep it up! Her enthusiasm and attitude endearing. I look forward to the future, and watching L Squared on Sundays!
To a great day everyone! Linguica and Port Wine for everyone!
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