Around the Bases We Go--Easter Sunday Style!

                                       

    KHRUSHING GOOD TIMES!

                                                             

               
            (Khris Davis touches them all after slugging a home run                                   on March 31, vs. the Angels!)

                         Around the Bases We Go.....

Leading Off:  Ah yes, it is wonderful to have the A's KD, that's Kris, "Khrush" Davis, signed for a couple of years. The A's and Davis agreed to a $33.5 million dollar extension that keeps Krush in the green and gold until at least the end of the 2021 season. If I understand the rules correctly, the A's could then (in 2022) offer their prized slugger a one-time qualifying offer, at a value set by the MLB. This is great news for an organization that has been known to let it's prime time talent move away. Even more refreshing--Davis' love for Oakland, his teammates, and his modest and quirky personality. A tip off the cap and Happy Easter to Khris, the A's Management Team, and the A's Fans! I will be purchasing a couple KD shirts by the way--especially for my friends and frenemies named Davis!

Rounding First: My of my have the A's missed Matt Olson. While Kendrys Morales glovework has been acceptable--for the most part--his bat just has not played well in Oakland. One home run, 3 RBI's and on-base percentage (OBP) under .300.....Morales seemed like a nice addition after Olson's injury, however at this point, it's time for Billy Beane and David Forst to shake things up.

Turning at Second:  Speaking of second, Jurickson Profar is another A off to a underwhelming start. As of April 21, with a batting average under .200, and an on-base-percentage of just .215. JPro is no Jedi (Jed Lowrie) at this point. If it weren't for a couple of games in Baltimore where Profar channeled his inner Jed, well, who knows who would be starting at second base? Profar appears to have all the tools....but to this eye, he doesn't seem to maximize his abilities. JPro is slow out of the box--and this is to be expected when one swings from his pancreas every time. I would love to see JPro think gap-to-gap, and use his speed. His glove work thus far, well, it has been wildly entertaining. Once again, I wonder what Billy and DForst are thinking?!?

Hitting the Bag at Third:  I expect Matt Chapman to get back on track here soon. The KD signing, the Chappy Bobblehead Day, the trip to Japan, then Texas, then the East Coast, then Texas again, ish! I expect them to get on a roll here soon, starting pitching or no starting pitching. Next to Chappy, Marcus Semien has been super solid at short. Rumblings seem to indicate he may be the next A to sign some sort of extension. Semien just looks so confident at the field and at the plate.

Touching Home: Prize catching prospect Sean Murphy is raking for the Las Vegas Aviators in 51 at bats--to a tune of a .373 average, and .458 OBP. I say let him have another 51 at-bats or so, then call him up. Murphy and Josh Phegley should prove to be a worthy tandem.

Left Field Notes:  Yes it's early, very early. The one glaring need for this team is a true leadoff man. Robbie Grossman has been no Nick Martini. In fact, the A's may have Martini Deuce in Triple AAA Las Vegas right now. The gentleman's name:  Mark Payton. Payton, like Martini is a former 7th round draft choice who is also a bit of an on-base machine. In college, at the University of Texas, he reached based in 101 straight games. Martini sparked the A's offense a year ago, (he's currently on the Injured list, formerly called the Disabled List;). Payton is off to a flying start, batting .389 and reaching base at a .460 clip. I would put Mark and Murphy on the same plane headed to Oakland. 

*A great place to follow the A's minor league teams is on A's Farm (athleticsfarm.com). Bill Moriarty is the editor and driving force behind A's Farm, and he provides updates and interviews that sincerely are second to none. Bill has signed me on to assist and pinch-hit with covering the A's AAA farm team, the Las Vegas Aviators. It is quite a thrill for me personally--and if you have not already checked out the website, well....what are you waiting for!?

Centerfield-Top Ramon!: Ramon did it again with a sensational, home-run saving catch today (Sunday, 4/21). I was watching the game live, and I couldn't believe he came down with the ball in his glove. Noodles went up, and well above the wall to make perhaps the greatest catch in A's history. For the record, I love the Joe Rudi catch in the '72 series; until today, I ranked Rudi's clutch grab #1. Then Ramon uncorked a crazy throw that nearly landed in Hayward--fortunately for the A's the Toronto runner on first headed for second. Pitcher Brett Anderson backed up first base, and then threw to second, for the routine 8-1-4 double play. For a stretch of games in which the A's have looked U-G-L-Y, this whimsical, comical, unbelievable play is and was a welcome distraction!

Out in Right Field:  How about another note about myself. While scouting this spring for a company called Evolution Metrix--another opportunity I wholeheartedly appreciate--I have taken in my share of college and high school games in the Fresno area. One player that stood out--and I mean literally--is 6 foot 5ish lefty Micah Pries. Pries looks like a combination of Mark Mulder and Matt Olson, and wowed the fans at Fresno Pacific University this weekend racking out 9 hits in 4 games. Come MLB draft time, I look forward to hearing his name. After all, it is NFL draft week....and nobody does draft drama better than the NFL. Where and when will the A's Kyler Murray go. (Why not dream BIG!?!) What will Gruden and the Raiders do with 3 picks in the first round? If Murray were to end with the Raiders, could Kyler be this generation's Bo Jackson!?! I am just saying....

Finally, on this Easter Sunday. I hope all of you are blessed and enjoyed this special day. I wanted to point my family wholeheartedly enjoyed the A's-Warriors back-to-back doubleheader. The A's won in a quick quick game over the Angels, then the Warriors took care of business versus the Hornets. If you ever get the chance for two pro games in a day....I say swing away!  By the way, Andrew Bogut appeared slim and trim, and when Bogie was in the game, the Warriors really sizzled! Next up, I will have another "From the Bull-Pen" rambling, when naturally, we will talk a little pitching.

                                                                 

      (The kiddos and I on March 31, leaving the Oracle after Warriors defeated the Hornets! Love this picture, loved the day! Photo taken by Spouse--love her too!)

Rule Tweaks, Young Guns, & a New, Old Leadoff Hitter! Still Believe in Stephen Vogt--the Gigantes Do!

(Photo by Minda Hoss of Omaha, from Werner Park 2015, on Wikipedia)

From The Bull-Pen

I. MLB Rule Change(s):  The one current rule that needs to tweaked or terminated--when a relief pitcher enters the game; why, why do relievers entering games mid-inning need to warm-up? They are loose and good to go already! Once the skipper hands the ball over to the pitcher, 30 seconds. That allows the pitcher a brief time to adjust the mound, throw a pitch or two, and let's go! So often the game bogs down when pitching changes take place. Keep the game moving. It's :30 then let it fly. 

Another set of corresponding "tweaks"; pitcher steps on the rubber, he must pitch. If he decides to step off, it's a ball. The batter, in the box, you hit. I would allow the batter one time to step out per at bat and that's it. Play ball. In it to hit it so to speak!

(While I don't approve of any of the rule changes being bandied about, one I might consider with a slight modification. I don't approve of the proposed rule that says a pitcher must pitch to 3 batters; however, reduce that number to 2, and now you have a very interesting and fascinating series of possibilities.)

II. Lazardo and Puk:  Ooh la la! If A's number 1 prospect Jesus Lazardo, and number 2 A.J. Puk can match the glowing reviews and prognostications of the MLB Network, it's on! Starting pitching is the elephant in the room, and if these two can match the hype, the next couple of summers (and perhaps falls!?!) could be very special in the Coli!!  Of course, the Green and Gold can always swing a deadline deal for Zach Greinke, he of the $32 million per year contact. Why not, think BIG! (Sin Choo Soo and his $21 mil salary another future deal on the think big list. I love saying Choo Soo!)

III. Gross Man!:  Out of deep right field, the A's sign a veteran outfielder, switch hitting Robbie Grossman. Two items immediately jumped out regarding this signing. To begin with, Rob is a switch hitter. As the A's carried a plethora of relievers last year, switch-hitters would appear to be the absolute "market efficiency!" Secondly, his career on-base-percentage is .355. Last season, Nick Martini and Ramon Laureano--both in limited sample sizes--recorded .397 and .358 respectively. Captain Matt Chappy and future MVP matriculated on base at .356 pace (Jedi Lowrie was .353). This is clearly a classic A's move. Grossman is scheduled to bat leadoff in the first scheduled Spring Training game on Thursday, February 21. Sign of things to come? Perhaps. Keep an eye on Grossman, and his exploits at the plate. (With what seems to be a surplus of outfielders, is a trade brewing, or at minimum beginning to percolate?!?)

IV. Shaking off these two Greats:  Across the bay the Gigos are an interesting study. Coming off those great even year runs of '10, '12, and '14, what is their next move with all of the money they are raking in?!? Are they in on Harper, or are they simply being used to jack up the Phillies bid? New GM Farhan Zaidi--former A's and Dodgers employee--has acquired depth, by making several A's types, on-the-cheap moves. (Why not grab a front line pitcher, like Dallas Keuchel?). Recently they signed all time great guy Stephen Vogt (from CenCal Visalia, CA); to go along with all world nice guy and Giant legend Buster Posey. So, while the Bus is coming off hip surgery, I-Believe-In-Stephen Vogt has relocated from Milwaukee to SF. Huh? So the Giants are confident that with perhaps the toughest and grindiest of all positions in baseball--catching--guys coming off of hip and shoulder repair are the way to go? Will either of these two still be playing when the Giants roll into Oakland August 24th and 25? Time will tell, time will tell!! 

Spring Training, Double Dipping, Moneyball Irony and an Update!

(May 28, 2014; Noah's 9th Birthday)

Around the Bases We Go!

*Spring Training:  For many years I kept hearing how fun and wonderful a trip it was to visit Arizona and Spring Training in Arizona. By golly, it was grand! If you can ever make the journey, allow two simple suggestions. First, either night games, or seats in the shade! Don't let the Arizona sun put a damper on the day. Secondly, might I add attending during March Madness. After a day of baseball featuring the A's and Dodgers (some rather muscular fellow name Puig and wearing #66 made an appearance that day!), my dear spouse and I cooled off at night in Scottsdale's Salty Senorita watching college hoop madness. The weather, the pace, the proximity to the players, the charm....hard to beat. As we were walking, Fernando Valenzuela practically escorted us in the park. If you are fan of baseball, this trip can electric! I know friends that make the trek every season, and quite frankly, I envy them! 

**Double Dipping East Bay Style: Back in 2014, on my son Noah's 9th birthday, the two of us experienced what I like to call the "Bay Area Double Dip." The Giants by day, the A's by night! On this day, Josh Donaldson's concluded our day with a towering walk-off bomb, propelling the A's over the Tigers. The only tricky part of this excursion was navigating across the bay area traffic in the late afternoon. Warriors fans, here you go--on Sunday March 31 the A's will hosting the Angels at 1:00 p.m., then you can head across the way to the ROarcle, to watch the Steph and the gang tip it off with the Charlotte Hornets at 5:30 p.m.! Much like the scamper to Spring Training, my wife readily was and is all in on this adventure! (Note that Warrior tickets are significantly steeper than the 3rd deck, so plan your budget accordingly.) Might be a surprising and ever-so-romantic Valentine's Day Gift for that special Oaktown Sports Fan in your life!?! 

No posh elevators like this one in the Coli! In the new stadium perhaps?!?

***Moneyball and Football: Oh the irony with Kyler Murray electing to pursue a football career and take the intentional pass with the A's for the time being. Remember the beginning of the Moneyball movie? Beane gives his word to the Mets and takes the cash out of high school--when it feels like Billy and his mother really wanted him to play baseball and quarterback the Stanford Cardinal!?! In the movie version, Beane's dad steps in and says your word is our word--however, at the time, Beane's family, just like Kyler and his family--were following the money! If Billy could go back in a time machine, would he his life have huddled in a different direction? Clearly the A's are going to win the World Series know--and Moneyball the Sequel will once again start with a baseball player/quarterback dilemma! Good luck Kyler--to a great career and I sure hope somebody provides you the opportunity to play both sports (Raiders and 49ers, are you listening?!)!

****Pitching & Catching:  The A's are good, young, and their roster is pretty well set. In fact, all they need is an ace, and they can jump in (and perhaps over) with the big fish--the Red Sox, Astros, and Yankees. The A's have plenty of depth and pitching candidates. Any one pitcher who gets in hot in during the spring, may even find himself with a starting role. In regards to catching, all signs point to rookie Sean Murphy taking over the reigns sometime in the very near future. Most reports glow about his arm and glove, with his bat the only real question mark. Look for Murphy to start the year in Vegas, become familiar with his AAA mates, and make short flight to Oakland sometime around Cinco de Mayo or the Kentucky Derby. 

Notes from the bullpen:  Much like the old designated list, know called the injury list, a player must remain on the list for 10 days before returning to the parent club. Look for a new 100% 3G blog every 10 days or so, which works out to 3 times per month. This is my planned delivery sequence for 2019. This past fall I joined with up Kiyokawa Crawford, LLC as they began a college basketball scouting service. (I covered junior college women's basketball). This spring and summer, I have a new project which will find myself (along with Noah as the video coordinator) scouring Central California as a baseball scout for Evolution Metrix. Thus, whether inside or outside, near or far, I look forward to the new opportunities! You can also follow me on twitter at Brian Fonseca@100percent3G. Don't forget about Valentine's Day?!?

While it was a day to remember, quite frankly, our purchase of the train set on our way to San Francisco the biggest hit of the day. Now, 5 years later, the transaction high on Noah's radar--selling the train set for a Gaming PC. Time flies. 

Check Downs on Super Bowl Sunday

(1986 Super Bowl Starter Tony Eason--My Neighbor Practically!)

Super Bowl Sunday Tidbits

(After all, QB'ing is all about quick reads!!)

*GOAT:  The greatest of all time list is constantly being thrown around, and no we are not going to talk about QB's or Michael vs. Bron Bron; no, today a toast to one of the All-Time American GOAT's, the late Jackie Robinson. Mr. Robinson's 100th birthday was this week, January 31, 1919 was his birth date. A tip of the cap to you #42, one of our country's greatest of all time.

*MARCO....POLO:  A's fans, and Giants too, will remember the exploits of Mr. Stick, Marco Scutaro. Marco is the only player that comes to mind that raked in the postseason for both Bay Area teams. Well, the A's are taking a flyer on former Blue Jay Marco Estrada. (Es-traduhhhh a fun name to pronounce!) The good news is Marco started 28 games for the Canadians a season ago; the bad news is he battled through some nagging injuries. If this veteran can be counted on to take the hill once every 5 days or so, this will be a real plus for the green and gold in 2019.

*GONDOLAS:  Gondolas from downtown Oakland to the Waterfront where the proposed stadium will be.....hard not to take a flyer on this idea! One little sticking point for myself, crossing over the Freeway, oh I don't know, weirds me out! If the stadium and gondolas come to be in Oakland, well, I guess it will be a good problem to have!?!

*TONY EASON:  The houses Champagne Tony (outside of Walnut Grove) and I (Isleton) grew up in were a mere 7 miles a part or so! Tony played at smallish Delta High School located in Clarksburg California, a Hail Mary's distance Southwest of Sacramento; before a stint at American River JC then to to Illinois University. Despite an enrollment of 300 or so, back in the 70's and early 80's, the Saints under coach Joe Miller produced more than there fair share of football studs. Tony and Bo Eason both made to show, along with lineman Dan McQuaid. There were many others who played in college...but hey it's about the quick reads today. One tidbit about Tony, Bo, and even their father. The times I ran across all three of these guys, they always treated me like a million bucks. Tony's Patriots ran into the Payton/Fridge/Ditka bears, or we may have had a great biopic movie about a "neighbor." (I am still digging Bohemian Rhapsody by the way!)

*THE ALL-ANGST BOWL:  For a twist, this game might be fun to watch with Raiders and Saints fans!? As a result of the Tuck and the No-PI-here call, these two fan bases might not mind a tie? Can't argue with the success of Brady/Belichick partnership--in fact with a little luck, they may have won a couple of additional Lombardi trophies? (How many other character-perhaps lurking in the shadows--have contributed to the Pats winning ways?) This might be a great game...I envision overtime, both teams score a FG (just to add the angst of previous said fan bases), and then Brady proceeds to lead the Patriots to a dramatic 27-24 win. Cokes on the Krafts! (Coca-Cola is located in Atlanta.)

*MEMORIES: While naturally I have my parents to thank for most of my early sport and fondest  memories, today I lift the glass to a couple of old-school colleagues of my father, Lincoln Chan and Frank Spingolo Sr. Mr. Chan built a large and successful farming and trucking company; along with a great deep laugh, two stellar German Shepard guard dogs, and a stogie ready to go, he was THE MAN, and a great 49er fan. Mr. Spingolo was an old-school Italian who for many years ran a prominent trucking organization in Stockton California (the home of Rickie Fowler who is struggling to hold on in Arizona today!), and held more than his fair share of Raider Tickets. His daughter Mary hosted the best tailgates in that cozy little venue the Oakland Alameda Coliseum.  To both Icon's and their families, enjoy the bouncing pigskin today.

100% 3G (Green, Gold & Grey!): Tennis Anyone? A tribute to MLK Day, and something the NFL could learn from tennis!

100% 3G (Green, Gold & Grey!): Tennis Anyone?:                                                                          Arthur Ashe With the baseball season an overtime or two away, a...

Tennis Anyone?

                                                                         Arthur Ashe

With the baseball season an overtime or two away, and the A's still performing due diligence in regards to signing a catcher (will Sean Murphy, the non-pitching prospect be in Oakland before summer arrives?) and starting pitcher (Brett Anderson and Gio Gonzalez remain available), let's take a look from a different angle.

In honor of Martin Luther King, allow me to recommend reading the book of Arthur Ashe's memoirs, "The Days of Grace." The book is simply a great read, by a wonderful,  American. Despite being a world class athlete, heart disease would plague this great tennis champion. The last chapter of the book is a thoughtful and emotional letter, that Ashe pens to his daughter Camera. The book delves into many interesting topics, and I highly recommend for tennis fans in particular, and sports fans in general.

Speaking or tennis, currently the first "major" of the year--The Australian Open-- is underway "Down Under."  (This event currently resides on my Bucket List!) There is one aspect of tennis that the sport absolutely nails--while professional sports-football in particular bumbles. Instant replay. In tennis, they replay the point, call is made, bang-boom, move on the next point. The crowd joins in with a charming little chant....then boom, the call is made, onto the next point. Well done.

The NFL bumbles (MLB stumbles). They have the technology to get calls right...they simply choose on the side of human error. I just wonder, how many officials--or how many administrators of the officials--have ever coached of played professionally for their livelihood? My guess a few have played, maybe a couple of have coached; the have no idea what being wronged "feels" like. Just so we can all be on the same page or side here, ask the 1972 Olympic Basketball team how they felt about the infamous game with the Russians?

Why do the coaches have to challenge plays? Professional sports have officials, in the land of Oz somewhere looking at the plays. If a call is wrong, see it, call it, overturn it. Move on. Make a decision in 60 seconds. For myself, I am not sure what exactly a catch is in the NFL, or pass interference, or, perhaps most importantly, what conclusive evidence even means?

Officiating may be the single most difficult task on the earth--however, technology is superior! I am not sure if more officials on the field would help....in the booth I know they would help! Perhaps the NFL should take in a little tennis this week, they might learn something.

That Pats-Chiefs game last night was a doozy! As the Raiders are embedded in my sports crest, I do not like the Chiefs, and I can't even think about Tom Brady with having a meltdown of snowy, tucking proportion. That being said, what a second half....and even better 4th quarter! Brady was clutch, and the new quy, Patrick Mahomes, the slinging and side-arm flinging QB found his flashy red sea legs! What a finish!! Heck, those two teams should play every week. (Nice to see both teams balance their collective attacks by running the ball--old school style!)

NFL overtime is just no bueno. I would implement some hybrid overtime system. Teams each would start from the 50 yard line. If the game is tied again, second round, they start from the 45. Each time the game remains tied, they start with the ball 5 yards further back. If they both manage to play 10 overtimes and the game is still scored, well they deserve to tie!? However, in a playoff game....they would have to keep playing from 100 yards our until somebody wins that darn game!

(My second choice to simply play another 15 minutes--after 15 minutes and teams are still ties, play 15 more! I would have loved to see Brady and Co. vs. Mahomes et. al slug it out for 15 or 30 more minutes!)

Regarding the Saints vs. Rams game, well....let's just say, some calls effect games, some calls decide games.  That non pass interference, blow-to-the-head call, that sure felt like a "Decider!?" Not necessarily so, but the Saints were beaten by a call that 'aint.

Party on LA....party on Boston. Party like it's the World Series, 1918! For the rest, tennis anyone?

Kyler Knows, Tigers and Rock'n Roll! (Rant #2)

                                              (I love this picture of Bo so young, so Bo!)

Bo Knows--Let Kyler Play!

Kyler Murray. Heisman Trophy Winner, 9th overall pick in the 2018 Major League Draft by your Oakland A's. (Love the pick by the way, loved it. One of the most special athletes on the planet!)This young man possesses wondrous athletic skills rarely possessed by the highest 1% of the 1%. Just let him play--both sports!

Come on Billy and Dave, let's work your collective magic. Let's start with the South Bay 49ers. If Kyler is playing in Single-A Stockton this season, what's wrong with a world-class athlete having a hobby?! Instead of playing video games with his mates, he can be perusing through the Niner Way Playbook. Jimmy G is the 49ers man, so Kyler can learn and grow in the position so to speak. The 49ers and the Athletics could share--and bask in the glow--of this PR goldmine. It wouldn't hurt either organization to hit the jackpot, and working together might just be their golden ticket. (The Chargers would be the second choice--a young QB to mentor behind gritty vet Phillip Rivers. We will put the Rams next in line, out of respect. LA would love-love-love Kyler! ) 

Speaking of a team who could use a major shot of positive attention, could the We-Don't-Have-A-Home-Yet-Soon-To-Be Las Vegas Raiders take a flyer on Kyler (I can rhyme now!)!?  Kyler behind Carr....just saying, could be worse hey Raider Nation? The Bay Area's most (un)popular bachelor, Mr. Mark Davis could replicate the bold of his legendary father, who brought us "Bo Knows"--the larger than life 1990's megastar Bo Jackson first suiting up as a Kansas City Royal, then later as a Los Angeles Raider! Chico State grads are typically uber-personal, and what better way for Mark to make a mark than by drafting Murray!?!

Okay I can hear the case already, Bo's career ended due to a football injury. True. (ESPN's 30-For-30 on Bo fantastic. The part with his injury's a little hard to watch--he was just so strong. Like the Titantic, just how could Bo go down for the count?) Athlete's are going to be athlete's. I mean, across the globe, no professional athletes take in pick-up basketball games? Tennis Matches? Boogie Boards? Sand Volleyball? Ski Slopes? Back in the day, my college intramural basketball teams were owned and ran out of the gyms by football players. Athletes are going to play sports and be active--they are competitive, fast-paced and highly-skilled humans after all. The San Francisco Giants know full well that ace Madison Bumgarner enjoys an occasional exhilarating ride on a motorcycle (so did old-timer Jeff Kent--look up that story). Injuries can happen just about anywhere, anytime. Just let Kyler play!

Random Question:  Kyler's tremendous success as Oklahoma's QB came as some surprise. In 2017 Murray backed up Baker Mayfield. You know Baker, now the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, and oh by the way, the winner of college football's most prestigious award, the Heisman Trophy in 2017!  So my question:  with a 5 million dollar contract in his pocket from the A's, was Kyler able to perform with additional swag and confidence, that quite frankly I simply cannot imagine? How many athlete's have guaranteed money in their pocket--from a different profession sport? I tend to believe the confidence Kyler played with the past season, may have been assisted by, as shall we say, "follow the money"(from the movie the Godfather).

What a treasure gazing at  mega-talented Murray competing in both football and baseball would be. I would love to see it with my own eyes, in Oakland during spring and summer, and ideally some other West Coast NFL team later in the fall and winter. Who knows if Kyler can replicate Bo--yet isn't the idea simply tantalizing? His numbers from a year ago on the diamond were off the charts, near .300 batting average and near .400 on base percentage. Watching him, glide, dodge and launch "strikes" versus Alabama was simply awe-inspiring. Let him play, let him play!

Bo Jackson captivated the mind and imagination with his arsenal of athletic power and flair. Kyler Murray, time to audible, you're up!

Finally, a tip of the cap to the Clemson Tigers. Loveable coach, and what a mighty, mighty, collection of football players!!! They rolled though Bama and Notre Dame, rolled two teams with a combined 26-0 record. Wow, wow and wow! (My only question after watching the semi-final and championship game: what exactly is pass interference?).  Just as old school breakfast cereal icon Tony the Tiger would say, "They're great."

Another, nod goes to the movie Bohemian Rhapsody for capturing two Golden Globe awards. If you have ever stomped out to the song "We Will Rock You" or bellowed out to "We Are the Champions", you are going to dig this film. There are some dark moments in the film, however the film tastefully gives a depiction of Freddy Mercury and his Queen bandmates. Perhaps the filmakers glossed over some of the hard core issues of a rock-and-roll band and Mercury's dynamic life in particular, yet this film is old school hollywood--2 plus hours that leave you smiling at the end, humming Queen tunes. Rami Malek's performance as Mercury, absolutely rocked!

Begin Again, All is Well!

Here We Go....

(Note I. : I/We are back. The A's 50th season was a fun one, and in my household, a golden one as my wonderful spouse turned 50. I still am not sure how cool she thought it was to have her name in lights--but my kids and I loved it. As a first time Scoreboard Messenger, I must say, it was absolutely worth it! On the field, after a slow start, the Green and Gold were hot and fun to watch. They hit, they picked it, and they parlayed their way to a bonus game in the Big Apple. Ramon Laureano's catch & throw in Anaheim put the bow on the season. Chappy, Treinen, Krush, Jedi, and co., were surprisingly entertaining and stellar. Management even showed a willingness to add salary late in the year, but more importantly, ownership was taken in the Coli. The Treehouse was a sporty addition, and more fan-friendly seating choices are available in 2019. The Howard Terminal plans have created quite the positive stir! While expectations were exceeded in '18, much like the new stadium plans, now is the time to think Big. With Baby Jesus (Lazaro) set to arrive, the the time has come to raise the bar, and win that final game of the MLB season!)

2019 Resolutions/Wish List

1.  Spend, Spend, Spend. In 2018, the A's spent $80 Million on payroll. While Beane and Co. have proven they can buy in to the MLB postseason spending frugally, to advance in the postseason, it takes a big billfold. The Brewers spent nearly $109 Million, and nearly crashed their way into the fall classic. Let's start with breaking the $100 Million plateau! The Jackson Profar trade a tremendous start--he's a young, powerful switch-hitting and athletic Jed replacement. Naturally he is younger and less expensive. Signing veteran reliever Joaquin Soria, solid. Next on the agenda: bolster the catching position, add a left-handed reliever, and add a savvy, healthy, innings eater sidekick to go along with here-gone-here Mike Fiers. Then, at the deadline, add a dealmaker ace, and perhaps if need be a left-handed bat!

(Note II:  Lucroy. What really happened there? It was reported that the A's and Lucroy maintained some difference of opinion on the veteran's worth. One report mentioned the A's had offered Lucroy around $4 million; then last week the beaded one signs with the Angels for what appeared to be a very low figure in the 3 million range.  What gives? Did the A's simply not want Lucroy back? (He scuffled at the plate and didn't seem to frame well, but he did hold together the pitching staff, and down the stretch had a knack for throwing out opposing runners at key times.) Did Lucroy prefer SoCal? Is heir apparent Sean Murphy, the #3 rated A's prospect soon to be in Oakland? Another trade percolating under the surface?)

2. Attend, Attend, Attend. A's fans rolled in the turnstiles at an average of just over 19,400 per game. The schedule brings in the Cardinals & Brewers for interleague games, along with those wonderful Giants. Take (or should I say bring?) the kiddos to a fireworks game--can't go wrong with that call. If (or should I say when!) you do, plan on the Wave, lots of sugar and caffeine, but it is a good time for the family! Tailgate, food trucks, The Treehouse, options abound. No excuses, 20,000 per home game should be the goal--although, why not lucky 21,000?!? Bring a friend, attend, attend, attend.

3. No Game. Now I am old, and appreciate listening to A's games on the radio. Ken Korach in particular. Super-Sub Roxy "Sure Hands" Bernstein is a favorite of mine as well! The A's relationship with 95.7 The Game, well, perhaps it suffered from a lack of communication and expectations. It is pretty apparent the A's didn't pay the bills (The Warriors and the NFL appear to?). Interestingly, the only time A's chatter was really chattering was the week before or and during the interleague matchup with the Giants. The games were "bookended" around the Star Game, and quite frankly, it was wonderful. Across the dial, A's banter could be heard. KNBR 680, the Giants flagstation even joined in. Music for the ears. As summer went on, the green air faded away. A solution to have "All A's, all-the-time" has to exist in the universe (I am available if need be!). The Game host Kris Townsend would naturally be the lead, as he has carried the Athletics load on the airwaves. Will the A's be the first to provide some new innovative streaming sort of programming? Dave Kuvall has been great, and if can deliver on this one, I will forever refer to him as BIG DAVE. Think Big. Regular, scheduled programing please and thank you.

(Note III.:  Originally, 3G was a blog dedicated to my Athletic Crest. The Oakland A's, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and the Raiders, formerly twice of Oakland. For the time being, I will focus primarily on the A's. The Irish, well, 12-0 ain't bad, but Bama and Clemson own the college football world right now. The Raiders, well.....fool me once, shame on me, fool me once, shame on you. The Raiders have now left town twice. Much like the Lucroy question above, I would really like to know what happened last year to the Raiders in Washington? I am certain there was SOMETHING. I have my theories, but I will save those for another day. Teaser: my gut tells me somehow the $25 million heck-of-a-guy quarterback was smack dab in the middle. Quick non sports note. The movie Bohemian Rhapsody was off the hook outstanding. If you have ever enjoyed We Will Rock You or We are the Champions, you will dig the movie. Holmes and Watson on the other hand, well if you love Will Farrell maybe. My daughter is and was steamed I chose the kind-of-sort-of-comedy. If you are a fan of Sherlock Homes, Do Not Watch this movie. Finally, my wife loved the NHL outdoor hockey extravaganza played in Notre Dame Stadium today. She has been humming the ND fight song throughout the day. Thank you NHL--I think you just landed me a future trip to South Bend for a football game--hockey too perhaps! To a wonderful, content, and blessed 2019. Brian "Fonz" Fonseca.)