Ever since I wrote my last post, I am very humbled by the fact of those folks who came up to me and told me how appreciative of what I do for the kickball league helping out with the blog and the photography.
This Neptune Winter 2014 season was a game changer for me; for the better. I came into this season wondering if I wanted to continue, but I realized the reasons why I should stay. I opened up to more people and realized how much this group meant to me. Four years ago, when I first started, I went to the bar perhaps 2-3 times a season. My bar presence increased when I became the league photographer, but I felt like I was going through the motions. This season, I was able to find a balance and now I have stayed long enough to help close the bar down.
I seriously want to thank my team Ball So Hard MFer's Wanna Fine Me for helping me. You opened up my eyes to a lot of things this Neptune Season that I haven't seen before. We had a magical tournament run that ended with a loss in the championship game, but I couldn't be more prouder of this team. We came together at the right time and had a great time. With the full range of emotions I have had this year, you all have made an effect on me this past season and without mentioning names, you know who you are. I keep my own stats and I have had my best statistical season in quite a few seasons.
To my friends that whom I opened up to on other teams, I thank you as well. Props to Taylen who was in his final season as league commish and he made this league as fun as it could be with his posts and humor. Taylen was supportive of my video and photography ideas to find a way to promote and expand the league. To everyone else who have helped in my growth process, I thank you. I want to mention you all, but I don't want this to become more of a sappy 'Full House' ending because I know we will all have more adventures in the future together.
BALL SO HARD!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
Trips Down Memory Lane Make You Realize Why...
A week ago this past Thursday, one of my friends whom I met from kickball requested that I rummage through my photo archive to find some old photos for them. I agreed and I realized that on Tuesday night, that I needed to get the photos onto a flash drive for delivery Wednesday. Since the A's were rained out that evening (first since 1998) and I planned to go to the game, I had some extra time to just relax and thumb through about 4 years of kickball photos. At first I felt this was going to be a menial task where I would just pick a few photos, but searching through and viewing these photos reminded me about why I am doing what I am doing in kickball and in life.
I was invited to play kickball in 2010, by an old high school classmate, but I said that I would be unavailable during one week because I would be headed to Las Vegas. I didn't want to miss any games, so I requested that he ask me again when the Fall Season started. When the Fall Season started, I realized how much fun playing an elementary school game and then throwing back a few drinks afterwards could be. I found it so much fun that I started to bring my camera to take photos of my teammates during every single game. Here I was meeting new people and reconnecting with those from my past who I had met, but did not really get a chance to hang out with them. Not knowing what was going to happen in the future, one of my teammates asked me to be the league photographer for the next season. Fast forward four years and I am still the league photographer for the WAKA - Oakland kickball leagues.
----
The 2014 Neptune League season started in Late February/Early March and going into that week, I felt like I was "going through the motions." To be honest, I felt disinterested in playing and wondered if I really could survive another calendar year playing kickball. I just feel like it wasn't doing it for me anymore. It showed in my play as I was honestly rusty and as a catcher, I dropped a couple of catches that I normally would make and we ended up losing. My kicking and bunting was not up to what I wanted it to be either. I was truly frustrated about my performance. After the game, I spoke with my co-captain and I addressed my concerns with him. He believed that the team was just a little rusty and with the new players, we just needed to make some minor adjustments and teach. At the bar, we got into a deeper conversation and it kinda dawned on me then that the new players are absolutely pumped about the league. Here we are veterans of a kickball league and these new players come in wanting to enjoy themselves and embark in a new chapter in their lives. I continued on...
----
Oakland kickball leagues are played at Mosswood Park in Oakland and like going to the O.co Coliseum, it is not a perfect place, but it is my home. There have been car break ins, numerous lighting issues, double field bookings for our weekend tournaments, people randomly walking through the middle of our games without realizing what's going on to drug addicts randomly dancing around in the outfield partially nude. Most nights play goes without incident, so it's not all bad. While talking to others we wondered, "Is there a new park that is needed with perhaps better lighting?" We played a few seasons in Alameda, but the problem was that the public transportation wasn't the best. Alameda is well known for police officers pulling over folks for going 26 in a posted 25 mph zone. With Oakland, the lights are hit or miss with currently left field lights out, but right field lights work. Unfortunately the right field lights are being blocked by a big tree, so that does basically nothing to help the cause. Sometimes, there have been various times where the lights weren't even turned on. However, the bar and the field are a few minutes walk from BART and the league is centralized so those who come from Contra Costa County to San Francisco can attend. It's the quirks that can frustrate us, but in the end we do love them. I wasn't sure though because I was questioning to myself if this was enough...Was it worth it to be here?
----
As I searched through the first CD (Bayshore Summer 2011) at about 10pm, I began to realize how bad some of the photos were and how many people I have meet through the years playing the game. I didn't even realize that I have known some of these people for almost 4 years until I looked. Each calendar year, Oakland Kickball has between 4-5 organized seasons and people come and go. While searching through the photos, I see what makes WAKA Oakland unique from other leagues. The constant theme nights, the flip cup, the fun and competitive games make it a different week every week. From here I realized, that I once was a rookie in this very same league, embarking on a new journey in my life not knowing where it would take me. Now seeing a clearer picture, I realized how long I have known these people. I recognized faces so quickly from the past and those that are still in the league today. I looked at photos of kickball heartbreak, joy and excitement at the field and the bar. Relationships were made and some perhaps forgotten. In most cases these are young professionals looking to just "getaway" from the rigors of the 9-5 and blow off steam while having a beer, or three. The light at the end of the tunnel became just a bit clearer...
----
This past Thursday, I felt like I have come full circle in realizing how far I feel like I have come in my enjoyment for the league and the people in it. I had the joy of helping out someone who is new to the league this season referee her first game at home plate. She said she was nervous, but I felt she did very well. The communication skills were excellent and she was fair letting the players decide the game. I made a couple of very nice catches and also helped the team win with bunting and base running skills. In my opinion, I felt like I played my best game of the season being focused and I feel like I am ready for the stretch run in search of winning my fifth league championship (out of 14 seasons). After our game completed in which our team won 10-7, I grabbed my camera and took photos of the later games enjoying my time talking to people I have known throughout the years and those whom I had just met this season. I was able to complete four players for future Kickballers of the Week. At the bar, I was just sitting back and talking to my co-captain and another rookie teammate people watching, which is one of my pastimes. I love when I go to Las Vegas because I see all sorts of people just hanging out. I feel that just a little bit of body language in a person can be reinvigorating from all shapes and sizes. Whether it is a smile from someone seeing the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower for the first time to someone just turning 21 and celebrating with their best friends, it is amazing. When I run half marathons, I try to run for time, but at the same I just look around and see those around me. You see people of all shapes and sizes that are off their couches and are trying to make themselves better. Who really cares if you finish first or last in a run? What you did is all of the hard work and time you put into your training and here you now are with a medal around your neck that makes everything worth it. When I see someone smile or laugh, that brings joy to me because they are truly enjoying that moment...
----
Three hours later after a truly emotional ride, I looked at my clock and realized it was time to go to bed. I had a golf lesson in the morning and then kickball that evening. I typed a Facebook status on my wall which said, "Trips down memory lane make you realize why you truly love what you do...Thank you WAKA Kickball - Oakland"
Here is to continued success to meeting more and more people and following the passions that you love "...Why You Truly Love What You Do"
I was invited to play kickball in 2010, by an old high school classmate, but I said that I would be unavailable during one week because I would be headed to Las Vegas. I didn't want to miss any games, so I requested that he ask me again when the Fall Season started. When the Fall Season started, I realized how much fun playing an elementary school game and then throwing back a few drinks afterwards could be. I found it so much fun that I started to bring my camera to take photos of my teammates during every single game. Here I was meeting new people and reconnecting with those from my past who I had met, but did not really get a chance to hang out with them. Not knowing what was going to happen in the future, one of my teammates asked me to be the league photographer for the next season. Fast forward four years and I am still the league photographer for the WAKA - Oakland kickball leagues.
----
The 2014 Neptune League season started in Late February/Early March and going into that week, I felt like I was "going through the motions." To be honest, I felt disinterested in playing and wondered if I really could survive another calendar year playing kickball. I just feel like it wasn't doing it for me anymore. It showed in my play as I was honestly rusty and as a catcher, I dropped a couple of catches that I normally would make and we ended up losing. My kicking and bunting was not up to what I wanted it to be either. I was truly frustrated about my performance. After the game, I spoke with my co-captain and I addressed my concerns with him. He believed that the team was just a little rusty and with the new players, we just needed to make some minor adjustments and teach. At the bar, we got into a deeper conversation and it kinda dawned on me then that the new players are absolutely pumped about the league. Here we are veterans of a kickball league and these new players come in wanting to enjoy themselves and embark in a new chapter in their lives. I continued on...
----
Oakland kickball leagues are played at Mosswood Park in Oakland and like going to the O.co Coliseum, it is not a perfect place, but it is my home. There have been car break ins, numerous lighting issues, double field bookings for our weekend tournaments, people randomly walking through the middle of our games without realizing what's going on to drug addicts randomly dancing around in the outfield partially nude. Most nights play goes without incident, so it's not all bad. While talking to others we wondered, "Is there a new park that is needed with perhaps better lighting?" We played a few seasons in Alameda, but the problem was that the public transportation wasn't the best. Alameda is well known for police officers pulling over folks for going 26 in a posted 25 mph zone. With Oakland, the lights are hit or miss with currently left field lights out, but right field lights work. Unfortunately the right field lights are being blocked by a big tree, so that does basically nothing to help the cause. Sometimes, there have been various times where the lights weren't even turned on. However, the bar and the field are a few minutes walk from BART and the league is centralized so those who come from Contra Costa County to San Francisco can attend. It's the quirks that can frustrate us, but in the end we do love them. I wasn't sure though because I was questioning to myself if this was enough...Was it worth it to be here?
----
As I searched through the first CD (Bayshore Summer 2011) at about 10pm, I began to realize how bad some of the photos were and how many people I have meet through the years playing the game. I didn't even realize that I have known some of these people for almost 4 years until I looked. Each calendar year, Oakland Kickball has between 4-5 organized seasons and people come and go. While searching through the photos, I see what makes WAKA Oakland unique from other leagues. The constant theme nights, the flip cup, the fun and competitive games make it a different week every week. From here I realized, that I once was a rookie in this very same league, embarking on a new journey in my life not knowing where it would take me. Now seeing a clearer picture, I realized how long I have known these people. I recognized faces so quickly from the past and those that are still in the league today. I looked at photos of kickball heartbreak, joy and excitement at the field and the bar. Relationships were made and some perhaps forgotten. In most cases these are young professionals looking to just "getaway" from the rigors of the 9-5 and blow off steam while having a beer, or three. The light at the end of the tunnel became just a bit clearer...
----
This past Thursday, I felt like I have come full circle in realizing how far I feel like I have come in my enjoyment for the league and the people in it. I had the joy of helping out someone who is new to the league this season referee her first game at home plate. She said she was nervous, but I felt she did very well. The communication skills were excellent and she was fair letting the players decide the game. I made a couple of very nice catches and also helped the team win with bunting and base running skills. In my opinion, I felt like I played my best game of the season being focused and I feel like I am ready for the stretch run in search of winning my fifth league championship (out of 14 seasons). After our game completed in which our team won 10-7, I grabbed my camera and took photos of the later games enjoying my time talking to people I have known throughout the years and those whom I had just met this season. I was able to complete four players for future Kickballers of the Week. At the bar, I was just sitting back and talking to my co-captain and another rookie teammate people watching, which is one of my pastimes. I love when I go to Las Vegas because I see all sorts of people just hanging out. I feel that just a little bit of body language in a person can be reinvigorating from all shapes and sizes. Whether it is a smile from someone seeing the Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower for the first time to someone just turning 21 and celebrating with their best friends, it is amazing. When I run half marathons, I try to run for time, but at the same I just look around and see those around me. You see people of all shapes and sizes that are off their couches and are trying to make themselves better. Who really cares if you finish first or last in a run? What you did is all of the hard work and time you put into your training and here you now are with a medal around your neck that makes everything worth it. When I see someone smile or laugh, that brings joy to me because they are truly enjoying that moment...
----
Three hours later after a truly emotional ride, I looked at my clock and realized it was time to go to bed. I had a golf lesson in the morning and then kickball that evening. I typed a Facebook status on my wall which said, "Trips down memory lane make you realize why you truly love what you do...Thank you WAKA Kickball - Oakland"
Here is to continued success to meeting more and more people and following the passions that you love "...Why You Truly Love What You Do"
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Why 95.7 The Game Won't Ever Change
On April 15, 2011, an Oakland Athetlics fans dream came true as country station KBWF flipped over to an all sports station known as SportsRadio 95.7. On August 1, 2011, the station rebranded itself as KGMZ, 95.7 The Game. East Bay fans and San Jose Sharks fans were thrilled as finally there was a station to talk about them. The biggest rival KNBR has periodically ignored everything not named Giants, Warriors or 49ers in recent years. With the run down O.co Coliseum in Oakland, the new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara and the Warriors looking to return to San Francisco, they had all of the power, but 95.7 was supposed to be different. This was a new beginning for East Bay Sports and a new station that possibly could take down KNBR in terms of ratings.
Fast forward to 2014 and well nothing has changed one bit. East Bay Fan's have dubbed The Game as KNBR Jr. Through the years, A's fans have had to endure the annoying "Bell" from Brandon Tierney and constant continuing bashing of the attendance. As the Oakland Athletics flagship station, A's fans have learned that this station hasn't changed one bit and continues to focus on more important things such as Tim Lincecum's father, Aubrey Huff's rally thong and multiple Colin Kaepernick vs Alex Smith debates. Now it is about Jim Harbaugh and the rumored fight between him and upper management. Where is the Raiders talk, which is in desperate need of many positions and fans are frustrated. Where is the San Jose Sharks talk who are trying to finally bring a cup to the loyal fans of San Jose? On 95.7 The Game, nowhere to be found.
Before I continue, I have a disclaimer to make. I was born in 1982 and my sports allegiances lie with the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors and San Jose Sharks. I feel I am able to see both perspectives clearly as I take a lot of flack from Raider fans who hate the 49ers. However, I personally have nothing against the Raiders. The team I passionately hope to lose every night is the San Francisco Giants. My back story on not liking the Giants is a few of their fans that I have spoken with who are my age say they have been die hard fans since they were young, but cannot tell me who Kevin Mitchell, Will Clark and Brett Butler are... I know a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the whole bunch, but I am bothered by the arrogance by some of them. However, I do admit that every fan base has their bad apples; you just have to wither them out.
I disowned 95.7 The Game in the three weeks following the Asiana Flight 214 plane crash that occurred at San Francisco Airport in July 2013. The only thing I will listen to is anything Oakland Athletics game related. I will from time to time go on their website to check out archived interviews of A's players and beat writers. Other than that, nothing. Anyways, KTVU Fox 2 released the pilots names and they were incorrect. In fact, they were racist and this got quite a few people fired at the station. About a week and a half later, radio personality Greg Papa was back on the air and after KTVU apologized, he continued to make racist and inappropriate comments about the incident. This prompted me to completely go apeshit over twitter about it because by this time we found out that there were fatalities. I called for the firing of Papa who was once the Oakland Athletics play by play announcer and the current Oakland Raiders play by play announcer. For those that know me well enough, I do throw around my share of racial jokes, but there is a time and a place for them and this was not the time, nor was it the place. Below are my tweets to Producer Jason Barrett, which went unnoticed.
Like many East Bay Sports fans and San Jose Sharks fans, I had so much promise for this station. I felt that fans that were rarely talked about could have a voice, but alas we were let down once again. Until there are future changes made, 95.7 to me is just another station that says it's the "Flagship Station of Oakland Athletics baseball", but we all really know what that station really means. If you still don't believe me, go check 95.7's ratings.
Fast forward to 2014 and well nothing has changed one bit. East Bay Fan's have dubbed The Game as KNBR Jr. Through the years, A's fans have had to endure the annoying "Bell" from Brandon Tierney and constant continuing bashing of the attendance. As the Oakland Athletics flagship station, A's fans have learned that this station hasn't changed one bit and continues to focus on more important things such as Tim Lincecum's father, Aubrey Huff's rally thong and multiple Colin Kaepernick vs Alex Smith debates. Now it is about Jim Harbaugh and the rumored fight between him and upper management. Where is the Raiders talk, which is in desperate need of many positions and fans are frustrated. Where is the San Jose Sharks talk who are trying to finally bring a cup to the loyal fans of San Jose? On 95.7 The Game, nowhere to be found.
Before I continue, I have a disclaimer to make. I was born in 1982 and my sports allegiances lie with the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco 49ers, Golden State Warriors and San Jose Sharks. I feel I am able to see both perspectives clearly as I take a lot of flack from Raider fans who hate the 49ers. However, I personally have nothing against the Raiders. The team I passionately hope to lose every night is the San Francisco Giants. My back story on not liking the Giants is a few of their fans that I have spoken with who are my age say they have been die hard fans since they were young, but cannot tell me who Kevin Mitchell, Will Clark and Brett Butler are... I know a few bad apples shouldn't spoil the whole bunch, but I am bothered by the arrogance by some of them. However, I do admit that every fan base has their bad apples; you just have to wither them out.
I disowned 95.7 The Game in the three weeks following the Asiana Flight 214 plane crash that occurred at San Francisco Airport in July 2013. The only thing I will listen to is anything Oakland Athletics game related. I will from time to time go on their website to check out archived interviews of A's players and beat writers. Other than that, nothing. Anyways, KTVU Fox 2 released the pilots names and they were incorrect. In fact, they were racist and this got quite a few people fired at the station. About a week and a half later, radio personality Greg Papa was back on the air and after KTVU apologized, he continued to make racist and inappropriate comments about the incident. This prompted me to completely go apeshit over twitter about it because by this time we found out that there were fatalities. I called for the firing of Papa who was once the Oakland Athletics play by play announcer and the current Oakland Raiders play by play announcer. For those that know me well enough, I do throw around my share of racial jokes, but there is a time and a place for them and this was not the time, nor was it the place. Below are my tweets to Producer Jason Barrett, which went unnoticed.
Real nice borderline comments there Lund/Papa @957thegame @sportsradiopd #Asiana214
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
Lund brought up KTVU mishap to Papa and Papa says, "so if Kluwe misses a punt, can I say Sum Ting Wong and Punt Tu Lo?" @sportsradiopd
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
Bringing up something like that has already pissed off many people in the area, so you have another reason to dislike 95.7 @sportsradiopd
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
Anyways, @sportsradiopd Papa and Lund laughed at the #asiana214 KTVU mishap which was meant to be a joke to them. I did not....
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
I at all costs will avoid @957thegame during the Papa/Lund show because of these comments. @sportsradiopd
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
I am usually very forgiving about these topics @sportsradiopd , but KTVU made a mistake and took the heat for it. No use bringing up up
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
...and making a joke out of it again @sportsradiopd - I hope that something like this is never brought up among your radio hosts ever AGAIN
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
Tell Papa/Lund to bring that joke up to the victims of #Asiana214 flight @sportsradiopd - see if they laugh. Completely unacceptable
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
And to say @sportsradiopd - I usually don't care, but in this case, many listeners are probably more upset than I am about this.
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 22, 2013
Not surprised that my tweets about Papa/Lund may have gone unnoticed yesterday #asiana214 @sportsradiopd
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) July 23, 2013
In early August 2013, Barrett took over their twitter account over twitter to do a Q&A session with listeners and I repeated the same story to the 95.7 the game twitter account. After my rant and none of my questions being answered, I figured everything fell on deaf ears again...
It's too bad..the @957thegame PD @sportsradiopd has lost all credibility with me. Sucks for me to say that as I wanted to support from Day 1
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) August 8, 2013
So Asian jokes in the wake of #Asiana214 crash is what @957thegame and @sportsradiopd call toeing the line? pic.twitter.com/nFVUwCMbLW
— Matt Young (@mjoven1975) August 8, 2013
? . @957thegame why did you sign papa to a long term contract after I tweeted to you he was being insensitive about the #Asiana214 crash?
— Sniffard (@Sniff009) August 8, 2013
.@sportsradiopd @957thegame Why wasn't John Lund suspended for making anus jokes while the news of the Boston bombings were breaking?
— Matt Young (@mjoven1975) August 8, 2013
Even twitter user @mjoven1975 and @midnightkells asked and chimed in. A while later, Barrett sent me this tweet from his personal account.
@Sniff009 DM me your contact info so I can follow up with you.
— Jason Barrett (@sportsradiopd) August 9, 2013
Barrett wanted me to probably give him my phone number or something, but I felt that e mail contact was best. I never received an e mail back from him to this very day and probably will never receive an e mail. I never heard an apology from Greg Papa either on air or on the 95.7 website. Greg Papa is still with the radio station today and a little while later signed an extension to be on The Game. From what I saw, he was not reprimanded for his actions and for this, I deem ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE. I feel he should have been fired for his actions for his insensitive comments.Like many East Bay Sports fans and San Jose Sharks fans, I had so much promise for this station. I felt that fans that were rarely talked about could have a voice, but alas we were let down once again. Until there are future changes made, 95.7 to me is just another station that says it's the "Flagship Station of Oakland Athletics baseball", but we all really know what that station really means. If you still don't believe me, go check 95.7's ratings.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Sniff Optimism 2013 MLB Post Season Predictions
Oddly enough, my predictions from this season have somewhat played out correctly, which really never happens, but if you go back to my Pre-Season Post and my Mid-Late Season post, things have stayed relatively the same in terms of teams and World Series predictions.
If you have followed my infrequent posts throughout the baseball season, you can probably figure out that my World Series prediction is Oakland defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers. In my preseason post, I felt the National League was going to win the All-Star Game (still hate this ideal) and the A's were going to sweep and win at home. Since the AL won the All Star game, I still think the A's win at home, but instead it will take 6 games.
Anyways, here is the rest of my predictions for the 2013 MLB Playoffs starting with the National League
Wild Card - Pittsburgh d. Cincinnati
NLDS 1 - St. Louis d. Pittsburgh in 5
NLDS 2 - Los Angeles d. Atlanta in 4
NLCS - Los Angeles d. St. Louis in 7 - Puig named MVP
And you all know my World Series Prediction, but this is how the teams get there...
Wild Card - Tampa Bay d. Cleveland
ALDS 1 - Boston d. Tampa Bay in 5
ALDS 2 - Oakland d. Detroit in 4
ALCS - Oakland d. Boston in 5 - Donaldson named MVP with Chris Young a close 2nd
World Series - Oakland def. Los Angeles in 6 with Yoenis Cespedes named MVP
If you have followed my infrequent posts throughout the baseball season, you can probably figure out that my World Series prediction is Oakland defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers. In my preseason post, I felt the National League was going to win the All-Star Game (still hate this ideal) and the A's were going to sweep and win at home. Since the AL won the All Star game, I still think the A's win at home, but instead it will take 6 games.
Anyways, here is the rest of my predictions for the 2013 MLB Playoffs starting with the National League
Wild Card - Pittsburgh d. Cincinnati
NLDS 1 - St. Louis d. Pittsburgh in 5
NLDS 2 - Los Angeles d. Atlanta in 4
NLCS - Los Angeles d. St. Louis in 7 - Puig named MVP
And you all know my World Series Prediction, but this is how the teams get there...
Wild Card - Tampa Bay d. Cleveland
ALDS 1 - Boston d. Tampa Bay in 5
ALDS 2 - Oakland d. Detroit in 4
ALCS - Oakland d. Boston in 5 - Donaldson named MVP with Chris Young a close 2nd
World Series - Oakland def. Los Angeles in 6 with Yoenis Cespedes named MVP
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Regular Season Reflections
Amazingly that just a mere six months ago, the 2013 Major League baseball season was just getting underway. There were expectations for many teams and hopes and dreams for others that they could just have a fighting chance. Experts and fans alike debated who was going to be this year's surprise team. A's fans wondered if 2012 was just a fluke as the Los Angeles Angels reloaded signing Josh Hamilton. Seattle was an improved club and how would Texas fare after losing the 5 game lead with 9 to play?
The talk amongst most A's fans was if they could build upon what happened in 2012, which was a magical run to a division crown. When the schedule first came out, A's fan's looked at another 0-1 start against Seattle and Felix Hernandez and also looked at the last week of the schedule in which the A's finished with six on the road. There was a pretty good chances are the O. Co faithful would not see the A's celebrate anything at home with a division race that was pegged to be one of the best in baseball, perhaps sending three teams to the postseason. Experts had the A's finishing second or third to the reloaded Angels and Texas was not going to let September happen to them again.
Added to the mix in 2013 was a re-signed Bartolo Colon, who I personally thought wasn't a good signing. Though I disagreed with it, I was worried that the lack of PED's was going to affect him throughout the season. In retrospect, I was very glad to be very wrong as Colon stayed healthy pretty much throughout the year and led the staff with 18 wins and a 2.65 ERA, which was best for second in the American League behind Detroit's Anibal Sanchez. The A's also acquired Jed Lowrie in a trade from new division rival Houston for Chris Carter and some minor league prospects. I always knew that Lowrie was a good hitter, but the problem is he was often injured and had problems playing a full season. I felt he would be a descent hitter who could possibly platoon with Japanese import Hiroyuki Nakajima who the A's signed for two years. The A's though were concerned about Lowrie's and Nakajima's range, but if they could hit, they could balance thing's out. In the outfield, the A's had Yoenis Cespedes, Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick coming back along with Seth Smith. The A's had also acquired Chris Young just days after the ALDS ended for Cliff Pennington to be a backup outfielder with pop, which means they would not sign fan favorite Jonny Gomes. There was also utility infielder Eric Sogard who ended up winning a job out of Spring Training over Jemile Weeks. The A's also still had much maligned Daric Barton in their organization somehow. Near the end of Spring, the A's also picked up Rule 5 Draftee Nate Freiman, who was basically in many people's eyes, the right handed version of Ryan Sweeney. Freiman who had never played above AA, must stay on the 25 man roster all season or the A's risk losing him to his former team, the Astros.
The thing that gets me the most is where these players were six months ago and where these players are now. Freiman played an integral role as a right handed platoon player, had many key hits including a walk-off single against future Hall of Famer and now retired New York Yankee closer, Mariano Rivera. Lowrie had an awesome season, where he challenged the A's doubles record set by Jason Giambi. Crisp, went 20/20 this season and was the A's motor, while Cespedes and Reddick had down years average wise, but still hit the ball hard and played some outstanding defense. Eric Sogard solidified himself as one of the best 9 hitters in the American League using his tools as being a pesky hitter and being an awesome defensive replacement. Nakajima got hurt at the start of the season and really never recovered and still has not seen big league action. Other players that the A's picked up throughout the year such as Stephen Vogt, Alberto Callaspo and former A's catcher Kurt Suzuki have played key roles in helping the A's get to where they need to be. Much maligned Daric Barton, who the A's designated for assignment twice (meaning any team could have picked him up) played a huge role down the stretch playing stellar defense and contributing offensively. Brandon Moss lead the team in home runs with 30, while Josh Donaldson was the most consistent, putting himself in the middle of the MVP talk with his overall game. The pitching staff remained outstanding using only 7 starters all year including 2011 draft pick Sonny Gray. The down part to the team was that Brett Anderson was hurt for most of the season, but has returned as an effective reliever solidifying an outstanding bullpen. Grant Balfour, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook were consistent throughout the season. Jesse Chavez and Dan Otero were key cogs in the bullpen as well along with fan favorite Jerry Blevins.
Two-third's of Major League Baseball teams go home before October and the 2013 AL West Champion Oakland Athletics are not one of them. Surprisingly, the A's played consistent baseball all year long and then took off in September and clinched the division in front of their home fans on the last regular season home date of the season with six games to play. Not in an A's fan's wildest dreams would anyone have thought of that. Oh baseball, I love you oh so much!
Buckle up, strap in and enjoy this ride to hopefully ends with the Green and Gold the last team standing in the end...
The talk amongst most A's fans was if they could build upon what happened in 2012, which was a magical run to a division crown. When the schedule first came out, A's fan's looked at another 0-1 start against Seattle and Felix Hernandez and also looked at the last week of the schedule in which the A's finished with six on the road. There was a pretty good chances are the O. Co faithful would not see the A's celebrate anything at home with a division race that was pegged to be one of the best in baseball, perhaps sending three teams to the postseason. Experts had the A's finishing second or third to the reloaded Angels and Texas was not going to let September happen to them again.
Added to the mix in 2013 was a re-signed Bartolo Colon, who I personally thought wasn't a good signing. Though I disagreed with it, I was worried that the lack of PED's was going to affect him throughout the season. In retrospect, I was very glad to be very wrong as Colon stayed healthy pretty much throughout the year and led the staff with 18 wins and a 2.65 ERA, which was best for second in the American League behind Detroit's Anibal Sanchez. The A's also acquired Jed Lowrie in a trade from new division rival Houston for Chris Carter and some minor league prospects. I always knew that Lowrie was a good hitter, but the problem is he was often injured and had problems playing a full season. I felt he would be a descent hitter who could possibly platoon with Japanese import Hiroyuki Nakajima who the A's signed for two years. The A's though were concerned about Lowrie's and Nakajima's range, but if they could hit, they could balance thing's out. In the outfield, the A's had Yoenis Cespedes, Coco Crisp and Josh Reddick coming back along with Seth Smith. The A's had also acquired Chris Young just days after the ALDS ended for Cliff Pennington to be a backup outfielder with pop, which means they would not sign fan favorite Jonny Gomes. There was also utility infielder Eric Sogard who ended up winning a job out of Spring Training over Jemile Weeks. The A's also still had much maligned Daric Barton in their organization somehow. Near the end of Spring, the A's also picked up Rule 5 Draftee Nate Freiman, who was basically in many people's eyes, the right handed version of Ryan Sweeney. Freiman who had never played above AA, must stay on the 25 man roster all season or the A's risk losing him to his former team, the Astros.
The thing that gets me the most is where these players were six months ago and where these players are now. Freiman played an integral role as a right handed platoon player, had many key hits including a walk-off single against future Hall of Famer and now retired New York Yankee closer, Mariano Rivera. Lowrie had an awesome season, where he challenged the A's doubles record set by Jason Giambi. Crisp, went 20/20 this season and was the A's motor, while Cespedes and Reddick had down years average wise, but still hit the ball hard and played some outstanding defense. Eric Sogard solidified himself as one of the best 9 hitters in the American League using his tools as being a pesky hitter and being an awesome defensive replacement. Nakajima got hurt at the start of the season and really never recovered and still has not seen big league action. Other players that the A's picked up throughout the year such as Stephen Vogt, Alberto Callaspo and former A's catcher Kurt Suzuki have played key roles in helping the A's get to where they need to be. Much maligned Daric Barton, who the A's designated for assignment twice (meaning any team could have picked him up) played a huge role down the stretch playing stellar defense and contributing offensively. Brandon Moss lead the team in home runs with 30, while Josh Donaldson was the most consistent, putting himself in the middle of the MVP talk with his overall game. The pitching staff remained outstanding using only 7 starters all year including 2011 draft pick Sonny Gray. The down part to the team was that Brett Anderson was hurt for most of the season, but has returned as an effective reliever solidifying an outstanding bullpen. Grant Balfour, Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook were consistent throughout the season. Jesse Chavez and Dan Otero were key cogs in the bullpen as well along with fan favorite Jerry Blevins.
Two-third's of Major League Baseball teams go home before October and the 2013 AL West Champion Oakland Athletics are not one of them. Surprisingly, the A's played consistent baseball all year long and then took off in September and clinched the division in front of their home fans on the last regular season home date of the season with six games to play. Not in an A's fan's wildest dreams would anyone have thought of that. Oh baseball, I love you oh so much!
Buckle up, strap in and enjoy this ride to hopefully ends with the Green and Gold the last team standing in the end...
Friday, August 23, 2013
Revising My Pre Season Predictions
Back in April, I wrote a prediction on how the A's season would play out. While my player stats have been mostly incorrect, I have been spot on with the most of the teams and will continue to believe that the Oakland Athletics will be facing the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. However, I will now change what will happen.
I still believe that the A's will sweep Tampa Bay in three games, winning the third game at home, thus meaning out of the three division winners, the A's will have the worst record and Tampa Bay the second best record. Detroit, who will own the best record in the American will face the winner of the wildcard match-up between Boston and Texas and will win a hard fought series in 5 The rest and hard fought ALDS will force the Tigers to be a bit tired and the A's will defeat the Tigers in 6 games exacting revenge from the 2012 ALDS.
The World Series gets a little interesting. I feel that the pitching for LA has an edge over the A's because of Kershaw, but the A's have the stronger bullpen, which will be the difference. The A's will have a pair of comeback victories and will use the long ball to help them win. Oakland's Runners in Scoring Position since late August has been outstanding, hitting .315 as a team and even better at .335 with less than 2 outs. In the Cuban battle of Cespedes vs Puig, Puig's inexperience of being a rookie will show on the big stage and he will make mistakes that plagued him during the season. Cespedes, with a year under his belt and who struggled throughout the year has turned it up in the playoffs hitting 7 home runs, hitting .435 and driving in 27 runs, winning the ALCS and World Series. My sleeper pick in the World Series will be Eric Sogard who would bat .500 for the series in the 9 hole and naturally get the final out of the World Series in 6...
(Joe Buck and Tim McCarver at the mic)
Joe: Oakland leads 4-2 in the top of the 9th, two down, 1-2 count on Gonzalez, Puig still at 2nd after a lead off double.
Tim: The crowd of over 47,000 can really feel it. Balfour, however is shaking his arm and working real slow, so I am wondering if the nerves are getting to him. He may be injured. Should Melvin and the training staff go look at him?
(Silence and just crowd noise in the background)
Joe: He is working rather slowly...The 1-2 pitch from Balfour...Broken bat ground ball to second....Sogard's got it, flips it to Moss and MONEYBALL HAS FINALLY GOT ITS CHAMPIONSHIP!
(a minute later)
Tim: Oakland has played on a budget for so long and they have shown that money will not buy Championships.
I still believe that the A's will sweep Tampa Bay in three games, winning the third game at home, thus meaning out of the three division winners, the A's will have the worst record and Tampa Bay the second best record. Detroit, who will own the best record in the American will face the winner of the wildcard match-up between Boston and Texas and will win a hard fought series in 5 The rest and hard fought ALDS will force the Tigers to be a bit tired and the A's will defeat the Tigers in 6 games exacting revenge from the 2012 ALDS.
The World Series gets a little interesting. I feel that the pitching for LA has an edge over the A's because of Kershaw, but the A's have the stronger bullpen, which will be the difference. The A's will have a pair of comeback victories and will use the long ball to help them win. Oakland's Runners in Scoring Position since late August has been outstanding, hitting .315 as a team and even better at .335 with less than 2 outs. In the Cuban battle of Cespedes vs Puig, Puig's inexperience of being a rookie will show on the big stage and he will make mistakes that plagued him during the season. Cespedes, with a year under his belt and who struggled throughout the year has turned it up in the playoffs hitting 7 home runs, hitting .435 and driving in 27 runs, winning the ALCS and World Series. My sleeper pick in the World Series will be Eric Sogard who would bat .500 for the series in the 9 hole and naturally get the final out of the World Series in 6...
(Joe Buck and Tim McCarver at the mic)
Joe: Oakland leads 4-2 in the top of the 9th, two down, 1-2 count on Gonzalez, Puig still at 2nd after a lead off double.
Tim: The crowd of over 47,000 can really feel it. Balfour, however is shaking his arm and working real slow, so I am wondering if the nerves are getting to him. He may be injured. Should Melvin and the training staff go look at him?
(Silence and just crowd noise in the background)
Joe: He is working rather slowly...The 1-2 pitch from Balfour...Broken bat ground ball to second....Sogard's got it, flips it to Moss and MONEYBALL HAS FINALLY GOT ITS CHAMPIONSHIP!
(a minute later)
Tim: Oakland has played on a budget for so long and they have shown that money will not buy Championships.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Just a Quickie A's Sniff Thought
As we all know a sports season is a roller coaster with many highs and many lows. Currently, the Oakland Athletics are at a low after having a 6 game lead on July 29th, they are now 2.5 back of the Texas Rangers; an 8.5 game swing. They still lead hold the second Wild Card spot with three games up on Baltimore, who they happen to play this weekend. Many fans have hit the panic button and I haven't. Below are 3 reasons why the A's will be A-OKAY...
1. Each team goes through a time where they lose to "bad teams" they shouldn't be losing to. Losing 2/3 to the Mariners and Astros at home this past week is a prime example. Let it go, shake it off, move on. The current AL MOY is pissed and has let his players know. Melvin knows what he's doing, so roll with him. I noticed a ton of manager questioning this season on various media outlets. You want Geren instead?
2. Let's rewind to April 2013 and I tell you that Reddick/Cespedes have combined for 30 home runs and Brett Anderson has been out for half of the season. Nakajima/Sizemore is hurt and Eric Sogard is your starting second baseman. Josh Donaldson and Jed Lowrie are arguably your best players. Tell me the A's record and most of you will probably say under .500 and way out of the playoff race.
3. This 2013 A's team hasn't reached their potential yet. As I said in number two, Cespedes and Reddick haven't figured it out yet and when they do this season, this team is going to be scary for anyone to face. Also, they have left about 5 million runners in scoring position in the second half so far, but remember it all evens out at the end. I know this is going to make some fans butt hurt, but it is all about timing in the game. Look at the 2010 and the 2012 Giants as they had the "Perfect Storm" of playing baseball at the right time and navigated to 2 World Series Championships... (A's still lead 4 > 2 though =P). Also with this blown lead, the A's have plenty of time to right the ship. How would you feel if the Rangers won the West in the fashion the A's did last year?
In October, the A's will be there and will be contending for a World Series title. The starting rotation will be Colon, Parker, Gray and Anderson and I am not sure if any team in MLB wants to go up against that.
1. Each team goes through a time where they lose to "bad teams" they shouldn't be losing to. Losing 2/3 to the Mariners and Astros at home this past week is a prime example. Let it go, shake it off, move on. The current AL MOY is pissed and has let his players know. Melvin knows what he's doing, so roll with him. I noticed a ton of manager questioning this season on various media outlets. You want Geren instead?
2. Let's rewind to April 2013 and I tell you that Reddick/Cespedes have combined for 30 home runs and Brett Anderson has been out for half of the season. Nakajima/Sizemore is hurt and Eric Sogard is your starting second baseman. Josh Donaldson and Jed Lowrie are arguably your best players. Tell me the A's record and most of you will probably say under .500 and way out of the playoff race.
3. This 2013 A's team hasn't reached their potential yet. As I said in number two, Cespedes and Reddick haven't figured it out yet and when they do this season, this team is going to be scary for anyone to face. Also, they have left about 5 million runners in scoring position in the second half so far, but remember it all evens out at the end. I know this is going to make some fans butt hurt, but it is all about timing in the game. Look at the 2010 and the 2012 Giants as they had the "Perfect Storm" of playing baseball at the right time and navigated to 2 World Series Championships... (A's still lead 4 > 2 though =P). Also with this blown lead, the A's have plenty of time to right the ship. How would you feel if the Rangers won the West in the fashion the A's did last year?
In October, the A's will be there and will be contending for a World Series title. The starting rotation will be Colon, Parker, Gray and Anderson and I am not sure if any team in MLB wants to go up against that.
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