ABSOLUTE MUST SEE VIDEO! The Flying Coco Crisp!!

I wrote about this video for OPSN so you can see it there too or find the link in my last post but I had to post this on my blog as well because it was such a cool play by our wonderful and fearless leader Mr. Coco Crisp and it is something that I personally would like to remember. The video is from MLB.com. Anyways - We love Coco in Oakland and he's loves it here too and will be around the next couple of years which is something we are not really used to in Oaktown. He's the verteran, the comedian, the leader of the team and apparently now he can fly ... Check it out!!

2014: Life of a MLB Season Ticket Holder: What a Weird Week!

Most of the time I try to tailor my column to encompass the season ticket holder experience to all fans but this week was so strange that it's going to be all about the my week with the A's. In all my years of having tickets and going to games I have never encountered a week, especially an opening week, that played out quite like this. Whatever bizarre thing could happen did happen.

Mom and I on Opening Day! (Photo credit: A's Fan Photos)

First of all I live in Northern California. It has not rained since September (there was a rain delay at an A's game so I remember) and everyone is worried about a drought. So, the week leading up to Opening Day it rained. Thunder, lightening, small tornados the whole deal - this stuff never happens in NorCal at least not often. The last time the A's had a game rained out was in 1998.

Opening Night went great with the exception of having that freezing feeling that you can feel in your bones. It was literally bone chilling cold which most of you will laugh at because it was only in the upper 30's, lower 40's. So it was cold but there was not a whole lot of rain. A's lost but that is typical - finally! - one thing that was normal during the week. The A's have lost their last ten Opening Day games. True story. But we've been the the play-offs three times in the past nine years so I kind of look at it as batting .300!

The Tuesday the game was rained out but at least we were aware of this prior to heading out to the O,Co Coliseum in Oakland. I live about 30 minutes outside of Oakland, 20 minutes on a good day. Anyway, Wednesday there was sun and there was something else highly unusual, a double header to make up for Tuesday's game. I went to the day game on Wednesday but didn't stay for the night game. The A's went 1-1 which was fine with me. That left us at 1-2 after three days of the week. Could be worse but our supposedly awesome new closer acquired during the off season from the Baltimore Orioles blew the games both Monday and Wednesday night. He did not pitch in the day game we won! Coincidence? Maybe or maybe I am just cynical.

To read about the rest of my crAzy week (and see me "nerded out" in some major NERD POWER gear) ... CLICK HERE! Brought to you by Sports Unbiased

You can find us on Twitter @OakAsSocksGrl and @SportsUnbiased1

Say goodbye to the Bernie Lean and Hello to the Ed Lover Dance

You guys do realize that when he does this that there will be an entire stadium of people doing this all summer ... But hey, I guess if he dances too then we can all look silly together! Knowing A's fans this could all get pretty interesting!! LOL! #AsFansRule #EdLoverDance


Check out Oakland Athletics's post on Vine! Coco Crisp does the new 2014 Ed Lover Dance!

Rangers May Be Down Yet Another Starting Pitcher in Harrison, Could be Helpful for Oakland

Yet again as in almost every previous year to date the critics have gushed over the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to win the American League Western Division Title. This year, with the signing of Robinson Cano, among others, they are even throwing the Seattle Mariners into the mix. So why not the back to back AL West Champion Oakland Athletics? 

Two years in a row the Athletics have won the AL West and still all this talk, talk, talk of how the Rangers are better with Prince Fielder or how Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton will bounce back for the Angels, etc. It's clearly insanity right? The A's have a great team with a stellar rotation and arguably one of the leagues best bullpens. They make be lacking in a major power hitter but if guys like Brandon Moss, Coco Crisp & Josh Donaldson can bring their 2013 successes to 2014 and Josh Reddick can return to his 2012 form the A's should be just fine, as usual ... And as is also usual they will have to do it in underdog (and unappreciated fashion).

Harrison (Image courtesy of Getty Images)

On another note the Rangers MAY have lost yet another starting pitcher from there rotation today, leaving them with only two starting rotation spots filled by Yu Darvish and Martin Perez. Here's a quick story I did for MLB Nation on starting pitcher, Matt Harrison's possible sidelining: 

Before pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona for the Texas Rangers' spring training camp there were already questions regarding the team's starting rotation. RHP Colby Lewis is expected to be fine for the season but he is just coming off of a hip surgery that no other pitcher has had before and it is not known if it will have any affect on his delivery or if he will remain healthy leaving Lewis fighting to take back his spot in the rotation. LHP Derek Holland is out until at least mid season due to knee surgery after an injury he acquired at home, tripping over his dog. For LHP Alexi Ogando there is no guarantee that his arm can hold up an entire season in a starting role. That left Texas with three proven starters, RHP Yu Darvish, LHP Martin Perez and LHP Matt Harrison.

Now it appears that the Ranger may be down another starting pitcher. Southpaw Matt Harrison was expected to return to camp this season at 100 percent after having three surgeries, two of them on his lower back to repair a herniated disk, that kept him out of the game for almost all of the team's 2013 campaign. He began experiencing stiffness in his neck on Tuesday. Being cautious this caused the team to keep Harrison from throwing his first live bullpen session of the spring.

It has been reported Thursday that the stiffness and pain Harrison had been feeling has now moved down to his lower back near the area where he had the two surgeries and that the Rangers are taking no chances with their proven starter. He will have an MRI today and will be returning to Texas on Monday to see team spine specialist, Dr. Drew Dorsett, who performed two of Harrison's surgeries last year. Harrison is being sidelined until at least a prognosis is given by Dr. Dorsett. On the subject Harrison told Associated Press reporters,

 There is obviously some concern there from what happened last year. I just hope that it's not a serious issue and something I can take a few days down and stay on top of my core program and get right back out there.

Hanson (Image courtesy of Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

The loss of Harrison could greatly strain the already ailing Ranger's starting rotation. There are other possibilities for them to use in starting rolls such as, the just signed, RHP Tommy Hanson. Hanson had a terrible year in 2013 going 3-4 with a 5.42 ERA in just 15 games with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He had been losing velocity on his fastball and also had a family tragedy that derailed his season. As of now there are no guarantees that Hanson will take a starting role, but it is  likely considering the injury count continues to build in Texas. Also fighting to fill the emptiness in the Rangers' rotation are Robbie Ross, Tanner Scheppers, Nick Tepesch and Michael Kirkman. However having to use Ross or Scheppers would deplete the bullpen strength leaving the Rangers weaker later in games.

Harrison was a star back in 2012 winning 18 games for the Rangers and posting a 3.29 ERA. He was the strongest of the Rangers pitchers going into the post season that year. As the Rangers pitching woes continue it is being questioned if they can really make a run at the American League Western Division Title this year.

 For More News from Around the League visit MLB Nation

Oakland A's Fan Fest 2014!

Me telling Kara about my #OaklandSockSwag!

Fan Fest was greAt this year, held at both the Coliseum and the Arena in Oakland made for lesser crowds (but lines for autographs and things were still loooong) and a much better time than last year. I was lucky enough to be considered one of the A's "Personalities" and was interviewed by THE Kara Tsuboi!!She was so nice and a bunch of my other pals like the Melvin's Misfits, Shakabrodie, The Greatest Sign Maker etc were there with me which was so much fun! And we got to have a meet and greet with manager Bob Melvin and general manager the infamous Billy Beane! So that was just awesome on its own! We stayed for some of the Q & A sessions which was fun but then it was time to move from the Arena to the Coli!

In the Coli we got to sit in our seats which we (my mom and I) LOVE to do!! The field was all torn up thanks to motor cross or whatever the f*ck it is that they have their like a week before but we have a great grounds crew and it will be ready by March 31st. Basically after that we just kept running into our A's FANily members, taking pics, checking out which players were around. I'm not one to really wait in the ginormous lines to get autographs for pics so I just kinda enjoy my surroundings! 

Me w/A's manager BoMel!

Thank goodness this year they sold beer! Last year they didn't! I swear I just wanted to yell "WTF is wrong with you people?" I didn't but it was still a pain in the ass! LOL! At the end of the day my mom and I stopped by the silent auction (my Dad's absolute favorite thing in the world!! And we were able to bid and get a signed David Justice bat and we all know how much I love that guy! So that was a great ending to the day ... and we stopped by the 148 Tailgate on the way out and got some delicious samples of DreamKiller's famous cheese cake! It was delicious! By then we were pretty tired! Overall tho, this was by far the best fan fest - most likely ever - but definitely the best one in years! LET'S GO OAKLAND!!!!! I HELLA LOVE OAKLAND!!!!! 

Me and the rest of the A's Personalities! Such an honor!

For more pics from Fan Fest 2014 ... Click Here!

A's Fan Fest "Personalities" Questionnaire (and my original crazy person answers )

 So the A's asked me and a few of my buddies to appear on stage tomorrow as "personalities" from around the Coli. To be honest I am freaked out a bit by the whole thing but I said yes because my buddies - CocoFingers, Oakland Vader and Oakland Greenman all said yes and if I have Melvin's Misfits by my side I should be ok ... but big crowds staring at me... good publicity for my writing maybe ... for my future sock company maybe but really? I'm just a big baby and I am quite honestly nervous! Anyways, here are my real answers to their interview questions and then I will post the short ones I actually sent in! LOL!

Answers I woulda sent in except I am not THAT Crazy!

Answer any or all

What is your official character or personality name or often used nickname? I'm the Oakland A's Socks Girl

When did you first dress as this character or adopt elements that you’re known for? I started wearing knee high socks to Spring Training last year ... everyone, employees, fans (even Billy Beane, not that he would remember and Bob Welch too) - started calling me "Socks Girl"

What was the inspiration behind it? I have always loved weird socks, I guess it comes from being obsessive compulsive (it's an asset when it comes to baseball superstitions) ... so I've worn colored/patterned socks since I was a kid. After I got my first A's pair (I took my friend's son so I could get them at giveaway day in 2012) it was all over ... got my second pair for Christmas and now it's all about finding any kind of sock I can in A's colors. I also have Sharks and Raiders as it was dubbed by my friend Jamey Van Dyke - #SockSwag ... or officially #OaklandSockSwag

What was the best comment from a player that you’ve received about your character or personality element? Does Bob Welch count being that he was one of my faves as a kid? He just said I had "great style" and oh Hendu even remembered me after I dyed my hair from blonde to brown that was cool ... and Billy Beane said I should go with the "socks girl thing" and well, who doesn't listen to Billy Beane. He wouldn't remember but it is something I will never forget!

And the best comment from a fellow fan? OMG! I think the best compliment I've gotten from a fellow fan is being accepted by the members of both the left and right field bleachers and especially being accept as a sort of honorary member of the Melvin's Misfits! I love those guys!

How long have you loved the A’s? I'd learned a bit about the game when I was a baby almost from my grandmother when I lived in Texas. I went to my first live game at the Coliseum at the age of 4 when we moved to California in 1985. I've been in love ever since!

What is your favorite moment from A’s history? Well I could go back to way before I was born but since I have been alive (1981) I have a couple. Obviously, Hatty's HR to win game 20, seeing Dallas' perfect game and here's a random one but I love it ... Marco Scutaro vs the Yankees in '07 - hit a walk off homer to left off of Mariano Rivera ... that was pretty freakin' cool.

Who’s your favorite current or former A’s player? Dennis Eckersley no doubt is my #1. Love Campy and Rollie and I adore Dave Henderson ... on the current team I gotta go with Coco because he has crazy good energy, just brings life to the team. Also, I'd go with Doo because he is not only a great pitcher but he is funny as hell on Twitter! 

A prediction on how the A’s will perform in 2014? We are taking the West for the third straight time no matter what people say! The Rangers? Please ... they will only have half a pitching staff for the first half and everyone knows they choke down the strecth everytime ... the Angels and Mariners ... Pujols and Hamilton both have to turn it around and their is only decent at best and the Mariner so they have Cano and Hart in the lineup now with Rodney closing but we have a more solid line up and while I haven't seen Johnson pitch yet we have one of the best bullpens in baseball and still people are underestimating us as usual! Makes me sick. So surprised every year that we rock! Lame. A's may take it all the way but we gotta get passed the damn TIgers ... the last two years AND the ALCS in '06? NO. They will not do it to us again, Verlander will get lit up by us at some point! He cant be perfect tho my sis in law and I have decided he may be super human! LOL!

OK, Those Were My Long Answers ... Here's what I actually sent in .... (still kinda sound nuts here too but not as much)

What is your official character or personality name or often used nickname?

Oakland A's Socks Girl or you can just yell "Jen" and I will answer!

When did you first dress as this character or adopt elements that you’re known for?

Just last season at Spring Training - ok I actually wore the socks to a couple games in 2012 but I got another knee high pair for Christmas that year and it was on from there .... 

What was the inspiration behind it? 

I've never liked wearing white socks, I blame my OCD. But I always wore weird socks as a kid, once I realized I could collect and combine socks to make A's ones I was beyond hooked.

What was the best comment from a player that you’ve received about your character or personality element? I'd say the fact that (and I KNOW he'd never remember) but Billy Beane noticed my socks at Spring Training. That was pretty insane. 

And the best comment from a fellow fan? Best comment? More like actions. I have made so many amazing friends (I credit all social media for this) and been accepted into different season ticket holder groups that it makes me really feel like part of a family.

How long have you loved the A’s? I watched baseball as a baby with my grandmother in Texas, moved to California in 1985, went to my first live game when I was 4 years old and have been in love ever since!

What is your favorite moment from A’s history? Since I have been alive - Hatty's HR to win game 20 (Miggy's walkoffs in 18 and 19 were great too), Dallas' perfect game, beating the giants in the World Series and Marco Scutaro in a game vs the Yankees hitting a walk off HR off Mariano RIvera - that was a hella sick moment in 2007. (Nate Freiman's walk off single off Mariano in last season's 18 inning game was hella sick too)

Who’s your favorite current or former A’s player? Former: The Eck, Rollie, Bob Welch and Hendu .... Current: Coco, Doo and Sogard

A prediction on how the A’s will perform in 2014? We will take the West for the third straight year! After that ... well, it;s up to them! But I always believe!

LET'S GO OAKLAND!!!!

Athletics, Coco Crisp Ink Two Year Contract Extension

Yes! Finally some news about my A's and not just news but I know for A's fans FANTASTIC NEWS! COCO IS LOCKED UP FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS, MAYBE EVEN 3!!

The Oakland Athletics had already exercised their $7.5 million option on CF Coco Crisp, 34, earlier this winter. Crisp was scheduled to become a free-agent next off season. As it seems, much to the delight of A's fans everywhere, Crisp will be wearing an Oakland uniform for at least the next two years.

The news was announced earlier this morning by the team and the contract details came through The San Francisco Chronicle's Susan Slusser. According to Slusser the deal is worth $22.75 million with a club option for 2017 based on plate appearances.

Crisp is coming off a career year in 2013. In 131 games with the Athletics he batted .261 with 22 doubles, a career-high 22 home runs, 21 stolen bases and 61 walks (compared to just 66 strike outs). He's been a stellar lead-off man for the Athletics and have great defensive capabilities.

As the news was posted on Facebook this morning the reaction to the news from A's fans sounded like this,

Larry Medina: Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
Randy T. Montgomery Jr.: #faithinbeane
Randy Smith: Hell ya love Coco!
Brad Washburn: I am HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!!! I had to play the Bernie Lean song! Coco is the heart of this team!

And my personal reaction was "HELL F*CKING YEAH" ... coming from me that is shocking I know! LOL!

So Crisp definitely will be welcomed back with open arms by his fans. He has been quite a leader, cheerleader and creative comedian for the Athletics in recent years. He was the creator of the "Bernie Lean" craze of 2012 that took over Northern California and is seen by many as the heart and soul of the team. 

 This is not just coming from the fans. Before last fall's playoffs Manager Bob Melvin said, 

"I think everybody feeds off of Coco here, not necessarily just experience, just how good he is. I've said often when we're playing well, he's playing well. He sets the tone for us, and you've seen he's taken his game to a whole new level this year as far as the power dynamic goes."

Even former Detroit Tigers manager, Jim Leyland, said multiple times last season that the key to defeating the A's was containing Crisp. Crisp has a career .278 batting average in 30 post season games with both Boston and Oakland. 

Providing the A's with such team leadership and now power hitting along with defense, it is no wonder the Athletics want to keep him around for a while. 

For More on the Latest News Around the League visit MLB Nation

A's Sign Lefty Reliever O'Flaherty to 2 Year Deal

Today the A's signed left handed reliever Eric O'Flaherty from the Atlanta Braves to a two year, $7 million deal. At first I was skeptical of this signing for two reasons. The first reason was that well, since I don't study every guy in every National League bullpen I didn't really know who he was and the second was because he will not be available until mid-season due to having had Tommy John Surgery in May 2013.

Upon further review I learned that this signing could indeed be yet another one of Billy Beane's genius moves! The 28-year old lefty has been one of the best relievers in the league in the past few years, until being sidelined with Tommy John Surgery last season. He has a career ERA of 2.85 and in 2011 his ERA was .98. His stuff his just nasty against left handed batters. Over the last three years he posted a 1.45 ERA, 124 strikeouts vs. only 45 walks and a .419 OPS against lefties. 

Taking on a guy for $3.5 million a year just off of Tommy John Surgery does sound a little crazy at first but with players getting salaries of over $100 million this is a great move for a small market team like the A's. It's a gamble for sure but it just might end up being a HUGE payoff and the A's definitely needed a lefty specialist to replace Jerry Blevins, who was traded to the Washington Nationals this off-season. I love Blevins - personality, good at his job, all around sweetheart - but I must say if O'Flaherty comes off the disabled list and is as good or possibly better than before than he is an upgrade from Blevins. 

Billy is sticking with his pattern of signing players with high ceiling talent but some health issues. Think about guys like Coco Crisp, Bartolo Colon and Jed Lowrie all of whom have helped the A's to win back to back American League West Titles! With a limited budget you have to take gambles once in a while and the A's have shown that it pays off.

Oakland Athletics: 2013 Recap and 2014 Predictions

This season was truly a sensational season for the Oakland Athletics, albeit a quiet one compared to the also spectacular season they had in 2012, winning the AL West on the final day of the season. Hopes were higher for the Athletics in 2013, returning with their team pretty much intact the odds of a repeat in the AL West were good. The Athletics won two more games in 2013 (96-66) than in 2012 (94-68) and they did it in a much more subdued fashion. The A's fought through injuries, Josh Reddick's wrist being one of the biggest, yet had enough depth to remain consistent. They won at least 16 games in each month of the season except July where they experienced a slight slump but that didn't put a hiccup in their step as they ended the season with their second consecutive American League West Title, making them a good candidate for World Series victory.

www.facebook.com/JenRainH20

Unfortunately for the Athletics the 2013 American League Division Series ended in the exact same fashion as the 2012 ALDS, being shut out by Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers in game five. What went right for the A's in 2013 to get them back to the postseason? And what went wrong for them to lose again to the same team and the same pitcher in game five of the ALDS?

The Athletics were dominant all season, more than once stringing together mini streaks of 8 or 9 games. They had dominate pitching in CY Young candidate 40 year old Bartolo Colon and later on with mid season call up Sonny Gray. Closer Grant Balfour broke Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley's consecutive save streak with 41 straight saves. The two other notable names of the A's bullpen were set up men Sean Doolittle and Ryan Cook along with long relievers Jesse Chavez (who pitched an amazing 7 innings in the 18 inning marathon against the New York Yankees in July) Pat Neshek and Jerry Blevins. The A's bats were on the majority of the time but more often than not they relied on the big hit or the big home run from one of their players, like 1B Brandon Moss, 3B Josh Donaldson, CF Coco Crisp and in the case of the aforementioned 18 inning game, rookie Nate Freiman hitting a walk off single against the great Mariano Rivera.

www.instagram.com/oaklandassocksgirl

Relying on the big hit became a problem for the A's in the playoffs when they were required to hit against the Tigers three aces, 21 game winner Max Scherzer, ERA leader Anibal Sanchez, and the always incredible Justin Verlander. The A's won the second game of the series with young call up Sonny Gray out pitching Verlander and the third game in Detroit again depending on the long ball. Come game five the Athletics were forced to face their nemesis, Justin Verlander, an almost unhittable pitcher, who took a no hitter into the 7th inning until Yoenis Cespedes's base hit in the bot of the 7th inning broke up the no-no. The problem is that Detroit got their one long 2 run shot off of Sonny Gray courtesy of Miguel Cabrera and ended up winning the game 3-0 while the A's were waiting for that one big long ball that never came.

In short the A's need a big, dependable and possibly even well known bat in 2014. It's the consensus of many that they must bring someone in to help the lineup a little bit. However, there are definite chances that those big hits could come from guys like Reddick who played all season with a wrist injury and finished with only 12 homeruns while the year before he hit 32 homeruns and won a Gold Glove. Brandon Moss hit 30 homeruns this season so there is a good chance that he could emerge into the spolightlight the way another of the A's, Josh Donaldson, did this season. Cespedes is another candidate to be a great homerun hitter next season hoping that he stays healthy, he won the Home Run derby in 2013 but did not produce as well in regular season games. Finally when it comes to clutch hits one cannot forget to mention team leader and all around clutch guy, Coco Crisp.

www.csnbbayarea.com

All of these players, barring a crazy unforseen trade should be on the A's roster come opening day 2014. Even though all of these players have proven themselves offensively, the question remains: will the A's try to acquire a big bat?

There are rumors that the A's will trade players like started turned long reliever, Brett Anderson and there have been rumors that they may be interested in acuiring David Price. Still this doesn't seem likely as the A's are in talks with Bartolo Colon about pitching another season. Colon, at the age of 40 and having spent a stint on the disabled list, still finished second overall in the American League in both ERA and Wins! He had one of his lifetime best seasons and the A's believe that he has a few more years in him. They have already resigned team leader, 33 year old, Coco Crisp who is coming off of a career year. Overall it is not likely that they A's will be making too many changes to their already talented roster. At this point closer Grant Balfour isn't in that picture. At 35 and having had the best year of his career, Balfour can command more money than the A's would be able and/or willing to pay. But there have been talks about mid season call up Dan Otero stepping up in the closer's role, Doolittle and Cooke (who did struggle at the end of the season) are also in contention. for the closer roll.

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It is likely that the A's will find a strong bat to add to their roster. More than likely an aging player who is happy to DH and hit home runs, ala the sucess they had in 2002 with David Justice and in 2006 with Frank "The Big Hurt" Thomas. The Athletics will not be renewing contracts or picking up options for neither OF Chris Young nor catcher Kurt Suzuki, leaving Derek Norris and John Jaso to platoon at catcher. Besides them and Balfour there are questions about rookie Nate Freiman and if he will be involved in the club's plans for next season. In the off season both Sonny Gray (left thumb) and Josh Reddick (wrist) will be having surgery but both are projected to be ready to go when pitchers and catchers report to spring training in the middle of February.

From the perspective of this writer I believe that the 2014 Oakland Athletics line up will look something like this:

Coco Crisp, CF
Josh Donaldson, 3B
Jed Lowrie, SS
Brandon Moss, 1B
Yoenis Cespedes, LF
Josh Reddick, RF
Seth Smith, DH
John Jaso and Derek Norris platooning at C
Eric Sogard / Alberto Callaspo platooning at 2B

But this line up does need to look out for up and coming players such as the AAA afiliate Sacramento River Cats Michael Choice who's shown potential and hit .302 last season with 14 home runs. And this pick may seem premature but after his performances in spring training, with the A's single A affliate the Stockton Ports and his so far impressive numbers in the Arizona fall league, Addison Russell has the potential to do big things in the Majors and it is entirely possible he could work his way to AAA Sacramento and into the show by the end of the 2014 seasons. It's also a good idea to keep an on relief pitchers Seth Frankoff and Bruce Billings who both pitched brilliantly in 2013 for the Ports and should soon be called up to AAA and possibly to the show by the end of the season! But predictions for the Atheltics pitching in 2014 are as follows

Starting Rotaton:
Bartolo Colon
Sonny Gray
Jarrod Parker
Dan Straily
AJ Griffen

The Bullpen:
Jerry Blevins
Sean Doolittle
Ryan Cooke
Jesse Chavez
Pat Neshek
Dan Otero

www.zimbio.com

Overall with a very similar team as in 2013 and with the continued leadership of 2012 Manager of the Year, Bob Melvin, the Athletics will have a chance to win the American League West for the third straight time. It will as with all teams depend on staying healthy and in the Athletics case keeping their bats alive. The A's pitching will be solid with the resigning of Colon and the talent in their farm system. The addition of a proven hitter might be the key to them finally getting past the American Division series for the first time since 2006.

*This posting can also be seen on Sports Unbiased (actually proof-read and edited! lol)* at http://sportsunbiased.com/mlb/18258/oakland-athletics-2013-recap-and-2014-predictions/

First attempt at a Video Blog .... Why I want the Dodgers to Win it All in 2013 & Other Random Ramblings!

Well this probably is gonna be one of the more ridiculous things you will see today! I was home alone bored and annoyed with some of the things people were saying on facebook. Then I began snap chatting with friends, sending mini videos and such - a couple people snapped back that they like my little rants so I decided to rant to my phone and capture it on video! This is the result ... it's probably embarrassing and  through the video most you - the few of you who actually care about my blog (so basically no one)  - will be like "what's wrong with this chick?" and it may be partially because of the unusual ways I choose my  MLB postseason picks.  Most people don't understand my reasoning and I have been trying to figure out how to upload this damn video for long enough that I can barely explain them anymore! So I guess if you care then you will have to bear with me through the video! lol!

VIDEO LINK: My First Attempt at a Video Blog



JUST KIDDING! I wouldn't subject you all to my insanity until I get some feedback (seriously I want to know if it's really bad like you'd rather kill yourself than watch another video or if it's alright enough for me to give it a try when I have a planned topic and some help) and  so if you do watch the video keep in mind that it was recorded on the fly but again if you do watch PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT! THANK YOU!!

My reasons for my postseason allegiances are quirky, some are detailed and others need no explanation there but they are what they are so here goes!  I want the Dodgers to win it all and here's why: First, the St. Louis Cardinals have the 2nd most amount of World Series Titles in baseball history (11). The New York Yankees of course are number one on that list with 27 titles but with their history of having more money than most teams being in 2nd place is just about the same as being on top! My A's have won 9 World Series in franchise history putting them 3rd all time.  While 3rd is a great place to be considering there are 30 teams in Major League Baseball but there was a time just within the past decade where the Cardinals decided it was time to pull away from the tie for second! Well I want that tie back and that means the Cards NOT winning the series and hopefully not even getting the chance to! Unfortunately it looks as though they are going to have a chance at lucky number 13 this year being up in the NLCS 3-1 over the Dodgers! But as we all know in this game anything is possible! Second I hate the Detroit Tigers ... can't stand 'em. Boom, enough said! lol! And finally are the Boston Red Sox. This team has been extremely hard to justify rooting for. They are playing Detroit of whom I am still completely bitter, reason one! But I have always hated the Red Sox second to the San Francisco Giants so just being angry with the Tigers isn't enough so the approach I had to take was to ignore the fact that Boston fans are completely obnoxious, look instead at the individual players (something that also helped me pick the Dodgers to root for to win it all ... Mark Ellis! Hello? Everyone and their mom loves Mark Ellis!! He'll always have a piece of my heart, unless of course he willingly signs with the dark side of the Bay Area!) and remember that it's been a decade since 2003, the year no one really wants to talk about. That was probably one of the worst post season performance by the A's that I have ever seen. Going into Boston up 2 games only to make mistake after mistake and end up back in Oakland losing game 5 ... I shudder even now thinking about it! UGH! But the Red Sox have guys like Johnny Gomes who was a complete joy to have in Oakland last year and Craig Breslow who was great with the A's and is the so called "Smartest Man In Baseball." Also who can hate a guy like Big Poppy (David Ortiz) or a guy with a kick ass name like Jarrod Saltalamacchia who also hit a walkoff in game 2 of this years ALCS against the Tigers? Yeah, hard to hate those guys ... good people, good ballplayers! Still don't like the Red Sox as an organization or their fans but the team I can get behind. So I guess they are my AL choice and the Dodgers are my NL hopeful and if it comes down to the two of them let the Dodgers win it all. Oh and I almost forgot ...1988 and Kirk Gibson. Yes, that home run in game one was a walk off, it was against my all time favorite player, The Eck and the A's did lose that World Series. I was 7 then, 8 when we annihilated the Giants in the WS. I still hate the Giants but the Dodgers and their fans also hate the Giants so I've learned over the years to let go of the '88 hate and embrace the Dodgers in that they are also rivals of two teams that the A's are rivals with - The Los Angeles Angeles of Anaheim and the Giants. So I see more of an alliance in the last 20 years than a long standing grudge. A lot of people would disagree but these are the reasons I'm rooting for the Dodgers to get a ring this season! Good luck to them this post season!