Will Johnny Damon ever again don a Major League Baseball Uniform?

Even though he has not played baseball since 2012, former Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees' star Johnny Damon, who recently turned 40 years old, has not formally retired yet. There were reports earlier in the year that Damon might try to make a comeback. There is still talk and still no definitive reports, but more has been learned about the aging outfielder's future plans.

According to Tampa Bay Times reporter, Marc Topkin, Damon told him that he is open to still playing baseball or even managing a club. There was one stipulation however. Damon refuses to manage or play on the minor league level. Those are high aspirations for the former star and two time World Series Champion, but are they too high?

It is somewhat understandable that playing in the minor leagues would be a big step down and not forward for Damon. Yet, he is not even open to managing on the minor league level? Most former players who have become managers and most managers in general have had to start at the minor league level in order to advance to being the skipper of a Major League Baseball team. It is a job that takes time to move into. Normally, it is unlikely for anyone to just jump in at the highest level.

Damon's apparent ego aside, let's look at this realistically. 

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A's, Josh Reddick Appear Unable to Avoid Arbitration Hearing

Reddick a No-Show At A's Fan Fest on Saturday Leaves Fans Wondering, "Why?"

Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick was suddenly and mysteriously absent from the Athletics' Fan Fest Saturday. Schedule to appear along with many of his teammates, Reddick sent out a couple of  last minute tweets Friday night, 

@JoshReddick16 Hey A's fans. Sorry I couldn't make it out there today. Just didn't work out for me this year. Ready to get back to winning another AL west

@JoshReddick16 title and go even farther this year! See y'all in the spring!

Truly, his absence can be attributed to anything from him being tired or his having another last minute engagement. Some of his twitter followers even speculated that it could have something to do with his off season left wrist surgery. That scenario is very unlikely. The surgery was reportedly very successful and Reddick is expected to report to spring training, in less than two weeks, completely healthy.

A more likely scenario is that Reddick was a no-show at Fan Fest because he has yet to negotiate a contract with the team for 2014. It is looking as though he is going to end up taking the team all the way to an arbitration hearing. These hearings are not pleasant as the team must explain why the player does not deserve the amount of money he is asking for and the player must make a case that he does deserve a higher amount of money than the club is offering. These proceedings, presided over by a panel of three judges, often cause unpleasantness between the two parties as the club must note negative things in their side of the argument. When asked if the looming arbitration hearing had anything to do with Reddick's absence at Fan Fest, A's general manager, Billy Beane said only, 

 I have no idea. I know he's a signed player. That's why it's not a big deal."

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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

Rockies' to Retire Helton's #17 this August

Todd Helton #17 - Getty images

Everyone knew it was inevitable but no one expected it to happen this quickly. First baseman Todd Helton, who played for 17 years with the Colorado Rockies, is a symbol of the Rockies' organization and fan favorite should have his number retired but he only retired in September of 2013. This makes the announcement, first reported by Troy Renck of the Denver Post on Twitter, of the retiring of his number this season a bit of a surprise.

Helton's number will be officially retired on Sunday, August 17, 2014 in a game against the Cincinnati Reds but the Rockies' organization is going to make an entire weekend out of it to celebrate.

Helton did what most others do not do in any sport. He, like Mariano Rivera, spend his entire career with the same team and the Rockies were lucky to have him. Helton finished his career as a .316 hitter with 369 home runs, 592 doubles, 2, 519 hits and 1, 406 RBI. He did have the chance to play in the World Series for the Rockies in 2007 but they were defeated by the Boston Red Sox. Here's what Helton had to say about his experience playing in the fall classic,

Obviously, yeah, I wish we did win a World Series. But when I look at it, I think I was very blessed, fortunate to be in a World Series. I look at a lot of the things we did accomplish and not the one we didn't.

Helton is the best player in the short history of the Rockies along with Larry Walker but Helton holds the most club records. He is the all-time leader in games played, at-bats, and many other meaningful statistics. Helton was the first player to truly be the face of the Rockies' franchise and he is a class act on and off the field.

Helton - Getty Images

The Rockies are one of only a handful of teams to not have had a player inducted to the Hall of Fame. Larry Walker came close but most agree that the honor will go to Helton in the near future. Of course there are critics because he played at the hitter-friendly Coors Field and because he never won an MVP award but the rest of his work speaks for itself and one day he should get into Cooperstown as the Rockies' first member.

So the weekend of August 15-17 this year, remember to stop and tip your caps to the career of Todd Helton, who was a true class act and great baseball player.  Once quote as saying,

I hate the ballplayer who says, ‘I did everything I could have possibly done.’ Because if you didn’t win it all, you obviously didn’t do everything you could have done.

Todd Helton certainly gave the Colorado Rockies 100% of all that he had and this up coming weekend of celebration is well deserved. Congrats, Mr. Helton.

For More News From Around the League go to MLB Nation!

February 6, 1895: Happy Birthday Babe!

I really didn't realize that the Babe was born in the 1800's, 1895 to be exact, 119 years ago today, February 6th. And baseball is so much older. There is no sport with such a rich and amazing history as baseball but that is a topic for another day! Today is about the Babe .... 

Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." - Babe Ruth

The Babe is probably the most well-known, famous baseball player of all time. Even if someone say doesn't know who Joe DiMaggio or Ty Cobb is, you can guarantee they have at least heard of Babe Ruth. I so wish I could have met him, ok well at least have seen him play! 

I have seen some of the greatest of all time play ... Mariano Rivera. He would be the one I would say I am most proud to have seen play and I certainly do not doubt he will be the first unanimous Hall of Fame inductee. No one doesn't like Mo, no one. He was a class act on and off the field and one of the most AMAZING pitchers of all time. spent his whole career with the same team, I mean he is the legend people will talk about in 50 years. And I saw him play Everyone loves him and rightfully so! Randy Johnson would be another one, Ken Griffey Jr.,  ... these are legends I have seen live. I'm trying to think of some others but I will get back to that. Maybe in another blog post or something because this was supposed to be a little piece celebrating The Babe.

"Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back."

– Babe Ruth

George Herman Ruth Jr. was born in Maryland in 1895. Nicknamed The Bambino, The Sultan of Swat and The Babe he became the most famed baseball player of all time! He was sent to a strict parochial school as a boy where he excelled in baseball and later his pitching was noticed by the owner of the then minor league Baltimore Orioles, a minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. 

"Never let the fear of striking out get in your way."

– Babe Ruth

The Orioles owner, Jack Dunn, became Ruth's legal guardian. People called him Dunn's new babe. The nickname stuck and the man we know as Babe Ruth was officially born!  And most of the rest of the factual information most of us know (I'm assuming you may be a casual baseball fan) - called up to the Red Sox, won some championships, threw 13 scoreless innings in a game (a MLB record), got traded to the Yankees in 1919 so the owner of the Red Sox could finance the musical "No-No Nanette" and The Curse of the Bambino became a reality for 86 years before the Red Sox won their first championship in 2004. In New York Ruth became a full time outfielder and his offensive abilities only got better.

"If I'd just tried for them dinky singles I would've batted around six hundred."

– Babe Ruth

The Bambino holds so many MLB records! He was one of the first five players inducted into the hall of fame in 1936 along with Honus Wagner, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson and Christy Mathewson - those names all together At Spring Training every year when we get to see guys like Rollie Fingers, Vida Blue, Blue Moon Odom, Bob Welch, Rickey Henderson and Campy! Those guys are legends to me! But I am a baseball history nerd so these guy would be by far the coolest to see all together! OMG! 

Babe hit his final home runs at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, PA and reminded people of his greatness as they were all in one game on May 25, 1935. Of course everyone knows the story of when he called his shot and nailed a home run to left! That is just insane! 

"I looked out at center field and I pointed. I said, 'I'm going to hit the next pitched ball right past the flagpole.' Well, the Good Lord must have been with me."

– Babe Ruth

Ok back to the Babe's records, of course we all know the stories and the stats but for the casual fan I shall repeat the most important. Babe Ruth held the single season home run record with 60 which stood for 34 years. He held every important slugging record for years including most year leading a league in home runs with 12, most total bases in a season with 457 and the highest slugging percentage for a season for a single season with .847. In his career he hit 714 home runs in his career. That record stood until Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves hit number 715 to surpass him. 

Ruth's life after baseball never materialized the way he wanted it to.

He had dreams of becoming a big league manager. Unfortunately the reputation that preceded him was a bit to crazy of a lifestyle and he was seen as irresponsible aka not manager material. He later did become a coach with the Brooklyn Dodgers. He was known as a very generous man. Ruth made his final public appearance for Yankee Stadium's, aka the House that Ruth Built, 25th anniversary in 1948.

He died of cancer on August 16, j1948. He left most of his money to the Babe Ruth Foundation for Under Privileged Children and is survived by his wife Claire and two daughters, Dorothy and Julia. So there's a little mini bio of one of the all time greats in the game of baseball!! With all my randomness just thrown right in there! But that's why I sometimes do just blog posts and not articles ... I can put more of my personality into a blog post vs an article ... anyway, I am rambling so I will conclude with a quote from the Bambino,

  

Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world."

– Babe Ruth