FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME: OAKLAND A’S
Posted by JOpinionated on October 9, 2006 in Sports | 0 comments
I rarely write about sports or my beloved Oakland Athletics. But I am headed to the game tomorrow, and I can barely contain my enthusiasm. I originally penned the article below with print publication in mind, but in the interest of time, I wanted to share with other A’s and baseball fans in general…
I grew up one city over from Anaheim and even attended high school with two Blylevens and a Boone, but the Angels have always been my least favorite team. That is because I am a loud and proud Oakland A’s fan. Right now my freshly dry-cleaned white jersey with crisp green lettering hangs on the armoire in anticipation of Game 1 of the ALCS.
This year is different.
There is a palpable confidence that never surfaced when Oakland’s and postseason hopes rested entirely upon the shoulders of the Holy Trilogy: Hudson, Mulder and Zito. For the past five seasons, the fans were as cautiously optimistic and nervous during the postseason as the team appeared to be. This year we are feeding off of Nick Swisher’s energy, Milton Bradley’s passion, Frank Thomas’ bat, and the postseason dreams of veterans Kendall and Kotsay.
This year is different.
On paper, the Athletics offense does not instill fear into the hearts of many, let alone opposing teams. But they find a way to get it done…unlike, say, a certain team from New York whose payroll is roughly $132 million more than Oakland’s. Aside from the Jolly Green Giant Hurt, the rest of the batting order is grossly underrated. Look beyond batting averages - at the raw talent, determination and patience at the plate. Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce you to Marco Scutaro. It would be a refreshing change if announcers outside of the Bay Area did their homework in advance and pronounced his last name correctly during the national broadcast of the ALCS: Scoo-Ta-Row.
This year is different.
Most of the media chose the Twins to win the first series, based solely upon one player, ace Johan Santana. And although the A’s swept Minnesota in the ALDS, taking the first two in their stupid home dome and defeating their impending Cy Young winner, the media immediately picked Detroit as the clear favorite for the ALCS. Oakland finally made it through to the second round of the playoffs, but the respect is blatantly lacking.
This year is different.
It is well documented that the Oakland starting rotation and overall pitching staff is very well-rounded and arguably one of the best in the majors. For crying out loud, the A’s have 16-game winner Joe Blanton in the bullpen. In the bullpen! AND they have home field advantage during this seven game series. So why are they the underdogs?
This year is different.
Yes, the Tigers are the feel-good story of the season. And yes, my in-laws are from Detroit. But I bleed green and gold, and I believe. This year is different.
