Oakland A’s Wednesday report: It is decision time for the A’s regarding the future of the team and the new stadium

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AP File Photo: Will the Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray be traded before the end of this month? Here Gray throws to the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, July 5, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

by Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND–The A’s resume play this Friday. There are lots of questions and rumors swirling around the Coliseum regarding the trade deadline of July 31st. Will the A’s be sellers? They were buyers three years ago when they mad the trade with Boston for Jon Lester. In that deal, Yoenis Cespedes went to Beantown and the A’s, who had the best record in the AL at the time of the trade, went straight downhill. They barely made the playoffs in 2014 and were eliminated by the Kansas City Royals. Since that time the A’s have been cellar dwellers, and it looks like that is where they will finish again this year.

They have decided to rebuild the team and have brought in several young players in the hope of getting back to the playoffs. There is hope for the future, but many are wondering about if several key players will remain with the team. Will Sonny Gray who is probably their best pitcher, be part of the nucleus? Will Yonder Alonso be traded? The word on the street is that the A’s are actively shopping Alonso. Yonder is having a breakout season. He made the All-Star team and proved himself with two hits and a stolen base in the game. Yes, Alonso is making 4 million per year, and he will be a free agent. However, keeping him would signal to the fans that the A’s are serious about getting better. Alonso is also a solid defensive player and defense is not currently the A’s strong suit. These are just two examples of players that should stay with the team but probably will be gone.

The A’s, believe it or not, have a solid fan base. They may be small in numbers, but they show their support and enthusiasm for the team at every home game. They are frustrated as the A’s continue to trade away players because of salary. The A’s used to receive about 35 million dollars a year from the luxury tax money paid by the teams that exceeded the salary limits.

That subsidy was cut by 25% this year and will be gone in another three years. The A’s know they have to put a better product on the field as this major source of revenue will be gone. The best way to make up the loss of the money will be a new stadium. A’s president Dave Kaval has repeatedly said that the A’s will announce the location of the stadium by the end of the season.

They are considering three sites, and all three have drawbacks. They are looking at Howard Terminal, Laney College, and the current location in Oakland. Howard Terminal is on the Estuary, and reports have said that conditions there at night are similar to Candlestick Park as it could be cold and windy. Public transportation to the location does not exist, and people are not going to walk there from the 12th Street BART station.

AC Transit or some other kind of shuttle service probably will be needed. Laney College is a possibility but getting there from the Lake Merritt Bart station is also problematical. There is good transportation at the Coliseum but would the existing stadium have to be demolished first? What about the Raider problem? The Raiders are leaving in two or three years. Will the A’s have to wait until they leave before they can start construction? Is it possible to start construction on a new stadium without destroying the current facility? All these questions have to be answered. Hopefully, the A’s will have the resolve to sort all this out and send a message to the fans that the team will be more competitive and that they will be playing baseball in a new state-of-the-art facility. There is a lot of competition for the public’s entertainment dollar, and the fans of the Oakland A’s have paid their dues and deserve a better team and a better facility.

Cano both likely and unlikely star of stars in the 88th All-Star Game

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American League’s Seattle Mariners Robinson Cano (22), second from left, congratulated Cleveland Indians pitcher Andrew Miller, after winning the MLB baseball All-Star Game, Tuesday, July 11, 2017, in Miami. Cano hit a home run in the tenth inning to win the game. The American League defeated the National league 2-1. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

By Morris Phillips

More than three hours before Robinson Cano clubbed the 10th inning home run that decided the 88th All-Star Game, the veteran slugger had his All-Star moment.  In a pre-game ceremony Cano took the field with Juan Marichal, Rod Carew, Orlando Cepeda and the late Roberto Clemente’s wife, Vera.  The ceremony celebrated the contributions of Latin America to Major League Baseball, a history as vast as those assembled on the Marlins Park field on Monday.

Cano added his own contribution to the story with his home run off Wade Davis that would catapult the American League, 2-1.  Ironically, Cano was a late replacement, his eight All-Star appearance which had been uneventful until the 10th inning Monday.  Cano had just eight at-bats, one hit in All-Star competition previously.

In the pre-game ceremony Cano was one of eight catchers for the legends that threw out the first pitches.  Cano received his pitch from Marichal as the cameras flashed.

“I can’t wait to get to social media and get that picture and put it in a frame in my home,” Cano said.

The American League won for the fifth straight time, but it won’t secure home field advantage in the World Series for the AL. That rule was abolished by new commissioner Rob Manfred prior to the game, and Cano wasn’t initially aware the rules had changed.

Yadier Molina homered for the National League–their only run–as the two 34-year olds stole the show from the younger All-Stars, 28 in all making their first All-Star appearance.  Molina and Cano were the oldest, and most voluminous All-Stars with eight appearances each.

Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the biggest names on the marquee for the Home Run Derby, both went 0 for 3.

Oakland A’s All Star Week Podcast with Charlie O: A’s Yonder gets the thrill of a lifetime with hit in hometown Miami at Mid Summer Classic

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AP File Photo: Seattle Mariners’ Kyle Seager dives safely back to first base as Oakland Athletics first baseman Yonder Alonso waits for the ball on a pick-off attempt in the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 9, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

On the Oakland A’s Podcast with Charlie O:

1) before the All-Star game tonight Commissioner Rob Manfred said if the Oakland & Tampa Bay Stadium situations are resolved, it may be time to talk expansion to Montreal, Charlotte and possibly Mexico City… your thoughts?

2) Major League Baseball Players Association chief Tony Clark told the media “We’ve done what we can where we can” in helping minor leaguers in their dispute with MLB teams over a minimum wage. Has MLBPA done enough?

3) Let’s talk A’s: are they buyers or sellers?

4) who’s on the trading block? Let’s start with pitchers? What about position players?

5) What’s coming up for the A’s after the break?

Charlie O does the A’s podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

 

Oakland Athletics second half preview: Expect changes in bunches

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By Ben Leonard

For the second straight year, the Oakland Athletics have just one All-Star participating in the festivities in Miami—first baseman Yonder Alonso.

Now, he hopes not to be part of what could be another firesale in Oakland.

“I feel like the guys here are hungry and they are very aware that I can do good things for this club,” Alonso said to the San Jose Mercury News. “It would be great to be a leader, not so much with my voice, but by setting an example, just going out every day and grinding with the guys and helping them get better.”

A former top prospect that failed to settle in with the San Diego Padres, Alonso has found his stride with the Athletics, setting career highs in home runs and wRC+ in just 79 games. Alonso had never hit double-digit homers in the big leagues, but already has 20 long balls this season.

Alonso is just one of many Athletics who could be moving on to new clubs this summer before the August 1st trade deadline, including starting pitcher Sonny Gray, relief pitcher Sean Doolittle and infielder Jed Lowrie, among others. Twenty-one games back of the first-place Astros in the AL West, Oakland hasn’t had a winning season since 2015 and has lost 237 games since—general manager Billy Beane is likely going to hit reset and try to build for the future.

That could open the door for younger players to see more playing time, including Franklin Barreto, the A’s top prospect and 21-year old second baseman who could fill Lowrie’s spot. Barreto struggled at the plate in his first taste of big league ball this summer, hitting just .190 in 46 at-bats, but did launch two home runs, including one in his debut June 24 against the White Sox.

Other young players have stepped up their game for Oakland this season, including second-year pitcher Sean Manaea, who has led the team with a 3.76 ERA after a rocky rookie campaign. Acquired from Kansas City in 2015 in a trade that sent Ben Zobrist to the Royals, Manaea has struck out just shy of a batter an inning this season, up from his 7.71 K/9 mark last season.

Ryon Healy has also continued his success from last season in his second year, clubbing 19 home runs before the break and posting a .804 OPS.

Cover Image: Oakland Athletics’ Yonder Alonso is greeted by Ryon Healy after hitting a solo home run o a pitch from Seattle Mariners’ Andrew Moore during the third inning of a baseball game, Saturday, July 8, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

San Francisco Giants Report: Posey and the All-Star Game

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AP File Photo: San Francisco Giants Catcher Buster Posey (28) comes home to score during the Major League Baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA on July 8th. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

By Jeremy Kahn

Even though the San Francisco Giants are in the cellar of the National League West, and out of the playoff picture, one things remains consistent, Buster Posey making the All-Star team.

When the All-Star game begins tonight at 5:00 on Channel 2, you will see Posey’s name announced as the starter for the National League for the third consecutive season.

After missing basically, the entire 2011 season after his devastating ankle injury that was suffered in a home plate collision with Scott Cousins of the Marlins, Posey made his first All-Star team in 2012.

In his first All-Star game appearance, Posey went 0-for-2 with a walk and a run scored and the National League defeated the American League 8-0 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

Posey’s walk came in the top of the first inning loaded the bases for then teammate Pablo Sandoval, who tripled down the right field line to extend the NL lead up to 4-0 on their way to an 8-0 victory.

After starting the 2012 game in Kansas City, Posey made his second team, as he was a replacement for Yadier Molina of the St. Louis Cardinals, who beat him out for the fan vote.

In his lone plate appearance against the American League, Posey struck out against Greg Holland of the Kansas City Royals in the bottom of the seventh inning.

After not making the All-Star team in 2014, Posey returned the game in 2015 and started for the second time in the last four seasons.

Posey went 0-for-2 in his two at-bats in the 2015 game at Great American Ballpark, as the American League defeated the National League 6-3.

In his first at-bat against Dallas Keuchel of the Houston Astros, Posey grounded out to Jose Altuve of the Astros at second base in the bottom of the second inning.

Posey came up in the bottom of the fourth inning, and against David Price of the Tampa Bay Rays, Posey lined out to right field.

Once again, Posey started again in the 2016 All-Star Game at Petco Park in San Diego, as he went 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored, as the American League defeated the National League 4-2.

Posey grounded out to Altuve in the top of the second inning, while facing Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians and then in the top of the fourth inning, Posey walked and then scored when Marcell Ozuna of the Miami Marlins singled.

Giant’s year-long swoon now has the post-All Star break in San Diego as bookends

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JULY 08: San Francisco Giants Starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) throws a pitch during the Major League Baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, CA. (Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)

By Morris Phillips

The disappointing baseball being played by the Giants in 2017, actually commenced in 2016, in San Diego against the Padres immediately after the All-star break.

The Giants open the second half–on Thursday in San Diego–again under far different circumstances.

Same Giants’ team visiting the same opponent a year apart with now a full season of baseball games in between. The equation isn’t a pretty one, as the Giants have gone 64-98 after starting 2016 with a MLB-best 57-33 record that disappeared as quickly as it materialized.

Last year, the Giants traveled to San Diego with a nine-game win streak against the Padres, and promptly lost four straight to their division rivals, each loss in the most frustrating manner possible. It marked the first time that the team’s top three starters–Madison Bumgarner, Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija–had lost consecutively as teammates. Needless to say, that convergenge of poor luck has happened again since.

In the last 162 games, Cueto has gone 11-11, after starting his Giants’ career 13-1. Bumgarner opened 2016 with a 10-4 record, in the 162 games since, He’s 5-9 in 19 starts, and hasn’t thrown more than eight innings in any of the 19. Bumgarner also landed on the disabled list for the first time in his career following his April dirt biking incident and shoulder injury.

And Samardzija opened 2016 with a 9-5 record. In the 32 starts since, he’s 7-16, and has pitched more than seven innings in a start just three times.

In losing nearly 100 games, a lot more than the failings of the Giants’ top three starters has transpired. The offense has often disappeared, the bullpen has been faulty, starting with the struggles of Santiago Casilla last season, and Derek Law this season. And the left field position has been a revolving door with Jarrett Parker, Mac Williamson, Michael Morse and Gorkys Hernandez among the candidates to struggle. Most recently, rookie Austin Slater made the most of his 29 games left, hitting .290 only to see his season derailed by hip and groin injuries.

But the struggles no doubt begin with Bumgarner, Cueto and Samardzija, who were an impressive 32-10 as a trio before last season’s break. Since then? The three are a combined 23-36.

 

San Jose Earthquakes Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup game wrap: Rookie coach Leitch takes Quakes to second victory over Galaxy 3-2

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sjearthquakes.com photo: San Jose Earthquakes huddle up before their Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match with the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday night at Avaya Stadium in San Jose

By London Marq

SAN JOSE–Tonight, the Los Angeles Galaxy traveled into Avaya Stadium for the quarterfinal matchup of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup versus their California rival San Jose Earthquakes. In just his third match as head coach, rookie Chris Leitch is proving why he the difference for the San Jose Earthquakes this season. nine days ago, he led his team to a stunning victory over this LA Galaxy club, where the Quakes scored two late goals including one that came in the final 2 minutes to win the California Clasico.

It seemed bleak early for the Quakes after the opening whistle. In just the 3rd minute, LA’s Van Damme put a goal in the back of the net. The Quakes would fire back quickly, however. Unlike in the previous match between these two clubs where 63 minutes came and went between the first and second goal, it only took 13 minutes before the second goal bulged the net tonight. Like the previous match, the second goal came from same player: Chris Wondolowski in the 16th minute. The Quakes were in control for that point on.

Wondolowski would go on to score one more goal in the 51st minute and Hoesen would score a goal as well. San Jose took full advantage of their momentum and had plenty of chances in the scoring third. San Jose took 20 attempts on goal, 12 of which we on target or blocked. Los Angeles had 8 attempts total. The Galaxy would go on to score one more goal in the 84th minute. It was too little, too late.

San Jose advances to the semifinal of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with a 3-2 victory over the LA Galaxy.

Yankees’ rookie plays Judge, jury and executioner in Home Run Derby

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New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge smiles as he competes during the MLB baseball All-Star Home Run Derby, Monday, July 10, 2017, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

By Morris Phillips

Back-to-back shots, 504 feet, then 513 feet?

That’s crazy, and that was Aaron Judge on Monday night in Miami, crushing baseballs in the Home Run Derby above and beyond the most prodigious feats ever in the event’s history.

In excess, and as a preface, to Judge being crowned champion of the Derby, the Yankees rookie survived an epic opening round, hitting 23 home runs after Justin Bour of the Marlins hit 22.

The much-anticipated matchup of Judge and hometown hit man Giancarlo Stanton didn’t materialize, as Stanton fell in the first round to Judge’s New York teammate, Gary Sanchez. Miguel Sano of the Twins outlasted Sanchez in the semifinals to reach the finals opposite Judge.

All four first round matchups were cliffhangers, decided by one home run, which in some respects robbed all the drama what transpired after that. Sanchez (18) and Sano (11) both posted totals that Stanton and Sano’s initial opponent, Mike Moustakas fell just short of matching. Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies and Bour posted totals, that were eclipsed, just barely, by Cody Bellinger and Judge.

If most of the drama was contained in round one, then the remainder was spent in round two, along with all of the fireworks courtesy of Judge. In defeating Bellinger, Judge clubbed 12 homers, half of which traveled at least 445 feet, and three of the last four went over 500 feet. Judge’s tie-breaking blast traveled 507 feet and bounced high off the Marlins Park glass facade in left field.

“I don’t know what to say,” a disbelieving Bellinger said. “What do you say after those balls?”

In Bellinger’s case, the answer was ‘say good night.’ In both of the initial rounds, Judge went last and eclipsed his opponent’s total without needing the 30-second bonus he earned.

In the final round, Sano went first and hit 10 home runs, and Judge followed with 11, ending the competition with nearly two minutes remaining on his clock.  Like Bellinger, Sano expressed his respect for his competition who, according to Sano, may have lapped the field before the competition commenced.

“The first time I saw Aaron Judge hit BP, I could tell he was a monster,” Sano admitted.

Judge’s four 500-foot blasts registered as the longest ever in the Derby’s history. With the new rules that give each competitor a definitive time block, Judge had no incentive to pad his totals, still his first round total of 23 ranks third all-time behind Josh Hamilton (28, 2008) and Bobby Abreu (24, 2005).

“It was a blast,” Judge said. “I enjoyed every minute of it–watching the other guys swing, coming here early and talking to the media. Everything about today was fantastic.”

The competition figured to be epic with the largest field–by the combined height and girth of the eight competitors–ever assembled. Led by the Bunyanesque Judge who is 6’7″, 282 pounds, Stanton (6’6″, 245) and Sano (6’4″, 260) the anticipation for the event was at level above normal.

For sure, those that watched the event from its first launch were not disappointed.

 

San Francisco Giants Podcast with Morris Phillips: Slater to miss 8 to 10 weeks; A look at the two Brandons, Crawford and Belt

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July 07, 2017: AP File Photo San Francisco Giants left fielder Austin Slater (53) is helped back to the dugout after getting injured on a ground out to shortstop to end the eighth inning, during a MLB baseball game between the Miami Marlins and the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, California. Valerie Shoaps/CSM (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)

By Morris Phillips

SAN FRANCISCO–The first half of the season hasn’t been good from the injury standpoint. The latest problem has been the injury issue for San Francisco during the first half of the season. Their not getting an opportunity to show off that great Major League talent they have on the roster. The Giants leftfielder Austin Slater is out with a hip injury. Slater had to be assisted off the field by Giants first base coach Joe Alguacil on Friday night when Slater injured himself running up to first base. The injury is going to wipe out the rest of Slater’s 2017 season.

The two Brandons: On Brandon Crawford he had a very disjointed first half of the season which started off with Crawford’s wife’s sister suddenly passing away and Crawford had to miss a few games there to take care of his family. Crawford didn’t hit well for the first half in his first 50 plus games of the season. The last two weeks he’s been much better. He had a good game on Sunday against Miami he had a couple RBIs  He’s as close to a cornerstone that the Giants have other than Buster Posey.

For Brandon Belt not a bad first half but as we’ve seen throughout his career he hits those spells he’s been slumping that doesn’t help the club offensively and those are tough spots that prevents upgrading his trade value so the Giants will look to move him if they can. The Giants might move him because they can’t move somebody else. From the Giants standpoint this is a real crossroads for Belt.

Morris Phillips is a Giants beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s report Monday: The good, the bad and the ugly halftime report for the A’s

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Oakland Athletics’ Rajai Davis hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game, Saturday, July 8, 2017, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

by Jerry Feitelberg

OAKLAND– Well, here we are at the annual All-Star break, and it’s time to take a look at the first half of the season for the A’s. The A’s continue to adhere to their business model which is to trade away valuable assets, i.e., players that are good and near the end of their contracts and will be in line to make more money and to insert young prospects who earn the Major League minimum salary plus hire some veterans that are considered undervalued. The veterans are hoping to get a chance to redeem themselves and have the opportunity to sign for more money elsewhere. The A’s front office hopes that will catch lightning in a bottle with this approach, but it does not work out that way more often than not.

The 2017 edition of the Oakland A’s was crafted in that manner. They signed the veteran third baseman Trevor Plouffe. Plouffe was adequate on defense, but he slumped at the plate, and the A’s had to release him as they embarked on a youth movement They also brought in Rajai Davis and Matt Joyce to fill two holes in the outfield. Rajai played for the pennant-winning Cleveland Indians and had a huge home run for them in gave seven of the World Series last year. Cleveland chose not to resign Davis, and he came back to Oakland. However, Rajai has not had a good year as he is batting slightly over .200. He still has speed and can cause turmoil for opposing pitchers as he demonstrated last week when he stole four bases in one game. The other veteran, Matt Joyce, also got off to a slow start. Joyce has picked up his game, but he still leaves a lot to be desired.

The A’s shocked everyone when they designated Stephen Vogt for assignment. Vogt was a team leader and one of the best guys in the game. He is now with the Milwaukee Brewers and has made several contributions to his new team.

Two other veterans having great seasons for Oakland are Yonder Alonso and Jed Lowrie. Alonso is having a career year as he is hitting for average and power and is an excellent defensive first baseman. Alonso was the only Athletic to be named to the AL All-Star team. There is speculation that Alonso will be traded as he is a free agent at the end of the year and we all know what that means in Oakland. The other veteran, Jed Lowrie, is having a comeback year after suffering a foot injury that impaired his performance last season. Lowrie is 33 years old and could be attractive to a contending team. The chances are that he will be gone by the trade deadline. Sonny Gray has also rumored to be traded as scouts from various clubs have been seen checking him at the Coliseum

The A’s Are now using Bruce Maxwell and Josh Phegley as the catching tandem. Ryon Healy is having a solid season and has been used at third, first, and as the designated hitter. Marcus Semien missed about half the season with a broken bone in his wrist, but he is off the disabled list and back in the lineup. Matt Chapman is at third, Chad Pinder, currently, on the DL, has played second base and been in right field for the A’s. Young Franklin Barreto, perhaps the second baseman of the future, can play second or short. Jaycob Brugman is in center, and Matt Olson hopes to be able to break through and rejoin the big club soon.

The A’s starting rotation has seen virtually all of the starters land on the DL at some point so far this season. Kendall Graveman, Jharel Cotton, Ryan Dull, and Andrew Triggs are on the DL now. Sean Manaea and  Sonny Gray were on the DL earlier this year. The bullpen has been relatively free of injury, but both veterans John Axford and Sean Doolittle made the DL, too. The A’s starting rotation now includes Sonny Gray, Sean Manaea, Paul Blackburn, Daniel Gossett, and Chris Smith. Manaea has been fairly consistent this season and Gray is getting back to form. A’s manager Bob Melvin has had his hands full trying to concoct a rotation that will stay healthy. The bullpen hasn’t been all that bad, but John Axford is struggling to get the job done. His velocity has not dipped, but he seems to not be able to put the ball where he wants, and he has not been able to do the job.Doolittle, Ryan Madson, Daniel Coulombe, Santiago Casilla all have more good moments that bad. Casilla is also rumored to be available to be moved.

The ugly has been the A’s defense. The A’s continue to play poorly on defense. They lead the Majors in errors and have allowed the most unearned runs by any team. They know they have to play better as sloppy fielding can wreck a pitcher’s outing. One of the cardinal rules of baseball is to not beat yourself. Making errors helps the team beat themselves. Bob Melvin and his coaching staff have to figure out ways to make the team get better fielding, and the sooner they fix the problem, the better it will be for the organization.

The A’s are currently 39-50 and are in fifth place in the AL West. It appears they are committed to the youth movement. The young guys on the roster are giving hope that the A’s are going to get better very soon shortly. They need to shore up the pitching rotation and find out why so many pitchers have gone on the DL. The second-half of the season will be the time for the youngster showcase their talents. The A’s need to get the fan base excited once more. The fans are hoping that the A’s will announce the location of the new stadium soon and that they are building a team that will be in the playoffs to fill the stadium with people.

Jerry Feitelberg is a beat writer covering the Oakland A’s for http://www.sportsradioservice.com