ESPN provided a comforting statistic for A’s supporters the other night.

Since division play began in 1969 there have been 90 teams that have entered September with leads of 4 ½ games or more. Of those teams only the ’69 Cubs, the ’78 Red Sox, and the ’95 Angels failed to make it to the post season.

Assuming the A’s don’t turn into pumpkins in September their most likely opponent will come from the AL Central. Who would be their most favorable first round opponent?

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Sept 1st is just around the corner. It’s the time of year the “pros” take over in baseball.

Baseball players who carry their teams through the most meaningful games of the pennant race are immortalized in the games history.

The AL West has turned into a two-team race between the A’s and the Angels.

How many wins will it take to nail down the title?

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The game of baseball has changed over the years. In today’s game you rarely find a starting pitcher who averages seven innings per start.

Roy Halladay is my choice for AL Cy Young. Halladay not only leads the league in wins, but he and Arizona’s Brandon Webb are the only starters in all of baseball averaging at least seven innings every time they take the ball.

The Tigers starting pitchers lead the AL in ERA. Detroit’s relievers are second to the Twins staff in ERA. With that combination, barring a total collapse in September the Tigers are in the playoffs this fall.

Joel Zumaya is the most valuable pitcher on the Detroit staff. The 21 year old throws 100 mph. In the playoffs a game can turn on one pitch in the late innings. Zumaya will throw that pitch for the Tigers.

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With seven weeks to go in the baseball season it’s easy to get giddy if your team is in first place or crestfallen if your favorite nine is trailing the leaders.

The baseball season is a marathon race with many twists and turns ahead.

Take a look at the A’s schedule in September and you quickly see why “the stretch” drive will be a real test for Oakland.

Road trips to Tampa Bay (they actually win at home), Minnesota (one of the best home records in the majors), Seattle and Anaheim pose a serious challenge.

At home the A’s face the White Sox, Texas, and Angels along with the Orioles and Indians.

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Barry Zito might be the toughest to replace of all the free agents who have left the A’s over the years.

When Zito is on he pitches with great confidence

You can see that look on Zito’s face every time he faces a team in the AL West. Zito pitches against the divison like they are little leaguers. Zito is 40-13 lifetime vs. the West.

The Mariners haven’t hit Zito in years. The Rangers are Zito’s cousins. The Angels consistently flail harmlessly at Zito’s offerings.

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As the clock ticks closer to the July 31st trading deadline certain questions come to mind for virtually every team in the league.

Do we need to shake up the team? Are we in the race? Are we trying to load up for the postseason? Are we gearing up for next year?

Normally I don’t like to get bogged down in statistics, but there is one that I feel accurately gives guidance when weighing those questions.

Runs scored minus runs given up.

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With all the wheeling and dealing expected to take place over the next week by teams in serious playoff contention, the key to getting to play October baseball lies not with the flashy new additions, but with the players remaining on the team.

No matter how the A’s add to their line up the most important hitters during the final two months are Mark Ellis, Frank Thomas, Nick Swisher, Eric Chavez, and Bobby Crosby.

Without significant improvements from Ellis, Crosby, and Chavez the A’s will find it very difficult to win the West.

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Is an All Star team made up of this year’s A’s and Giants capable of winning the World Series?

Before I answer the question these are the ingredients I am looking for in my team.

Two dominating starting pitchers who can pitch effectively through the end of October.

Three hitters having career seasons.

Speed at the top of the line up.

A four man ‘pen including a closer who is lights out.

A defense that makes all the routine plays plus an occasional great one.

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Batter Up July 16th, 2006

Perhaps the most exciting time during the regular baseball season occurs around the all star break when the contenders contemplate which trades might improve their clubs.

With the long summer ahead pitching becomes a priority. Without a deep bullpen and reliable starting pitching the road to October becomes very precarious.

The AL West is such a close race that one or two key players will tip the balance.

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Batter Up July 9th, 2006

With the all star break looming after today’s games let’s take a look at the top performers in the major leagues this season.

If their first half performances stay on course for the rest of the season these players should garner their league’s postseason awards.

AL MVP: The White Sox are the best team in the AL notwithstanding the distractions of their manager Ozzie Guillen. The best player on the Sox is firstbaseman Jim Thome with former Athletic Jermaine Dye a close second.

If the Red Sox hold on in the AL East David Ortiz will be the reason the BoSox send the Yankees home in October.

Pudge Rodriguez is the MVP of the Tigers. Manager Jim Leyland has done wonders with the moody Rodriguez.

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By the way just got home from the all star game. Excellent baseball. PNC Park is a pleasure. The Roberto Clemente tributes were very moving. Interviewed Chuck Tanner and the original Frank Thomas, a power hitter from the 50’s….. Marty [Read more →]