I have said many times over that for the Athletics to win the AL West and unseat one of the soundest teams in the American League, they must get help.

For the road to the championship on the left coast goes directly through the beautiful Emerald City of Seattle.

Tonight the Angels get their first chance to put up or shut up, to show their three month run is not a fluke but the real deal.

The Angels first game hopes rest squarely on the shoulders of Ramon Ortiz, a pitcher they told to grow up when he pouted on the mound last Sunday in Kansas City.

With all that in mind, here’s what I think. [Read more →]

If you watched highlights of the Indians and Twins game in Cleveland, I’m certain you saw Torri Hunter get hit by a pitch in the ribs. If you followed the season series with those two teams, you know that they have a history of dislike.

(I took a different position in my Daily Dish. AL pitchers get away with this all the time. Marty Lurie)
[Read more →]

The Angels are a very aggresive hitting team, they teed off on Tim Hudson last night. Tino Martinez suffered the fate of many batters when he was late on the fastball, hitting into a game ending double play with the bases loaded against Robb Nen.

Result: Angels strike the first blow in the series against the A’s, while the Giants get the road trip off to a good start in St. Louis.

Today poses new challenges all over baseball. Let’s take a look. [Read more →]

By Amaury Pi-González

Esteban Bellán, born in Cuba was the first

ever baseball player from Latinamerica

to play in the United States.

Presently in Major League Baseball

30 percent of all the players are

Latinos. In the minor leagues the

percentage is even greater.

But it wasn’t like that until 1950. [Read more →]

Marty Lurie here on Right Off the Bat today with Eric Gagne of the Los Angeles Dodgers, now a closer in baseball. That is a rare bird, and it takes a real professional to get the job done. This year you’re the closer for the LA Dodgers. [Read more →]

Most of you have probably heard the recent story regarding some Detroit Tigers players and a flight attendant. Here is what I think of this …..

ChiefWahoo104 is a passionate baseball fan. I appreciate his input, however I respectfully point out that until witnesses testify under oath, the facts alleged in a complaint are considered allegations. (Marty Lurie)

Please read on.

[Read more →]

I always say watching a baseball season develop is similar to reading a good book. Every single day is another story. Everyday is another chapter in a story that is just impossible to predict what will happen on a day to day basis.

More of the same today. The Giants fly to St.Louis, the Yankees face the Tigers in Detroit, the Angels are in Oakland, the Mariners head to Texas, and the Mets try to pass the Expos in Canada.

Here are my thoughts on today’s games [Read more →]

The outcome of Monday’s games certainly tightened up the Wild Card races as well as setting the stage for more surprises today.

The Yankees, suddenly looking vulnerable late in the game face Toronto, while Boston tries to right the ship against a knuckleballer Steve Sparks in Detroit.

Randy Johnson needs to win, what else is new, to snap an Arizona losing streak and Jon Leiber hopes he can fool the Braves for the second time in a week.

The A’s throw another lefty at the Devil Rays and Baltimore tries to beat one of the best righties in the league, Joel Pineiro.

Here’s what I think today. [Read more →]

If you know anything about the Cleveland Indians, or have been following them this year, you know that they have struggled severly. After starting out the season with a great 11-1 start, the Indians have fallen to 41-49, and in 3rd place in the AL Central; 10.5 games back of the Minnesota Twins.

Adam Bennett gives his reasons why the Indians are still a threat to win the Central. Just click below to read his well thought out article. (Marty Lurie) [Read more →]

Wayne Hagin has the distinction of announcing both A’s and Giants games during the 80’s in the Bay Area. Hagin broke in with Bill King and Lon Simmons on the A’s broadcast. Hagin is my guest on Right Off The Bat Tuesday at 3:00 PM Pacific right here on loveofthegameproductions.com, the A’s web site, and KFRC 610 AM in Northern California. [Read more →]