How many wins will it take for the A’s to make the playoffs?

My prediction? I’m guessing 98 wins to get into post-season.

Seattle gets to 98 by going 26-18 (.591) the rest of the way; they are currently 72-46 (.610) for the season. After facing the twin tyrants of the East, the seafarers schedule mirrors the A’s the rest of the way.

The red suited Halos are 70-48 (.593), which puts them on pace for a club record 96 wins. 28-16(.636) coming home gets them to 98. After a horrid start, the Angels have won 63 of 97 (.650). The Angels play the AL East for the rest of August, including 6 on the road with Boston & NY, and 6 with the lowly flat fish – the TB D-Rays. If they play everyone else to form, I think their season will turn on how well they handle the much-improved Orioles in a 6 game home and away, 3 weeks down the road.

The BoSox are 68-48 (.586) and play the toughest schedule down the stretch of the contenders. They are on 95 win pace, and although they are much improved personnel-wise, I don’t see a compelling reason for them to reverse their laggard late-season legacy.

After stranding T Long’s 9th inning leadoff triple last night, the A’s are 68-51 (.571). The A’s need a hot streak of June proportions to snag a seat at the post-season party. The green and gold has the best record in the AL since 5/24, 48-24 (.667) – that includes an incredible 12-0 mark against the NL Central.

I think the A’s need to go 12-4, (now 12-3), during this stretch against the lesser lights. To do it, they will have to be road warriors, as 17 of 22 will be on the road after this home stand. The A’s then finish against the Twins and the AL West – teams that have given the Elephant Herd trouble. 17-11 in September leaves the Athletics with 97 wins. Just outside the money. The A’s have 6 with Seattle and 8 with the Angels left. If they can repeat their September heroics of the past 2 years, the A’s may yet have a shot to fulfill every A’s fans fantasy – sending Jason home early.

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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 →]

Carlos Pena. Franklyn German. A player to be named. For Jeff “Dream” Weaver and cash.

Weaver. For Ted Lilly, Jason Arnold, and John Ford-Griffin.

Was it worth it? For the meantime, yes. In the long run, who knows?

Click Read more and I’ll tell you why.

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Ryan Gives us another unique look at the Giants and the A’s in his Voice of the Fan article.

Is Dusty a genius? How about the Twins? Can the A’s cool off the AL Central leaders? Will this be the week from hell for the Giants pitching staff?

Ryan answers all your questions and poses some you might not have considered in his entertaining article.

Just click “read more” and find the answers. [Read more →]

One of the things I enjoy about having this site is the opportunity the site gives the fans to state their views on the game of baseball.

When you click on “read more” you will find another perspective on steroid use by some of the major stars in the game.

The author is Tisha, who collaborated with “The Kritic.”

Click “read more” and tell the authors what you think. [Read more →]

The Barry Bonds – Jeff Kent pushing match spawned the following commentary from one of our faithful readers on the future of these two ball players.

Just click “Read more” for a very thoughtful and well analyzed article on who is at fault, who should stay, and how Dusty Baker fits into this sordid tale of two baseball players who just flat out can’t stand each other.

Is there a trade in the works?

Read on. [Read more →]

As you look at the A.L. West standing in the second week of June, you find that the A’s are back into contention–6 games behind Seattle.

What a difference a year makes! At this point last year, the A’s were 18 games out of the blazing Mariners and trying to detrmine whether they will be sellers or buyers down the stretch run.

But, here’s my intrigue; With all of the predictions regarding the A’s before the year began and now you look at the individual stats and circumstances involving each A’s player, how can this team still be in contention?

Here’s what I think.
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With the recent downward surge of the A’s into the cellar of the American League West, you can point blame at every aspect of the team. The struggling offense has yet to pull of a string of hits to get any sort of offensive rally, while the starting pitching has allowed opposing teams to get monstrous offensive innings and never look back. [Read more →]

By Kathleen McGillicuddy Kelly

I was invited and honored to throw out the first pitch for the AZ Diamondback-Montreal Expo game at Bank One Ballpark on May 5, 2002. It was an exciting experience and I am happy to report, (after practicing with neighborhood children and against my backyard wall) I threw the ball across the plate to the cheers of my family and friends. [Read more →]

Great athletes make it look easy. When you watch Barry Bonds swing a bat, it looks like anybody could do the same thing. What truly seperates the good from the great is not so much talent, but a work ethic and a dedication to pursue one’s career with a single-mindedness.

It’s as true in baseball as it is in any way of life. You can be as talented as anybody, but when you don’t apply yourself, that talent is wasted. [Read more →]