It hurts

That's all I've got to say for now. It hurts.

I know nothing can match what my brother felt after witnessing the 1986 debacle first-hand, as a 10 year old filled with dreams of World Series glory. Yet at the same time, this was expected--though it's sure going to be a shame when we sweep over the weekend! At least we can show those A's who the real AL West Champions are!

Topsy-Turvy Ride

The Halosphere has been subjected to quite a rollercoaster ride the past week. At one extreme, nearly everyone was ready to call the season and start debating about the offseason--and then suddenly, the Angels took two from the A's at the Coliseum and prevented the erstwhile Athletics from clinching the division on their home soil. The Disciples of the Rally Monkey were merely glad that the club had shown some backbone and refused to bend over in Oakland, but smug satisfaction gave way to a distant hope. Last night, the Halos womped on the Rangers thanks to a jack from Figgy and pair by Vladdy, and in an even more miraculous event, Huston Street blew a three-run save to the Mariners, keeping the A's magic number at two.

What's going to happen? Who knows. The margin for error is almost non-existent. The instant that the Halos drop a game and the A's pick one up, the season is over.

I'm also posting to let you know we're still alive here. My partner (AAW) and I have just started classes so things have been a bit hectic as of late. Hopefully as we settle in, we'll get a chance to yak it up here.

My last game of the season

I had the good fortune to attend the series opener against the O's, my last of the season since I get shipped off to start the school year tomorrow. Some observations:

1. For wanting to bench him, AK seems intent on trying to make a case for retention next season. He was 2-3 tonight and had the game-winning RBI. His defense was also solid.

2. Frankie is awesome. I was worried that after having pitched the last two games, his fatigue would show on the mound. Instead, Frankie gave one of his most solid and stable performances, only allowing O's star Miguel Tejada a hit. On a side note, Tejada would be pretty sweet at 3B if he's willing to play there.

3. Why was the attendance so low? I would have thought that, it being Labor Day and all, people would have taken the opportunity to come out and see a ball game. I guess everyone is hanging out elsewhere, somewhere outside the Southland?

4. To refer back to number 1, a caller on Angels Talk said that he disagreed with those who want Kennedy's tenure with the Angels to end this year. Terry Smith mentioned that during an interview in Detroit, skipper Mike Scioscia hinted that Howie Kendrick's performance at 1B this year indicates that he has some "versatility." If that translates into "let's keep Kennedy at the two-sack and put Kendrick at first," then I disagree wholehartedly. This team sorely needs offense production, and Howie is the real deal. If Kennedy doesn't mind taking a bench role and taking the minimum salary, I say keep him on the team--but if he takes starts away from Howiewood, hell no.

5. We need better corner infielders. Maicer Izturis has been a pleasant surprise this year, but he simply does not have the offensive abilities to justify his status as an everyday starter. The outfield is set--Juan Rivera should play everyday (hint, Scioscia, do not play GA there!) at left and Vladdy is Vladdy. Figgy, though hitting a bit of a slump this year, has justified to me his place at center field. He is capable of making amazing defensive plays, and he is still a menace on the base paths--his problem is that he needs to get on base more often to take advantage of it.