There are some things about the offense that I really like for example, Dejesus and Barton have the ability to hit for a good average, Suzuki could if Geren would learn how to properly manage his playing time, Crisp is a good hitter with speed and can do a lot of things on the bases, and Willingham has ok power. Some things that I do not like are Ellis batting the way that he is right now, Kouz batting and defending the way that he does right now and the serious lack of power in the lineup. If I were in charge which I clearly am not I would try and trade some of the A’s commodities to try and beef up the lineup. I would not trade Suzuki, I would rather try and trade Barton and one of our outfielders, maybe Sweeney for instance or Connor Jackson and get some decent prospects. I would bring up Chris Carter and weeks and let them learn a bit at 1st base and 2nd base heck maybe even play Landon Powell a bit at 1st base as well.

      I would be very hesitant to trade any of our pitching unless we would receive a good MLB 3rd baseman to replace Kouz. My philosophy here would be if we are going to struggle with a league bottom offense why not struggle and get some of our prospects some valuable experience at the same time and it’s not as if they could do any worse right? I also still believe that Kurt Suzuki can be an integral part of our lineup and he just needs to be managed better, I think that his struggles are more on Geren than on Suzuki. Will any of this actually happen? Probably not, but I think that if it were to happen at least we would be building our offense for the future where as right now we are playing a bunch of veterans who probably won’t be a part of the A’s in a few years. Just my thoughts what do you all think?

Opening day for me is a very special day, in fact it feels like Christmas! When I was a child my father would take me to the opening home game for the A's from about age 5 and up (I am 31 now). It was one of the rare times I could eat hot dogs, get ice cream and all sorts of goodies!!! This continued up until 1995 until after the strike. It took me about 3 years to come back to baseball games until the 1998 season, don't ask why lol, as the A's were terrible that season. There is always so much hope at the beginning of the baseball season! There is nothing else like Opening day in all of sports period! since about 2001, which is also the first year which I could legally drink beer my opening day tradition is to have my friends over watch every game on T.V barbeque it up, and compare our A's to the other teams that are on TV!

As for the A's first game itself until I moved from the Bay area in 2005 our goal was always to be one of the first ones in the stadium. We have to watch batting practice that is a must! Being there early also gave us great chances to talk with some of the players as well! I have to say that Eric Chavez was always one of the nicest, as well as Jason Giambi (and yes I have forgiven Jason for his betrayal). I was never into the whole tailgating thing although it does look like a lot of fun! My current tradition living in Portland Oregon now is to have my friends over before the A's game and we play a ritual game of softball that has been going on for the past 5 years now!!! So much fun!!! We then go to our local sports bar here and catch the A's game after our game! I also bring my laptop so I can converse with all of you as well and blow off some steam while watching the game!! Sorry I was so long winded opening day elicits a lot of memories from me. What is your Opening Day Tradition?

I am hearing from watching the Speed channel, and various publications out there that the IRL will announcemultiple Chassis options for the teams from the various designs out there. Now the first thing I thought when I heard this is how cool would that be to have many different looking race cars out there? For example, I think it would be awesome to see some Delta wing cars racing the more traditional types of indy cars. 

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First of all I wanted to say that as a fan of blogs, this bog is absolutely first class!  Every post I read on this blog is well thought out and well written, and every time I have a question as a novice to Indy racing my questions are answered promptly and accurately! I really love this site!

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     It is just fantastic to have baseball back, and our pitching looks great!  Our Offense at the moment is not so great; one could easily argue that it is the worst in baseball.  However, I do see some signs for growth, obviously with Chris Carter and Michael Taylor developing in the minors for the A’s right now.  I’ll be honest I did not get the chance to see many spring training games, and the things I heard from Michael Urban regarding Eric Chavez, were that his bat speed was gone. 

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - MARCH 27: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #2 Tide Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Kroger 250 at Martinsville Speedway on March 27, 2010 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Kevin Harvick led 187 of 250 laps Saturday at Martinsville, and there was no other way to describe his performance as outright dominant!  Harvick started on the pole with his number 2 Chevrolet Silverado for his race team KHI (Kevin Harvick Incorporated).

Harvick will also start on the pole come Monday thanks to Mother Nature raining out the race and qualifying, as Harvick looks to sweep the week!

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NextEra Energy Resources 250 Practice

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Ron Hornaday Jr., driver of the #33 Longhorn Chevrolet, stands next to his car during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)

 Doug George was named the crew chief for the 33 Chevrolet Silverado of Ron Hornaday 18 years after and epic battle for the 1992 Southwest tour in which Hornaday edged George by 3 points for the title.

"I really like Doug, he and I go way back," Hornaday said. "I raced against Doug for the 1992 Southwest Tour championship. He was always a great competitor. He's got a confidence about him that makes him likeable and a good leader."

General Manager of KHI (Kevin Harvick Incorporated) Rick Carelli, was also part of the 1992 Southwest Tour Championship as he was one of the 3 drivers who had a shot at winning the title on the final race. This move by KHI only looks to further improve a Championship caliber team, other competitors beware.

Link to Source Article

The NASCAR season officially begins today with the first points race of the big 3 series! Jason White, Elliot Sadler and Austin Dillion will lead the field to the green tonight for the NextEra Energy Resources 250. I don't know about you but I am ready for some racing. I know NASCAR has the shortest offseason of any major sport but that still feels too long for me. The green flag is expected to fly at 7:30 pm ET although it is currently raining and rain is in the forecast. Hopefully Mother Nature is a racing fan tonight!

UPDATE: The race has been postponed due to rain.  It is scheduled to be run tomorrow at 6:30 pm ET

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 10: Chrissy Wallace drives the Fuel-Doctor.com Chevrolet during practice for the NASCAR Nationwide Series DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway on February 10, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

No I am not joking I am serious!  Chrissy Wallace, daughter of Mike Wallace, plans on making her Nationwide debut Saturday the 13th in the Camping World 300 at Daytona.

The story does not end here though for the Wallace's as Chrissy's Uncle, Kenny Wallace, and cousin, Steve Wallace (son of Uncle Rusty) also plan on running the February 13th race.

Chrissy is looking to repeat her previous historic event in which she and her father Mike Wallace competed in the October 2009 event at Talladega Superspeedway. 

This could be a truly historic day as 4 members of the Wallace family will attempt to race together in the same race.

Chrissy also plans on running a partial Camping World Truck Series schedule in the no.6 EZ-SLIDER truck for Rick Ware Racing that she will share with Donnie Neuenberger.

Chrissy Wallace will attempt to qualify the no. 41 Chevrolet sponsored by Fuel-Doctor.com

Kenny will attempt to qualify the no. 28 Chevrolet sponsored by Blue Ox

Steve Wallace will attempt to qualify the no. 66 Toyota sponsored by 5-Hour Energy

Mike Wallace will attempt qualify the no. 01 Chevrolet sponsored by Kendrick Meek for Florida 

For more info on this please go here:  Link to article

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Austin Dilon drives the #3 Bass Pro Shops Cheverolet during practice for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)

The number 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet Silverado Camping World Truck piloted by Austin Dilon was on the track qualifying for the February 12th Daytona race to open the NASCAR season!

This is not the first time the number 3 Chevrolet Silverado has been on the track since the passing Dale Earnhardt, the truck was in a few events last season. 

I don't know about you, but everytime I see any race vehicle with the number 3 on it I get chills and a lump in my throat.

One of the greatest race car drivers in history and the greatest NASCAR driver ever will forever be linked to this great number! 

Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR

Ron Hornaday Jr. in the Copart 200  via nascar-assets.americaneagle.com.

In an official release, NASCAR has reduced the number of weekly locked in trucks from 30 to 25.  Beginning on February 12, the top 25 drivers will be locked into the race based upon 2009 owner points, 10 other drivers will have a chance to make the race via qualifying, and the 36th and final spot will be reserved for a past champion, if there is no past champion then it will be the next fastest qualifier.

This will be a departure from a 5 year rule where the top 30 drivers are locked into each week’s race.  This move was made by NASCAR to strengthen the field and ensure the best trucks are on the race track as there were only 25 teams who raced in all 25 races in 2009.  

It will also make it easier for new teams to make the races.

Here is the official press release:

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 1, 2010) – NASCAR will revise its five-year-old procedure governing guaranteed starting positions for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2010. The revision will open up additional spots in the line-up for teams qualifying via time trials.

            Under the procedure implemented in 2005, the top 30 eligible owners’ trucks were locked into the starting lineup and guaranteed a spot among the top 35 positions in the 36-truck field. Beginning with the Feb. 12 NextEra Energy 250 at Daytona International Speedway, the "lock-in" will be reduced to the top 25 eligible owners who have entered the event based upon 2009 Owner Championship point standings.

            The 36th and final position continues to be reserved for a past champion not otherwise qualified for the race. If no past champion is eligible, the position is filled by the next fastest qualifier.

            The reduction in guaranteed starting positions brings the series in line percentage-wise with the NASCAR Nationwide Series, which guarantees a top 30 eligible owner’s car a position among 42 of 43 starting spots.

            Twenty-five teams competed in all 25 races in 2009 and are thus eligible for guaranteed starting positions for the season’s first four races. Eligibility for the lock-in is set by 2010 Owner Championship points for the remainder of the season.

            "All owners who would have been locked in under the previous procedure will have guaranteed starting positions at Daytona and for three additional races," said NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Director Wayne Auton. "Teams which saw limited competition in 2009 or are new to the series will have greater opportunity to qualify for races than they might have had in the past – especially at short tracks such as Martinsville Speedway – where drivers who may not have a great deal of experience at the national series level are attempting to further their careers."

            Red Horse Racing owner Tom DeLoach praised the move. DeLoach has a pair of teams locked into the field and the possibility of another with a rookie driver with zero points and no NASCAR experience.

            "This is the thing to do," said DeLoach. "If I’m starting a team moving from five (open positions) to 10 you’ve doubled my chances. It’s absolutely the right thing to do. Let’s get out there and race.

            "It strengthens the field and it should work well for the fans and the teams."

            The revised procedure does not affect races in which qualifying is canceled. Starting fields in such instances are based upon a separate procedure dictated by the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rule Book.

O.K. I will admit my excitement for the A's right now on a scale from 1 to 10 would be about a 59, so perhaps I am way to optimistic however, I can really see this team winning the AL West! We really have some fantastic young talent on our baseball team along now with the miraculous resigning of Duke, and the surprising signing of Sheets by far the best free agent pitcher available! The only real need this team has is some power.

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In an Official release by NASCAR today it was announced that the Camping World Truck series will return to Darlington for the first time since 2004!  The "Too Tough To Tame 200" on August 14th will replace an event at the Milwaukee Mile.

Darlington Raceway president Chris Browning said, "Our fans have asked us to bring back the Truck Series because Darlington is a perfect fit for the tough racing the series offers".

One of NASCAR's oldest tracks is coming back to one of NASCAR's top series which is always a good combination!

Link  nascar.com

Per Raygan Swan’s article on NASCAR.COM twins Angela and Amber Cope, nieces of 1990 Daytona 500 winner Derrike Cope and beauty school graduates will share a truck owned by their uncle in the Camping World Truck Series.

Photo from Twin Motorsports Racing.

Many things appear to be changing in NASCAR, Danica Patrick will run a limited schedule in the Nationwide Series for JR Motorsports, the Nationwide series will also be premiering their new COT in 2010 and the Sprint Cup Series appears to be switching to the rear spoiler sometime after march this season.  What does this mean for the future landscape of the Sport, and how will it affect the racing?  At first it might appear as if NASCAR is simply trotting out some sex appeal however, once one looks a bit deeper it will become clear that these sisters are true racers who have been racing since the age of 9.  In fact 5 years ago the duo moved from their home state of Washington to North Carolina to get their NASCAR careers in high gear.

            Will the duo along with Danica Patrick help integrate Women into a larger role in the Sport?  If looks could win Championships the Duo would be a lock!  Talent is talent, whether it is male, female, purple, blue or white.  NASCAR fans should celebrate this diversity as it can only help to improve the best racing in the world!

I know the off-season is not over yet, but I am just curious to know how the A's plan to hit for power this year. We don't really have any power hitters on our team, where are we going to get them from? I may just be uninformed on the A's prospects that they plan on using this year hopefully someone here has more insight than I do.

Thanks... Go A's!!!

I have been really down on the A's for obvious reasons, so I am trying to look on the bright side of things now and find something to root for.  This team is so old, (at least on the infield) and has so many holes that I am not really sure who is going to be here for the long term ( who knows with the A's).  The only guys I can think of right now are Sweeney, Buck perhaps Cust in the outfield.  We have nothing on the infiled right now at least on the A's 25 man roster maybe that weeks kid in the minors.

Pitching wise who knows I thought it would be Cahill, Anderson and Gio, and possibly Gallagher they have all looked like trash this year although Cahill has had his moments when he is not walking every batter.  Andrew Bailey has been a bright spot, however I am concerned that moron Geren will pitch him until his arm falls off.

I forgot Suzuki, not cool Suzuki IMO is by far the A's best player; he is awesome, so I guess we have one player on the infield!

I don't know how many good options we really have, because our best players are mostly left handed hitters.  Here is what I would for the time being, you can tell me if you think I am an idiot.  First off I would bench Chavy right now against LHP until he gets it going and put Crosby in for him.  I debated wheter or not I would bench Sweeney, I decided to keep him and move Cust  to DH for the time being and put Buck in, because Buck will hit to the opposite field.  Next I would put Nomah in for G, which would give G some much needed rest.  Thats what I would like to see tested, to see if the A's can get something going.  The nice thing about this would be once the starer is out of the game (if with the A's)  Chavy and G could be put back in.

So here is how my lineup would look against LHP

1. Sweeney

2. OC

3. Holliday

4. Nomah

5. Cust (DH)

6. Suzuki

7. Ellis

8.  Buck

9.  Crosby

I have to be honest, I am an A's fan and I have taken pleasure out of seeing Zito struggle with the Giants because I was angry he left the A's.  The numbers do not show it but Zito stuff looks nearly as good as it did his CY young year, his velocity is not all the way back but it is night and day from last season.  In about 2 starts I have a feeling Zito will start throwing up quality starts regularly

I am curious what everyone is thinking about the A's starting rotation?  I like the young talent that the A's have, however I am very concerned when Dallas Braden will most likely be our opening day starter.  I do like what Sean Gallagher and Dana Eveland do for the most part, I do not like that they walk a ton of batters.  It does not seem as if our young studs are ready right now, so what would do all of you want the A's to do?  And I did not forget about Gio and Duke, I have a hard time counting on Duke when he gets hurt all the time and Gio obviously is still learning; both are injured right now.

I was wondering what everyone thinks we need to have a shot at the division next year.  I was thinking a little more starting pitcing but I don't think there are any good starters left on the market.  I think that our bullpen will be ok are offense should be good if they stay healthy and that is a big IF with Chavez who can never stay healthy recently.  Adam Dunn would be a nice add to the team but I just cannot see that really happening.  The starting roataion is weak at best with Gallagher, Dallas braden, Gio Gonzalez, and Eveland . I guess Gallagher and Eveland have decent arms so maybe they are serviceable I know Duke will be good but will he stay healthy?

So for 7 long years I have HATED Jason Giambi.  When he left the A's I was heart broken, I felt as if I had I had been dumped.  I remember going to as many A's games as I could back in 2000 to get him into the All Star game as I am sure many others on this site did as well.  When he came back in 2002 I booed him as hard as I could as soon as he got on the field as did the rest of the stadium.  When I saw him yesterday at that press conference I wanted to still be mad at him but I couldn't, I had a smile on my face the entire conference.  I am not all the way back to how I felt about Giambi and I am sure I never will be but I have moved past it and I am ready to see what he can do for us.  It almost feels like 2001 again, obviously that A's team was much better but I have that same optimism back again.

Go A's!!!

At the very beginning of the season I would have said Car Gon, T Buck and I really did not have an idea who would be the third guy maybe Deorfia maybe not.  I have been shocked to see Travis Buck struggle as much as he did this season I hope it was due to injuries.  Now it is pretty clear to me at least that Ryan Sweeney and Car Gon are poised to become strongholds out there.  Who the third guy is I am not so sure I would like to see Travis Buck be that guy but after his struggles this season who knows if he will be that guy.  I would like to see maybe a little more power from that position.  Taking a look at our minor league teams it doesn't seem like we have much power in the OF waiting to come up.  Anyway those are just my thoughts I was curious to see what everyone here thinks about or future in the OF.

Thanks

For the last four years or so I have put hope in Rich harden that he will be the Dominant pitcher that he is so capable of being, which is hard when he is on the disabled list after every other start.  However, it almost appears that Harden has turned the corner on his injury problem which is what my heart wants to think.  My head on the other hand will not allow me to let my guard down with Rich and it is telling me that this extended period of health for Rich is a fluke and the past four seasons is really the norm for him.  I know this post is nothing fresh or new and I am pretty sure that the vast majority of AN users share my feelings I just wanted to see if anyone had any knowledge of Harden training differently or the A's new medical staff figuring something out with Rich that will allow him to stay healthy and dominate for the A's.