As Dayn Perry discusses the Quarter-pole measure of teams, it's wonderful to see the A's being recognized in two categories:

AL Rookie of the Year: Greg Smith

AL Manager of the Year: Bob Geren

Though I'm not sure what metrics are being used to rank Geren. Is accurate to give him the credit for actual team building?  He's the one who is stuck with the payroll responsibilities? 

Maybe this is just reflective of ongoing "ignorance" of the sports writers.

But Greg Smith is my new Fantasy player!

Okay, maybe not respect (yet), but at least some acknowledgement! 

ESPN - using their special formula of ranking teams, Oakland finally moved to the number one spot of their Power Rankings. 

I get kinda tired about hearing about our rebuilding years and our "virtually unknown" players.  Go watch the Giants, their stats are more reflective of a rebuilding effort.

As Vlae Kerschner of the Chronicle notes, that acknowledgement might just have Oakland mentioned in the first 20 minutes of SportsCenter! 

On another note, sometimes SportsCenter is the only way to see any A's action. 

Is it true that this year, Oakland Athletics has the lowest number of televised games televised?

With our need for a Big Stick, magine the Possibilities with Bonds:

Barry Bond's Proposed Salary:  $10 million
Number of RBI's: 90 (average over last 7 years)
OBP: .732 (average over last 7 years)
Crowd Participation: 100%

Increase in game attendance and media coverage:  Priceless

For everything else, there's Billy's MasterCard

For us die-hard fans and season ticket holders, it's great that the ALDS is a sell-out performance.

But Standing Room Only?

Is this fair to all attendees?

And where is Standing Room Only?  Near the bleachers or behind the field level sections.  I've seen it in other parks but I'm having trouble picturing this in Oakland.

Should they (can they?) open the top level?  

Seems silly and a waste of good seating only to have people standing around.

You know, it's frustrating to read - or as the case may be - not to read - much about the A's in any sport publications.  It's even more upsetting to read the local papers and see so much emphasis on the Giants.  HELLO?  Aren't they in last place?

As a frequent business traveler, I read most national rags and some local ones.  I also stay in touch with the sports world by using FOX and ESPN websites. But why is Oakland rarely mentioned?  In the rare event I hear or read about the A's in an article or on Sports Center, it's in conjunction with how crappy the AL West Division is.  No positive comments about our achievements and hardly any highlights.

Maybe it's the lack of showboat players.  Maybe it's our subtle way of winning.  The A's should be acknowledged for their ability to win as a team.  Other teams focus on a few select players - and so does the sports world of commentators.  Does our culture not appreciate team-playing?  Why can't they highlight that part of competitive sports?  We win because of multiple player efforts.  Period.

I love talking baseball with strangers on the plane, train, or corporate office...But I feel I am on a lone campaign to enlighten others to the merits of the A's. I guess this isn't new, but it doesn't appear that the A's do not get the respect they deserve.