And are players in general fans of the team they play for?  I think they probably were back in the day but a lot has changed in the game.  Maybe it was free agency.  Maybe it was inevitable but now it is just a business…a job.  Players still have fun.  You see it during batting practice (Braden shagging balls is always hilarious) or in other candid moments but there does not seem to be as much loyalty to the team.  I see this especially with the A’s.

Let me explain.  First off, I am an NRAF.  You probably do not see this as much in Oakland where most fans are (usually) A’s fans.  I live in Southern California so most of my chances to see the A’s are in Anaheim.  I will take my boys on a roadie or two a year to Oakland and maybe somewhere else but most games we watch are in Anaheim…and we catch pretty much every game except a few that conflict with little league.

We have been to dozens of games over the past few years and almost always get there when the gates open so that we can get right on the rail by one of the foul poles (this is the only place they allow fans to come down close to the field for bp in Anaheim) and try to land a ball.  Two hours before the game, the Angels are usually finishing up bp and the occasional ball fielded by a pitcher near us is tossed up to an Angel fan…which is expected.

Then the A’s take bp and this is where I recently started questioning their fandom.  We are always right on the rail in front of everyone for the entire bp session.  We are three of the very few, sometimes the only ones, in green and gold…among a sea of red.  I am pretty sure we stick out.  For some reason, however, we very rarely get tossed a ball from the pitchers shagging fly balls.  Time and time again I see A’s players walking balls over to Angel fans.  Sometimes they look right at us or walk right by us.  Are they trying to make friends in enemy territory?  I do not think my kids are too old to be tossed a ball. They are 6 and 12.  And I have been taking my older one since he was a toddler and this has been happening since then.  I thought it was just a fluke.  Or maybe my boys are not aggressive enough.  I try to teach them to be respectful and polite.  BBG can vouch for me – they are good kids.  They don’t yell, ‘Ball! Ball! Ball!’ at the players or get upset when they don’t get a ball. They know the players names.  When the pitchers shag balls and look to the crowd, my kids look their way and shout their name.

This thought never crossed my mind before but after years of going to dozens of games and watching well over a 100 hours of bp and seeing hundreds of balls handed to Angel fans while we have secured a handful, it hit me.  Most of these players do not care that we are A’s fans.  Why should they.  They are probably not A’s fans themselves.  Most just happened to be drafted or traded to the A’s.

I know this sounds bitter.  It probably is.  But after so many games, it just kept seeming more and more odd to me.  Angel fans think the same.  At every bp, at least one Angel fan says to me, ‘Why aren’t they giving a ball to you guys?’  ‘If they are going to flip a ball to anyone, it should be you guys.’  Sometimes they even try to help out by yelling out to the players ‘there are A’s fans right here!’ (this is usually after they have already secured a ball for themselves but appreciated nonetheless)

Angel players toss bp balls to Angel fans 100% of the time which I have observed and which I expect.  I am not sure how this works in Oakland…when I am there, I usually skip chasing the bp balls and take my boys behind the dugout to try to score autographs.

I do not think players are jerks.  Some might be but there are plenty of nice ones out there – Ziggy, Kouz, Gio.  I just don’t think most feel a loyalty to their team’s fans over other fans.  I do not think they themselves are necessarily fans of their team,

So am I crazy?  Is it just bad luck?

Do you think most A’s players have loyalty to A’s fans?

A’s pitchers:  If you happen to read this, help some die-hard A’s fans out.  We are there for pretty much every A’s game in Anaheim.  When you are shagging balls and looking to toss one to a fan, you can’t miss us.  We are the three in green and gold who are front and center at the rail…right in front of you.  The kids might not be the loudest or aggressive but they are your biggest fans.

To finish the line, I’m (not) leaving today…but actually Wednesday.

Sorry, I could not meet some new fellow ANers at AN Day 5 Saturday but I planned a New York trip with my son and the two trips would have been too much, too close.  I will have to try to keep my even year AN Day streak alive next year – went to AN 2 and 4 with my son.

Now for the help part.  I have never been to New York.  I know there are many on AN who live in or near New York…and many more who have attended games at Yankee Stadium.

Current itinerary:

• We are flying into Long Island Wednesday the 16th and staying in a hotel near the airport.
• We are then staying in Secaucus, NJ Thursday through Monday the 21st.  My understanding is that the trip from Secaucus to Times Square is just a quick bus ride.  And I have been told that you can pretty much get to anywhere from Grand Central Station.
• Thursday will probably be Empire State Building.
• Friday: Ellis Island booked.
• Saturday: Game and Monument Park.  Tickets already bought for the game.
• Sunday: Probably another game.
• Monday: Thinking of taking the train to Baltimore for a game (only other East coast team playing at home while we are in NY)

I am also going to squeeze in the Natural History museum either Thursday or Monday.

I have purposely not prepaid for much just in case this trip was not going to happen for whatever reason, only purchasing the game tickets and Ellis Island.  I did not want to miss out on those by waiting but everything else is refundable or I can safely purchase once in NY.

So any tips AN?

Anything else I need to do?

Any traveling tips to any of the locations listed above?   Someone suggested I could catch a bus or something to the Bronx from Grand Central Station.  Someone else said I should take the subway because of traffic.

Tips for the game?  I saw on the Yankees site that Monument Park opens when the gates open (two hours before the game) and closes 45 minutes before game time.  Also, can’t get in with bleacher tickets.  Anything else I need to know to get into Monument Park?

Autographs?  I figure we will miss bp if we are visiting Monument Park which is why I am thinking we may catch Sunday’s game too.  Where are when are the best times and places to try for autographs.

Anything else I need to know?  Thanks in advance!

Any help is appreciated and I would be happy to reciprocate for those visiting SoCal for the A’s-Angels.

Coming in a couple weeks...request for Sacramento tips.  Been there once for work and going again in early August.  Planning on catching my first Rivercats game.

I think I have a new player to add to my favorites...and I KNOW my son does.

We went to the Angel game Friday with the Angel fan brother-in-law and his kid and made it in time for BP.  Our seats were right next to the bullpen entrance by the left foul pole.

A’s pitchers were shagging balls and occasionally lobbing them into the stands.  Witasick and Gaudin were parked in left field.  Gaudin stood out because he actually looked like he was having fun.  I know he is practically a rookie and I understand why most players tune out the fans (especially in enemy territory) but it is refreshing nonetheless to see a player enjoying himself out on the field.
We were actually able to get Chad’s attention amongst a see of red and he came over to toss my son a ball.  Unfortunately, a little Angel fan stuck out his glove and snagged the ball.  Not to fear, after the next ball was hit to left, Chad went and retrieved the ball, came over and handed the ball to my son.  Very nice gesture AND that ended up being the last ball hit in BP.

Oh yeah, AN was represented Friday in Anaheim as I ran into Amnesiac727.

Continue reading this post »

Work has been kicking my ass past couple/few weeks so my AN time has been cut back more than any time I remember in the past couple years - only been able to skim through a few diaries every few days.

I have a few things I wanted to put in a diary so I saved them all up and put them into one - from Spring Training, to little league to Dirtbags to Extra Innings.  Without further ado...

Continue reading this post »

So yesterday I am in the Walmart garden center with my wife and two sons waiting to purchase a bicycle for my daughter...as well as a bunch of other stuff I do not need.

I look behind me and see an A's cap.  I ask my older son if he sees it - he is turning into a huge A's fan.  While it is not uncommon to see other A's fans in SoCal, it is still nice to run into one nonetheless.

I say to the A's fan behind me, `Still up 5 ½,'
Now, I am not the most social person in the world, however it sure helps when there are common interests involved - baseball...and the A's.
We talked about where we grew up - he in Livermore and me in San Jose.

I mentioned that I have be lucky enough to attend quite a few games this year - just about every game in Anaheim, a game at Petco, a game in Seattle a few weeks back with my son, and a few games in Oakland when on business.  

I can see his eyes light up, `I miss going to games in Oakland,' he says.

I mention in the last series that I was fortunate enough to get to sit with the drummers in the left field bleachers (thanks again Saint and Duke).  I told him it was one of my best experiences ever at a game in Oakland.  It is so nice to be able to talk to someone in person who knows what I am talking about.

I ask if he is going to any games in the final series in Anaheim.  I said I had tickets to Friday and Saturday.  He had tickets to all four.

Well, before I knew it, 10 minutes, a line of about 10 people, and a lot of A's discussion had passed.  We paid for our purchases and headed off in our separate directions...but with the same team in our thoughts.

My wife said it was nice that I had an A's fan in line to talk to.  Yeah, it was.

The only thing I forgot to ask was if he knew about AN....or if he was a member.  Maybe I will see Dude at SoCal AN Day.

<goes to check FormerHuntsvilleStars's map site for ANers who grew up in Livermore and now reside in Huntington Beach>

So, a lot of you may be thinking, `So what, you talked A's baseball with another fan.'  Well, I guess it is just the realization that most of my A's discussion is online.  Most of the time I talk baseball with live people is with Angel fans.  It was nice to have a discussion with one of my own.
Then again, maybe a lot of you do know what I am talking about.  Quite a few of us `ANers' are not in the Bay Area...but our hearts are...with the A's.

Open for all who wish to join.

Getting ready to bbq some chicken.  Drinking some hef and feeling pretty good.  Weather is great.  The Angel-fan in-laws are over and the Halos have already lost.  Going into the game 4 up looking towards 4 ½.  Hey, if anyone has any nice Angel rips to lay on my in-laws, please share.  I am so sick about hearing of 2002.
I am liking the schedule gods now.  TB, Seattle, and KC...are you kidding me.  Time for us to distance ourselves from the pack.

Watching the game on E.I. while barbequing.  Come one, come all.  Feel free to post.  I am feeling good about tonight...I am feeling good about the next week or so.

Man I love the A's.  And man I hate the Halos.

LET'S-GO-OAK-LAND.  CLAP CLAP CLAP-CLAP-CLAP!

Since the apocalypse is now upon us after falling into a first place tie...and amongst all the talk of blowing this team up...I thought I would try to lighten things up.  Sure I am concerned about our beloved green and gold but we could all use a little distraction every once in awhile.

The distraction...sports/celebrity look-a-likes.  Ever look at one of your favorite athletes and say, `Dude looks just like___.'  Well, I took a shot at a few.  Please feel free to agree, disagree, or add some of your own.

Swish:

Evil Swish (Dude from Rockstar Supernova):

Wolff:

Dude from the Burbs:

Hatte:

Doogie:

A hockey look-a-like for Blez-
Tie Domi:

Henry Rollins:

Zito is horrible.
5 innings.  7 runs.  Uncle Charlie my Ass.
I know I know what you folks are saying - "Easytoon, you just said yesterday that `Zito was the best of this time.'"  Well that was seven hours ago folks.  A man has a right to change his mind.
We gotta trade this guy for some mid level outfield talent now.  I do not want to see this guy pitch another game for the green and gold this year...Randy Jones wannabe.  Billy needs to make one good move as GM.  Freakin' shark jumper.  Shit, I have called every one of his bad moves...after the fact you might say but that is just nitpicking.

Check the facts people and look at his first and last start - 14 runs in 6 1/3.  You cannot argue that HollywoodOz.
`Yeah, westHollywoodOz.' - easycotton (aka easytoon's alternate login)

Seriously, look at game 3 of the AL playoffs against the Yanks.  1-0.  Jorge Posada...please.  You morons probably want to blame that loss on the Giambi non slide (I miss little G).  No clutch and no grit pitcher if you ask me (today).

Billy needs to blow up Zito and keep the rest of the team.  We would have won 3-0 tonight without Zito's seven runs allowed.   Did you see the Swish home run tonight?  He is definitely one player we need to keep (as of today anyway).  He is the future of this franchise after all...and don't tell me what I said yesterday damnit.  He's no DJ who sucks...I mean he should have never been sent down...no, I mean he sucks.

If this diary results in my third strike, so be it.

I know we have some ANers in Boston and I was looking for a little help.

I have a couple airline tickets and I would like to take my son to a game out of state.  We have been to all the stadiums in California (and I have been to Chase myself) but we have never been to any parks outside the state.

I have always heard that the ballparks that must be seen are Wrigley and Fenway.  And since we are playing the NL West this year for Interleague, looks like Fenway.
Problem is...each A's game next month is sold out...and nothing is available via Replay.

Here is where my AN brothers come in.  While it would be great if someone had extra tickets to sell, I realize that is wishful thinking.  I am hoping, though, that you can give some advice as to reputable ticket brokers.  I have looked on Craigslist in Boston.  Basically, I am looking for a known entity that will not take my money and run.  In addition, I am hoping to not get too reamed with the cost.  The tickets on Craigslist were pretty pricey.

What a pleasure it is to listen to Vin Scully.  Being in Southern California, I truly take for granted that we have a legend down here - one of the prices of being an A's fan in SoCal I guess (that and listening to bandwagon Angel Homers every day).

Vin's unique voice, his encyclopedia of knowledge, his ability to blend his wonderful, descriptive play-by-play (that radio voice) with his player profiles (I like how he lists the player's height and weight too), including their high school, college and pro careers, and stories...he is one of the greatest.  The was he covers play-by-play and color with no dead air is just amazing.

I know everybody on AN has heard Vin but I thought I would share a few of his stories and observations from last night's game since I assume most folks heard the A's broadcast.  I learned more new things about the A's on this broadcast than I have all year listening to other announcers (including Oakland's) on Extra Innings.

On Zito's strikeout of Jose Cruz Jr.: "Oh what a breaking ball.  You could have seen that from San Francisco."

Zito's second grade teacher had all of her students draw a picture of who they thought they would be when they grew up.  Zito drew a pitcher and across the top wrote `making a million dollars.'

Dan Johnson dreamed of becoming a forward for the Minnesota North Stars.

Jay Payton was one of the rare non pitchers to have Tommy John surgery.

Kielty redshirted as a pitcher at USC before transferring to Mississippi.

Referring to Ramon Martinez' head first dive into third as a "belly whopper."

Swisher has the initials of his deceased grandmother tattooed on his chest.

Chavy's parents had him playing baseball as soon as he could walk,  He wanted to be a fireman.

On Dan Johnson's sense of humor:  He has a second persona, Dale Edwards, captain of the Nebraska bowling team.

Payton lived with Barry Larkin while playing Connie Mack ball.

Scautaro "batting ninth, not a butter and egg man."  Not sure what that means but it sounded funny.

I have heard many Zito/Randy Jones stories over the years but never this one.  Jones would tell Zito to practice 500,000 windups.  If he did one incorrectly, Jones would spit his tobacco juice on Zito's new white Nike sneakers.

Swisher does yoga for 90 minutes in 120 degree heat.  Helps with fatigue.

Kielty's GPA in high school was 4.3.

Hope some of you enjoyed.  I know it is not the same as listening yourself.

Tonight, my son watches the game (and not Playstation) with Dad to listen to a legend.  That will be a wonderful pre-Father's Day gift.  And something I think he will have to look back on when he is older.

Bay Area that is.  Finishing up my first business trip to S.F. of the baseball season and caught the first two games of the Detroit series.
Work in the City, Bart over for night games.  First live baseball of the year.  God, I love baseball season. (Not all positive though - missed my first game coaching my son's little league).
Some observations from Tuesday and Wednesday nights:
-While I want the best for the A's, new stadium and more revenue, I love being able to walk up before the game and purchase great seats.  Sort of a catch 22.  Definitely gives me a better understanding of the feeling of those residing in Oakland.
-Along those same lines, while I appreciate getting great seats (in 116 and 118), I was disappointed with the turn out.  I know they were the Tigers but 17K for a giveaway, 18K for $2 seat Wednesday, and perennially winning team...the A's have got to be asking themselves, `What do we gotta do?'
-Cannot  remember the last time I had such a nice view of the plate.  From 116, I was just a hair to the first base side of the plate.  The break on Duke's curve blew me away.  Something you do not get watching on TV...or from too many vantage points in the park either.
-Swisher is looking real comfortable...even from the right side of the plate.
-Loaiza is looking better.  His fast ball is creeping up in velocity.
-It really hurts to give the day off to two great defensive players on the same night.
-Saarloos needs more work.
-The lefties out of our pen looked good last night.
-I wish I could make today's game to get the taste of last night's game out of my mouth...seven errors...ouch.
-Kielty looked terrible at the plate.  I thought he was supposed to be in the minors getting regular playing time to make up for his limited Spring.  Played like he had been sitting on the bench all of April.

And last but not least, it was great to meet some ANers for the first time outside of AN Day 2.  I was heading towards the Bart ramp after Wednesday's game and I heard drums.  I made my way over and asked a guy (turned out to be Duke), `Which one of you is Saint?'  So I met Saint, Duke, SAM, and (sorry, can't remember the exact username for the last person - I know it has to do with Huston Street).  It was nice to meet you all.  I wish I had more time to hang out.

My next live A's action - in Anaheim May 1st and 2nd.

Let's-go Oak-land!

For those of you not interested - sorry to take up diary space.
I recall a little while back some discussion with folks that were planning to catch the A's at Petco...I have been looking forward to checking out the new ballpark myself.
For those interested, single game tickets go on sales Saturday, however pre-sale tickets are available now - just use the password 'mission.'

Sorry if this is out there.  If it is, I could not find it.
I have been curious which players would elect not to play in the World Baseball Classic.  Just saw on Baroid's website that he is not going to play due to risk of injury.  I am sure it has nothing to do with the Olympic-type testing the players will have to undergo, which I believe includes testing for HGH.  Who will be next to bow out?
By the way, has anyone here ever seen his site?  Pretty funny.  Not too full of himself, huh?

Have you ever doubted a Beane move?  Be honest.  I know he is one of the best, if not the best general managers in the game and most of his moves pan out - which is why he IS the GM and why he is PAID to be GM...
However, I am curious to hear from AN which moves had them scratching their heads.  Sure, the deal most likely worked out in the end or worked out in the grand scheme of things but which ones were you certain, at the time, that Beane had lost it?
Was it the Hudson trade?  If not, it surely must have been the Mulder trade days later.
How about Payton?  What about his attitude and clubhouse chemistry?  What about Bradley?
Keeping Chavez over Tejada?
The Hernandez/Kotsay trade?
Foulke, Giambi, Damon?
Personally, for me it was calling up Dan Johnson last season.  Remember, this was before Durazo was OFFICIALLY gone for the season.  I admit, I was hung up on the arbie clock and figured anyone could fill in at DH for a couple/few weeks...I did not realize the impact he would make to a (at the time) losing team.  Sure he cooled off in September (as did everyone else on the A's), however I definitely remember the point last season where I thought to myself, `this is why you are not the GM.' The guy hit the Show on fire and the team made a run.  I realize he was not the reason for the amazing run but he was a part...as was Crosby, Street, Blanton, etc.

So come on AN.  I know it rarely happens but tell me a time when you doubted Beane.  Don't worry, it will just be between you and me...(and about 4,000 ANers)

Off topic ramblings...
What ever happened to the big name that was to be announced as testing positive for steroids late last season?
Yankees sign Dotel to one year deal according to sportsline.com.

I know pseudokiwi has a diary containing links but this article blew me away and I had to share it.  The columnists and beat writers in Orange County worship the Angels.  They have selective memories, thinking that Angel's history consists of 2002 and 2004.  Other than the occasional `we need a dh' or `we need a lefty reliever,' you will not see much criticizing.
This article was on the front page of The Orange County Register (the only OC paper) sports section.
To read the article you need to register - but it is free and, trust me, the read is worth it.  Of course maybe this is just a bigger deal to me than others because I am surrounded by the red devils every day.

http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/2005/08/02/sections/sports/sports/article_619378.php

A few selected gems:
The story now isn't about the Angels as much as it is about the finest team A's general manager Billy Beane didn't have to buy.
If it wasn't official before, it is now. Beane is the closest thing to a wizard this side of the new Harry Potter edition.
Unlike the Angels, whose run-producing seems to revolve strictly around Vladdy Guerrero, Garret Anderson and the often-underrated Bengie Molina, the A's come at you with six players - Eric Chavez, Mark Kotsay, Scott Hatteberg, Bobby Kielty and rookies Nick Swisher and Dan Johnson - all of whom are driving in runs. The result is a much more balanced lineup.
Without Mulder and Hudson, the re-designed A's rotation is led by Rich Harden, who has come back from an early-season strained left oblique muscle to evolve into maybe the finest pitcher in the American League.
Add Barry Zito, Joe Blanton, Danny Haren and Cal State Fullerton alum Kirk Saarloos, and you have a group throwing as well, if not better, than any in baseball. Put that together with a bullpen loaded with gifted arms, one of them actually left-handed, and the success of the A's no longer seems such a mystery.

Sorry to take up diary space but I am looking for some help from my NoCal AN brothers (and sisters).
I see that the A's are giving aways 10K Eck jerseys on 8/13.  I am making the roady from SoCal with my six year old and am wondering when, based on your experience, I should get there to obtain the jerseys. ..factoring in that it is a Saturday game and that the promo is a jersey (not authentic of course but not too shabby either - saw it on mlb.com), as opposed to a bobblehead.
Now, I make it up to NoCal for work a couple times a month and usually catch at least one A's game, however I always seem to miss promos.
So I am looking for some help.  Food is served for AN Day at 11:00.  Will that be early enough to get a couple jerseys or should I try to get there earlier?
Thanks!

Off topic.  If Chad Bradford was Chadford, is Jay Payton...Jayton?

After watching a thoroughly enjoyable A's win on InDemand last night, I flipped to the local broadcast of the Angel game just in time to watch them come from ahead to lose.  The halo loss was just about as exciting to me as the A's win and I began pondering why.  Why so much satisfaction from seeing the Angels lose?  Part of it, of course, was that the A's picked up a game on them but there must be more.  There must be.  I went to game seven in '02 (long story but it had to do with a mad sprint through the parking lot at 6:00 AM on the day of the game for extra tix) and actually was rooting for the gnats - an NL team over an AL team?! (this may be do to some deep rooted allegiance in my subconscious growing up in NoCal and needing a favorite NL team but, again, I think it is more).
So I started to list off reasons in my head and now I am transcribing them.  There are probably others out there who have similar feelings about other teams they can't stand.

-The fans are the biggest bandwaggoners in the league.  I moved to SoCal in the early `80's and I go to a handful of Angel/A's games every year.  Until '02, the crowds were always in the low 20K range and there were always a good contingent of A's fans (20-25%) - especially in the field level sections near the foul poles.  Now they usually sell out.  I have always been of the opinion that attendance would have returned to its pre-02 levels within two years if it was not for Arte, his money, and Vlad.  Now, I can barely find a descent seat and I end up paying an arm and a leg...and I am surrounded by a sea of dipshits in red.
-Which brings me to Arte.  If you can't stand Steinbrenner, you can't like Arte...even with his reduced beer prices.  If you are of the mind that the ridiculous salaries and inequities between teams are bad for the game, then here is your poster child for what is wrong with baseball.  Or maybe I am just jealous of his payroll.
-Maybe it is my brother-in-law - he was a casual baseball fan when I met my wife-to-be.  I hooked him on to the A's around '90 - a pretty descent team.  Like a true bandwaggoner, he dumped the A's when they hit their mid `90's rough patch and he latched on to the Angels.  Worse off, he procreated.  Now I have Angel fan and mini Angel fan running their mouths when the come over for dinner on weekends.  That's okay though, I have three of my own little A's fans and we still outnumber them.
-Maybe it is their homer announcer, Hudler.  He is as irritating as the announcers in New York, Boston and Chicago.  I used to appreciate his enthusiasm and liked the way he played the game but the more I listen to him, the more I would like to hang him from the big A in the parking lot.  Maybe he feels that he has to be such a homer to keep his job or that he owes Arte for keeping him after Hud was busted for pot possession at the airport a couple years back.  Either way, can't stand the jackass now.

I am sure there are many more reasons for my hatred though no bigger reason than the fans who have come out of the woodwork since '02.  Nothing worse than hearing fans of a rival team yap when their team is winning when, prior to '02, I am not sure I had ever met an Angel fan.
Maybe all this is coming out as frustration because my boys are in last.  That is okay because I know it is temporary.  Sure the Angels will be right there year in and year out because of their payroll (though no guarantee - see current Yankees) but I take satisfaction in knowing we will be right there with them after we get over this learning curve...and we will be there for awhile.

It happened this past off season.  I was at my desk mixing in a little work while perusing the internet for current A's articles.  I typically review the NoCal rags online while at work to catch up with my team (I am in SoCal).  One day, I search Google for more information and I am taken to AN.  Initially, I go to the site for information and comments on the A's for the off season - the trades, the sale, etc.  Next, I create an account and begin commenting in diaries.  Then I am hooked.  I typically just read and I interact as much as work allows.  Now, I find myself logging into AN as soon as I get into work.  AN is taking precedence over work...but enough about work.

Blez, why did you do this to me?  Why do you get these interviews with Billy Beane, David Forst, Michael Urban, etc when the newspapers can't?  And Sickels?  And now, player interviews?

It is not just you - it is Athletics Nation.  Now I am drawn to daily spring training play-by-play from OaklandSi and others, insightful, firsthand stories by Saint, spring training stats from Oaktoon, diary policing by Ohad (OK, kidding on that last one but you understand).

Your site is really feeding into my obsession with the A's.  It is like Rosanne Barr stumbling into Hometown Buffet.  I am full but your site keeps feeding me.

I know you are probably going to hit us with some spectacular player interviews in the coming days.  Just please have mercy.  Most of us have work we have to get to.

Seriously, thanks for such a great site.  Sounds like you had a great time in Phoenix.  I will be there next week with my son.  We will be wearing our AN gear.  Hope to see fellow ANers out there if anyone is going.

Has anyone subscribed to this service from MLB.com?  I received the email offer yesterday and was considering it.
I got the baseball InDemand cable package the past two seasons but will probably opt out this year.
MLB.TV is half the price of In Demand and I can watch it from home or work via computer as opposed to being limited to just the television at home.

If anyone has used this service is the past, how is the quality?  Is the picture decent?  Audio?

Thanks.

(Apologies to those of you in Oakland but the area is a dump - at least the area around the Coliseum and BART station is.  Building a new stadium on this site, to borrow a line from Art Modell, "is akin to putting a new dress on a hooker.")
Can someone make since of this territorial rights rule for me please?
How can baseball promise territorial rights to an incoming ownership?
Take the A's out of the equation for a minute.  Doesn't San Jose have a say?  Are they not allowed to ever have a baseball team...any baseball team?  So instead of embracing their own team and buying season tickets to enjoy nights at the ballpark...locally, their only choice is to travel 50 miles (100 roundtrip).  So a Giants season ticket holder living in SJ would have to travel 8,100 miles a season.
How does baseball get away with something like this?  Do the residents of SJ also have 10% of their income taxed for King Magowan?

Hopefully, Wolff gets approved quickly so we do not have to hear any more Oakland stadium rhetoric.   And once in the fraternity, Wolff, with Selig, can swing 75% of the owners to reverse this idiotic rule.  Worst case, he has to pay off Mags - hopefully, it does not come to that.