I just happened to be checking my menu for a couple of shows that air on Thursdays and I happened to stumble upon this little jewel. Voila!

It will air on CSNBA on Comcast. Not sure about the Direct TV or Dish Network stations but it should be a pretty cool insight to all things "Ziggy". Hope most of you can watch or tape it to watch later. Maybe Ziggy will answer some fan mail on the program early for us hardcore A's fans...Who knows? Enjoy!!!!!! Go A's!

I just read an excellent article on ESPN by Buster Olney in regards to how teams around MLB are scaling back on their spending for many obvious reasons. It has been a hot topic here on AN for the past several weeks that has led to some great posts and discussion forums!

What is fascinating about the article, though, is the breakdown of so many players being on the short end of the stick this time around, thinking that the big payday is coming, when in reality guys are gonna have to take signifigant paycuts. I mean we're talking about some big names here as well, not just average Joe's.... The ball is in the courts of ownership and GM's, it would appear, at this time. And... what better time for Billy Beane to swoop in on a couple of players that can help the team now without selling the farm or really breaking the bank. Hope everyone has a great weekend and hope all are enjoying the holiday season as well.

Here is the link to the article....happy reading

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3783423&name=olney_buster

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I just came across this article this morning while catching up on all things Raiders. It is a very insightful and well thought out piece. In my opinion, the Raiders need intervention because I see the team management going down the toilet.
Frankly, it is embarassing to me that someone in the media relations department could act like such an asshole publicly. But then again, this is the Raiders we are talking about. What happened to our once proud franchise? Where is the leader of this franchise? Someone needs to take the reigns otherwise the Raiders are only going to spiral downward which would be a shame after we drafted back to back future superstars, in my opinion. Alright, si I digress....here is the article if you have not already read it. Go Raiders!!!!! -MRod

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/23/SPMF1339TN.DTL

I could not find a link for this story but I did hear it from Dennis O' Donnel last nite on Channel 5 KPIX news. The SF Giants are now looking to get in the bidding for Barry Zito and manager Bruce Bochy went on record as saying so.

Something to the effect of, "Barry is a San Diego native and has a great  track record and is very durable. He has great stuff and we would love to have a guy like that on our staff bur so would alot of other teams." Hmmmmmmmm...............ya think? Now, apparently, Zito's asking price has gone up into the 6 year 100 million dollar range and climbing.

Have fun spending all that scrilla Barry!

Hey there A's diehards! I'm desperately looking for 2 tickets for any of the first few games at home against the Tigers next week etc...

I have been hitting up all of my sources this week but there seems to be nothing out there other than paying 100% mark up on stub hub. I can't really afford that kind of money but I am of course willing to pay face value for what you might be selling. We had an awesome time yesterday at the ballpark and look forward to (hopefully)seeing everyone out next week as well.

Thanks to anyone who can help me out. Peace-mrod

my contact info is here cell # (408)813-8204
email- mguez2003@yahoo.com

Just thought I would let evryone know that our little shindig in honor of the great one last nite was awesome and most needed. It was great to reunite with some familiar faces and meet many new ones. Saint, thank you for organizing everything and props for creating the foundation for new banners for both the left and right field bleachers next year. In case you were not there last nite the idea was to have two seperate banners set up: One saying "Holy!" and the other saying "Toledo!". These banners will hang from both left and right field, respectively, with the signatures and dedications from all those who attended the event. Plus, they will be turned over to the King family after next year. Is that right Saint?

All in all, great stories and memories of Bill's life from all, and thanks again also to Rickey for opening up his place for us to do this.

Hope to see all of you again soon.....MROD

I wanted to post this yesterday but I was far too emotional from the shock of Bill's passing. Fortunately, I was able to read my poem over the airwaves on KNBR with Ralph and Tom.
Here it is:

               Ode To Bill King

                October 18, 2005

Today we mourn the passing of a legend
As we send the great Bill King off to heaven-
No one could have predicted this sorrowful story
Without giving the gentle devil his moment of glory-

From the green n' gold to the silver and black
Calling A's homeruns to the Raiders passing attack
The excitement of Warriors basketball
Flashing, dazzling our ears on the court
The only voice to call twenty years, in three different sports-

As I sit here with tears running down my face
I can smile remembering how he handled with grace
The play by play man giving us the score
Yet knowing we we will not here the great one, anymore-

But on we march with pride in our hearts
As we see our friend begin a new start-

               So Remember....

From Rick Barry/Kenny Stabler/
to the Brothers of Bash
We celebrate the life of the man,
With the handlebar mustache-

And I leave you with this poem
I wish there were a song.....
"Ladies and Gentlemen, Holy Toledo!
The great Bill King is gone"

Rest in Peace sweet devil....we love you.

Martin Vincent Rodriguez..........

Howdy A's diehards. Aside from the whooping we put on the Giants over the weekend, I'd like to share an experience I had on Saturday evening, as part of hosting a birthday party for Giants outfielder Michael Tucker.

I was hired to be a poker dealer at Michael Tucker's birthday party, which was arranged by his wife, Dee,(a real sweetheart of a person) at The ACME Chophouse, in the private, "The Willy Mays Room".

Of course I was not sure what to expect from a bunch of professional athletes and was on my guard to just act professional in any case. As it turns out, the majority of the guys I met were real gentleman and very good natured. And, yes, they love top party! Among the players present were Tucker, Moises Alou, Ray Durham, Scott Eyre, Jason Ellison, Jeff Fassero, Jesse Foppert, Lance Niekro, Devi Cruz, and Todd Linden. I had previously met Ray Durham on my birthday a few years ago, even getting him to take a photo with me. Super nice guy and still is.

So, I'm not sure if anyone out in the Nation has had a similar experince but if you have I'd like to know and perhaps you could share here as I have. By the way, Fassero was the big winner and the best tipper. Go A's!