I would love to see the A's ride their personalities deep into the playoffs.  They have one of the greatest mixes of characters I have seen in a while.  Z, Haren, Ronnie Mac, Kendall, Chavy, and the redneck boys Swish and Cupcake.  Remember last years playoffs when such a big deal was made out of how the chemistry of the Sox came into play.  I think the A's have better chemistry than they did.  It sure is going to take something extra to pull it off against those AL Beast teams.  

There are many things in this world that have brought my emotions to the surface.  The death of a family member, first love, car theft, etc.  Nothing in this world brings me on the rollercoaster of emotions like Oakland Athletics baseball.  I grew up in the midwest, really in the midwest, eastern Montana to be exact.  There were no other professional sports within any BORDERING state.  And being on the east side Big Sky country we had absolutely no affiliation.  My older brother was a Dodger fan, and I had a natural affinity for the Cubs.  But in 1987 at the age of 9 I got to watch my first idol.  Mark McGwire was simply the best in my eyes.  The number 25 quickly became my number in everthing, and remains to this day.  I grew up on the big payroll teams of the late 80s and early 90s.  Went through the lean years and finally had real a thorough grasp of the game when the A's started winning again.  The continual let down of those playoff losses were only made easier by my best friend's own troubles with his Atlanta Braves.  The A's bring out my despair when they lose and my gigantic ego and pride when they win.  I can feel emotions pulsating through my body just by conjuring up images of Derek Jeter.  I love this team and it drains me.

Alright,  I live in Portland and its killing me not being able to catch most games.  We should have a listing on this site of where to catch games(bars) in different cities.  We should also have listings of radio casts.  I know the Gnats are cast up here but not the green and gold.  I am so sick of listening to Mariner baseball.  I need the A's.  I also know I can throw down for MLBTV but would rather find an Oakfriendly bar where I can root with other fans.