At the half

So here we are at the half, and I apologize for the lack of writing, it has been a struggle. We lost my Dad in March, and my life changed.

But slow recoveries we earned. Life goes on, I listened to more people, took their advise and feel like I will make it.

Strong family, great  job, and my love of sports give me strength, and so I am back behind the keyboard.

So, as I listen to Dan Schulman on Baseball Tonight, I write at the last league game before the All Star Break. 

And it is the Oakland A's leading the charge, looking for some 40 year magic, the last time the A's won the World Series.  They were playing day World Series games in that time, now, they all start at 8 or 8:30 pm.

So, this photo this the owner Charles O. Finlay, with Rudi, Blue, Hunter, Campy, Tenace, Bando, Reggie Reggie and Rollie Fingers. Quite a collection, most soon to be millionaires on the open market.

Reggie left for the Tanks, Fingers to San Diego, Catfish a Yank, Rudi to the Sox.  They strung 3 Series wins together 72, 73 and 74.

These rebels existed before "fear the Beard", the "Country up Sox",  these dudes broke all the conventional rules for a cohesive clubhouse.

They have 59 wins, most in the majors, and they do it pitching, good defense and they use the whole roster.

And they don't hesitate to make changes. They brought in Samardzija and Hammel from the Cubs to a pitching staff that looked solid. A bullpen, which looks damn perfect.

If you put another bat in their line-up, I'd stack them against the Dodders or Giants or Brewers.

The World Series does not get awarded in early July, but they clearly rise up over the Tigers, anyone in the East, and Mariners and Angels might both be Wild card teamd.

Clearly the west cost can boast this year, there is no less that 5 teams that could make the playoffs from out west. The A's are the class of the American League, but we as usual, we've got a lot of baseball left to play.

Enjoy !