Believe the Hype in Oakland

Just on a whim, I was looking at what I wrote about this team before the All Star break. A lot about the lack of consistent pitching, some averages that couldn't stay up, and the fact that, once again, a bunch of people named Matt were holding the team together. Even then, I could tell, in fleeting moments, that there was some promise hiding in this team. And through August and December, this team took off like a bullet.

I don't really know what happened, it's just that everything came together. The deadline acquisitions, and bullpen additions, made this team even tougher in the pitching department. The promotion of Ramon Laureano to platoon the outfield with Chad Pinder, Mark Canha and Stephen Piscotty has been a smashing success, as his rookie numbers have been indicative of his potential as a flagship star. Plus, people who were doing simply alright before, like Marcus Semien and Blake Treinen, are now conquering the numbers, and people the leagues counted out, like Edwin Jackson, are heading up the rotation.

And now, this breathtaking A's team, having won the Wild Card spot, now has to play the exact opposite of the underdog heroes...the goliath with every home run hitter in the book, the New York Yankees. Ironically I am writing this post while watching the newest season of Survivor, which is themed after David vs. Goliath, because Survivor seems to really be needing numbers from the Southernmost states apparently.

This Yanks/A's matchup is literally the David v. Goliath thing, only with less slingshots and more pine tar. I'm still thinking the A's have more of a leg up, because unlike the Yankees they're great at pulling hits and doubles when you don't expect it, even if the Yankees are the better power team. Plus...the A's arguably have the more consistent pitching staff. Which is odd.

I'm obviously still rooting for the Yankees here, but...I can't deny how tough to beat the A's are gonna be next week, for one game. So...whoever wins is gonna deserve every inch of their playoff run.

Coming Tomorrow- Meanwhile, on the other side of the bay, a powerful pitcher brushes off his team's disappointing failure.