Some Francona October Magic

...I bet you that nobody saw this one coming.

That's what I love about baseball. Teams who you underestimate can end up ruling the whole league. The Indians were counted out by everyone, stuck to their guns, loaded up and became the best team in the American league- they got hot at the right time, and they kept their raw materials strong.

This is thanks in part to a killer rotation, a nicely assembled outfield, and the amazing powers of Terry Francona to put together a World Series ready team.

I'm really excited to see what this team does in a World Series environment.

As for the dearly departed,

Look...the Blue Jays outdid my expectations, and did a lot with a depleted team. So I'm happy they made it this far. However...I'm a little happier that they didn't make the World Series. It wasn't...really theirs to take.

They had a nice season, snuck in and fought hard...but this was the Indians' year.

The Last Cleveland Detail

For a good couple years, Coco Crisp was a steady, speedy part of a consistently underwhelming Indians squad. He spent some time winning a World Series in Boston, slumming it in Kansas City, and helping the Athletics get back to the postseason. Up until recently, he was one of the few remaining members from the famed 2012 Playoff Oakland roster.

Now...he's back in Cleveland where he belongs, thanks to a trade that juuuuust went through today. And...things are pretty right with the world.

First of all, he joins the most unlikely successful outfield in baseball, with Rajai Davis, Lonnie Chisenhall, Brandon Guyer and Tyler Naquin all floating around in the mix, all but Davis hitting over .300. It's a combination that keeps getting richer, and Crisp adds some bench depth that they've needed.

Secondly, he secures the possibility that the Indians are not only for real, but could make a serious playoff run happen. Yes, this is a team that's been ahead forever, but now they're beginning to sprout wings and head towards the finish in a huge way.

This is a move that makes me very happy, and will probably cement the status of an already-great team.

Coming Tomorrow- the Derek Norris I promised.

Custom Card of the Day: Crisp Edition

(Part of this complete breakfast!)

Once again, California has been commanding the MLB. The A's, Dodgers and Giants have all had tremendous records so far, and have already become some of the teams to beat this season.

Meanwhile, Coco Crisp is doing some of the same stuff he usually does...and that's working pretty well for Oakland. For the last four and a half seasons, Crisp has been their go-to 'strange outfielder that does well', and has developed a bit of a cult following.

I really hope the A's can hang on for a little longer, as they're fun, and easier to root for than the Rangers.

Coming Tomorrow- A former Yankee stuck in Cleveland.

Uncustomed Heroes of Baseball: Athletics

Once again, the A's had a huge run towards the end of the season, and surprised a lot of people by getting to the playoffs. Sure, they were booted in the first round by the Tigers (sadly), but they still were one of the more fun teams of the season. Just look at Coco Crisp. Doesn't he look like he's having fun? It's awesome.

A.J. Griffin was one of their better threats on the mound for the better part of the season, yet with that hair, he finished second to Josh Reddick for the team's 'most outrageous hair' award, I can imagine. I mean, that look is awesome, but Reddick looked like a castmember from Duck Dynasty.

Sonny Gray was one of the Athletics' postseason stars, having a very nice debut, and becoming a proud member of the rotation only a few games in. Sadly, his second postseason appearance wasn't nearly as good as his first, and probably cost his team a playoff advancement. But still, there's no doubt he'll be back, bigger than ever, next year.

This was Brandon Moss' breakout year as an Oakland A, having a nice amount of playing time and becoming a fan favorite in a city with players like Yoenis Cespedes and Coco Crisp hogging the spotlight.

Coming Tomorrow- A few players from the disappointing, as predicted, 2013 Blue Jays team.

Raul, you never cease to amaze me.

 

Wow. Just...just wow. I feel like what happened last night was made to be a baseball story. The star DH isn't hitting, so they bring in Raul, and he decks 2 of 'em to win the game. Oh, it was classic. It was so awesome to watch, too. 

 

Meanwhile, this man, who is part of your complete breakfast, helped his team stay alive and tie the series. I really like this A's team, and I really hope they win...mainly because the Yankees can probably beat them. 

 

Who woulda called this guy pitching pretty well out of the bullpen? Actually, who would have called the Reds allowing the Giants to tie it up? The Reds are a strong team, and I think they'll get the win, but this is a bit scary for them. The Giants are beginning to get good, fast. 

 

 In other news...this guy neeeds to break a bone. It's not very nice to wish pain on people, especially baseball players, but it would make my life a hell of a lot easier knowing this guy isn't in the lineup. If he keeps it up, he'll pass Cody Ross on my Most Infuriating Players list.