Journal Archive
December 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!
Family is huge for me. And Christmas and Thanksgiving are the two greatest holidays of the year by far. To be able to get together with my whole family is so special for me...especially because I travel so much.
I have two favorite Christmas memories that I'd like to share....
My first story is from when my grandmother was still alive-- it was the last Christmas I got to spend with her. As you all know, she was the number one person in my life. I have her initials with angel wings and a cross tattooed above my heart and across my chest. Every time I needed something, she was there. I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in today if it wasn't for her. That?s why my family is so great.
We all knew that Betty Lorraine wasn't going to see another Christmas. You didn't want to think of it that way, but that was the reality of the situation -- and knowing that this would be the last big family holiday -- made every moment of it more precious.
She was bed-ridden by then, worn down but not out. We moved her bed into the living room where the Christmas Tree was so we could be close and all be together. Most people don't get to experience the relationship I had with my grandmother and I cherished every moment then, and every memory now.
My other memory is from many years earlier, when I was just six or seven years old. That was the year my dad, gave me a gift I'll never forget. It was my first-ever pitching machine. I was in my pajama's and my dad was in his long johns -- and we set it up right in the living room. My father played in the big leagues, and for him to give me a present like that to get me started in the right direction ? that was so just so great!
The machine pitched whiffle balls, the hard plastic kind and not the foam type ball kids play with today, and I was supposed to hit them with a plastic bat. The first pitch came in and I hit a picture on the wall and broke it. That was the last time my mom allowed me to hit in the living room. The machine didn't last through the next day before it broke, but it didn't matter. It was probably the best present I ever got.
If you have a favorite Christmas memory you would like to share, send it in and you just might see it posted on my site.
October 2007
The season's over and I have a confession to make – it's absolutely killing me to have to watch October baseball on TV. After my playoff experience last year, I'm so anxious to get back to the post season I can't even describe it. There's no other feeling in baseball as the intensity and adrenaline rush of playing October baseball. Even with that being said, I have to give props to the teams that are competing in the playoffs. They are all exceptional teams and playing amazing baseball.
I also think it's great for the game and the fans to have had such a ridiculously competitive final stretch to the season. The Phillies clinched on the last day. The Rockies didn't make the playoffs on the last day, they had to play one more to get in. It's hard to get much better than that – it's true parity.
As far as it goes with the A's, I'm obviously disappointed we didn't win the division or the wild card. It's not for a lack of effort though. I know that every guy in the Oakland clubhouse worked hard for every win, every hit, every out we got on defense. There was no quit in these guys and I'm really proud to have been a part of it.
Right now, I'm taking some time to relax and reflect, spending time with friends, playing golf in a few celebrity tourney's for charity, taking in a Raiders, game from the sidelines no less, and working on my Swish's Wishes Christmas event for kids. A few days ago, I visited the children at UCSF in San Francisco to help kick off their Christmas tree lighting event with Macy's Union Square. How cool is this? They asked me to be the honorary chairperson too --and that means I get to light the gigantic Christmas tree that benefits UCSF Children's Hospital. Next week I'll visit the kids at Children's Hospital Oakland before I head out to spend some quality time with my family in Ohio and West Virginia...and of course see my dog Sparticus!
I want to thank you for all your support and for checking in with me all season long. Keep writing and sending your pictures. I will do my best to keep writing back this off season. Oakland has the greatest baseball fans in the world and I promise you all we'll make you proud in 2008!
Until next time…
August 28th 2007
Well, we have about 5 weeks left of the season and let me tell you...we are in what we baseball folk call those "dog days of summer!" We're nearing the .500 mark and are in that last push.... we've got to give it all we have - we'll need a little help -- but right now, we have to try to control our own destiny and just do what we do everyday.
Damn, are those Mariners on fire or what? They are flat out playing great ball but the Angels are nipping at their heals. It's definitely going to be some battle coming down the home stretch -- but don't count the green and gold out!
I've been hitting in the number 3 spot and love'n it....getting lots of protection from Jack Cust and it's sure been helping me out - A LOT! So.. is Cust something or what? That cat can hit! I played in center last night...the first time since I strained my hammy a bit....
It's pretty cool having Jack Hannahan on our team -- we played against each other during the Big Ten tourney in 2001. I remember like it was yesterday... the benches cleared after a Minnesota reliever made a gesture at my Buckeye dugout....then a little scuffle -- and Jack and I were right in the middle of it -- jawing at each other. Minnesota used to kick our butt all the time too... it was always us and Minnesota. Now his locker is right next to mine ...funny how things work out.
It's no secret that I love playing first base but, but you all know I'm just happy to being playing anywhere they tell me. Gotta a good question the other day...I was asked who I enjoy talking to the most when I'm playing first base.... I'd have to say my favorite guys to talk it up with are Sean Casey and Big Jim Thome...both always have something fun to say and are great story tellers.
It's been a long road trip and it's good to be heading back home....
Later ---
Friday, July 27th 2007
How ya'll doing? It's been a while. The season's about 2/3 through right now and it's pretty obvious we, as a team, have been pressing a little bit to get the W's in the win column. Unfortunately, we went through a funk, including my bat. We got a great win against Seattle last nigh who we're going to have to leapfrog if we want to win the division. We're 10 games off the lead right now but we're fighting and you couldn't tell one guy in this organization that we can't pull it off. You've gotta believe and we do. That's why we're in this game.
Despite the setbacks, there's plenty of season left to make a hardcore and legitimate push. It won't be easy but my grandma used to tell me nothing worth having ever is and that's why I need to work my tail off if I want something. It's kind of funny, I got asked the other day when I was doing my radio appearance on Fox, "what's it going to take to make a legitimate push for the playoffs?" I gave an answer they gave me a little ribbing for but it was true. It may sound simple but this isn't rocket science, we need wins. Lots and lots of wins. I can't point to pitching or hitting because I see how dedicated everyone is to the game. If I had to name one key for our success, it would probably be to not try and get it all back in one night. We need to pace ourselves and realize the only way we can get in it, is to play the game the right way. Get on base, make the plays you need to in the field, advance runners, no mental mistakes, stay focused. It's the same stuff you'd need to do at any level. Play hard, play with confidence, play with focus and play smart.
We've got some things going for us lately, too. For one thing, we just got our stud closer Huston Street back. It was just awesome to see Street jogging out of the bullpen last night in Seattle. He helped lock down yet another Danny Haren win. Danny has been sensational for us all year and in my opinion, has to be mentioned in any Cy Young talk. I know Danny would trade that in for a chance to play in the post season but it needs to be said, his teammates are digging on his huge contribution to our success. He's helped picked up the staff and the team despite the injuries Harden has been forced to deal with all year.
That leads to another awesome thing we have going for us, getting Piazza back. He's been hitting the ball hard since he came back from the DL and its not a moment too soon, either. you can only be a better team having a future hall of fame bat in the lineup. I'm working to help pick up the slack. I'm hoping last night is a sign of things to come. I've been slumping a bit lately so there's nothing like a two-dinger night and a win to help snap that. Now I need to hit the cages early to make sure I can carry that success on over.
Keep on rooting and thanks for your support!
Until next time…
Monday, July 2nd 2007
Home sweet home! I always get a kick out of visiting the East Coast but the upcoming home stand couldn't come soon enough. While Seattle has been tearing it up, going for 9 out of their last 10, we really hit the schnide on the recent road trip, going 3-7 against both New York teams and the Cleveland Indians.
Coming home, we're 8.5 back on the Angels and now we're sitting in 3rd behind Seattle. So, we've got some work to do to get ourselves smack in the middle of the race. A 3-7 roadstand though, let me tell ya, it makes for a quiet bus on the way to the ballpark. On a positive note, we were able to pull out 2 of 3 from the Yankees. I don't want to hear about how the Yankees are struggling right now, anytime you can go into Yankee Stadium and win a series against them, it's something to build on. That's what we're going to work our butts off to do. We lost a few steps on the road and now we've got to get back to playing A's baseball.
Not just from a team standpoint, but personally, the home cooking of the Oakland fans is going to be an awesome and welcome experience. I got a little banged up on the roadtrip chasing balls in the outfield. Geren tried to sit me on Saturday but I was able to talk him into letting me play and hope he didn't regret it. I know cranking that two-run double definitely felt good from my point of view. Sunday, I couldn't talk him out of leaving my name off the lineup card. So I got a day to rest yesterday and was psyched when we jumped out to an 8-0 lead in the 2 nd off Andy Pettitte. Pettitte's a tough lefty so chasing him that early was huge and let Danny (Haren) be aggressive on the mound. He didn't have his best stuff yesterday but it was enough to send us home with "W."
Another great thing about the end of the trip is that Rich Harden is back and he's been looking strong pitching out of the pen. Piazza is getting closer to returning and Big Jack Cust is swinging a hot stick again. I'm liking our chances to turn this thing back around.
A lot of people have been asking me if I'm bummed that I didn't get selected to the All-Star team. Honestly, you always want to be playing at a high enough level that you can be an All-Star. I'm going to use that time to refresh my legs so I can have a big-time second half and help the team make a playoff push. Being an All-Star would be great, but I'd much rather be playing in October and I know everyone in this clubhouse wants to make that happen.
June 13, 2007
It's a little more than a third of the way through the season and I'm liking where we're at. Of course, that's taking into account that we haven't played with the lineup we thought we were going to have coming out of spring training all year. That's not an excuse, that's more of me saying, hey, there's been some inconsistency but we've done a pretty good job as a team of hanging tough.
Our division has proven to be challenging this year, the Mariners are really playing some awesome ball with 9 wins in their last 10 games. Then we have the Angels who have been lights out pretty much all year. So it's a testament that we're only 5 games out with so much season to play. I'm ready to go to battle with my teammates and I think we can make a run. We've got an uphill battle but when guys start getting healthy, we're only going to get better.
I will say this though, the toughest game of the season for me so far was the one-hitter Schilling dropped on us in the 9th. That's the good and the bad of being a professional baseball player, running into an all-time talent when he's on top of his game. Fortunately, we were able to take 3 of the 4 games in the series so we could walk away with some good mojo. I'd also be pulling your leg if I didn't tell you we weren't psyched to be able to pull out all three games in the battle of the bay against the Giants. We've won 8 of our last 10, it's just that the whole division is in the middle of a hot streak right now.
There's only one goal right now though. I'm going to work and continue to play hard so that coming out of gates after the all-star break, I've done everything I can to help put the team in a position for that 2 nd half run.
Man, is there anything better than summer and baseball?
I also wanted to mention that since I had my radio interview with Chris Myers and the Fox guys last week and mentioned the site, traffic has been booming! Thanks for all the support and all the letters and questions. It's just awesome and believe me, I take all that on the field as energy and inspiration.
And if you guys get a chance, hook me up with an all star game vote. I need to be able to get there so I can stop hearing about how my dad has more all star appearances than I do!
Until next time….
May 28, 2007
It's funny how things work out. I cut my hair on May 19th as part of the Pantene Beautiful Lengths program and in honor of my grandma Betty. In my heart, I knew it was a good thing that I was doing and I felt proud honoring the most important lady in my life. Then things started clicking at the plate. It kind of feels like a weight was lifted showing my grandmother that I was doing something in her honor and still thinking of her in the heat of the season. Playing with that more relaxed and focused approach has really paid off for me. I got a little bit of ribbing that I have a reverse Delilah and Samson thing going on - I let my dad cut my locks and now I’m crushing it. Going into today’s game, I’m 10 for my last 30 and have hit a dinger in each of the last three games. I’m telling ya, I’m trying to become a complete ballplayer and making great contact and pushing for .300 is a huge goal. I’m hovering around there now and I just want it to translate into a couple more Ws for the squad. We’re 6 games back of the Angels for the division lead heading into tonight and everyone on this team knows we need to be playing our best baseball as the summer months are comnig in full swing. It’s still a long season and we have some serious talent mending itself on the DL – Piazza, Harden, Street. We know what we need to do and now its time to just execute. We have three games in Texas this week and then face off against a tough Minnesota team that’s been getting hot lately, winning 7 of their last 10. We need to start winning series to be considered serious contenders for a playoff spot and that starts this week. We definitely face some great competition but I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully, in my next entry I can write about how I hit a homer in each of the last 7 games and that we won them all.
Until next time….
May 19, 2007
Wow, a ton has happened since last time I’ve written, both with the team and me. I came off the DL and I’ve been stroking the ball pretty well since I came back. I definitely was struggling feeling comfortable out of the gate this season but now I’m seeing the ball well, my swing is almost where I want it and I’m getting on base out of the 2 spot. My goal is still to hit 300 for the season but I’m seeing progress towards that.
Let’s tackle some of the awesome news first – you probably heard I signed a new deal with the A’s that for five years and an option for a sixth. I couldn’t be happier about that. This area has become my home and I’m stoked to remain a part of this community and with this team. We also faced off last night against our good friend, Barry Zito. It was pretty amazing to see that legendary curveball firsthand but it was better that we were able to pull out victory against such a tough pitcher. So while we’re tight off the field, it was pretty awesome to face off as competitors.
With the team, it’s no secret we’ve been getting crushed with injuries between the time I missed, Harden being on the DL, Milton Bradley, Piazza’s shoulder. Should I go on? The bug recently hit our shutdown man, Huston Street who landed on the DL too. We’re getting through it though, fighting and kicking and scratching until everyone can get back. I feel pretty good about that too. A couple of guys we’ve called on to do some heavy lifting have been awesome – Big Jack Cust is a great story knocking dingers out like he’s Roy Hobbs and Dan Johnson is living up to his potential which is great to see. Cust is a great story about a guy who has been racking it in AAA for years and is finally getting a chance. The ther day when I was talking to Jim Rome on his radio show, he compared him to Crash Davis although Cust is making it happen in the show, which I don’t remember if Crash did. I love this team and the guys and I’m feeling good about the season and think the best is ahead.
Speaking of heads, today is the day I’m cutting my hair in honor of my grandmother, Betty, as part of Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program. I know I talk about this a lot but I’m really proud of it. My hair is being donated to create real-hair wigs for women who've lost their hair due to cancer. I’m proud to be helping in that fight and help give someone some confidence in their fight against cancer.
Look out for the news and maybe a picture of that and don’t be shocked when you see me without the locks I’ve been growing. Okay, I know this sounds like an excuse but I’ve got to go wash my hair a few more times and make sure I get all the pine tar out of it before I donate it.
Until next time...
April 27, 2007
Here I am. I know some of you have been wondering how I’m doing after I had to leave the Orioles game earlier this week. That’s right, Murphy’s law was in full effect on Tuesday. The night after I finally began to feel comfortable at the plate and hit two jacks, I get hurt. Those are the ups and downs of a major league season, though and all you can do is keep a positive attitude, keeping working hard and don’t lose your focus. It’s a long season.
Thanks to everybody for all the well wishes and I’m working as hard as I can to get back on the field. Hopefully, that will be in the next week or so.
For those who didn’t have a chance to see the game or a replay, here’s the deal: I had singled in the first inning and took second on a wild pitch. Chavez was up and hit a single. I took a big turn at third and tried to hold up but I rolled my ankle and tweaked the hamstring. Luckily, I was able to crawl back to the bag and kept the inning alive. Scutaro came into run for me and ended up scoring. The good news? We won the game. The bad news is I’ve been unable to play and have been getting treatment twice a day to get my self right.
We’re pretty banged up as a team right now, especially with Milton Bradley on the DL. I’m doing everything I can to avoid joining him there and plan to get back on the field as soon as I can to help the team win. I’m confident they can hold the fort down while I’m getting healthy.
Until next time.
April 24, 2007
Hey, thanks for checking in to see how I’m doing. I’m going to do my best to update this regularly and keep you guys in the know on what’s happening with the A’s and me. The season is in full swing now. Our team got out of the gates pretty decent and the bats are starting to heat up. We’re hovering a little bit above .500 as of today (10-9) but after tonight’s game against the Orioles, we head home for a 5 game homestand. The road is great, don’t get me wrong but sleeping in your own bed does wonders. Although, I will say we were 8-11 after 19 games last year so it’s a good sign to be on the other side of .500. Especially consider we lost two key cogs in our machine to free agency – my boy Frank Thomas and of course, Barry Zito. As always though, the guys in the front office brought in some awesome talent like Mike Piazza that are stepping in. Barry’s loss in the rotation is big but I Danny (Haren), Rich (Harden) and Joe (Blanton) are ready to step up and cover us. Along with Esteban Loaiza, Joe Kennedy and all the guys in the ‘pen, they’ve been doing an awesome job so far.
I know there’s always room for improvement but I just haven’t been feeling comfortable so far this season. I’m seeing the ball pretty well, drawing walks and the power is slowly coming back. You just always want to come out of the gates roaring. Especially with the lights out pitching we’ve been getting. Our guys have the third best ERA in the league going into today’s game. So I know I need to get myself on track to help the club. It’s especially important hitting towards the top of the lineup. In the two-hole, I know my job is to set the table for the big boys (if I can’t drive myself in first). So, I’m being patient at the plate and waiting for my pitch because getting on base anyway I can is key so guys like Chavez and Piazza can clean it up.
Hopefully, last night was a real breakthrough for me at the plate. I feel like it was and that me my season officially got under way. I’ve been bouncing around in the field defensively playing some Centerfield (where I stole a basehit from Johnny Damon last week), some First base and I’m expecting I might play a little corner outfield as well. Honestly, wherever they tell me to patrol is where I’m going. At the plate last night, I felt the dividends of the hard work I logged in the off-season. I knocked two jacks and drove in three. The cherry on top though was that we won the game against a tough young pitcher – Erik Bedard.
Today we play an afternoon game then we split back to Oakland. What’s better than day baseball? Not much.
Ok, it’s time to get back to work. I’ll catch you all soon and give you some more dish.
Stay good. Go A’s!
