Renewing the rivalry

It seems like ever since I've been in the big leagues that the Angels and A's have been in 1st or 2nd in the division so there's definitely a little rivalry going on here. It's not like some of those football rivalries, like Texas-Oklahoma or USC-UCLA, but they are definitely a team we look at and always want to play well against because they're always in the race. For a few years there when they had guys like Tejada and Chavez and drums in the outfield it felt like a Friday night football game to me. But it's died down a little since then. There's definitely more red in the stands these days. The Halo fans are everywhere. As an opponent you do have to give the A's front office some credit. They have made deals that have been unpopular with fans but a lot of those deals have really worked out for them. They have brought in some young players that have been really productive. Someone asked me how the Rich Harden trade was going to impact the division. I don't know how big an impact it will have on them because he hasn't pitched much anyway. Everyone in the league thinks he's one of the best when he's healthy, but he hasn't been healthy. But if the trade works the way these other trades have worked for them then the A's will be in the race until the end. That's why we always want to play well against them. They got the first one. Hopefully we'll get the next two.

Add Comment

• æBLAKEæ said July 12, 2008

  It may not be Yankees-Red Sox but what makes it so interesting is that its probably the biggest philosophical rivalry in sports.(even if its unnoticed) I'm wondering how consistent the A's pitching will be in the years following their move to Fremont. That will be a big change.

  Reply

  
• worldcup said July 12, 2008

  good blog!! most people just look at what the trade does for a team now........ instead of the long term. for example dan harren when he was traded to oakland from st. louis

  Reply

  
• nbhatia33 said July 12, 2008

  u gave uo many hits the other night UTA alum.

  Reply

  
• fantasyyankees said July 13, 2008

  Yes, I've noticed this rivalry. But unfortunately for the A's, I don't think that their trades will pan out in their favor.

  Reply

  
• fantasyyankees said July 13, 2008

  Oh, and tell Frankie Rodriguez, Ervin Santana, and Joe Saunders good luck in the all star game! You would definitely be there if you played the entire season

  Reply

  
• lizmoses said July 13, 2008

  I'm a season ticket holder of the Angels.............been doing this for about 8 years now, I really enjoy the game.

  Reply

  
• richhamilton12 said July 13, 2008

  Crappy stadium + No big name players = low attendance
  
  

  Reply

  
• dsiano6447 said July 13, 2008

  Yes there is a little rivalry. I have more fun with my nephew up in Livermore, CA. My family are big A's fans. I just won the bet again. Thanks John

  Reply

  
• marshgr said July 13, 2008

  Big John... first of all welcome back dude. YOU are the best pitcher in the American League! Rich Harden will most likely be on the shelf again before too long. Thank you for everything you do for our team man! We all wish you good health the rest of the year. I think we can ride you arm to another AL West title and count on you to step up on the big playoff stage.

  Reply

  
• lightitup said July 15, 2008

  Nice to get the A's 6 games back at this point. This series starting up Friday with Boston is going to be huge. I know winning the West is important to the team but are you guys looking at the race for the best record in the AL in order to get home field advantage? To me, that's the race that matters most to the Angels to give you an edge in the playoffs. Considering Boston's home and away record it looks like it would be huge to get home field advantage.

  Reply

  
• lizmoses said July 15, 2008

  I sent a card to the stadium......look for it, it's green!!! Have a good day!

  Reply