Bleacher Report - Articles by Cassie Kolias

A's Welcomed Back to Coliseum by Sold out Crowd

Cassie Kolias — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:22:56 -0400

Life has meaning again.

No more will Friday nights be spent sitting at home with the sister, wondering what to do. No longer will there be debates with the boyfriend about what to do on a Sunday afternoon.

No longer will the jerseys emblazoned with green and gold be stuffed in the backside of the closet where good clothes go to die.

Why, you may ask?

Baseball is back in business in Oakland and it doesn’t get much sweeter than that.

The home opener took place on April 10, to a sold out crowd at the coliseum, and sure they dropped the ball (pun intended), but it was thrilling, touching and just down right one of the best nights at the ballpark. The Seattle Mariners pretty much sucked, but the Athletics sucked worse.

It was a game of horrible, mediocre baseball—but there were a few things that made the night an unforgettable one. For starters, the opening ceremony was touching and emotional.

The Athletics held a ceremony in remembrance of the four Oakland officers killed in the line of duty in late March. A procession of 50 Oakland police officers came onto the field, surrounding the diamond as A’s players Jason Giambi and Eric Chavez presented a memorial plaque to the acting chief of police.

Then rather than having the usual opening pitch, the four hats of the officers killed were placed on the mound, each with a baseball—and there was a moment of silence.

They also had a group of 50 or more officers from Fairfield hold up a large American flag and present two of the officers’ motorcycles with the lights running. There was not one person in the stadium in their seat.

And the most amazing part of the rest of the night was just the fan support. It was brilliant to see the coliseum sold out—although leaving the game was a nightmare.

Fans showed up with renewed spirit after an ugly season last year. There were fabulous women donning their green and gold tinsel wigs, fans with their cowbells and overall a sense of not only excitement, but also hope.

The loss, sure was ridiculous, stupid and completely disappointing—but they have a whole season to redeem themselves. It’s baseball time again and who doesn’t love a night at the coliseum?

But seriously, who doesn’t heart Oakland?

Baseball-Related Sex Terms: Brilliant in Basically Every Situation

Cassie Kolias — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:52:34 -0400

As you were at second base, you realized you had a shot at an inside the park homerun. You were in a rush to cross home plate because you weren't sure if you were dealing with a rookie or a switch-hitter.

But before you could get to the seventh inning stretch, you were stopped by a rain delay. When it was all said and done you wound up getting a relief pitcher and bunting.

Sounds like a bunch of baseball jargon, right?

Translation: You were tongue kissing when you realized you had a shot at getting oral. You were in a rush to cross home plate because you weren't sure if you were dealing with a virgin or a bisexual.

But before you could get into some unusual positions, your parents came home. When it was all said and done, you wound up getting a vibrator and masturbating.

Baseball terms to describe sexual encounters are perfect. Whoever started the whole thing should be awarded a medal or have a building named after them or something.

It's such a simple concept and, sometimes, it makes describing sex easier for some people.

And the best part of the whole thing? It's become universal—when you tell someone you hit a home run last night, they'll probably catch your drift.

Remember back in middle school when baseball terms were used to describe how far you had gotten with a boy or girl that tickled your fancy?

The basic rules applied, and the terms were simple—first base, second base, third base and a home run, just the basic baseball terms.

But now, since the adolescent years have passed a lot more factors have been introduced into the sexual arena. The terms are better and much more detailed.

Back when the whole thing started, the basic terms were vague because there were only four choices.

First base just meant kissing, not necessarily tongue kissing, either.

When you made it to second base there was tongue kissing and above the belt fondling. And yes, clothes were still in the equation.

When you rounded third it usually meant that there was some below the belt exploring.

Obviously a home run was sex, in every case.

Now the terms are much more specific.

So you hit an inside the park home run? Yep, you gave or received oral sex.

Ground rule double? You would have had sex, but someone forgot the protection.

You got the bases loaded? You are in the midst of a threesome.

The terms make it easy, not awkward, and completely conversational to talk about even the most outrageous sexual happenings. Like when your woman brings in a relief pitcher—oh yes, she brought in the vibrator.

So next time that you're at a bar with the boys, makes sure that it is actually baseball you are talking about.

You never know when the references will come up. It will make eavesdropping a lot easier when you want to get some juicy details.

Now, go get your own perfect game—just hope there isn't a rain delay.

Report: Justin Duchscherer Re-Signs with Oakland A's

Cassie Kolias — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 13:25:43 -0500

Two-time All Star pitcher Justin Duchscherer signed a one-year, $3.9 million contract to stay with the Oakland A's Saturday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

At 31 years old, Duke is the only A's pitching staff member with more than two years in the big leagues.

Bay Area Baseball Is About To Get Way More Exciting

Cassie Kolias — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:21:36 -0500

Jason Giambi, Matt Holliday, and Randy Johnson. Oh my!

Over the winter break, a lot has happened to the Bay Area baseball teams that can and will increase their chances at being major contenders in the American League and National League West.

Okay, while a few other teams may have made larger additions to their roster—cough, cough—the changes that the Bay Area teams made will certainly aid in their quest to the World Series.

The San Francisco Giants added the left-handed pitcher Randy Johnson to their roster. The Big Unit found a home in to notch his 300th win with, which happens to be in the Bay Area where the future Hall of Famer grew up. Between the seasoned 22-year veteran and the youthful Cy Young arm-cannon of Tim Lincecum, the Giants rotation will certainly be a hard one to beat.

Well Mr. Johnson, there is only one thing left to say. Welcome back, welcome back, and welcome back. He sure will fit in among the Giants. No pun intended. OK, well maybe a little.

The cross-town rivals of San Francisco, the Oakland Athletics have also bulked up their roster with some All-Star caliber players. Outfielder Matt Holliday, who single-handedly put the Colorado Rockies on the radar, joined the A's to add a big bat to the lineup.

Oh, and a huge bat, Jason Giambi, was also added back into the A's roster. As Giambi was announced at a press conference, it was said that Giambi and Billy Beane acted like little bubbly schoolgirls as they were sharing that stage for the first time since Giambi won the AL MVP award in 2000.

Giambi will rotate between designated hitter and first base, with consideration to DH Jack Cust, who also plays outfield and second-year first baseman Daric Barton. Holliday will for sure be burning up the outfield, likely to the left, providing a stable started in that position. Last season there were eight different starters in left field. Oh, hello summer Holliday, who can't wait for that?

Either way, the teams have given fans something to hope for—something to look forward to, something different to watch, than the dismal Bay Area baseball that was last season. It will no longer be the battle of the Bay that proves who is better among the struggling teams. It will be a real battle. Maybe it could even be an epic battle? Who knows.

But one thing is for sure: I can't wait to see the Big Unit hurl one of his famous-but-lethal fastballs to Jason Giambi in the middle of June in Oakland or San Francisco. That will be a show—a damn good show at that.

Randy Johnson, The "Big Unit" Looks for One More

Cassie Kolias — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 07:10:22 -0500

That big (literally) former Livermoron, Randy Johnson is still playing baseball? What, really?

The Livermore native, currently on the free-agent market, is shopping for clubs to notch his 300th win with. Johnson, who turned 45 in September, is one of the oldest starters still playing in the Majors.

A few ball clubs are interested in picking up the future Hall of Famer for the 2009 season, but could this be the end for the "Big Unit," or will he keep on pitching on? Either way, he needs to stop while he is ahead, which is now.

Johnson has had a Hall of Fame career, starting back in 1988 when he pitched for the Seattle Mariners. He has spent time with not only the Mariners, but also with the Houston Astros, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees and back to the D-Backs in 2007. He is a five-time Cy Young winner, a Co-MVP of the World Series in 2001, and a 10-time All Star.

Wouldn't that be enough to call it a day?

Not for Randy Johnson.

Sure, he can still dominate on a pitching mound, still deadly and just as much intimidating as his younger years, but he should stop there while he is ahead. He has nothing to prove to anyone.

Rather than letting himself keep dipping slowly and fall into mediocrity, he should call it a career; a great one at that.

But instead, rumors are buzzing that the "Big Unit" could spend some time with the Cubs or the Dodgers.

Johnson told the Oakland Tribune in July that the end was near. It doesn't seem like it is that near, especially if the Cubs and Dodgers want him. If the Cubs or Dodgers sign the "Big Unit," it would most likely be a one-year deal and they may consider putting him in the bull-pen to close or just for relief.

It's time to quit, Mr. Johnson.

If Johnson retires or not, you could still say he's got it. Fancy getting hit by a 95 mph fastball dealt by the "Big Unit," go ask the dove he caused to explode earlier this year how it feels. Not too good, one would imagine.

Leave the Majors and come back to Livermore, Randy Johnson. You know you want to.
You'll always be our baseball hometown hero.

Baseball Not For America: England's New Pasttime?

Cassie Kolias — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:25:13 -0500

Baseball has always been America's pastime.

Nothing beats the feeling of a hot summer night at the ballpark.

With the smell of garlic fries and the sound of vendors yelling "peanuuuutsss," how could the atmosphere be anything but intoxicating?

It doesn't get much more American than seeing American flags flying in the Bay Area wind while the crowd stands with their hands over their hearts as the National Anthem is sung.

But England has to take everything from us Americans, don't they?

In September, the Associated Press reported that last year a diary was uncovered in southern England that dates back to 1755-which was about 50 years before the first known reference to America's pastime.

The diary found in England was that of William Bray, an English lawyer. He referenced playing when he was 18 or 19, with both men and women on a traditional English holiday.

The entry says, "Went to Stoke Ch. This morning. After Dinner Went to Miss Jeale's to play at Base Ball with her, the 3 Miss Whiteheads, Miss Billinghurst, Miss Molly Flutter, Mr. Chandler, Mr. Ford & H. Parsons & Jelly. Drank Tea and stayed till 8."

Sure, up until now, it has been difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of baseball because it has evolved from English games such as cricket and another game played with a bat and ball called rounders. But it is hard to swallow that baseball is anything but American.

It isn't our pastime now.

So, the great American sport is now the great British sport. That makes me a little queasy. American needs a new pastime.

According to the Associated Press, before the English diary, the first known reference to baseball in America was found in a bylaw in Pittsfield, Mass.

The bylaw was to protect the windows of a new meetinghouse. It prohibited anyone from playing baseball within 80 yards of the new building. Before that, the known founder of baseball was Abner Doubleday, he was said to have written the rules for baseball in 1839, in Cooperstown, N.Y.

The first competitive baseball game was played in 1846, in Hoboken N.J. between Alexander Cartwright's Knickerbocker Base Ball Club of New York and the New York Nine.

The first professional team played in 1869 and two years following that the first professional league began.

Now even MLB has accepted that the British diary actually contained the first known reference to baseball and is even working on a documentary called "Base Ball Discovered" with the man who authenticated the manuscript, Julian Pooley.

Let's explore our options for a new pastime.

Football?

Nope. American football is derived from rugby and other sports from the United Kingdom in which a ball is kicked or run over a line, dating back to the mid-19th century.

Basketball?

Nope. Not that either; Canada has the roots of basketball firmly planted in their history. Dr. James Naismith, from Ontario invented the game in 1891

I suppose that leaves... what? Volleyball? At least volleyball was originated in the US.
Volleyball: The new American pastime.

Sounds hopeless.

Dear Billy Beane and Lew Wolff, This Is What I Want For Christmas

Cassie Kolias — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 09:26:30 -0500

Dear Billy Beane and Lew Wolff,

This is my Christmas list, please make all of my wishes come true.

Don't trade Bobby Crosby.

Sure, the 28-year-old shortstop is injury prone, but at his best health, he is a force to be reckoned with. Reports have been surfacing that his time with Oakland is running down and I can't help but feel like the Oakland team will once again be all new faces next season.

The former Rookie of the Year led his team in doubles, 39 last season. Don't trade him. Keep him around for awhile Santa Beane. Plus, I invested in a Crosby jersey last season.

Add another big bat to the lineup.

Please sign another power hitter, we all know Matt Holliday will be gone by August if the A's aren't contending to your liking. We know that you will probably trade him away for seven more up and comers.

Don't move to Fremont.

You have been talking about this move to Fremont for years, now there is talk that it might not even become reality. Stay in Oakland! Fremont A's—it just sounds ridiculous and makes me want to cry, a little.

Don't try to shorten the postseason.

Lew, you have proposed a shorter postseason—why? It is already bad enough that I have to live November through March without baseball, please don't make it longer. I need baseball in my life, otherwise my heart will be broken for more than five months out of the year. Do you really want to break a young girls heart, especially around Christmas time?

Be as good as your farm system.

You have a winning farm system and your Rivercats were Pacific Coast Champions; you would think that your team would reflect that—well, it doesn't. Please make your team good. Thank you.

Keep the vets and rookies who proved themselves on the field.

Here is the perfect defense:

First Base

Daric Barton, although he didn't live up to his godly-rookie hype, he has the potential to be a stud and he was able to hold it down at first base pretty impressively. Give him a chance to be that stud.

Second Base

Mark Ellis, of course. Elly is the man at second base, worthy of a gold glove. He was out for with injury for the end of the season, but at his healthiest there is no better second baseman out there.

Third Base

Rotate between Eric Chavez and Jack Hannahan. Hanny held down the "hot corner" most of the season while his veteran counter part was on the DL. Chavvy deserves his spot back, but Hanny earned himself some playing time.

Shortstop

Bobby Crosby, DON'T TRADE HIM! End of story.

Catcher

Kurt Suzuki, need I say more? Suzuki is the man behind the plate.

Center Field

Ryan Sweeney, easily will be one of the team leaders this upcoming season. He will contribute both defensively and offensively, not to mention he is a complete stud.

Right Field

Travis Buck, After missing most of the season, in September T-Buck came back with a vengeance to prove he wants a spot on that starting roster. He deserves it and as long as he stays healthy, he and right field should be seeing a lot of each other.

Left Field

Matt Holliday, obviously.

Thank you Billy and Lew for reading my wish list. I would be a very good girl if you make my Christmas wishes come true. Merry Christmas.

Oh, and I wouldn't mind a date with your center fielder, that would be nice too.

I've been good this year,

Cassie

Oakland A's Could Trade Gonzalez, Smith, and Street for Matt Holliday

Cassie Kolias — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 09:46:50 -0500

Matt Holliday could be coming to Oakland.

The 28-year-old outfielder could be traded to Oakland in a three-for-one trade, sending starter Greg Smith, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez, and closer Huston Street to the Rockies.

Neither of the teams have confirmed the trade yet, but according to sources they are closing in on a deal that would bring the two-time All-Star to the A's, providing the A's with a big bat in their line up.

According to the SF Chronicle, the trade could be official as early as Tuesday.

Young Warriors Take Loss to Memphis

Cassie Kolias — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:33:37 -0500

Marcus Williams made his first appearance this season with the Warriors, and it wasn’t all too impressive. On the flip side, 19-year-old rookie small forward Anthony Randolph made his NBA debut, and it was impressive.

The Golden State Warriors surrendered the lead in the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. And they never recovered, en route to a 104-109 loss at Oracle Arena.

Fans left disappointed in the last 10 seconds, as the Warriors almost made a comeback in the fourth quarter with a little over five minutes remaining but failed to do so.

Williams made appearances in the second and third quarter, going 0-for-3 in just under 10 minutes. Not an ideal performance for most, but Williams still remained optimistic.

“It was a little different,” Williams said. “I got used to the speed and I felt pretty good, it was my first appearance.”

Randolph made his debut and scored eight points with seven rebounds and his first pro block, rejecting Memphis’ star forward Rudy Gay in the second quarter.

“He (Randolph) will be a terrific player someday,” coach Don Nelson said. “He’s too young, but he had some nice moments.”

The Warriors stayed in the lead for most of the first half and showed a lot of energy on the court. But the game went south in the second half, as the Warriors gave up the lead to the Grizzlies and were consistently lagging behind them.

“There was good energy,” Nelson said. “I have no complaints about that.”

Sure, the energy was good. It just wasn’t enough to pull off a win, which could have been their second consecutive win, and they haven’t yet succeeded in doing yet this season.

“Rebounding cost us the game,” Nelson said.

With the Warriors being one the youngest team in the NBA, it might be easy to blame their losses on the youth card, but there could be a lot of potential in the 20-somethings currently holding positions on the roster, many of them making their first start or first appearance last night, thanks in part to injuries.

Forward Al Harrington didn’t appear, due to back spasms, and forward Corey Maggette didn’t suite up for the second consecutive game, due to a strained hamstring. So, three of the five men on the court were starting for the first time this season, Kelenna Azubuike, C.J. Watson, and Brandan Wright.

The Grizzlies, also an extremely young team, won the battle of the youth for this game and Monday night’s game, when the Warriors also lost to Memphis, 90-79.

“They played tough, they were scrappy,” Williams said. “(The Grizzlies) made a lot of shots and played great defense.”

Oh Baseball, You Had Me at Hello

Cassie Kolias — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:48:42 -0500

Over the summer I fell in love.

A head-over-heels, make-me-want-to-shout-from-rooftops-and-dance kind of love. It's a love great enough to put even Baby and Johnny from "Dirty Dancing" to shame and I can't help but gush about it.

My new lover? His name is baseball.

I have never in my life been wrapped up in sports, no matter how compelling the game. In my pre-teen, ponytail wearing years I went to NFL, MLB, and NBA games with my dad.
I've met Warriors basketball players after the game before they pulled away in their over-sized black SUVs.

I've sat in the black hole at an Oakland Raiders game with the most over-the-top, scream-your-head-off fans.

And I went to my share of the Oakland Athletics games seeing excitement exuded by fans as the players took the field.

Last summer I met Nick Swisher, who came in to the grocery store where I worked to sign autographs and take pictures with the employees.

Even then, I didn't understand the excitement of the game and meeting the players. I was only excited about meeting him because he was so cute, even more attractive in person than he is in pictures, I might add.

You would never find me watching sports on TV. I just never got the hype of it all. It seemed completely irrelevant to me. But this summer, that all changed.

When the summer began, I went to a few games. I saw the A's take on the Baltimore Orioles in May with my best friend. I saw the A's battle the New York Yankees in June with the Express staff. The A's won both times.

The sport had me at hello.

Between the overwhelming aroma of garlic fries, the sea of green and gold, and the infectious smiles after a great play, I was hooked and there was no turning back.

The weekend following the game with the staff, I decided that after work I was going to relax and watch the A's take on the San Francisco Giants. Though I knew I would likely turn it off after 10 minutes in favor of Sex and the City re-runs on TBS. But before I knew it, nine innings had passed and the A's beat the Giants in a 4-1.

I couldn't believe what I had just done. I watched an entire baseball game without a second thought.

Crazy, I know.

I even ended up watching the entire series. It could have been the fact that the A's were winning. It could have been because the series featured a pitching duel between the Bay Area's best pitchers, Tim Lincecum and Justin Duchscherer.

After that I couldn't stop.

I bought ticket after ticket and I realized that I was attending a game a week with my little sister and draining my bank accounts to do so. I actually went to Barnes and Noble and bought a book called "The Baseball Geeks Bible" as my sister rolled her eyes behind me at the cash register.

I found myself watching the scores on my cell phone during every game that I couldn't attend. I had become an official baseball addict. Our relationship was almost to the point of being unhealthy, but not quite.

I watched the All-Star game in July as the American League won in extra innings, I watched team USA win bronze in the Olympics. I even found myself watching the little league World Series with the Jonas Brothers hosting the event.

Some may call it an obsession. I call it love.

I found myself picking up the sports section of the Contra Costa Times everyday and actually reading and enjoying it. I found myself Googling the players and alternating between shortstop Bobby Crosby and outfielder Ryan Sweeney as the background on my laptop.

I went to the mall on a day that I knew designated hitter Jack Cust and pitcher Justin Duchscherer would be meeting fans, to at least get a glimpse of them in all of their baseball glory. And they didn't disappoint.

I waited patiently near the field before the games started, hoping to meet the baseball men of my dreams as they took the field to stretch.

I met new record holder, pitcher Brad Ziegler who went 39 shutout innings to start a career, breaking a 101 year old record.

I also met third baseman Jack Hannahan by doing so. As I met him I was actually speechless at he looked in my eyes, I had to avoid screaming out "Jack, you are sooo cute. Marry me?"

My sister, Miranda and I went out to as many player appearances as possible and we met two of the best rookies on the team, first baseman Daric Barton and Ryan Sweeney in downtown Oakland in the sweltering heat of July.

I fell in love with the players, the coaches, the managers, and the other fans. I fell in love with the coliseum, old as it may be, it gives me an at home feeling.

I fell in love with the art of baseball, the actual game and all of its history, stats, and intricacies. Now I really understand why Americans love the sport. They have a way of bringing people together, through a common-love of the game, the team, and the cities the teams represent.

Baseball isn't just a sport. It is a form of unity.

And yes I see that big, rugged, muscle-filled sport lurking just around the corner, calling my name.

Cassie.

You may know him as football and he looks tempting. But baseball and I, we are in love and I don't see us breaking up anytime soon. Not even for football.

OK, well maybe just a little fling on the side.

Top Sports Curses Could Be Plaguing Your Team

Cassie Kolias — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 04:27:21 -0500

Sports curses could be brushed off as silly excuses for fans to explain their teams' losing habits or there could be greater things plaguing the clubs. Either way sports curses always have and probably always will be part of sports history.

Here is a list of some of the top curses:

1. Curse of the Bambino (1918-2004)

The Curse of the Bambino was supposedly the reason for the Red Sox not winning a World Series title in 86 years.

The curse was said to have began in 1918 when during the off season, the Red Sox sold Babe Ruth, "The Bambino," to the New York Yankees. Before that, the Red Sox had been one of the most successful clubs, taking the first ever World Series title.

After the trade, the Yankees went on to win 26 world titles in the Red Sox's 86-year drought. After many crazy attempts to get rid of the curse, including hiring professional exorcists to purify Fenway, the curse was broken in 2004. The Red Sox swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series that year.

2. The Curse of the Billy Goat (1908-present)

The Curse of the Billy Goat is what fans use to explain the Chicago Cubs not winning a World Series title since 1908.

As the curse goes, the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, Billy Sianis, was asked to leave a game at Wrigley Field, because his pet goat's smell was bothering other fans. Sianis was so mad that he supposedly shouted "Them Cubs, they ain't gonna win no more."

There have many attempts to break the curse, but none of them have been successful, hence the Cubs reaching postseason this year, but no luck.

3. California Curse (1965-1997)

The California Curse was said to have began in 1965, when the Los Angeles Angels changed their name to the California Angels. It is said to have lasted until 1997 when the Angels changed their name back to Anaheim Angels.

In that time period a number of tragic things happened and it wasn't about the Angels losing, more like losing their lives.

In the first year of the supposed curse, a rookie pitcher, Dick Wantz, died of a brain tumor. His death came just one month after his only Major League game.

Other strange deaths occured too, including outfielder Lyman Bostock being shot and killed in 1978. Pitcher Donnie Moore shot his wife and committed suicide in 1989. In 1992, just one month after their coach Deron Johnson died from cancer, the team bus crashed and injured several players. The list goes on and on.

Since 1997 when the Angels changed their name back, there haven't been any devastating losses or deaths. Creepy, huh?

4. Curse of the Black Sox (1919-2005)

The Curse of the Black Sox was the reason that the Chicago White Sox didn't win a World Series title from 1919 to 2005, when the curse was said to have been broken.

In 1919 there was a "Black Sox Scandal," in which many of their star players were suspended at an important time, late in the season.

The suspension then became permanent and the White Sox dropped from second place in 1920 to seventh place 1921. The curse was broken in 2005 when the White Sox won the World Series.

5. The Curse of Coogan's Bluff (1957-present)

The Curse of Coogan's Bluff is one the supposedly plagues the San Francisco Giants.

Since they made the move to California from New York, the Giants haven't won a World Series. Fans at the New York ballpark supposedly claimed that the Giants would never win a World Series away from New York. And they haven't.

They have had some close encounters with victory, they just missed the pitch.

A's Keep It Young in Oakland, Decline Alan Embree's Club Option

Cassie Kolias — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:23:39 -0400

Now presenting, the youngest ball club in Major League Baseball: The Oakland Athletics.

On Friday, the A's declined a $3 million option on 38-year-old reliever Alan Embree, one of the oldest players left on the roster. When the A's said they were rebuilding, they certainly weren't kidding. Being the youngest club could help the A's in future seasons, but it also hurt their postseason chances this past season.

Over past seasons, the A's were slowly filtering out the oldies and bringing in the rookies. Management relies so much on building a (winning) farm system that they aren't even considering wins.

No one should even have postseason on the brain for the '09 season.

It isn't going to happen.

With a whole new crop of 20-somethings leading the team next season, it is hard to deny that the best players on the field will also be the youngest.

Take 23-year-old outfielder Ryan Sweeney, who was the first player named to a starting spot for the '09 season.

Or 23-year-old first baseman Daric Barton, who, despite a disappointing slump, showed an incredible comeback at the end of the season, will be a stud next season and live up to all of his rookie hype.

The '09 A's will rely heavily on their young players, being anchored by only a few seasoned veterans, including second baseman Mark Ellis, 31, and Eric Chavez, 31, at the hot corner. But there are huge downfalls to having so much young blood on the field.

The injuries. The mistakes. The inexperience.

All those things proved to be a huge problem for the A's. They used the disabled list a franchise record of 25 times in 2008. They also used an Oakland-record of 21 rookies, with more on the way in '09, for sure.

The team is sure to get even younger, too. Also on Friday, DH Frank Thomas, 40, right-handed pitcher Keith Foulke, 36, and outfielder Emil Brown, 34, filed for free agency and are expect not to return.

Either way, the slogan for the Oakland A's shouldn't be 100 percent baseball. It should be Oakland: where the babies play.