Oakland A's: Ranking the A's 10 Biggest Rivals, a Fan's Perspective

The landscape of rivalries has changed over the years, but make no mistake, they still exist, and Major League Baseball's Oakland A's definitely have their fair share.

When fans are asked who their respective team's rivals are, the following criteria usually come into play;  Blind hatred and geography. For example, if a New York Yankees fan was asked about rivalries, they would probably blurt out "the Sox," (actually, there is no probably about it). In this case, both criteria are in full effect.

Webster's Dictionary has three definitions for the word rival. For the purpose of this article, I will use the following. "A person who is competing for the same object or goal as another, or who tries to equal or outdo another competitor."

Obviously, the words hatred and geography are not present in Webster's definition. Over the years, fans have taken liberties with the word rival, as will I during this article.

The teams and players on this list span approximately 20-plus years.

The following list includes what I believe are the Oakland A's 10 biggest rivals. The list is broken up into two categories: team rivals and player rivals.

Keep in mind, like most slideshows, the subject matter is usually a personal opinion, especially when talking about rivals

As usual, feel free to dispute my choices.

Team Rivals: 5. Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are definitely a rival, especially during the Lou Piniella era, when he had them playing at a very high level.

"Sweet Lou" managed the Mariners from 1993 to 2002. During his tenure, the Mariners finished first in the American League West three times. The season that probably sticks in A's fans' craw was the 116 win season in 2001 that sent the A's to the playoffs as a wild card even though they won 102 games.

Pineilla, Randy Johnson, Ken Griffey, Jr. and Jay Buhner all contributed to the disliking of the Mariners.

Some of the above names may be seen later on in this piece.

Like most rivals, the Mariners are a division foe, which essentially makes them a "no brainer"in this discussion.

4. Texas Rangers

Again with the American League West. Well, get used to it; there is one more to come, so stay tuned.

The Texas Rangers of late have been a huge thorn in the side of the Oakland A's.

Their recent success, including making it to the World Series in 2010, makes this power hitting club with an ex Oakland A as their manager unbearable to players and fans alike.

The Rangers have finished no worse than second in the AL West since 2008 and are currently in first place in the division with a three game lead over the Los Angeles Angels.

 Ron Washington as the their manager makes the Rangers that much more of a rival and their recent run harder to swallow.

3. San Fransisco Giants

Interleague play has made the San Fransisco Giants a rival of the Oakland A's. Before 1997, the only time the A's and Giants would meet was in preseason or the World Series, which happened in 1989.

This rivalry has been a fun one for the fans. The A's are 42-38 in the regular season against the Giants. In season series play, the A's lead the Giants 3-2. How can this be? The A's and Giants have split their season series nine times.

Geography obviously plays a big part in this rivalry, but hatred of the Giants is a close second.

I recently viewed a picture on the web that featured the A's logo that said, "Zero splash hits. Four world titles."

With the A's beating the San Fransisco Giants and the Giants being the current World Champions, there is definitely no love lost between these two teams.

2. New York Yankees

Everybody hates the New York Yankees, don't they?

A's fans know exactly why Derek Jeter is depicted in the photo for this slide.

The 2001 playoff series is the sole reason the Yankees are on this list. I will not get into the juicy details, as A's fans might feel compelled to toss the computer out the window.

Don't be surprised if you see Derek Jeter again during this slideshow.

1. Los Angeles Angels

The Los Angeles Angels are number one due to the fact that they have probably been the most successful team in the division since 2002.

In 2002, the Angels won the World Series as a wild card team. Since then, they have won five AL west titles.

The Halos are currently three games back of the Texas Rangers, making for a wild ride down the stretch in search of their sixth title since 2002.

The A's an Angels always make for compelling drama, and with both teams in California, it's a blast for the fans as well.

The players make the rivalries, but fans, please don't forget about that annoying little "Rally Monkey."

Rival Players: 5. Ken Griffey, Jr.

Hatred makes him a rival.

Not that Junior is a bad guy, but back in the day when he played for the Mariners, recent stint excluded, he was always a threat, and that is understated.

His trademark smile, his hat on backwards and youthful spirit make Griffey one of those players that you cant help but like, but have to hate because he plays for your division rival.

4. John Lackey

John Lackey is an A's killer, plain and simple.

Couple that with his arrogant attitude, and most A's fans can't stand this guy.

Just like with Ken Griffey, Jr., there is nothing against him personally; even his attitude is probably part of his baseball persona, and I'm sure he is a great guy. With that said, as a baseball player, he is fair game and a hated rival.

3. Ron Washington

Obviously not a player; but a rival nonetheless.  

Ron Washington is adored by a lot of A's fans, or should I say was? When Washington was with the A's as a third base coach,  a lot of fans thought that he would be managing the Oakland A's somewhere down the road.

This, of course, did not happen. Washington is now the skipper for the Texas Rangers, and the team is thriving; unfortunately, this makes him a rival.

Some might say Washington being on this list is sour grapes, and they would be absolutely right.

2. Randy Johnson

Randy Johnson is another example of "hate him because he's good."

Hatred and geography have played a major role while coming up with most of the players and teams on this list.

The Big Unit personifies both. As an opposing team, you hate to see this big, lanky, left-handed fire-baller on the bump, and him playing for the Mariners made it all the more worse.

1. Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter is not in the American League West like most on this list, but like I said, everybody hates the Yankees.

The play at home plate in the 2001 divisional playoff game is the main reason Jeter is number one on this list. That play alone should be enough, but like Ken Griffey Jr., Jeter is a pain in the butt with his "too cool for school" attitude with the ability to match.

Jeter is a giant obsticle for the A's each and every year in their goal to make the playoffs.

As a fan of the Oakland A's, going to the O.com Coliseum and hearing the fans cheer for Derek Jeter as much as their own team's players has to be annoying.

The sad truth is, the A's don't draw the big crowds like they use to, so when the Yankees come to town with Derek Jeter, the stadium is usually full, leaving a sour taste in A's fans' mouths.

At the risk of being repetitive, everybody hates the Yankees.