Here is the opening to my Thursday column about the Oakland A’s who are becoming a very big story:
OAKLAND
This column is about Brandon Hicks of the Oakland A’s, but it’s about more than Brandon Hicks. It’s about the Hicks Effect on the A’s.
Hicks, as you probably know, hit a walkoff home run on Wednesday against the American League champion Texas Rangers to give the A’s a 4-3 win. That much we know for sure.
It is difficult to know more about Hicks. Until Wednesday, he was kind of a nobody, like many A’s players. The A’s claimed him on waivers from the Braves during spring training. He came to the A’s after the publication of the media guide because, where he should be in the book, he isn’t. The A’s had to photocopy a supplemental biography just to account for him.
The A’s brought him to the big club on June 23. Before his walkoff job, he played in 11 games, had 34 at-bats, and was batting a wimpy .147. He also had zero home runs. That’s for his entire career. So, his walkoff was his first major-league homer. Talk about announcing your presence with a shout.
To read the full column, click here.
chris
I wouldn’t get too excited about the A’s just yet. If there wasn’t a second Wild Card team added this year they’d be just another middle of the road team. But they do seem to be going in a positive direction. Melvin is a great fit as manager and Beane seems to have perfected finding young hungry players that can produce. Most likely it’ll all come crashing down when the pressures on in late August.
July 19th, 2012 8:13 am
lameduck
If they keep winning, they will all become known unknowns versus being unknown unknowns. The unknown unknowns tend to be more dangerous in the lineup.
July 19th, 2012 10:47 am
Capts
A team lower in the payroll scale needs “nobody” players to step up. They do have tremendous young players who are far from fitting into that category. Reddick and Cespedes alone are brilliant. If Weeks reclaims his past success, that’s three future all-stars. Not to mention the young pitching.
July 19th, 2012 11:59 am
Stan
They have “it”..this far into July isn’t smoke. And glad to see it.
What Beane will do to keep this running is anybody’s guess. I mean,he painted himself into a corner pleading poverty,spent on Yoenis (check the A’s record this year with and without him) and the wins came.
So ,spend less and go back? Or..with the A’s, the obvious isn’t.
July 19th, 2012 12:10 pm
Tiburon Dave
Let’s not get too carried away…their team batting average is just .227 which is especially putrid considering the pitchers don’t hit.
They’re winning with pitching and a 3.42 team ERA…that’s nice in the American League…best pitching staff that nobody will ever see…and then Billy Beane will break them up at the winter meetings…
But that’s ok because pigs were reported flying over San Bernadino so the San Jose Stadium should happen any day now…
July 19th, 2012 2:02 pm
Stan
One more..If Atlantans had to hear the national Anthem sung the “Rosanne way” before every game on the road (at home too?)..they would be offended..and you KNOW that. But, Native Americans? they have to swallow that racist “Tomahawk chop” with the stereotype drum beat and chanting.
2012,and still doing that. Don’t blame me.
July 19th, 2012 2:18 pm
Stan
Its a wonder they let go some Italian guy to be chief Knock-A- Homa,in his Tee-Pee. Jezuz H.Christ,how can they still be so stupid?
July 19th, 2012 2:20 pm
Public animal
I had heard not that long ago that the Indian tribes liked the salute to the history of their heritage. Why would anyone be so sensitive to it if it does not affect them or make the tribes angry?
As part Italian heritage i don’t have a problem with Italian portrayals mostly as Mafia type figures. If you have a problem with that I can make you an offer you can’t refuse.
Of course the image of the Irish, my other half, as a bunch of drunks with jobs, well – I can understand that as well. I’m writing this comment while drinking at a bar right now.
I’m not fond of the chop but I would say that Stan is as insensitive as the next person – the only difference is who he is being insensitive to. Skinny people with long hair that can’t throw a baseball 95 miles an hour anymore?
What do you think Lowell?
July 20th, 2012 5:00 pm
CohnZohn
Public Animal, Mrs. Cohn Zohn is half Italian and half Irish and she has a great love of Jewish tradition. What a wonderful, exciting combo.That’s what I think.
July 20th, 2012 7:15 pm
lameduck
OK, that’s two
July 20th, 2012 9:43 pm