The Baseball Update

The most important words for both Bay Area baseball teams for this upcoming season are go farther. One team is coming off of a championship season in which they shocked the baseball world by beating powerhouse teams. The other one is coming off of a mediocre season, which has been the norm for the past few years. While the World Champion San Francisco Giants are looking to defend their title, the Oakland Athletics will try and match the success of the team that is right across the Bay.

Oakland Athletics

Giants fever took over Northern California last year, leaving the A’s as an afterthought to all but their hardcore fans. Oakland has come close to reaching the playoffs for the past few years, but they just cannot seem to be able to get back to the top of that mountain, like they used to be able to do in the 80’s. The team has already expressed their desire for winning and to replicate the accomplishments of their Bay Area counterparts, but whether or not they can do it remains to be seen.

The Athletics have good pitching that can even be great at times, but they do not posses the adequate amount of offensive power. They tried to sign a big-name free agent who has lots of power, but Oakland just does not have enough allure. Hideki “Godzilla” Matsui signed with the team this past winter, but he could be past his prime. The big hope that the organization has is that Matsui should provide a few more home runs, considering the A’s hit the third fewest home runs in the American League.

The defense is top-notch, though, like last year. Injuries plagued the team, with many of their defensive specialists going on the disabled list for extended periods of time. All of them have had their necessary surgeries and treatments and look poised for a full season. Having a completely healthy team could help this team make it back to the playoffs. They don’t want the Giants having all the fun.

San Francisco Giants

Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, you knew about the success the Giants were having last fall. After a mediocre start to the season and a dismal August, the boys got on a roll. While the division-leading San Diego Padres were losing ten games in a row, the Giants took advantage of that time and went on a tear. Once they got into the playoffs, they never looked back.

Almost all of the players that were on the team last year are back. Playoff hero Cody Ross is starting the season on the disabled list, but Aubrey Huff, Pat Burrell, Javier Lopez and many more of the mid-season acquisitions are back for a full year. Last year’s National League Rookie of the Year, Buster Posey, and Madison Bumgarner are also going to be spending their first full season in the major leagues.

However, having practically the same team does not guarantee the same success. The general consensus is that the Giants won it all because of their pitching, even though they did have a few offensive outbursts. During the regular season, they were either in the middle of the pack or in the latter half of all major offensive statistics in the majors. Almost all baseball experts are picking the Giants to win the division again, but they do not expect them to repeat. Will the Giants shock the world again? That remains to be seen.

Who’s Off to Where to Break a Sweat?

Krista

Sport: Softball

“I’m excited to meet lots of new people and continue playing the sport. It’ll be fun to start playing for a college team.”

Clare

Sport: Crew

“It’ll be fun to row for my college team!”

Emma

Sport: Soccer

“I am most looking forward to the challenge I will find in college soccer and the chance to make an impact on the team.”

Tade

Sport: Volleyball

“I’m just excited about the new experience with new coaches and playing at a higher level.”

Kaity

Sport: Crew

“I am really excited to compete at the next level, to be able to enter into a program that has been doing really well is really amazing!”

Cloey

Sport: Field Hockey

“I have always loved to play sports and it will be exciting to see what intercollegiate sports are like. I cannot wait to meet my teammates and start training! I really love playing field hockey, so I am glad that I will be able to continue doing what I love at a college that I love!”

Alyssa

Sport: Field Hockey

“I’m excited to keep in shape and be at the next level of competition. I’m excited to meet new people and travel. Travel—that’s a big one. And meet new people from new schools and sports teams.”