MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Byrnes

Broomhandled!

All love to the ‘Gingers’ of the world, but the Athletics were smacked around like the proverbial ‘red-headed step-child.’

Fans attending the Sacramento debut on Monday evening saw fighter jets, fireworks, and 28 Rickey Hendersons on the field. All that couldn’t save A’s from the Cubs’ 18-3 drubbing.

The fans PTSD was just beginning. Following “The American River Massacre,” losses of 7-4 and 10-2 were added to complete the Chicago sweep in the inaugural series.

For the detractors of playing in a minor league stadium—like Cubs Closer Ryan Braider—they may have disliked it early, but 35 runs in three games likely make the Northsiders eager to return to West Sacramento. 

Athletics, conversely, can’t wait to get to Coors Field.

Sutter Health Park has a great atmosphere, and nearly every ‘seat’ has been sold. Wet grass was a talking point for fans on Home Run Hill, but as it gets warmer, that will be a moot issue.

Brent Rooker continues to support my 50-home run prediction. He added two more home runs this series while batting .333 with four RBIs.

The big surprise is young shortstop Jacob Wilson. Wilson, 23, after going 5 for 9 with a double and a home run, has hit safely in every game this season, in what is basically his rookie year—he had 92 ab’s last season.

***
Looking to get on track, the A’s travel to Colorado. 

The Rockies’ start is worse than the A’s, with the team batting a dismal .211. They can’t wait to be home after just two home runs in Tampa Bay and Philly.

The Rockies’ starters have been solid, so A’s hitters must get to the Colorado bullpen, where nearly every reliever has a double-digit ERA.

Game Time: Friday, April 4, 1:05 P.M. 
Coors Field