ANNOUNCING OUR USTREAM FEATURE

The staff here at '02 A's All Day is proud to announce a new interactive feature to our online presentation.  We have created a U-Stream channel that will enhance the the blog-viewing experience for our fans.  We've added a video feature to the sidebar.  The video will be a live stream (basically a live 30-minute show) that will air periodically.  When the video is black, that means it is currently OFF AIR.  The stream will go live, however, every once in a while (don't forget to check-in).  Also, all Opening Day festivities will be recorded live by the stream.  So make sure to check in on opening day.  This will be the official '02 A's All Day Web Channel.  We hope you enjoy.

JETER BLASTS ZITO!

by Dunbar Stevens

NEW YORK -- In an exclusive interview with the New York Post on Friday, Yankees captain Derek Jeter took a swing at Oakland ace Barry Zito, claiming the young star "simply isn't that good," and that his curveball is "easy to spot."  Jeter said the A's as a team are over-hyped, offensively weak, and "full of a bunch of bone-heads."  He cited last year's ALDS as proof that the A's aren't post-season ready.

"You stand in the on-deck circle and look at a guy like Zito and guess what you're thinking?  You're thinking: this guy is a one pitch pitcher, that's it," Jeter said.  "He doesn't throw hard, he's not going to beat you on that fastball.  All he has is that curve, which is easy to spot, anyway.  If you can lay-off the curve, Zito doesn't know what to do."

Jeter said that the A's staff overachieve because of the ample foul ground space they're awarded at Network Associates Coliseum.

"The foul territory there is ridiculous.  You could stick ten white elephants out there in that space.  Of course Hudson and Zito are going to look good when any pop-up off the bat is an easy out.  Please.  These guys live in this baked-out California world, living easy, but when it comes playoff time they lack the grit.  No support from fans, no real expectations, no media presence.  It's all about collecting checks out there.  That's why come playoff time they're always overmatched."

For the record, Jeter hit .375 off Zito in 2001 with a home run and two RBI's.  Jeter was one of Zito's toughest outs outside Garret Anderson (.462). 

It's unknown why Jeter went public with these comments.  There is no known animosity between the teams.  When asked if he read what Jeter wrote, Zito said, "Yeah, I read it.  All I have to say is 'Okay....?' "

The A's will host the Yankees April 23-25 of the season.  We expect a chorus of boos to rain on Jeter from the A's faithful.

'02 AL WEST SEASON PREVIEW

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
Projected Finish: 1st (100-62)

	PLAYER	AVG	HR	RBI	OPS
C	Ramon Hernandez	.233	7	42	.648
1B	Scott Hatteberg	.280	15	61	.807
2B	Mark Ellis	.272	6	35	.753
3B	Eric Chavez	.275	34	109	.860
SS	Miguel Tejada	.308	34	131	.861
LF	David Justice	.266	11	49	.785
CF	Terrence Long	.240	16	67	.689
RF	Jermaine Dye	.252	24	86	.792
DH	Jeremy Giambi	.274	8	17	.862
	PLAYER	W	L	S	ERA
SP	Timmy Hudson	15	9	0	2.98
SP	Barry Zito	23	5	0	2.75
SP	Mark Mulder	19	7	0	3.47
SP	Cory Lidle	8	10	0	3.89
SP	Aaron Harang	5	4	0	4.83
CL	Billy Koch	11	4	44	3.27

The Good: 1st in AL in team ERA (although Anaheim is a very close second).  The A's have two Cy-worthy aces: Hudson and Zito.  The bullpen is good but not great. 

The Bad: Giambi's departure leaves a power outtage at first base.  Hatteberg is serviceable but not an ideal fit.  Outfield defense is sketchy.  Offense is not in top 5.

X-Factor: Barry Zito.  With the Angels in hot pursuit, Zito must have his A-game all season long.  The A's cannot afford any starting pitching hiccups, especially from the Planet Zito native.

Player to Watch: Miguel Tejada.  Potential RBI-king.  Eats up groundballs like a fat black bitch eats Applebees.  Undoubtedly the A's offensive leader.

Overall Rating: 93

ANAHEIM ANGELS
Projected Finish: 2nd (98-64)

	PLAYER	AVG	HR	RBI	OPS
C	Bengie Molina	.245	5	47	.596
1B	Scott Spiezio	.285	12	82	.807
2B	Adam Kennedy	.312	7	52	.795
3B	Troy Glaus	.250	30	111	.805
SS	David Eckstein	.293	8	63	.752
LF	Garret Anderson	.306	29	123	.871
CF	Darin Erstad	.283	10	73	.702
RF	Tim Salmon	.286	22	88	.883
DH	Brad Fullmer	.289	19	59	.888
	PLAYER	W	L	S	ERA
SP	Ramon Ortiz	15	9	0	3.77
SP	Jarrod Washburn	18	6	0	3.15
SP	Kevin Appier	14	12	0	3.92
SP	Aaron Sele	8	9	0	4.89
SP	John Lackey	9	4	0	3.66
CL	Troy Percival	4	1	40	1.92

The Good: Circular lineup, raw stolen base power.  One of the best bullpens in the league.  Percival is top closer in the West.

The Bad: Ranks 10th in home runs in the AL.  Spiezio struggles mightily against righties.  Glaus could set a strikeout record.

X-Factor: Ramon Ortiz.  The Angels' #2 pitcher allowed 40 home runs in 32 starts.  He can't stand to get knocked around like this come playoff time.

Player to Watch: David Eckstein.  The scrappy little punk is fun to watch.  Weak arm and lacks power, but he has a knack for getting on base and can snag a bag.  In a weird, semi-faggoty way, he always sprints to first when awarded a walk.

Overall Rating: 89

SEATTLE MARINERS
Projected Finish: 3rd (91-71)

	PLAYER	AVG	HR	RBI	OPS
C	Dan Wilson	.295	6	44	.721
1B	John Olerud	.300	22	102	.893
2B	Bret Boone	.278	24	107	.801
3B	Jeff Cirillo	.249	6	54	.629
SS	Carlos Guillen	.261	9	56	.719
LF	Mark McLemore	.270	7	41	.774
CF	Mike Cameron	.239	25	80	.782
RF	Ichiro Suzuki	.321	8	51	.813
DH	Edgar Martinez	.277	15	59	.888
	PLAYER	W	L	S	ERA
SP	Jamie Moyer	13	8	0	3.32
SP	Freddy Garcia	16	10	0	4.39
SP	Joel Pineiro	14	7	0	3.24
SP	James Baldwin	7	10	0	5.28
SP	Ryan Franklin	7	5	0	4.02
CL	Kazuhiro Sasaki	4	5	37	2.52

The Good: Defense is dope, especially in the outfield.  Right side of infield is best in league.  Ichiro solid as ever.  Good pitching, but weaker than Oakland and Anaheim.

The Bad: A-Rod left to chase money and pussy in Texas.  Bret Boone probably won't be as good as he was in '01.  Edgar getting older, still good but on decline.

X-Factor: Carlos Guillen.  Can A-Rod's replacement be half the player A-Rod was?  Or will the tobacco chewing Jesus-freak become a serious downgrade?

Player to Watch: Ichiro Suzuki.  He led the majors with 56 steals and won rookie of the year last season.  We anticipate a bit of a sophomore slump, but Ichiro still remains the toughest out in the league.  His batting and fielding is unorthodox to say the least.  Watch the Jap nig.

Overall Rating: 84

TEXAS RANGERS
Projected Finish: 4th (75-87)

	PLAYER	AVG	HR	RBI	OPS
C	Ivan Rodriguez	.314	19	60	.895
1B	Rafael Palmeiro	.273	43	105	.962
2B	Michael Young	.262	9	62	.690
3B	Herbert Perry	.276	22	77	.813
SS	Alex Rodriguez	.300	57	142	1.015
LF	Kevin Mench	.260	15	60	.775
CF	Ruben Rivera	.209	4	14	.612
RF	Juan Gonzalez	.282	8	35	.776
DH	Rusty Greer	.296	1	17	.733
	PLAYER	W	L	S	ERA
SP	Kenny Rogers	13	8	0	3.84
SP	Ismael Valdez	6	9	0	3.93
SP	Chan Ho Park	9	8	0	5.75
SP	Dave Burba	4	5	0	5.42
SP	Rob Bell	4	3	0	6.22
CL	Hideki Irabu	3	8	16	5.74

The Good: Lineup packed with absolute sluggers.  Most home runs in AL.  A-Rod and Palmeiro are strongest 1-2 punch in league.  AL West's top offensive team.

The Bad: Bullpen is scary.  Second half of rotation is an embarrasment.  Outfield is weak as hell.  Pitching allowed most walks of any team.

X-Factor: Bench.  Rangers' outfield wracked with injuries, therefore bench must step up. 

Player to Watch: Alex Rodriguez.  He's not only the Rangers' player to watch, but the division's as well.  His fielding is just slightly above average, but he is the best hitter in the majors.  Known to hit walk-offs.

Overall Rating: 74

A'S CRUSH ROX

PHOENIX -- The A's outmatched the Colorado Rockies 6-2 in a Spring Training matchup at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.  A's starter Barry Zito won the game, throwing 69 pitching in 5 innings.  Amazingly, Adam Piatt, Mark Ellis, and Greg Myers all had pinch hit home runs for Oakland.  Jermaine Dye also went yard. 

Both teams shook up their lineups heavily, subbing players in-and-out like a March Madness basketball game.  Oakland's Ramon Hernandez sat-out today's game after playing the last two.

The A's are just 10 days away from Opening Day against Texas.  Remember fans, good seats are still available.  Call 510-OAK-BALL for tickets.

---

BOXSCORE: 2002 Colorado Rockies At 2002 Oakland Athletics
  Rockies                  AB  R  H RBI   Athletics                AB  R  H RBI
  J.Pierre CF               4  0  0  0    J.Mabry DH                2  0  0  0
  T.Zeile 3B                2  0  0  0  B-A.Piatt PH                2  1  1  1
C-J.Ortiz 3B                2  0  1  1    S.Hatteberg 1B            4  0  1  0
  J.Uribe SS                4  0  1  0    F.Menechino SS            1  0  0  0
  L.Walker RF               3  0  0  0  E-M.Ellis PH,SS             2  1  1  1
G-B.Butler 2B               1  0  0  0    E.Chavez 3B               4  0  0  0
  G.Norton 1B               1  1  0  0    J.Dye RF                  4  2  2  1
F-T.Helton PH,1B            1  0  0  0    R.Velarde 2B              2  0  1  1
  T.Shumpert 2B,LF          3  0  2  0    E.Byrnes LF               4  1  0  0
  B.Petrick LF              1  0  0  1    T.Long CF                 3  0  0  0
D-J.Payton 2B,RF            2  0  0  0    R.Hernandez C             1  0  1  0
  S.Alomar Jr. C            3  0  0  0  A-G.Myers PH,C              2  1  1  2
  G.Kapler DH               3  1  1  0                                        
                           -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---
         Totals            30  2  5  2           Totals            31  6  8  6

A-Pinch Hit For Hernandez In 4th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Mabry In 4th Inning
C-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Zeile In 4th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Petrick In 4th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Menechino In 5th Inning
F-Pinch Hit For Norton In 7th Inning
G-Subbed Defensively (2B) For Walker In 8th Inning

Rockies......... 0 1 0  0 0 0  0 1 0  -  2  5  1
Athletics....... 0 1 0  4 1 0  0 0    -  6  8  0

Rockies                  IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC  SCORESHEET
S.Chacon LOSS             3 2/3   7   5   5   2   2   3  67  A1 C1
K.Mercker                 1 1/3   1   1   1   0   1   1  19  C2 C6
J.Speier                  2       0   0   0   0   0   0  23  C7 D3
S.Lowe                    1       0   0   0   0   0   0  12  D4
Totals                    8       8   6   6   2   3   4

Athletics                IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR  PC  SCORESHEET
B.Zito WIN                5       3   1   1   1   3   0  69  A1 C1
M.Fyhrie                  2       0   0   0   0   1   0  28  C2 C7
J.Mecir                   1       2   1   1   0   0   0  14  C8 D2
B.Koch                    1       0   0   0   2   0   0  19  D3
Totals                    9       5   2   2   3   4   0

ATTENDANCE- 4,432 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Chris Guccione, Rich Rieker, Paul Emmel, Gerry Davis
T- 2:50
LEFT ON BASE- Rockies: 5  A's: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Rockies: 1  A's: 0
ERRORS- S.Chacon
DOUBLES- T.Shumpert, G.Kapler, J.Dye
HOME RUNS- A.Piatt, M.Ellis, J.Dye, G.Myers
CAUGHT STEALING- J.Ortiz
SACRIFICE FLIES- B.Petrick
WALKS- G.Norton, T.Helton, T.Shumpert, F.Menechino, R.Velarde
HIT BY PITCH- R.Velarde
STRIKE OUTS- J.Pierre, J.Ortiz, G.Norton, B.Petrick, J.Mabry, E.Chavez, J.Dye
GIDP- T.Long
WILD PITCHES- J.Mecir

A'S HISTORY: #9 REGGIE JACKSON

by Maty McNeil
Oakland A's History Series

To the modern baseball fan, the name 'Reggie Jackson' is singularly synonymous with the 1977 Yankees, Billy Martin, and the Summer of Sam.  The bespeckled #44, standing in a confetti-strewn right field at Yankee Stadium, is one of the most indelible images of '70s baseball and will forever retain its rightful place among Yankees lore.  But what many forget is that Jackson put up one hell of a career during his time in Oakland, a tenure that earned him an MVP, 3 World Championships, 8 All-Star appearances, and eventually, a retired number.  Sure, he had five remarkable years with New York, but Reggie did his first drink-stirring by the Bay.

The Nigger With the White Girlfriend

Notorious cheap-skate and A's owner Charlie Finley plucked Jackson in the 1st round, 2nd overall in the 1966 draft.  The Mets, who had the first pick, decided to select catcher Steve Chilcott over Jackson because Jackson had a white girlfriend.  Big mistake.  By the time he was drafted, Jackson was a veritable athletic prodigy: he was recruited out of high school to play football for Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma, all of whom were willing to break the color barrier just to sign Jackson.  He eventually signed with Arizona on a football scholarship.  After one football practice, he approached Arizona's baseball coach and asked for a tryout.  In five at-bats he hit three home runs.  Jackson ended up racing through the A's farm system, playing road games in Birmingham, Alabama where he was called a "nigger," before making his big-league debut on June 9, 1967 against Cleveland.  Reggie hit just .178 that year with a single home run in 135 at-bats.  But the following season he showed marked improvements.  He hit .250 with 29 home runs but had 171 strikeouts, a near record.  Regardless, the A's knew they had something.  And then in 1969...

The 23-year-old Reggie went gang-busters in the '69 campaign: .275, 47 home runs, 118 RBI's, 1.018 OPS, All-Star, and 5th in MVP race.  At one period, he was on-pace to break Roger Maris' single season home run record.  He approached cheap-skate Finley after the year to ask for a raise whereupon Finley basically told him to fuck off and threatened to send him to the minors.  Apparently miffed, Jackson's numbers slid off considerably during the '70 season.

A's Roll to 3 Championships

The A's won the Western Division title in 1971, their 1st first-place finish since 1931.  That year Jackson hit a mammoth home run in the 1971 All-Star at Tiger Stadium off Dock Ellis that is still remembered today.  His home run came during a pinch-hit for Vida Blue, who had a remarkable 1971 season in his own right [see below].

In 1972, the A's finished 93-62 and reached the playoffs once again.  In a hotly-contested division series against the Tigers, Jackson stole home in pivotal game five and tore his hamstring in the process.  He was unable to play in the World Series against the Reds, a series Oakland would win. 

Emotionally crushed by the injury, Jackson came out with a vengeance in the 1973 season.  He earned the MVP that season, hitting a league best 32 home runs, league best 117 RBI's, and a league best .914 OPS.  He also stole 25 bases and played some of the best defense in his career.  In a hard-fought 7-game series against the Mets to win the World Series, Jackson hit .310 and was crowned World Series MVP.   

The A's won the World Series again in 1974, beating Los Angeles.  Jackson racked up a 1.045 OPS in World Series, leading Oakland to a 4-games-to-1 shellacking. 

Final Year in Oakland and a Comeback

Jackson hit 36 home runs in his final year in Oakland, his second-best total.  But his OBP was a pedestrian .329 and the A's were trounced in the Division Series 3-0 by the Red Sox.  The A's were left vulnerable after Catfish Hunter left the team, and despite a strong playoff performance by Reggie (.417 avg), he was granted free-agency and signed with Baltimore.

Reggie Jackson at Tiger Stadium, 1971

Mercurial Reggie proved to be no stranger to controversy during his final years by the Bay.  Sportswriter Dick Crouser wrote, "When the late Al Helfer was broadcasting the Oakland A's games, he was not too enthusiastic about Reggie Jackson's speed or his hustle. Once, with Jackson on third, teammate Rick Monday hit a long home run. 'Jackson should score easily on that one,' commented Helfer."

He made a comeback to Oakland in his final year in the big leagues at age 41 in 1987.  That season he hit a meager .220 with 15 blasts.

Leaving a Legacy

Sal Bondo was a solid force to be reckoned with in the A's lineup, but Reggie Jackson provided the strongest punch in the A's order during the '70s dynasty.  Teammate Darold Knowles once knocked Reggie for his ego:  "There isn't enough mustard in the world to cover Reggie Jackson," but regardless, it's unlikely the A's would've clinched those World Titles without him, especially in 1973.  Had Charlie Finley not been such a cheap-ass by fire-saling the team in 1976, who knows how many titles the A's could've won with big Reg aboard.

Reggie Jackson's Oakland Stats:

AVG	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	OPS	BB	SO	GIDP
.262	234	27	269	776	145	67	.355	.496	.851	633	1226	68

A Big Song from 1972:

A'S CLIP PADRES

By Dunbar Stevens

March 5, 2002

PEORIA, A.Z. -- The Athletics snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the Padres today, knocking off the Friars 6-4 at Peoria Stadium.  Olmaedo Saenz and Adam Piatt hit back to back doubles in the eighth and Terrence Long smacked a home run to propel Oakland to victory.  Erik Hiljus pitched an okay game, allowing all four runs in six innings.

The win improves Oakland's record to 3-3 in Spring Training.  Neither Chavez or Tejada were in the starting lineup.  Chavez did, however, pinch hit in the ninth, grounding out. 

San Diego's Deivi Cruz led the scoring push for the Padres.  He singled in the second, tripled in the fourth, and finished the game 3-for-4 with an RBI.  Bubba Trammell also had an extra base hit for the Padres, who finished with 8 hits as a team.

The atmosphere at today's game was laid back and friendly.  Tim Hudson met Padres' youngster Jake Peavy for the first time.  Both pitchers arrived on the MLB scene as highly touted high school players from the south. 

"I've read a lot about Peavy and they keep making comparisons between us," Hudson said.  "This guy's the real deal."

"I hope I can become half as good as this guy," said Peavy, chuckling.

The A's Spring Training warm-ups are right on track.  As it gets closer to Opening Day, Oakland will start to pare down their roster and begin fielding a team that will more likely resemble their regular season cast.  Non-roster invitees will need to make a big-league impression quickly.

The regular season will begin in 3 and a half weeks.