It's not easy being Green...

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert…on anything.  I am just an A’s fan who loves talking about the A’s.  So if you find yourself shaking your head at my amateur ramblings or wondering why I even bother in the first place then please, move along, move along.  If, however, you are like me and just love talking about the A’s then, by all means, welcome aboard!


     Yesterday the A's traded Grant Green to the Angels for Alberto Callaspo.  Some thoughts:

The Players:
Grant Green- A former 1st round pick, Green never could find a defensive home despite putting up solid offensive numbers in the minors.  It did look like he was going to stick at 2nd base for at least the time being.

Alberto Callaspo- Another solid, switch hitting infielder.


What does it all mean?
     To me this one is a bit of a head scratcher as the A's just traded Green for a player to fill a role that Green was being groomed to do.  This is obviously a win now move as the A's were apparently not ready to hand over an infield spot to an unproven rookie during a pennant chase, but is Callaspo going to be that much more of a difference maker down the stretch than what Green could of brought?  We'll see, and I hope for Callaspo's sake he can provide the production because the #FreeGrantGreen movement was in full swing this summer.

Ynoa in Stockton

     Some camera phone pics I took of Michael Ynoa's first Cal League start in Stockton.

I waited 5 years for this moment:

 Lookin good Michael!:

Some warm up tosses:

In game action:

Nice arm angle.

 Release the fury!

(Notice fellow Future Star Addison Russell has his back!)

Follow through. 

(and Addison is already reacting!)

He is tall:

Addison Russell comes to play!:

 Before

After

Catcher Bruce Maxwell is built like an oak tree and plays the game with a fierce determination.  He's quickly becoming one of my favorite players to root for:

I pity the fool who tries to take out Maxwell at the plate.

Final thoughts: Even though Ynoa had an overall rough outing he still showed enough for me to be very excited about him as a future Athletic.  I look forward to watching him progress through the Cal League and eventually all the way through Sacramento and the PCL.  Good luck Michael!