It's now just after the All Star break and I haven't even thought about writing anything about the Oakland A's this season.  To be honest, I've given up on them and Billy Beane.  I used to think Billy Beane was a genius.  I even used the nickname "Beanius" (thanks Kelper) when talking about him.  But, I am tired of the non-stop "rebuild" mode that this team is in.  I'm tired of watching good players leave for bigger contracts and better teams.  I'm tired of promising stars being traded for prospects who may or may not pan out.  I'M TIRED OF THE LOSING!

I used to be on board with the Moneyball philosophy with the hopes that cheaper, younger, craftier players could bring some sort of success to this organization.  Now, I'm done with that school of thought.  I want a team that can win.  I want a team that at least has the willingness to win and if they don't have that willingness, I want them to at least acknowledge that fact.  I don't want a lot of this "We are gearing up for the future" crap, because we all know that you aren't gearing up for the future, you are just gearing up for the wallets of the owners and the future costs. 

So who will my next team be?  I have some options...follow me inside and let me know what you think.

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Also on the Network: √ Series Preview: Pirates at Cardinals [C70 At The Bat] √ The Ballad of Ricky-Bobby: Ohhhhhh It's The Bears [Tremendous Upside Potential] √ While the Cat is away... [C70 At The Bat] √ Tom Thibodeau + Mullet = Auto-Post [Tremendous Upside Potential] √ Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, & Magic Johnson in Heat Jerseys [Tremendous Upside Potential] √ Doc Gooden Retires As a Met Sunday [Loge 13] √ Doing It The Hard Way [C70 At The Bat] √ Bobby Jenks Saves Sox's Win Over Seattle [Tremendous Upside Potential]

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As I am a pretty big baseball fan, I have always liked certain teams and players, but never really followed them as much as I did the Athletics.  I won't be a fan of any AL West teams or either of the Chicago teams.  Nor will I be a fan of either of the New York teams or a fan of the Red Sox or Phillies.  Why?  Because I have spent far too much time hating those teams to ever be one of their fans (minus the Cubs, I just hate seeing them lose every year).  Here is a list of teams I was thinking about switching my fandom to:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers - No, this isn't a bandwagon pick.  I've always liked them and the A's, but like I said, I just wasn't into them as much as Oakland.  They are the natural West Coast pick for me.  They have an organization willing to spend to win and they have had a lot of talent come through the organization.  And they had what, three or four Rookie of the Year winners in a row during the 90s.  Never been to a Dodgers game, so I don't know about the park or the fans.
2. Tampa Bay Rays - Also not a bandwagon pick.  I've liked them since their inception, because my Mom and my Stepfather lived in the St. Pete area.  The games are cheap to go to and the atmosphere is fun.  I heckled some Blue Jays pitchers and saw a guy about five rows behind me almost get tased, for doing nothing!  Where else can you do this for $27 dollars a ticket in the front row?  Girls...tanned and drunk...good combo.
3. Kansas City Royals - Kelper has always been a fan of the Royals and we have taken quite a few road trips out there to see them play.  The park isn't state of the art, but I like the older feel to it.  I really like the fountains in the outfield.  It's a fan friendly place and even if they lose, the fans are still pretty cool.  The tickets are also cheap there too.  And, the girls...HOT!
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - The Indianapolis Indians are their AAA affiliate and I've actually been able to see some of their talent come up through the system.  Minus the fact that I missed out on Andrew McCutcheon this year before he got called up and missing out on Ian Snell's 17 strikeout game.  Will they ever win another World Series?  I doubt it, but at least they admit to wanting to stay young at all costs.  EX:  Trading Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan this season.

There you have it.  My short list of four teams that I will pick my team from.  Two from the NL and two from the AL.  Maybe I'll pick one from each and split my loyalties to them.  Maybe I'll pick all four.  Maybe I won't pick any and I'll just follow certain players.

Any suggestions?

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