The Oakland A’s assume they’ll take the AL Wild Card from the New York Yankees, but the Bronx Bombers might have something to say about that.
Everyone knows what assuming does to u and me, right? Apparently, the Oakland A’s don’t.
Oakland must be the least superstitious team in the MLB. They’ve risked jinxing themselves in the Wild Card game against the New York Yankees with a prematurely planned trip to Boston for the ALDS.
Also, some of their players aren’t afraid to make rash predictions.
“I know we are going to win the game,’’ A’s reliever Jeurys Familia told New York Post reporter Kevin Kernan. “…We’re ready for Wednesday night and we know we are going to win.”
Oakland manager Bob Melvin took a more diplomatic stance, telling Kernan, “We’re thrilled with where we are and now the fun starts.’’
Melvin’s words were measured, but his true feelings were revealed in his team travel schedule, posted in the Angel Stadium clubhouse after the A’s last game of the year.
It features plans for traveling to Boston.
Momentum is undoubtedly on the A’s side. Their 63-29 record from June 16 through the end of the 2018 season is best in the Majors. They went from fourth place in the West to burying the Mariners and Angels in the Wild Card race.
New York went 55-42 over the same stretch, transforming a slight half-game lead over Boston in the East into an eight-game deficit. The Bombers nearly lost their lead over the A’s in the Wild Card as well.
Oakland’s confidence may seem a bit strange, considering the fact that this is a team without an ace and they still feel comfortable starting in an elimination game. They’ve given every indication that they’ll either go with an opener or an all-out bullpen game.
However, with just one game to win and an awfully good bullpen, eschewing a traditional starter could be an advantage for the A’s. Still, the New York Yankees hope Oakland’s pride goes before a devastating fall in the Bronx.
The Yankees have their own quick trip to Boston all planned out.
