The Cold Calculating Winning Methods of the Oakland Athletics (And why it might never work)

The Oakland Athletics are the best team in baseball, but see blood in the water because they clearly aren’t done upgrading their roster. They traded for Sam Fuld, they traded with the Cubs for more pitching and the biggest news of all, nabbed Jon Lester from the Red Sox and gave away popular powerarm Yoenis Cespedes---even though Cespedes still had some time left on his contract. The low-budget Athletics is the most active team in the trading deadline hands-down, and this is without the financial heights of the Dodgers, Yankees, Red Sox, and even middle-of-the-pack Atlanta Braves.

Billy Beane and company see 2014 as their ultimate opportunity to actually truly win it all. They have devised a nearly flawless team that sees struggles only in the 8th and 9th innings in terms of defending the lead. The usually powerhouse AL East has taken several steps back this season, the Texas Rangers are an atrocious mess, and even the Detroit Tigers don’t have the devastating presence of years past. The As however would have World Series Home Field Advantage (Stupid, stupid move by MLB, but whatever) thanks to the All-Star Game and are 5 games above everyone else not in their division.

That being said, what is the cost of sacrificing locker room charisma and chemistry in favor of a superior piece of the puzzle? This is where the grit vs. numbers debate rages in the world of Major League Baseball.

Cespedes was a well-known presence, a fan-favorite, a popular player in the league, and also had helped put Oakland on the mainstream baseball culture with his back to back Home Run Derby wins and his surprising amount of power. To add to that, he has a cannon of an arm and nearly broke Twitter when he made the play of the year by launching a baseball the length of a football field in a few seconds. And then did it again just 24 hours later with yet another unbelievable play. The Oakland Athletics became the talk of the baseball town because of him. He was giving the As a personality, an identity, as opposed to just a team Beane was cooking up.

Here’s the other side of the coin however. Cespedes is a .260 hitter, he hits for lots of power but doesn’t pull the Trout/Cabrera numbers. He is gone in 2015 unless the As can convince him to pull off an Evan Longoria-like deal (Which to this day surprises me the Rays got it done). So come post-2015 he will hound the free agency market for a better contract. So Oakland sees that they can get Lester, go all the way, and let him go afterwards being satisfied with a deep playoff run and maybe even a World Series. The last two seasons have seen the Tigers better the As because of superior pitching. But after bolstering their already-powerful rotation with Lester AND Jeff Samardzija AND Jason Hammel? How can you not pick the Athletics to win it all?

Because when you shift a winning formula so many times the variables can dampen the results. This holds true in baseball much more than any other sport on the planet, even though it does affect all sports. Team chemistry plays a major part in the success of a team. The Ravens carried the grit-and-guts style of defensive play throughout the last two decades, which explains why Ray Lewis was able to win a ring back in 2000 and again in 2013. The San Antonio Spurs’ manhandling of the Miami Heat was a decade work in progress with their extensive reach to European players that exchanges glory for winning. Even in the World Cup you had the Colombian football team rise from the depths of non-existent to suddenly lifting an entire nation for several weeks with their balanced and unselfish attack.

But in baseball, the numbers rarely ever tell you the true story. Pedro Martinez is the best pitcher I have ever seen in my life, even though he is well short of the magical 300 wins stat usually associated with a Hall of Famer career. The Tampa Bay Rays in 2012 ranked 27th in batting, but missed the playoffs by just a couple games and were the best-looking team overall in August and September (On pace for over 100 wins if Longoria had been healthy the entire year). Sam Fuld is currently batting .263 with 2 HRs while playing for his third team in two years---yet is quietly having one of the best summers amongst everyone in baseball and is even ranked in the top 5 in WAR. 

Chemistry is what propels the Rays, as they have a carefree, laid-back, wait-and-see approach that has helped them a lot since 2008--despite playing with few superstars. Team chemistry is what adds value to Sam Fuld despite never having the numbers can improve any team he is placed on because of his 155% effort he gives and because of his ability to make spectacular plays in the outfield on a daily basis. The Rays were suffering without him in the first quarter of the 2014 season, because they lacked the bite necessary to compete in the AL East. Lastly just the presence and intimidation of Pedro Martinez was a requirement for the Red Sox back in the early 2000s when they were inching closer and eventually broke their fabled curse.

And what better recent example do we have than the 2013 version of the Boston Red Sox? They overcame a tragedy and a citywide shutdown while pursuing the terrorists and propelled the city to the first title clinched in Boston since the 1910s. And this was with half the talent from the 2011 team that was expected to win it all. But the chemistry in the 2011 squad was shattered, broken, and tarnished, which led to the September collapse that we all know (and love). The 2013 squad in the meantime, led by the now-prima-donna David Ortiz, constantly played from behind, constantly fought and sprinted their way for every base, and eventually took the World Series from the Cardinals whom arguably was the better-looking team. The Los Angeles Dodgers of today has been essentially the same team the past couple of years but it took the run-like-Hell-yet-always-have-fun approach of Yasiel Puig to give the Dodgers a personality while also make them a huge, huge threat in the National League.

The Cespedes trade works on paper as the As could not keep him much longer, and because Lester has playoff experience tied to his resume which would be very beneficial if they happen to take on the Detroit Tigers again. The Athletics are a team built on statistics, the easy-to-read ones and the deeper stats that only the truly mathematically gifted can appreciate. However, what if all this trading tarnishes the locker room chemistry? We all know how the Athletics operate but how nerve-racking must it be to constantly play with the potential of being shipped for a few prospects on a daily basis? How is it even possible to maintain a consistent culture while the pieces keep changing? Grant Balfour flourished under the Balfour Rage 9th inning, and the Athletics fanbase was in love with the Metallica-inspired final innings. How is Oakland going to handle the Boston stench of Lester?

Can the lack of World Series appearances by the Athletics be tied to their style of building a team? Only time will tell now because as of now, the Athletics are by far the best-looking team on paper. They can hit, they can still field (Sam Fuld’s return helps a lot), they can definitely pitch (Keep an eye on Samardsija’s career), and there really isn’t a more complete team out there besides potentially the Los Angeles Dodgers. But can the inability to develop a long-lasting team damage and break the team? Beane and friends have been lucky to not suffer locker room controversies of any sort in the past decade, however how could Oakland handle one without a team leader or a team representative? These sort of things can never be measured or analyzed or drawn out in mathematics, it can only be witnessed. 

Cespedes could have been that locker room glue for all we know. I personally would never have traded him, as he was the face of the franchise, and in my opinion you never, ever trade the face (or one of the faces) of the franchise. I feel like too much was sacrificed for a pitcher that is going to leave in a few months. But if the Oakland Athletics win the entire thing, it would be because of this trade.



But if they don’t even make it to the final dance, it will also be because of this trade.



Like I said before, only time will tell what is about to happen in Oakland.

The Fluffy Movie: 9/10

One type of film that hasn't exactly progressed or evolved heavily in recent decades is that of the stand-up comedy movie. After the 80s when it was dominated by Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy the popularity and the quantity of this type of film dwindled quite heavily. The demand for the art form wasn't as heavy since the inception of YouTube, Comedy Central, and the ions of other ways to hear funny stories and jokes. But then in recent years we have seen Kevin Hart give it a quiet comeback with back to back successful films concerning his stand-up. Although they lack the legendary and timeless appeal of the 80s stand-up films like Himself, Live on the Sunset Strip, and Raw; it was a step in the right direction.




The Fluffy Movie however has knocked Hart out of the park and just might be the best of the stand-up comedy movies since Original Kings of Comedy.

Gabriel Iglesias has come a very long way since his Nickelodeon and Last Comic Standing days. He has developed quite a feverish fanbase, has gotten plenty of attention amongst his peers, and has become one of the top YouTube sensations in the entire internet. What makes him stand out is his ability to provide sound effects while delivering humbling and relatable stories full of humor, and full of heart. His fans are dedicated, his fans are also quite knowledgeable about his running jokes and his family scenarios, which is something you see in very, very few comedians. The personal touch of Gabriel Iglesias allows for it to always sound like he is talking to you, directly to you, as opposed to a big crowd.

Unlike the vindictive ways of Louis C.K. and Bill Burr, Iglesias never looks or sounds like a guy that is trying to get under your skin, he comes off as a funny member in the family that is always looking for a good joke. The down-to-earth nature gives him a more nurturing audience---you'll never see Iglesias have to battle his audience like George Carlin, Bill Burr, or Richard Pryor.

And of course now we have The Fluffy Movie. In this special, Iglesias talks about all types of things from health to family life to even India. The beauty of his stand-up is that you can see yourself in most of his stories, he comes off as a blue collar person living the blue collar life, even if he has success ringing behind his ears in the form of a beautiful stage set resembling the Bay Area. And this may come off as meandering the audience into thinking he is not living comfortably, but that's not the issue---for example: Kevin Hart in one of his films had a bit about one of his friends renting out Disneyland for an entire afternoon. Was it funny? Yes. Could we relate? Nope.

Gabriel Iglesias has a bit about how back when he was growing up he had to perform surgery to save his Nintendo Entertainment System. Was it funny? Definitely. Could we relate? Most of us most certainly can. His physical movements when saving his NES was one of the highlights of the show.

He is descriptive without getting too offensive (PG-13 stand up comic? Whaaaaaaaaaaat?), he isn't afraid of physically describing the story, and ultimately throws a heavy dosage of heart with each of his performances. The delivery is always spot-on, even when the punchline can take a very long time to arrive. And finally as the added bonus, can do hundreds of unique voices and impressions as well as provide some Latin flair to his jokes.

The Fluffy Movie however really picks up in the third act when Gabriel Iglesias goes out for an emotional loop and provides a hilarious yet very heartfelt tale involving closure with some past demons. Without spoiling too much, it took the audience in California as well as my viewing audience by surprise at the circumstances that had played out in recent years with him. It got quite personal as even Iglesias was having some trouble delivering the material. But the mixing of jokes and emotional punches made for a surprising and jarring journey that hits close to home, and it sinks deeper within the of your soul than the average dosage of content coming from a comedian. Luckily for all of us, the final sentence ended with a fantastic punchline----that had been set up half an hour ago.

In terms of cinematography and direction the movie keeps it simple, keeps it focused, and relies solely and mainly on the quirky, energetic, and lovable Iglesias. And it works every step of the way, and it never overstays its welcome. Although Gabriel Iglesias does nothing new or extremely different to attract a new crowd, the die-hard fans and followers of his work will be entertained, delighted, and satisfied with the final product. Whether or not this launches Iglesias to a new level of success, there is no denying the magic and the talent of what I consider to be now one of the top comedians in the business.

Hollywood Studios Live!: My Replacement Attraction for the American Idol Experience

Hey Disney trying to find a good replacement for your American Idol attraction?


Well, have no fear, because I have the solution!





I shall call it: Hollywood Studios Live!




In my dream concept, we would create an attraction with multiple shows per day that involves guests, professionals, and even cast members performing Disney songs (potentially a few non-Disney songs as well) in front of a live audience complete with costumes, with background/backdrop images, and special surprises left and right (maybe some character cameos!). This would expand the American Idol participation audience tenfold and with no prize promised in the end, it allows for anyone with the courage to audition, and ultimately perform. This new attraction would combine the concept of music, television, and stage and wrap it up in an unpredictable package where no two shows are the same! You can sing it, or even lipsync it if you have the talent to match them. Not a Jimmy Fallon fan, but he definitely displayed the potential in awesome lipsyncers performing in front of a live audience.


Without the Idol restrictions, we can have the oldest of the old and even preteens and teenagers have the chance to sing their favorite song live on stage. In my attraction what you do is go to the audition center and sing the Disney song that you would like to sing on stage in front of everybody. If the judges feel like you are serious and can indeed do the song without issue, then you earn a selected time to return to start practicing and fit your costume as you prepare to perform in the big show.

Example: you are 15 and your favorite song is “Part of Your World” from The Little Mermaid. In the morning you go to the building, sing the song beautifully, and they give you a ticket to return to the area at around 2:30 to get ready for the 3:00 show. You show up on time, and the costuming crew finds you a dress or a getup that resembles area while the proper makeup is applied to you. Then you line up with 4-7 other performers and when it’s your turn, the backgrounds in the building change colors to the ocean blue, while images of Little Mermaid prop up left and right around you. The host announces who you are, where you are from, and what you are about to sing.

Your performance gets recorded and also gets uploaded to the Hollywood Studios Live YouTube page for the world to see. At the end of it all, you go on stage once again with everyone else that performed for one last bow. You get an exclusive pin commemorating your role in the show, and you go about enjoying the rest of your day.


Or…..........you can watch the next show and see what songs will be performed next.

Here’s the thing. Disney has hundreds upon hundreds of songs in its extensive repertoire. Over 50 official Disney animated movies, dozens of sequels, spin-offs, knock-offs, and mysterious ones not even in the official list (A Goofy Movie being my favorite example). This brings the amazing possibility of going through one or even two straight days before coming across a song being sung twice. And you can even make it so that not all the performances have to be solo: you can do duets, by threes, and once in a while maybe a group. Here can be a sample 3:00 Hollywood Studios Live show:

Arnold, age 25: Jack the Pumpkin King (Nightmare Before Christmas)
Ashley, age 43: Feed the Birds (Mary Poppins)
Joe and Samantha, ages 22 and 23: A Whole New World (Aladdin)
Suzanne, age 19: Love (Robin Hood)
Freedom High School Acapella Group, various ages: That’s What Friends Are For (Jungle Book)
Frank, Joan, Samantha, Julian, ages 22, 24, 29, 21: Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast)

That’s not all. We can do special events throughout the year. If its Elvis’ birthday, we are going to see a bunch of Elvises on stage and we can see this lineup for the 7:00 show:

Joe, age 45: Heartbreak Hotel
Shawn, age 33: Are You Lonesome Tonight?
Kilian, age 29: Love Me Tender
Sal, age 44: Viva Las Vegas
Elvis, age 39: Hound Dog

Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Selena, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Queen can be other examples of singers/groups that can have a few sets or maybe even the entire day dedicated to them. You can announce the auditions well in advance and can even audition for the set date. Can you imagine the hounding of Elvis impersonators attempting their shot to play at the big stage in Disney?

With Hollywood Studios Live, there is no competition, it’s just a great time and a chance to become the performer or character for those precious five minutes. You can sing it, lipsync it, embed yourself in the musical art and stage and elevate the experience of Hollywood Studios for yourself and everyone around you. An advanced version of a random karaoke bar with a Disney twist, Hollywood Studios Live will be more fun, more inclusive, more random, and more unpredictable then American Idol could have ever imagined.

Hollywood Studios Live! Will debut in Fall 2015.




Well, if Disney lets me.


Disney, this idea is free. You can have it. But I would love to see Hollywood Studios improve as a park and I can see an attraction like this being a prime example in taking the right step forward.