The Because of Sports Podcast is back! Jessica Kleinschmidt of MLB.com and affiliate site, Cut4, joins host Adam Cubbage to discuss the 2018 Major League Baseball season, her role with MLB.com and Cut4, staying true to yourself, and Joey Votto’s chances of winning a medal in Olympic Curling. Continue reading “S3, EP. 1: Jessica Kleinschmidt, MLB.com and Cut4”
Tag: Oakland Athletics
Raiders Move To Las Vegas Another Callous Blow To Oakland

Sports franchises move all the time. I know this. Anyone who watches and follows sports knows this. Sadly, it has become part of the sports landscape. Continue reading “Raiders Move To Las Vegas Another Callous Blow To Oakland”
Major League Baseball 2015: The Locker’s First-Half MLB All-Stars

First-half of the 2015 Major League Baseball season is in the books. That means it’s that time of year when debate will rage on about who made the All-Star teams and who should have made the All-Star teams. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2015: The Locker’s First-Half MLB All-Stars”
MLB 2015: 5 Observations On The 2015 Major League Baseball Season (Through 6/1/2015)

I can’t believe it’s already June 1st.
While this date might seem unimportant to some, it’s very important when it comes to those of us tracking Major League Baseball’s marathon known as the regular season.
Why? Well for a few reasons: Continue reading “MLB 2015: 5 Observations On The 2015 Major League Baseball Season (Through 6/1/2015)”
Major League Baseball Trade Deadline 2014: David Price, Jon Lester, And Other Thoughts On Deadline Deals

July 31st is always a great day for me because I get to see players move around like someone is playing speed chess. Continue reading “Major League Baseball Trade Deadline 2014: David Price, Jon Lester, And Other Thoughts On Deadline Deals”
Major League Baseball 2014: The Division Races and Other Second-Half Predictions Pt. 2

What a second-half it is shaping up to be.
I saw the other day a statistic that said for the first time in Major League Baseball’s history four divisions are separated by no more than a game and a half. Four! So where does that put things for those contenders who are, not only fighting to avoid the Wild Card play-in game, but fighting for the opportunity to be in that playoff conversation? Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: The Division Races and Other Second-Half Predictions Pt. 2”
Major League Baseball 2014: No Bigger All-Star Snub Than Sonny Gray In 2014

Let me start by saying I am 100% in favor of getting rid of the rule that each team has to have a representative. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: No Bigger All-Star Snub Than Sonny Gray In 2014”
Major League Baseball 2014: American League West Preview
Sonny Gray looks to lead the A’s to a third consecutive AL West Crown (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)
The last couple seasons when I’ve kicked off these previews the American League West seemed all but won. In 2012 they had the best staff, best lineup, and best front-office heading into that season. The Oakland A’s proved that incorrect on the last day of that season by thumping the Rangers 12-5. Last season the Angels looked like the favorites heading into the season when they brought Josh Hamilton over from the Rangers to form an impossible lineup trio of Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Hamilton. Well, the A’s spoiled those plans as well winning a second consecutive AL West crown.
Yet here I am in 2014 about to prove I haven’t learned my lesson.
Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: American League West Preview”
Major League Baseball 2014: New York Mets In The Midst Of An Impressive Rebuild

I am going to admit this early so you don’t accuse me of forgetting: I’ve been a regular at the “Everyone Dump On The Mets” table for some time now. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: New York Mets In The Midst Of An Impressive Rebuild”
Major League Baseball 2014: These Pitchers Are Poised For A Breakout In 2014

Over the next few weeks I’ll be putting out quite a few lists before my divisional breakdowns and team reports.
The definition of a “breakout performance” can vary from person-to-person but the general idea is always the same: that player who takes the next step from potential star to household name. Continue reading “Major League Baseball 2014: These Pitchers Are Poised For A Breakout In 2014”