The Pastime

Many of my fellow A’s fans over at AN are down about the A’s at this point in the season. I’d have to admit, I haven’t been too optimistic over the past few weeks, either. Between the inconsistent pitching, the offensive struggles, and the DL merry-go-round, there hasn’t been a lot to be optimistic about.

But then I run across something like this on the AP wire, and it all gets put into perspective:

The A’s are in first place at the break for the first time in 16 years.

“OAKLAND, Calif. — Rich Harden has had plenty of time to observe the Oakland Athletics during two stints on the disabled list this season.

Like many of his teammates, it’s tough for the pitcher to fathom exactly how the A’s have found themselves tied with Texas for first place at the All-Star break — atop the standings in the AL West at this stage for the first time since 1990.

“It’s been a long time,” said Harden, the star right-hander who’s hoping to be ready to return from a right elbow injury in the coming weeks. “We’re missing a lot of guys and it doesn’t feel like we’re playing that well. Wait until we start rolling again, it’s going to be fun.”"

OK, I feel better now.