With the exception of the special "extortion" rate for car rental, my second trip down to Phoenix has been fairly uneventful. I was hoping that the A's would respond more positively to my close proximity and my presence at Thursday's game versus the Padres, but maybe that was asking a bit much. I'm okay with their loss, though Zito's performance left MUCH to be desired. I really hope that things he was "working on", are perfected before Opening Day.

Anyway, Spring Training numbers don't matter, especially since the team hasn't had all of its parts on the field and working at their peak yet. But that's all about to change: Harden appears to be back and is making hitters look like little leaguers, Bradley's producing and fitting in famously and now Frank Thomas is back and reportedly intimidating pitchers from the dugout... This is what the team that will take the A.L. West looks like.

Show update: I should have another show out just after my return home, just in time for last few meaningless games of the Spring. Then, the A's most promising, Beane-helmed season will be underway. Aw yeah! 2006 is gonna be fan-freakin'-tastic!