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		After the Break: Whither the A’s? By George Devine, Sr. July 14, 2010

	The Athletics wound up with two representatives to the All-Star Game this year, Trevor Cahill and Andrew Bailey, though Cahill’s presence was essentially ceremonial after his pitching and winning against the Angels (5-2) two days prior. Bailey, who picked up his 18th save the same day, was ready to again fulfill his nickname of “Daily Bailey” in Anaheim. He came in with the National League leading, 3-1, faced two batters and racked up one strikeout in the game, although the American League could not come back from the deficit. The appearance of both Bailey and Cahill on the ASG roster was the first time since 2004 that more than one Athletic was named for the event. In the prior occurrence, Mark Mulder and Tim Hudson were both on the pitching staff. Also Bailey is the first Oakland player to be selected two years in a row since Mulder achieved that feat in 2003 and 2004. What is important from this point on is to assess the A’s chances for the rest of the season. After winning the Angels’ series at Oakland last weekend, the Elephants are far from out of the race. At 43-46 (.483) and 7.5 games behind the division-leading Texas Rangers (50-38, .568), the A’s are only three games behind the second place Halos (47-44, .516) and face the Rangers in four series to come, two of them in Oakland. They also meet the Angels once again in Anaheim and once at the Coliseum. Those head-to-head games can make a big difference in the division, providing the Athletics can deal with some tough customers in the second part of the season: the White Sox are on the schedule, both home and road, as are the Rays (home) and there are two home series against the Boston Red Sox, in addition to a New York road trip. What must the A’s do from this point on? As far as the pitching goes, there is an old saying that could well apply: If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it. Of course, this presupposes getting Dallas Braden back into top form after some rest. As to fielding, the A’s have been effective, and their hitting attack includes solid performers: Coco Crisp, Kevin Kouzmanoff, Ryan Sweeney and Rajai Davis, in addition to Jack Cust who is versatile as both left fielder and DH. Starting with the date of the All-Star Game, there is an effort for the A’s and other MLB Clubs towards making a difference in America’s communities. As part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, each Club has outlined an idea they are passionate about and will vie for fan votes and an ultimate $200,000 Pepsi Refresh grant to fulfill the project. Fans have until Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT, to cast their votes for the A’s Pepsi Refresh Project idea at mlb.com/PepsiRefresh or by texting A-T-H-L-E-T-I-C-S or A-S to 7646. The Oakland A’s idea is to partner with the Alameda East Bay Miracle League to build an adapted sports field and community park in Alameda, Calif. for special needs athletes in communities around the Bay Area. There are over 32,000 youth in the Bay Area with disabilities significant enough to limit their access to parks, athletic fields, and team sports. With the Pepsi Refresh Project grant, the A’s and the Miracle League will be able to provide a true sportsmanship experience and give the joy of participation to these children that might not have that opportunity otherwise. “Baseball does not discriminate against age, gender or ability and I think it is very important that all kids have the chance to play and enjoy the game of baseball,” explained two-time All-Star pitcher and A’s Pepsi Refresh ambassador Andrew Bailey. “I encourage fans to please vote for the A’s idea so that we can win this grant and bring the Bay Area a field that can help make the dream to play baseball come true for thousands of special needs athletes.” “The Pepsi Refresh Project is proud to provide the stage to showcase these inspiring team ideas from across the league,” said Jeff Dubiel, Vice President of Pepsi Sports. “MLB fans are some of the most passionate in sports and we expect them to not only get behind their teams, but also see how easy it is to do good and be inspired to make a difference in their own communities.” The Pepsi Refresh Project is a groundbreaking effort to foster innovation in social good that will award more than $20 million this year to fund great ideas that help impact the world. Throughout 2010, Pepsi will fund ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project, which launched Jan. 13, features significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. People are encouraged to submit their ideas and to cast a vote for their favorite ideas at refresheverything.com.