For two decades, the Oakland A's have grappled with the perception that they struggle to secure postseason victories. Yet, hidden behind this narrative are challenging circumstances that could have shaped the team's relocation efforts.
When reflecting on the A's playoff history over the last 20 years, three pivotal moments stand out. If these series had unfolded differently, the team might have embarked on a journey toward winning a World Series, transforming their entire narrative and potentially fast-tracking the construction of a new ballpark in Oakland.
One of these lesser-discussed moments occurred in 2012. After clinching the AL West on the final day of the regular season, the A's, despite being the higher seed, were forced to travel to Detroit for the first two games of the ALDS. They found themselves in a 0-2 hole before rallying to win games three and four at home, only to be defeated by Justin Verlander and his generous strike zone in Game 5.
What if the A's had won those first two games at home? Would it have compelled the Tigers to deploy Verlander for Game 4 in Detroit to avoid elimination, potentially setting the stage for a Verlander-less Game 5 in Oakland?
It's worth noting that Jarrod Parker, the Game 1 starter, exhibited significant home and road performance disparities, boasting a 2.61 ERA at home but a 4.54 ERA on the road. In his Game 1 start away from the Coliseum, he surrendered three runs, two of them earned. Moreover, Brandon Moss hit a ball that would have cleared the wall and tied the game if the same hit had occurred in Oakland's favorable conditions.
The entire series might have played out differently if the A's had enjoyed home-field advantage for the first two games. The 2012 season remains etched in the hearts of A's fans, exemplified by their unwavering support. Even after the team's Game 5 elimination, fans continued to chant, "Let's Go Oak-Land!" The bond between the 2012 A's and their loyal fan base was truly remarkable.
The above is about The《The Oakland A's: What If? Exploring Moments That Could Have Altered Their Postseason Destiny》, and finally, I would like to recommend you a pair of shoes air jordan 1 shadow retail.
