I share a set of season tickets with a group of others. One of the group members is leaving, so we have an opening. We have five seats in section 115, Row 20. If you’re interested in joining our group for 5-20 games, send me an email at seasontix @ zombia.com, and let me know your level of interest.

Having had time to absorb the shock of the big trades, I’m starting to come around to liking them. I really didn’t like the 2004 Athletics much as a team. It was very frustrating to see guys who had performed well in the past, like Mulder, Zito, Mecir, Rhodes, Redman, Bradford, and Dye all give less-than-peak performances. Except for Zito, those guys are all on the wrong side of 27.

It was time for an overhaul. That generation had run its course. I’m really going to miss Tim Hudson, who was my favorite player. But I think I’ll like the 2005 team more.

For some reason, I think I enjoy baseball more with lowered expectations. Each close failure by the 1999-2004 generation to win a pennant built up my desire and expectations even more. It made each successive failure even more agonizing to watch. In the end, I think I hardly enjoyed it at all.

I need a fresh slate. I’m ready to turn the page. I want to relax, take my time, and get to know these new players. I’m looking forward to the spring. Care to join me?