An Emerging Star

A major theme of this blog is the emerging star in his infancy with the ballclub, and that is Carlos Gonzalez.

Carlos staring out onto the field moments before gametime, seated next to Chavy, who symbolizes the old guard, leadership, and eight gold gloves. Flanking him are up and coming stars: Gregorio Petit and Daric Barton.

Cust, the traveled veteran, with the two young guys. This image says so much about where our team is right now: youth anchored by a few savvy veterans.

Carlos and Gregorio. The body language says it all: teammates, countrymen (fellow Venezuelans), good friends...sharing the first month in "the show" together.

This action sequence is a departure for me. The blog has mainly dealt with images behind the scenes. I've thrown this in to illustrate what a special player Carlos is. The natural, fluid swing, the grace, the power...the promise of the future.

In the clubhouse, moments before gametime. Billy Beane, though he's the GM, is informal and involved. He relates to Jack with ease....and Jack to him. There is a great reparté between Billy and the players that is very rare.

A little tribute to the past here...because although the past is prologue, it's often intertwined with the present...and the future. Rich Harden, Andrew Brown and Zebulon stand at attention for the national anthem.

Elly waiting in the dugout with batting coach Ty Van Burkleo before heading to the plate in the bottom of the 12th inning. Moments before, at the bat rack as he selected his bat, I said "God, I'm tired and hungry, let's end this." Elly replied, "Yeah, really...no kidding."

With a third of the season gone, you can sense a different feel to these guys. Theres a warmth and a togetherness. It feels positive. It feels like something you can build on... Both as the season progresses and in the seasons to come...if we can keep the nucleus of this team together.

Z & S