White Cleat Beat
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Oakland A’s: Three storylines for series against Astros

By David Hill

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Liam Hendriks #16 and hitting coach Mark Kotsay #7 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates defeating the Chicago White Sox 6-4 in Game Three of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on October 01, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 01: Liam Hendriks #16 and hitting coach Mark Kotsay #7 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates defeating the Chicago White Sox 6-4 in Game Three of the American League Wild Card Round at RingCentral Coliseum on October 01, 2020 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /

The Astros and A’s animosity

The bad blood between the Oakland A’s and Houston Astros does not just involve Mike Fiers.

Let’s go back to August 9. Ramon Laureano had been worn out by Astros pitching during the three game series, being hit three times, including twice in that game. He had plenty to say as he headed down the first base line, then began jawing with Astros hitting coach Alex Cintron. Cintron then allegedly said something about Laureano’s mother, causing the A’s center fielder to charge the Astros dugout, sparking a benches clearing incident.

Postseason series get emotional. After all, both teams are battling to keep their season alive, with any play having the potential to make a difference. Pitches too far inside, or a celebration that is regarded as egregious, could spark tensions once again.

There are plenty of ways this could happen. We have Laureano and Cintron. Fiers against the remaining members of the 2017 roster. Hell, the A’s as a whole could be forgiven for having animosity towards the Astros franchise, as they may have cost Oakland a division and the ability to advance in the postseason.

dark. Next. La Stella could be a long term option

It will all come to a head beginning on Monday. This series will be fascinating to watch.