Moneyball Shmoneyball

Dear Oakland A's:
You are breaking my heart. I am reading a book right now that is written about your brilliant tactics to save money while still winning games and being contenders called "Moneyball". There is even a movie being made about the Oakland A's of the late 90's and early 2000's where Brad Pitt will be playing the "visionary" General Manager Billy Beane. The concept of spending the least to get the most return is something that everyone can relate to, especially now. But, I have to tell you that it is now 2009 and you are becoming legendary at something else that no one will write a book about. Being bad. Not only being bad, but setting a new level of bad-ness and it makes me sad.
Gone are the days where we would get all decked out in our green and gold and head to the games early to catch batting practice. To be able to take in the sights and smells of the Coliseum was always exciting. No matter how many games we went to, we still anxiously made the 20 minute drive to Oakland to see our team. We were proud to cheer on our A's and to defend them to anyone who said a bad thing about them. In fact, the Coliseum will always hold a special place in my heart as will the smell of hot dogs and fresh cut grass.There is nothing better than spending a summer night at a ballpark that is filled to capacity with the buzz of excitement to watch our team and cheer them on to victory.
The tone at the Coliseum has changed dramatically, though, and that is the part that breaks my heart. It is almost with dread that we go to Oakland to see our A's because we know that they will most likely lose. The stands are not even close to being full and the excited buzz is gone. Even the players drag themselves onto the field as if they have lost a bet and now have to play baseball. Moneyball, I am afraid to say, is no longer working. It is time to think of something else. As I sat at the game with my family the last time we went and reminisced about the "good 'ol days" with my Dad, I truly felt a sense of loss. So, my plea to you, Oakland Athletics, is this: Please do something different! Restore the trust of your faithful followers before you lose all of us loyal fans that are left.
With that said, I pledge to always be your fan. I will take a page from the Boston Red Sox fans who watched their team suffer from the Curse of the Bambino for years and never let their loyalty waiver. In the end, they were blessed with a World Series title. I have faith in you, A's. I know that you can be great. There will be something to celebrate again and your stands will be full of fans that can once again hold their heads high.Please just hurry. I don't know how many more losing seasons my heart can take.