mercurynews--2020-09-19--Fantasy football: 49ers’ Week 2 outlook at New York Jets

SANTA CLARA – Here is how I see the 49ers ’ fantasy football stats for Sunday ’ s visit to the New York Jets : Kittle is already ruled out .
He only missed three games his first three seasons , and the 49ers hope he returns in Week 3 at the New York Giants .
Samuel went on injured reserve last Saturday and is out through Week 3 .
Too big a prediction ?
The first-round draft pick debuts in grand fashion , a month after his left hamstring did not agree with a deep route .
So begins @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and that will give Reed more opportunities , if only coaches finally are willing to do so .
Dwelley stepped up last year when Kittle was out , totaling 12 of his 15 catches last season during a three-game , midseason stretch .
If you ’ re desperate for a tight end , take a flier on him .
Last week ’ s 76-yard touchdown reception made him fantasy gold , but the 49ers only need his ground game this week to kill the clock against the Jets .
He scored a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his long-awaited 49ers debut , so he has Garoppolo ’ s trust , and that is worth posting him in your RB3 or flex role against a generous defense .
Smoky air contributed to his limited use in the opener , and the 49ers may mix him in more , but not enough to warrant a fantasy start .
He put up respectable stats last week ( 259 yards , 2 TDs ) that weren ’ t far off my prediction ( 225 yards , 3 TDs ) , but with too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back in Week 3 .
Garoppolo trusted him enough for his final , fourth-down target last game , albeit an incomplete throw that came late .
Taylor ’ s second game since 2018 should go better and is worth a flier if needed for your roster .
Bourne ’ s biggest backer is Kyle Shanahan – which wasn ’ t the case four years ago – and he got in position to score the winning touchdown last game if Garoppolo ’ s throw was not late .
Don ’ t cut him from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Deebo Samuel ( once off IR ) steal his targets .
Gould is three field goals shy from his 100th for the 49ers , after knocking through 276 for the Chicago Bears .
Only six other NFL kickers have hit the 200/100 club with two teams .
The Jets make for much better prey than the Arizona Cardinals ’ Kyler Murray , and because you likely drafted the 49ers in the upper echelon of defense , time to play ’ em .
• What we learned Friday at 49ers HQ : George @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • 49ers ’ defense will have one less Jets playmaker to worry about Sunday • 49ers at Jets : Five keys for San Francisco to successfully start New York-New York trip • Nike ’ s kneel-commemorating all-black Kaepernick jersey sells out in less than a minute • 49ers ’ Nick Bosa ready to get after ‘ the enemy ’ in legendary rusher Frank Gore

SANTA CLARA – Here is how I see the 49ers’ fantasy football stats for Sunday’s visit to the New York Jets:
Tight end George Kittle: Sit him
Projected stats: 0
Kittle is already ruled out. He only missed three games his first three seasons, and the 49ers hope he returns in Week 3 at the New York Giants.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel: Sit him
Projected stats: 0
Samuel went on injured reserve last Saturday and is out through Week 3.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk: Start him
Projected stats: 7 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD
Too big a prediction? The first-round draft pick debuts in grand fashion, a month after his left hamstring did not agree with a deep route. So begins a stellar career.
Tight end Jordan Reed: Start him
Projected stats: 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD
Kittle is out, and that will give Reed more opportunities, if only coaches finally are willing to do so.
Tight end Ross Dwelley: Sit him
Projected stats: 3 catches, 24 yards
Dwelley stepped up last year when Kittle was out, totaling 12 of his 15 catches last season during a three-game, midseason stretch. If you’re desperate for a tight end, take a flier on him.
Running back Raheem Mostert: Start him
Projected stats: 20 carries, 110 yards, 1 TD
Last week’s 76-yard touchdown reception made him fantasy gold, but the 49ers only need his ground game this week to kill the clock against the Jets.
Running back Jerick McKinnon: Start him
Projected stats: 75 all-purpose yards
He scored a go-ahead touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of his long-awaited 49ers debut, so he has Garoppolo’s trust, and that is worth posting him in your RB3 or flex role against a generous defense.
Running back Tevin Coleman: Sit him
Projected stats: 6 carries, 25 yards
Smoky air contributed to his limited use in the opener, and the 49ers may mix him in more, but not enough to warrant a fantasy start.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: Start him
Projected stats: 225 passing yards, 3 TDs
He put up respectable stats last week (259 yards, 2 TDs) that weren’t far off my prediction (225 yards, 3 TDs), but with too much uncertainty at wide receiver, check back in Week 3.
Wide receiver Trent Taylor: Sit him
Projected stats: 4 catches, 45 yards
Garoppolo trusted him enough for his final, fourth-down target last game, albeit an incomplete throw that came late. Taylor’s second game since 2018 should go better and is worth a flier if needed for your roster.
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne: Sit him
Projected stats: 4 catches, 46 yards
Bourne’s biggest backer is Kyle Shanahan – which wasn’t the case four years ago – and he got in position to score the winning touchdown last game if Garoppolo’s throw was not late. Don’t cut him from your roster, yet, unless Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel (once off IR) steal his targets.
Kicker Robbie Gould: Start him
Projected stats: 3 field goals, 3 extra points
Gould is three field goals shy from his 100th for the 49ers, after knocking through 276 for the Chicago Bears. Only six other NFL kickers have hit the 200/100 club with two teams.
Defense: Start them
Projected stats: 6 sacks, 3 takeaways


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Word Game: Sept. 19, 2020

Word Game: Sept. 19, 2020

TODAY ’ S WORD — IMMOLATE ( IMMOLATE : IM-uh-late : To kill or destroy , especially by fire . )
Can you find 45 or more words in IMMOLATE ?
The list will be published Monday .
YESTERDAY ’ S WORD — RESOLVES reel resole resolve revel role rose rove else elver elves erose ever seer selves sere serve sever sloe soever sole solve solver sore over leer less lesser lessor lever loess lore lose loser loss love lover veer verse verso vessel Vole To purchase the Word Game book , visit WordGameBooks.com .
Order it now for just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Words must be of four or more letters .
2 .
Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “ s , ” such as “ bats ” or “ dies , ” are not allowed .
3 .
Additional words made by adding a “ d ” or an “ s ” may not be used .
For example , if “ bake ” is used , “ baked ” or “ bakes ” are not allowed , but “ bake ” and “ baking ” are admissible .
4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed .

TODAY’S WORD — IMMOLATE (IMMOLATE: IM-uh-late: To kill or destroy, especially by fire.)
Average mark 32 words
Time limit 40 minutes
Can you find 45 or more words in IMMOLATE? The list will be published Monday.
YESTERDAY’S WORD — RESOLVES reel resole resolve revel role rose rove else
elver elves erose ever seer selves sere serve sever sloe soever sole solve solver
sore over leer less lesser lessor lever loess lore lose loser loss love lover veer verse
verso vessel Vole
To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last!
RULES OF THE GAME:
1. Words must be of four or more letters.
2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed.
3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible.
4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed.
Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Horoscopes Sept. 19, 2020: Jimmy Fallon, conflict will hold you back.

Happy Birthday : Remembering the past will help you decipher what you are up against and how you should move forward .
Conflict will hold you back .
Make amends , and let go of negativity and regret .
A positive attitude will help you be and do your very best .
Concentrate on the people , pursuits and places that will bring you the highest returns .
Your numbers are 4 , 13 , 20 , 24 , 31 , 34 , 42 .
ARIES ( March 21-April 19 ) : Your emotions will take over if you aren @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do or say something you ’ ll regret .
Take a deep breath , and consider alternative ways to resolve the issues you have with someone you love .
Keep the peace .
3 stars TAURUS ( April 20-May 20 ) : A change will cause confusion and uncertainty .
Take a moment to consider your actions before you get involved in something that may be risky .
A problem will arise with someone you love if you are inconsistent .
Focus on getting along .
3 stars GEMINI ( May 21-June 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you want .
Size up situations before you take action .
Focus more on home improvements and getting along with loved ones than getting involved in ventures that are risky or unstable .
Make romance a priority .
3 stars CANCER ( June 21-July 22 ) : Let your actions speak for you .
Have an impact on the outcome of any situation you face by doing what ’ s right .
An opportunity will result if you are honorable and reliable .
Let go of the past , and focus on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 23-Aug. 22 ) : Spend more time building a warm and friendly environment for family and friends , and you will be the center of attention .
The time and energy you put into something you believe in will push you in a new direction full of possibilities .
4 stars VIRGO ( Aug. 23-Sept. 22 ) : Don ’ t let the past drag you down .
Let go of whatever isn ’ t working for you , and head in a direction that promises progress .
Refuse to let your emotions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
Be smart , not impulsive .
3 stars LIBRA ( Sept. 23-Oct. 22 ) : Avoid getting into an argument .
Trying to prove a point will end up being debilitating as well as a waste of time .
Concentrate on putting your paperwork in order and being prepared for whatever comes down the pipeline .
Make peace a priority .
3 stars SCORPIO ( Oct. 23-Nov. 21 ) : Secrets can have a damaging effect on relationships .
Consider what you can and should share to keep the peace .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ honest and prepared to meet halfway to preserve something worthwhile .
Don ’ t take an unnecessary risk .
3 stars SAGITTARIUS ( Nov. 22-Dec. 21 ) : Know when to walk away from a situation that is no longer working .
Size up what ’ s happening , and put your plan in motion .
Look out for your interests , health and emotional well-being .
Romance is in the stars .
4 stars CAPRICORN ( Dec. 22-Jan. 19 ) : Take your time .
If you act too quickly , there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but effective changes to position yourself for what ’ s to come .
Protect what you ’ ve worked so hard to acquire , and you ’ ll succeed .
4 stars AQUARIUS ( Jan. 20-Feb. 18 ) : Back off if something doesn ’ t feel right .
Use intelligence , and refrain from overreacting or taking on too much of a burden .
Watch what others do , and use what you see as a barometer to make your next move .
2 stars PISCES ( Feb. 19-March 20 ) : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way you take care of your interests will surface .
Listen to those with more experience , and don ’ t hesitate to ask questions if it will help you make the necessary adjustments .
5 stars Birthday Baby : You are charming , spontaneous and outgoing .
You are charitable and persuasive .

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Kevin Zegers, 36; Alison Sweeney, 44; Jimmy Fallon, 46; Trisha Yearwood, 56.
Happy Birthday: Remembering the past will help you decipher what you are up against and how you should move forward. Conflict will hold you back. Make amends, and let go of negativity and regret. A positive attitude will help you be and do your very best. Concentrate on the people, pursuits and places that will bring you the highest returns. Your numbers are 4, 13, 20, 24, 31, 34, 42.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your emotions will take over if you aren’t careful. Stop before you do or say something you’ll regret. Take a deep breath, and consider alternative ways to resolve the issues you have with someone you love. Keep the peace. 3 stars
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A change will cause confusion and uncertainty. Take a moment to consider your actions before you get involved in something that may be risky. A problem will arise with someone you love if you are inconsistent. Focus on getting along. 3 stars
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Use intelligence to get what you want. Size up situations before you take action. Focus more on home improvements and getting along with loved ones than getting involved in ventures that are risky or unstable. Make romance a priority. 3 stars
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Let your actions speak for you. Have an impact on the outcome of any situation you face by doing what’s right. An opportunity will result if you are honorable and reliable. Let go of the past, and focus on the future. 2 stars
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Spend more time building a warm and friendly environment for family and friends, and you will be the center of attention. The time and energy you put into something you believe in will push you in a new direction full of possibilities. 4 stars
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Don’t let the past drag you down. Let go of whatever isn’t working for you, and head in a direction that promises progress. Refuse to let your emotions dictate how you react to and treat others. Be smart, not impulsive. 3 stars
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Avoid getting into an argument. Trying to prove a point will end up being debilitating as well as a waste of time. Concentrate on putting your paperwork in order and being prepared for whatever comes down the pipeline. Make peace a priority. 3 stars
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Secrets can have a damaging effect on relationships. Consider what you can and should share to keep the peace. Avoid unnecessary situations by being upfront, honest and prepared to meet halfway to preserve something worthwhile. Don’t take an unnecessary risk. 3 stars
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Know when to walk away from a situation that is no longer working. Size up what’s happening, and put your plan in motion. Look out for your interests, health and emotional well-being. Romance is in the stars. 4 stars
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take your time. If you act too quickly, there will be emotional repercussions. Make small but effective changes to position yourself for what’s to come. Protect what you’ve worked so hard to acquire, and you’ll succeed. 4 stars
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Back off if something doesn’t feel right. Use intelligence, and refrain from overreacting or taking on too much of a burden. Watch what others do, and use what you see as a barometer to make your next move. 2 stars
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Insight into situations that can change the way you take care of your interests will surface. Listen to those with more experience, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if it will help you make the necessary adjustments. 5 stars
Birthday Baby: You are charming, spontaneous and outgoing. You are charitable and persuasive.
Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.


Bridge: Sept. 19, 2020

“ Failure has gone to his head , ” Rose told me in the club lounge .
She meant Unlucky Louie , who ascribes his bad results to bad luck despite all the evidence to the contrary .
Rose has taken on Louie as a project , insisting that he ’ s not as bad as his scores indicate .
“ I ’ m not encouraged , ” Rose said , showing me today ’ s deal .
Louie was declarer at 3NT , and the defense teed off with four club tricks .
On the fourth club , Louie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ … the jack of diamonds .
West next led the king of diamonds to dummy ’ s ace .
When the hearts failed to break evenly , Louie took only eight tricks .
“ He must pitch a heart on the fourth club , ” Rose said .
“ The chance of a winning diamond finesse is greater than a 3-3 heart break .
Louie said he knew that quite well , but with his luck , hearts would break 3-3 and the diamond finesse would lose.
” Don ’ t adopt an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ compelling reason .
A sense of bad luck isn ’ t compelling enough .
You hold : S Q 10 9 8 H A K Q 5 D Q J C Q 9 4 .
The dealer , at your right , opens two diamonds ( a weak two-bid ) .
You double , and your partner responds two spades .
What do you say ?
ANSWER : Your 16-point hand is worth less .
Your Q-J of diamonds may be worth nothing , and you have only one ace and one king @ @ @ @ @ @ @ values , and partner ’ s two spades promises nothing .
Pass .
He may need everything you hold to win eight tricks .

“Failure has gone to his head,” Rose told me in the club lounge.
She meant Unlucky Louie, who ascribes his bad results to bad luck despite all the evidence to the contrary. Rose has taken on Louie as a project, insisting that he’s not as bad as his scores indicate.
“I’m not encouraged,” Rose said, showing me today’s deal.
Louie was declarer at 3NT, and the defense teed off with four club tricks. On the fourth club, Louie had to find a discard and threw … the jack of diamonds. West next led the king of diamonds to dummy’s ace. When the hearts failed to break evenly, Louie took only eight tricks.
GREATER
“He must pitch a heart on the fourth club,” Rose said. “The chance of a winning diamond finesse is greater than a 3-3 heart break. Louie said he knew that quite well, but with his luck, hearts would break 3-3 and the diamond finesse would lose.”
Don’t adopt an inferior percentage line of play without a compelling reason. A sense of bad luck isn’t compelling enough.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 10 9 8 H A K Q 5 D Q J C Q 9 4. The dealer, at your right, opens two diamonds (a weak two-bid). You double, and your partner responds two spades. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your 16-point hand is worth less. Your Q-J of diamonds may be worth nothing, and you have only one ace and one king. Your double promised at least opening values, and partner’s two spades promises nothing. Pass. He may need everything you hold to win eight tricks.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A K J
H 4 3 2
D A 8 4 3
C 7 6 5
WEST
S 5 4 3
H J 7
D K 10 5 2
C K 10 8 2
EAST
S 7 6 2
H 10 9 8 6
D 9 7 6
C A J 3
SOUTH
S Q 10 9 8
H A K Q 5
D Q J
C Q 9 4
South West North East
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — C 2
(C)2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Ask Amy: We were embarrassed at his big birthday party. Now he’s having another.

The invitations for his big 75th birthday celebration requested no gifts , saying , “ Your presence will be your present.
” But at the event , he showily opened gifts that had been brought anyway , pointing out and thanking the gift-givers — much to the embarrassment of those who respected the “ no gifts ” request .
What do we do if the situation repeats itself for his next party ?
Should I mention to his wife how uncomfortable this display made us feel ?
Dear Red-faced : I agree with you that your friend should have opened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and expressed his gratitude ) privately , but it ’ s his party .
You should respect his “ no gifts ” wishes this year , anticipate the possibility that he will give a repeat performance , and just roll with it .
Pour yourself a cup of coffee , enjoy an extra piece of cake , and nod politely .
• Ask Amy : She was my best friend until this petty argument • Ask Amy : My boyfriend said I disrespected him , then he disappeared • Ask Amy : I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I got into trouble • Ask Amy : Our whole family knows the secret except for unsuspecting dad • Ask Amy : If I quit Facebook , this horrible man wins Dear Amy : After reading so many parents ’ questions about adult children returning to the nest , I thought I ’ d weigh in — as a “ frequent flyer.
” While I generally agree with the advice you give to parents , I wanted to add another voice .
My parents have been very generous over the years , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me stay with them between major moves .
Recently , I was home during the pandemic and it truly made things so much better for me , but let me say , it is hard to be an adult at home .
Try as I might , as soon as my head hits the pillow in my childhood bedroom , it ’ s like I ’ m 16 again .
It ’ s hard to treat my parents like roommates , and to see myself as an adult .
Talking with my friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , we frequently laugh about the immature arguments we get into with our parents and say , “ We don ’ t have these problems with roommates.
” Sometimes , it ’ s hard to shake off old habits .
This includes parents who keep treating us like teenagers .
Last Saturday , after I had worked a late shift , my dad banged on my door and told me I was sleeping the day away !
Sometimes we feel shame around coming home , as if we ’ ve failed our grown-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for parents to accept new coping mechanisms we ’ ve developed in adulthood ( yes , sometimes I do want an afternoon beer ! )
.
It ’ s hard to act like an adult around your parents and it ’ s hard for parents to treat us like adults .
Apologizing frequently ( and humor ) helps .
And if parents find themselves saying , “ It ’ s my house and my rules , ” they shouldn ’ t be surprised if a teenage tantrum follows .
I am grateful that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying .
Dear Frequent Flyer : Yes , it can be rewarding and frustrating – on both sides and in equal measure — when a “ frequent flier ” repeatedly comes home to roost .
You have described the weird time-travel teenage transformation that occurs when you sleep in your childhood bedroom ( I remember it well from my own visits home ) .
However , you seem to equate your parents with roommates .
Your parents aren ’ t your roommates .
When you have a roommate , you two are sharing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , on equal footing .
When you bounce back home to save money , you are a non-rent-paying beloved child who is accepting your parents ’ generosity .
You sound like a loving , lovely , perceptive person .
Your parents seem to have raised you well .
But they are your parents , and – teenage tantrums and all — it will be ever-thus .
Dear Amy : We had a similar situation as “ No Peace , ” with a 26-year-old son who lived at home and did not contribute to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ever live an adult life .
As a stepmother , I wanted my husband to start charging his son rent to at least cover our expenses .
He was not comfortable with that , or with asking him to move out , and because of the increasing tension we finally sought out a counselor .
She had a brilliant suggestion : Charge him rent , but put it in a nest egg account to give to him for when he finally did move out .
Well , the nest egg never got very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ found a better job and a place to live .
He is now married with three children and is thankful that we gave him the push that he needed to move forward with his life .
Dear Win-Win : The answer is to make expectations reasonable , clear , and consequential .
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy @ amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy , P.O .
Box 194 , Freeville , NY 13068 .
You can also follow her on Twitter @ askingamy or Facebook .

Dear Amy: A dear friend is turning 80 next year.
The invitations for his big 75th birthday celebration requested no gifts, saying, “Your presence will be your present.” But at the event, he showily opened gifts that had been brought anyway, pointing out and thanking the gift-givers — much to the embarrassment of those who respected the “no gifts” request.
What do we do if the situation repeats itself for his next party?
Should I mention to his wife how uncomfortable this display made us feel?
Red-faced Friends
Dear Red-faced: I agree with you that your friend should have opened his “no gifts” gifts (and expressed his gratitude) privately, but it’s his party.
You should respect his “no gifts” wishes this year, anticipate the possibility that he will give a repeat performance, and just roll with it. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, enjoy an extra piece of cake, and nod politely.
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Ask Amy: I’ve told them they need therapy, and they refuse to do it. What now? Advice | Ask Amy: The man I love is my grandchild’s uncle, and things have gotten messy Dear Amy: After reading so many parents’ questions about adult children returning to the nest, I thought I’d weigh in — as a “frequent flyer.”
While I generally agree with the advice you give to parents, I wanted to add another voice.
My parents have been very generous over the years, helping me to save money or letting me stay with them between major moves. Recently, I was home during the pandemic and it truly made things so much better for me, but let me say, it is hard to be an adult at home.
Try as I might, as soon as my head hits the pillow in my childhood bedroom, it’s like I’m 16 again. It’s hard to treat my parents like roommates, and to see myself as an adult.
Talking with my friends who’ve also lived at home, we frequently laugh about the immature arguments we get into with our parents and say, “We don’t have these problems with roommates.”
Sometimes, it’s hard to shake off old habits. This includes parents who keep treating us like teenagers. Last Saturday, after I had worked a late shift, my dad banged on my door and told me I was sleeping the day away!
Sometimes we feel shame around coming home, as if we’ve failed our grown-up life. Sometimes it’s hard for parents to accept new coping mechanisms we’ve developed in adulthood (yes, sometimes I do want an afternoon beer!).
It’s hard to act like an adult around your parents and it’s hard for parents to treat us like adults. Apologizing frequently (and humor) helps. And if parents find themselves saying, “It’s my house and my rules,” they shouldn’t be surprised if a teenage tantrum follows.
I am grateful that my parents have let us all keep trying.
A Frequent Flyer
Dear Frequent Flyer: Yes, it can be rewarding and frustrating – on both sides and in equal measure — when a “frequent flier” repeatedly comes home to roost. You have described the weird time-travel teenage transformation that occurs when you sleep in your childhood bedroom (I remember it well from my own visits home).
However, you seem to equate your parents with roommates. Your parents aren’t your roommates. When you have a roommate, you two are sharing the housing expense. You are peers, on equal footing. When you bounce back home to save money, you are a non-rent-paying beloved child who is accepting your parents’ generosity.
You sound like a loving, lovely, perceptive person. Your parents seem to have raised you well. But they are your parents, and – teenage tantrums and all — it will be ever-thus.
Dear Amy: We had a similar situation as “No Peace,” with a 26-year-old son who lived at home and did not contribute to the household and showed no inclination to ever live an adult life.
As a stepmother, I wanted my husband to start charging his son rent to at least cover our expenses. He was not comfortable with that, or with asking him to move out, and because of the increasing tension we finally sought out a counselor.
She had a brilliant suggestion: Charge him rent, but put it in a nest egg account to give to him for when he finally did move out.
Well, the nest egg never got very big because within six weeks he had found a better job and a place to live.
He is now married with three children and is thankful that we gave him the push that he needed to move forward with his life.
Win-Win Scenario
Dear Win-Win: The answer is to make expectations reasonable, clear, and consequential.
You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Harriette Cole: My phone went missing on a blind date and I’m afraid I’ll be stalked

DEAR HARRIETTE : I went on a date with a guy that a mutual friend of ours had set me up with .
We had a good time .
Everything went as planned until I got home and realized that I had left my cellphone in the Uber with him .
I was dropped off first , so I tried calling my phone to see if the driver would circle back after dropping off my date .
My cellphone was never answered , so I contacted Uber and met up with the driver , but the phone was nowhere to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had traced it to an address across town .
The driver confirmed that is where he had dropped off the guy I was with .
I went there and tried to ring my phone , and it was then shut off .
• Harriette Cole : I regret what I said to my gossipy co-workers • Harriette Cole : Am I justified in refusing to pay for this nightmare photo shoot ?
• Harriette Cole : I just found out what my 13-year-old does at the park • Harriette Cole : 5 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pre-COVID home • Harriette Cole : You ’ re quarantined with your ‘ best friend ’ ?
Well , lucky you .
I contacted my friend about my cellphone , but my date swore that he did not have it and that the driver must have stolen it .
The problem with that is that I used GPS to locate my phone , and my friend even confirmed that it was my date ’ s address .
I know that he took my phone but just won ’ t admit it .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intending to stalk me with my cellphone .
My phone will be erased the next time it is turned on .
I contacted the police , but they could not do anything .
What can I do ?
I feel concerned about my safety .
Am I jumping to conclusions ?
Maybe he didn ’ t take it , but what other explanation is there ?
DEAR LOST PHONE : Let your mutual friend know that you are disappointed and a bit nervous about what happened to your phone .
Make it clear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in your date ’ s possession .
Then move on .
You can ’ t prove anything , so don ’ t allow this to keep you riled up .
Just watch your back .
DEAR HARRIETTE : I have been working toward a promotion for the past few months .
I have worked in this higher position temporarily on different occasions .
Corporate has reached out to me about taking the promotion permanently , but it just hasn ’ t happened .
Every time they need me to fill in this role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I feel that they have been dragging out the situation for as long as they can to have the job filled without having to commit to giving me the position , which would require the pay raise .
I have been with the company for about seven years now and have been waiting two years for this promotion .
What else can I do to put my foot down professionally about taking on the responsibility from time to time and never being rewarded ?
Enough Is Enough DEAR ENOUGH IS ENOUGH : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ much you enjoy the job that you are regularly invited to fill and that you believe it is time for you to formally fill the role .
Ask for the promotion now .
Point out that corporate did reach out to you about taking the job permanently but nobody has followed up .
Since you are once again being invited to do the job , you would like the company to acknowledge you by making it official .
Make it clear that you are ready .
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people access and activate their dreams .
You can send questions to askharriette @ harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

DEAR HARRIETTE: I went on a date with a guy that a mutual friend of ours had set me up with. We had a good time. Everything went as planned until I got home and realized that I had left my cellphone in the Uber with him.
I was dropped off first, so I tried calling my phone to see if the driver would circle back after dropping off my date. My cellphone was never answered, so I contacted Uber and met up with the driver, but the phone was nowhere to be found. By that point, I had traced it to an address across town. The driver confirmed that is where he had dropped off the guy I was with. I went there and tried to ring my phone, and it was then shut off.
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Harriette Cole: I’m ashamed to tell people I forgave my childhood friend Advice | Harriette Cole: I’ve worked hard, and my poor siblings resent my success I contacted my friend about my cellphone, but my date swore that he did not have it and that the driver must have stolen it. The problem with that is that I used GPS to locate my phone, and my friend even confirmed that it was my date’s address. I know that he took my phone but just won’t admit it.
I’m nervous that this guy is intending to stalk me with my cellphone. My phone will be erased the next time it is turned on. I contacted the police, but they could not do anything.
What can I do? I feel concerned about my safety. Am I jumping to conclusions? Maybe he didn’t take it, but what other explanation is there?
Lost Phone
DEAR LOST PHONE: Let your mutual friend know that you are disappointed and a bit nervous about what happened to your phone. Make it clear that you know your phone was last in your date’s possession. Then move on. You can’t prove anything, so don’t allow this to keep you riled up. Just watch your back.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I have been working toward a promotion for the past few months. I have worked in this higher position temporarily on different occasions. Corporate has reached out to me about taking the promotion permanently, but it just hasn’t happened. Every time they need me to fill in this role temporarily, there is no pay raise.
I feel that they have been dragging out the situation for as long as they can to have the job filled without having to commit to giving me the position, which would require the pay raise. I have been with the company for about seven years now and have been waiting two years for this promotion. What else can I do to put my foot down professionally about taking on the responsibility from time to time and never being rewarded?
Enough Is Enough
DEAR ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: Talk to your supervisor. State how much you enjoy the job that you are regularly invited to fill and that you believe it is time for you to formally fill the role. Ask for the promotion now. Point out that corporate did reach out to you about taking the job permanently but nobody has followed up. Since you are once again being invited to do the job, you would like the company to acknowledge you by making it official. Make it clear that you are ready.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Miss Manners: These puffed-up young men at work apparently think I’m an idiot

DEAR MISS MANNERS : I ’ m a woman in my 50s with decades of professional experience working for high-profile individuals .
I ’ m more international than many diplomats , as well as trendy and attractive , and apparently I can pass for five to 10 years younger .
Nevertheless , I am overwhelmed with how ageism and sexism are affecting me .
In the last decade , my family dumped a gravely ill family member on me , I went through an atrocious divorce that left me penniless , and I raised my children with zero outside support @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very ill for years , so we ’ ve been more on welfare than off , leaving me with an illness myself .
I haven ’ t had a boyfriend in eight years , due to exhaustion and disinterest .
It ’ s become apparent that my expertise is no longer needed in a workplace as I can ’ t even get interviews , so I became a tech entrepreneur .
I ’ ve never been so happy , and I ’ m thriving more than ever , but it ’ s early @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Miss Manners : His disgusting habit emerges whenever we ’ re outside • Miss Manners : It ’ s hard to forget how I was embarrassed at my wedding • Miss Manners : I want to wear my wedding dress , and I ’ m hurt that they call it tacky • Miss Manners : I told her in front of everybody not to hug me , and now she ’ s mad I try to be patient until people “ get ” me .
However , I am delirious with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ between 20 and 35 who try to dominate me at work .
Younger women do it , too , but catch on faster , and I can handle the older men .
It ’ s the young men with three to 10 years of experience under their belts ( often composed entirely of fluff ) who are mind-bogglingly condescending .
I have quite literally no time to sit around listening to their bragging and bravado .
Life may have made me overly sensitive , but I have a fantastic therapist and work intensively @ @ @ @ @ @ @ m known for being very friendly , polite and fair — so maybe these guys are taking me for an idiot ?
I told one , whom I knew pretty well , “ You are mansplaining , and it ’ s annoying.
” He cried , and we couldn ’ t work together anymore .
I want to nip this in the bud as early as possible so we can get down to business .
Got anything for me ?
GENTLE READER : Yes : sympathy .
But only with the caveat that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ may be , you still have to be polite to them .
Telling someone that they are annoying or making generalizations about their demographic is neither friendly , polite nor fair — traits for which you claim to be known .
“ Yes , I believe I just said that ” is a way to show displeasure at “ mansplaining.
” Or a reminder that self-promotion , unless it is on behalf of ( credited ) shared victories is unseemly : “ I believe that Marla was also involved on that project , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ your golf score ?
I ’ m sorry , but I thought you were talking about business matters .
Let us stick to that while we are at work.
” The business world is having a moment right now wherein it is addressing the historically dominant voices that have previously prevailed .
Miss Manners hopes that your office will take advantage of the restructuring .
If not , perhaps you can suggest it .
DEAR MISS MANNERS : I find myself occasionally asked about what church I attend or invited to attend someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest in .
I consider my beliefs to be private , and I definitely don ’ t want to get into a religious discussion about my beliefs or listen to an explanation of someone else ’ s religion .
How do I politely get out of the conversation ?
GENTLE READER : “ Thank you , your church sounds lovely .
I am happy with my current one , and if you don ’ t mind , consider religion a private matter .
But tell me , how is your career in politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Miss Manners at her website , www.missmanners.com ; to her email , dearmissmanners @ gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners , Andrews McMeel Syndication , 1130 Walnut St. , Kansas City , MO 64106 .

Judith Martin, Nicholas Ivor Martin and Jacobina Martin

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I’m a woman in my 50s with decades of professional experience working for high-profile individuals. I’m more international than many diplomats, as well as trendy and attractive, and apparently I can pass for five to 10 years younger. Nevertheless, I am overwhelmed with how ageism and sexism are affecting me.
In the last decade, my family dumped a gravely ill family member on me, I went through an atrocious divorce that left me penniless, and I raised my children with zero outside support. One of my children has been very ill for years, so we’ve been more on welfare than off, leaving me with an illness myself. I haven’t had a boyfriend in eight years, due to exhaustion and disinterest.
It’s become apparent that my expertise is no longer needed in a workplace as I can’t even get interviews, so I became a tech entrepreneur. I’ve never been so happy, and I’m thriving more than ever, but it’s early days and I’m still broke.
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Miss Manners: She wants to turn our music festival into a get-drunk weekend Advice | Miss Manners: My rule is no gift for a second wedding, no attendance for a third I try to be patient until people “get” me. However, I am delirious with rage at the number of ultra-arrogant men between 20 and 35 who try to dominate me at work.
Younger women do it, too, but catch on faster, and I can handle the older men. It’s the young men with three to 10 years of experience under their belts (often composed entirely of fluff) who are mind-bogglingly condescending. I have quite literally no time to sit around listening to their bragging and bravado.
Life may have made me overly sensitive, but I have a fantastic therapist and work intensively on managing my emotions. I’m known for being very friendly, polite and fair — so maybe these guys are taking me for an idiot?
I told one, whom I knew pretty well, “You are mansplaining, and it’s annoying.” He cried, and we couldn’t work together anymore.
I want to nip this in the bud as early as possible so we can get down to business. Got anything for me?
GENTLE READER: Yes: sympathy. But only with the caveat that, as irritating as these young men may be, you still have to be polite to them. Telling someone that they are annoying or making generalizations about their demographic is neither friendly, polite nor fair — traits for which you claim to be known.
“Yes, I believe I just said that” is a way to show displeasure at “mansplaining.” Or a reminder that self-promotion, unless it is on behalf of (credited) shared victories is unseemly: “I believe that Marla was also involved on that project,” or “Oh, that was your golf score? I’m sorry, but I thought you were talking about business matters. Let us stick to that while we are at work.”
The business world is having a moment right now wherein it is addressing the historically dominant voices that have previously prevailed. Miss Manners hopes that your office will take advantage of the restructuring. If not, perhaps you can suggest it.
DEAR MISS MANNERS: I find myself occasionally asked about what church I attend or invited to attend someone’s church that I have no interest in. I consider my beliefs to be private, and I definitely don’t want to get into a religious discussion about my beliefs or listen to an explanation of someone else’s religion. How do I politely get out of the conversation?
GENTLE READER: “Thank you, your church sounds lovely. I am happy with my current one, and if you don’t mind, consider religion a private matter. But tell me, how is your career in politics going?”
Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Dear Abby: I don’t want this disruptive child around my daughter

DEAR ABBY : My husband and I and our children moved across the country away from our families three years ago .
My 9-year-old daughter is extremely close to my mom and sister .
Mom wants to take a road trip and spend a week with us .
We are all excited , since we haven ’ t seen them in a year .
However , she wants to bring along my grandma and my cousin , who is 12 .
My grandma has partial custody of my cousin .
The girl had a rough upbringing , and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She throws terrible temper tantrums , demands to be the center of attention and , when it doesn ’ t happen , starts acting up .
If that doesn ’ t work , she will try to kiss people or make “ jokes ” about sex .
I don ’ t trust her around my daughters .
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How can I get across that we want Mom and Grandma to come but to leave my cousin at home ?
DEAR PROCEEDING : Say it in plain English as you have to me .
You have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what you perceive to be a bad influence .
You mentioned your grandmother shares custody of this girl .
Perhaps Grandma can leave her with that person for a week .
However , once you have drawn the line , be prepared for the possibility that your mother may cancel the trip .
DEAR ABBY : I am 53 and have been divorced for more than 10 years .
While we were going through the divorce , my ex and I went to counseling .
Unfortunately , it couldn ’ t save our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot during those sessions about how to be a better partner because I recognized the mistakes I had made during my marriage .
I am currently dating a woman my age .
When we disagree , I try my best to use what I learned .
While I ’ m not perfect , I ’ m glad I have that foundation .
The problem is , my girlfriend employs a lot of the bad behaviors from which I evolved .
I see it clearly , but you can ’ t teach someone during @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the same page ?
We love each other , so it would be nice to fine-tune our adversity to make it healthy and productive .
WANTING BETTER IN THE EAST DEAR WANTING : Communication is all-important in relationships , as is the ability to fight fair when disagreements arise .
Wait until your lady friend is calm , then suggest the two of you seek couples counseling together .
It will not only help you to make your relationship “ healthier and more productive , ” it will also help the two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ differences that might prevent it from developing further .
DEAR ABBY : One of my friends is a drama queen .
Whenever things don ’ t go the way she wants , she freaks out and makes a big deal out of everything .
It makes the times we spend together hard , because my other friends and I are scared we ’ ll start another fight with her .
What can I do to make her stop making a big deal out of everything ?
DEAR NO MORE : Your friend may @ @ @ @ @ @ @ create drama in order to get attention .
Understand that you can ’ t “ make ” her stop doing it , but if you and your friends ignore her antics , she may tone it down when she realizes they aren ’ t bringing the reaction she ’ s looking for .
If that doesn ’ t work , stop including her as often .
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I and our children moved across the country away from our families three years ago.
My 9-year-old daughter is extremely close to my mom and sister. Mom wants to take a road trip and spend a week with us. We are all excited, since we haven’t seen them in a year. However, she wants to bring along my grandma and my cousin, who is 12.
My grandma has partial custody of my cousin. The girl had a rough upbringing, and I don’t want her to come. She throws terrible temper tantrums, demands to be the center of attention and, when it doesn’t happen, starts acting up. If that doesn’t work, she will try to kiss people or make “jokes” about sex. I don’t trust her around my daughters.
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PROCEEDING WITH CAUTION
DEAR PROCEEDING: Say it in plain English as you have to me. You have a right to protect your daughters from what you perceive to be a bad influence.
You mentioned your grandmother shares custody of this girl. Perhaps Grandma can leave her with that person for a week. However, once you have drawn the line, be prepared for the possibility that your mother may cancel the trip.
DEAR ABBY: I am 53 and have been divorced for more than 10 years. While we were going through the divorce, my ex and I went to counseling. Unfortunately, it couldn’t save our marriage. However, I learned a lot during those sessions about how to be a better partner because I recognized the mistakes I had made during my marriage.
I am currently dating a woman my age. When we disagree, I try my best to use what I learned. While I’m not perfect, I’m glad I have that foundation.
The problem is, my girlfriend employs a lot of the bad behaviors from which I evolved. I see it clearly, but you can’t teach someone during an argument. How do we get on the same page? We love each other, so it would be nice to fine-tune our adversity to make it healthy and productive.
WANTING BETTER IN THE EAST
DEAR WANTING: Communication is all-important in relationships, as is the ability to fight fair when disagreements arise. Wait until your lady friend is calm, then suggest the two of you seek couples counseling together. It will not only help you to make your relationship “healthier and more productive,” it will also help the two of you grow closer by addressing any differences that might prevent it from developing further.
DEAR ABBY: One of my friends is a drama queen. Whenever things don’t go the way she wants, she freaks out and makes a big deal out of everything. It makes the times we spend together hard, because my other friends and I are scared we’ll start another fight with her. What can I do to make her stop making a big deal out of everything?
NO MORE DRAMA QUEEN
DEAR NO MORE: Your friend may be high-strung, or she may simply create drama in order to get attention. Understand that you can’t “make” her stop doing it, but if you and your friends ignore her antics, she may tone it down when she realizes they aren’t bringing the reaction she’s looking for. If that doesn’t work, stop including her as often.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Oakland A’s clinch postseason spot with win over Giants, Mariners loss

OAKLAND — There would be no popped bottles of champagne , no beer showers or boozy celebrations upon the Oakland A ’ s clinching their third consecutive postseason berth Friday night with a 6-0 win over the San Francisco Giants — officially sealed with the Seattle Mariners ’ loss to the San Diego Padres .
The A ’ s magic number to clinch the American League West is down to 2 , which can be achieved with a Houston Astros loss and A ’ s win as soon as Saturday .
“ We talked at the beginning of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still what we ’ re looking to do , ” manager Bob Melvin said after the game .
The A ’ s past two postseason clinch nights were spent in the visitor ’ s clubhouse in Seattle .
Finally able to clinch one at home , the A ’ s had no raucous fans to share it with — save for the cardboard cutouts that have held the same expression all season long .
There wasn ’ t much of a celebration after the game save for a round of applause from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officially beat the Mariners — as shown on the park ’ s big board a few minutes after the A ’ s won the game .
No t-shirts , no big cheers from the home clubhouse .
For now , the final steps toward loftier goals are just coming into focus .
“ I think we have a lot bigger goals , ” Chris Bassitt said .
“ Playoffs is huge , but I think this team is extremely hungry for a lot bigger things than the playoffs .
It ’ s awesome @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a game and that ’ s it.
” It was only appropriate that Bassitt was on the hill for the A ’ s clincher .
He went from possible swingman back in June to the team ’ s quasi-ace .
With a talented rotation in constant flux — with injuries and slower progress amplified by a short season — Bassitt has been the only constant .
Not only that , he ’ s been an anchor .
With a 6 2/3 scoreless outing Friday , Bassitt whittled his ERA down to 2.57 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ American League behind Cleveland ’ s Shane Bieber ( 1.74 ) , Chicago ’ s Dallas Keuchel ( 2.19 ) , Texas ’ Lance Lynn ( 2.40 ) and Minnesota ’ s Kenta Maeda ( 2.52 ) .
His ERA at the Coliseum dwindled down to an eye-popping .89 with 25 strikeouts in five starts this year .
“ He ’ s a guy who got off to the latest start in spring training , but deserves everything he ’ s getting , ” Melvin said .
“ He had to work hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s being rewarded right now as good as he ’ s pitching.
” Bassitt this year has been consistent with his fastball command in nearly every start , and his curveball is both stunning and whiff-able .
Bassitt ’ s been hard on himself at times — his low points came when he was caught up , unprepared in the stop-and-start nature of the season .
But , through it all , he deflected praise to his catcher .
“ I ’ ve been blessed this year and every year with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Bassitt said .
“ Murph ( Sean Murphy ) and I are on the same page .
I don ’ t like to think on the mound .
I owe a lot of my success on Murphy .
I don ’ t like to go out there thinking about how many fastball , curveballs , cutters I ’ m throwing .
“ He does his homework better than anyone I ’ ve ever played with .
I think Murphy is just unbelievable out there in keeping guys off balance.
” Murphy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming clearer as his reps build up , and not just as a studied game caller advanced beyond his 25 years .
A study on Murphy ’ s defensive catching skills concludes that of Murphy ’ s five defensive runs saved this season , three are due to his impeccable pitch framing abilities .
In other words , he ’ s getting strike calls that have a low percentage for being called a strike .
The A ’ s lack of a veteran catching option hasn ’ t been a problem with rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dish , too .
Back to Bassitt .
Three of his seven strikeouts came swinging at his looping curveball , the other three on fastballs , mostly up out of the zone .
He walked three — two in the seventh inning — with three hits , but held the Giants to one hit through five innings .
• After surgery , A.J .
Puk on pace to pitch in spring training 2021 • Can Jake Lamb be revived with the Oakland A ’ s ?
• A ’ s whittle down magic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockies • Oakland A ’ s happy to be ( almost ) through with treacherous road trip • After hectic week , A ’ s have nothing left for Rockies The new guys provided a good chunk of the offense — with Matt Olson ’ s big swing setting the tone .
Olson hit a three-run home run , his 14th homer of the year , in the third inning that created all the separation the A ’ s would need off Giants right handed starter Logan Webb .
Tommy La Stella also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pair of runners on in the fourth .
Marcus Semien added the A ’ s sixth run with another RBI .
Jake Lamb provided his third RBI in four games with Oakland , knocking an RBI single at 107 mph off his bat .
Hard contact is a good indication of some offensive success , and he ’ s had plenty in his short time .
He now has six hits in four games with three RBI , including a home run .
Lamb says the A ’ s hitting coaches have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s already seeing results .
But , most of all , he ’ s felt some extra motivation from a frustrating year .
“ The DFA , just how this year went for me is some of the most motivation I ’ ve ever had , ” Lamb said .
“ To join these guys , and pushing for a World Series , that ’ s all the motivation you need.
” His teammates are happy to see him produce right away .
“ I don ’ t know how we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ He ’ s truly incredible .
I ’ ve heard other guys play with him , play against him , and say if he ’ s healthy he ’ s an All-Star .
And dang does he look healthy .
”

OAKLAND — There would be no popped bottles of champagne, no beer showers or boozy celebrations upon the Oakland A’s clinching their third consecutive postseason berth Friday night with a 6-0 win over the San Francisco Giants — officially sealed with the Seattle Mariners’ loss to the San Diego Padres.
The A’s magic number to clinch the American League West is down to 2, which can be achieved with a Houston Astros loss and A’s win as soon as Saturday.
“We talked at the beginning of the year about the division, that’s still what we’re looking to do,” manager Bob Melvin said after the game.
The A’s past two postseason clinch nights were spent in the visitor’s clubhouse in Seattle. Finally able to clinch one at home, the A’s had no raucous fans to share it with — save for the cardboard cutouts that have held the same expression all season long.
There wasn’t much of a celebration after the game save for a round of applause from the Oakland Coliseum grounds crew when the Padres officially beat the Mariners — as shown on the park’s big board a few minutes after the A’s won the game. No t-shirts, no big cheers from the home clubhouse. For now, the final steps toward loftier goals are just coming into focus.
“I think we have a lot bigger goals,” Chris Bassitt said. “Playoffs is huge, but I think this team is extremely hungry for a lot bigger things than the playoffs. It’s awesome, but we acted like we won a game and that’s it.”
It was only appropriate that Bassitt was on the hill for the A’s clincher. He went from possible swingman back in June to the team’s quasi-ace. With a talented rotation in constant flux — with injuries and slower progress amplified by a short season — Bassitt has been the only constant. Not only that, he’s been an anchor.
With a 6 2/3 scoreless outing Friday, Bassitt whittled his ERA down to 2.57, which ranks as the fifth-lowest in the American League behind Cleveland’s Shane Bieber (1.74), Chicago’s Dallas Keuchel (2.19), Texas’ Lance Lynn (2.40) and Minnesota’s Kenta Maeda (2.52).
His ERA at the Coliseum dwindled down to an eye-popping .89 with 25 strikeouts in five starts this year.
“He’s a guy who got off to the latest start in spring training, but deserves everything he’s getting,” Melvin said. “He had to work hard to get here, so feels good he’s being rewarded right now as good as he’s pitching.”
Bassitt this year has been consistent with his fastball command in nearly every start, and his curveball is both stunning and whiff-able. Bassitt’s been hard on himself at times — his low points came when he was caught up, unprepared in the stop-and-start nature of the season. But, through it all, he deflected praise to his catcher.
“I’ve been blessed this year and every year with catchers that know me physically and mentally,” Bassitt said. “Murph (Sean Murphy) and I are on the same page. I don’t like to think on the mound. I owe a lot of my success on Murphy. I don’t like to go out there thinking about how many fastball, curveballs, cutters I’m throwing.
“He does his homework better than anyone I’ve ever played with. I think Murphy is just unbelievable out there in keeping guys off balance.”
Murphy’s dominance behind the plate is becoming clearer as his reps build up, and not just as a studied game caller advanced beyond his 25 years. A study on Murphy’s defensive catching skills concludes that of Murphy’s five defensive runs saved this season, three are due to his impeccable pitch framing abilities. In other words, he’s getting strike calls that have a low percentage for being called a strike.
The A’s lack of a veteran catching option hasn’t been a problem with rookie Jonah Heim demonstrating strong skills behind the dish, too.
Back to Bassitt. Three of his seven strikeouts came swinging at his looping curveball, the other three on fastballs, mostly up out of the zone. He walked three — two in the seventh inning — with three hits, but held the Giants to one hit through five innings.
The new guys provided a good chunk of the offense — with Matt Olson’s big swing setting the tone.
Olson hit a three-run home run, his 14th homer of the year, in the third inning that created all the separation the A’s would need off Giants right handed starter Logan Webb. Tommy La Stella also contributed an RBI — a single with a pair of runners on in the fourth. Marcus Semien added the A’s sixth run with another RBI.
Jake Lamb provided his third RBI in four games with Oakland, knocking an RBI single at 107 mph off his bat. Hard contact is a good indication of some offensive success, and he’s had plenty in his short time.
He now has six hits in four games with three RBI, including a home run. Lamb says the A’s hitting coaches have given him a couple tips, and he’s already seeing results. But, most of all, he’s felt some extra motivation from a frustrating year.
“The DFA, just how this year went for me is some of the most motivation I’ve ever had,” Lamb said. “To join these guys, and pushing for a World Series, that’s all the motivation you need.”
His teammates are happy to see him produce right away.
“I don’t know how we got him honestly,” Bassitt said. “He’s truly incredible. I’ve heard other guys play with him, play against him, and say if he’s healthy he’s an All-Star. And dang does he look healthy.”


mercurynews--2020-09-20--Gary Hughes, longtime MLB scout with deep Bay Area ties, remembered as ‘quintessential baseball man’

Gary Hughes , a Bay Area native and beloved professional scout for the Giants as well as numerous other big league organizations during a 54-year career , has died after a battle with cancer .
He was 79 .
Hughes was a regular at Bay Area ballparks in recent years working for the Red Sox and Diamondbacks .
Arizona announced his death in a statement Saturday , saying he passed earlier in the day .
“ Gary Hughes was the quintessential baseball man , ” Commissioner Rob Manfred said .
“ He coached at various levels .
He scouted .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ put together major league rosters.
” Hughes , who graduated from San Mateo ’ s Serra High and San Jose State and had a stint as the head baseball coach at Marin Catholic High from 1964-72 before becoming a scout , had lived for years in Santa Cruz .
“ Gary ’ s impact on the game of baseball was exceeded only by the number of friends he made throughout it , ” the Diamondbacks said .
“ He was a member of the Giants , Mariners , Mets , Yankees , Expos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cubs and Red Sox organizations before joining the D-backs and it was an honor to have a legend like him be part of our family for two seasons.
” A member of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame , Hughes always was a popular figure when he turned up before games with a briefcase and a big grin , ready to work or share his baseball knowledge with genuine care and love for the game .
“ He scouted me in high school , I ’ ve known Gary for that long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Melvin said immediately after a win against the Giants when told of Hughes ’ death .
“ I consider him a friend , a good friend .
I knew he was struggling some , I knew he went into hospice .
It ’ s awful.
” The Diamondbacks said , “ More than anything , he was a tremendous person , a great storyteller and a friend to everyone whose path he crossed .
He will be missed by so many and our thoughts are with his family including his sons , Sam @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ who carry on his legacy in the game .
”

Gary Hughes, a Bay Area native and beloved professional scout for the Giants as well as numerous other big league organizations during a 54-year career, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 79.
Hughes was a regular at Bay Area ballparks in recent years working for the Red Sox and Diamondbacks. Arizona announced his death in a statement Saturday, saying he passed earlier in the day.
“Gary Hughes was the quintessential baseball man,” Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “He coached at various levels. He scouted. He developed players. And he helped put together major league rosters.”
Hughes, who graduated from San Mateo’s Serra High and San Jose State and had a stint as the head baseball coach at Marin Catholic High from 1964-72 before becoming a scout, had lived for years in Santa Cruz.
“Gary’s impact on the game of baseball was exceeded only by the number of friends he made throughout it,” the Diamondbacks said. “He was a member of the Giants, Mariners, Mets, Yankees, Expos, Marlins, Rockies, Reds, Cubs and Red Sox organizations before joining the D-backs and it was an honor to have a legend like him be part of our family for two seasons.”
A member of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame, Hughes always was a popular figure when he turned up before games with a briefcase and a big grin, ready to work or share his baseball knowledge with genuine care and love for the game.
“He scouted me in high school, I’ve known Gary for that long,” A’s manager Bob Melvin said immediately after a win against the Giants when told of Hughes’ death. “I consider him a friend, a good friend. I knew he was struggling some, I knew he went into hospice. It’s awful.”
The Diamondbacks said, “More than anything, he was a tremendous person, a great storyteller and a friend to everyone whose path he crossed. He will be missed by so many and our thoughts are with his family including his sons, Sam and (Michael) ‘Rock,’ who carry on his legacy in the game.”


mercurynews--2020-09-19--18-year-old man injured in North Oakland drive-by shooting

OAKLAND — An 18-year-old man was shot in the upper torso and arm Saturday morning in a drive-by shooting in @ @ @ @ @ .
Officers were called to the 6000 block of Occidental Street , near the intersection @ @ @ @ @ Street , just after 11:15 a.m. for a report of shots fired .
Police said @ @ @ @ @ a parked car when another vehicle drove by and someone inside it fired multiple rounds @ @ @ @ @ cars nearby were hit by the gunfire , but no other injuries were reported .
@ @ @ @ @ a local hospital , but he was later transferred to a different hospital , where @ @ @ @ @ Saturday afternoon .
Police have not yet identified a motive or made any arrests .
@ @ @ @ @ Oakland are offering up to $ 5,000 in reward money for information leading to an @ @ @ @ @ may call police at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572 .

OAKLAND — An 18-year-old man was shot in the upper torso and arm Saturday morning in a drive-by shooting in North Oakland, authorities said.
Officers were called to the 6000 block of Occidental Street, near the intersection of Stanford Avenue and Market Street, just after 11:15 a.m. for a report of shots fired. Police said the victim was sitting in a parked car when another vehicle drove by and someone inside it fired multiple rounds at him.
Other parked cars nearby were hit by the gunfire, but no other injuries were reported. Someone drove the victim to a local hospital, but he was later transferred to a different hospital, where he was in stable condition Saturday afternoon.
Police have not yet identified a motive or made any arrests. Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $5,000 in reward money for information leading to an arrest; anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3426 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Oakland A’s are one step closer to clinching AL West with win over Giants

OAKLAND — The A ’ s did their part to potentially clinch the American League West , beating the San Francisco Giants 6-0 Saturday afternoon .
They ’ ll need a Houston Astros loss later in the afternoon to seal it .
There won ’ t be much of a collective celebration or virtual watch party this afternoon to see if the Astros can help them along .
“ I ’ ll probably just check in on the MLB app , ” Matt Olson said of the Astros ’ game against the Arizona Diamondbacks .
And if the Astros lose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I ’ ll probably celebrate by playing video games in my apartment , ” Jesús Luzardo said .
The A ’ s aren ’ t ones to cede the emotions of victory around other teams ’ loss .
Claiming the American League West for the first time since 2013 is , and has been , up to them .
So , this talented team will hope to sweep the Giants Sunday and celebrate a longstanding goal on their own terms .
“ When you win and do it , it ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lose , ” Olson said .
Luzardo hasn ’ t had much trouble showing off his immense talent .
He ’ s spun opposing lineups into a tizzy with that high-90s mph fastball that twists into a two-seamer , a lively changeup and a slider that also registers as a curveball .
Where he ’ s found trouble is facing a lineup for a third time through , often his toughest innings occur when the rookie doesn ’ t make the sequencing adjustments needed against opponents that have grown familiar .
He got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lineup a third time through , and did it in an efficient nine pitches despite giving up a leadoff single on Donovan Solano ’ s swinging bunt .
After the game , Luzardo wasn ’ t shy about acknowledging the accomplishment .
“ I ’ m glad I was able to get through the lineup a third time through , ” he said .
“ I was mixing it up better , keeping them off balance.
” The left-hander finished with six scoreless innings and seven strikeouts on five hits and no walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a far cry from his previous against the Giants , where that potent lineup hunted his two-seamer and knocked Luzardo out of the game before the second inning .
A more balanced approach a third time through the lineup helped , but perhaps a brand new slider grip did the trick .
Luzardo said he had been tinkering with it for a while , but got a good feel for it in his bullpen session right before his start Saturday .
“ I just gripped it and said , ‘ I ’ m @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ and it worked , ” he said .
What came out was a breaking ball that , at times , looked like a curveball , sometimes with a little more slide , and even sometimes looked like a cutter .
That cut action came when Luzardo started throwing the pitch at a eyebrow-raising velocity , ranging from 87 to 89 mph a number of times .
For reference , with his old grip , his slider and curveball ( slurve ) averaged 83-84 mph .
“ I ’ ve never thrown a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pretty cool , ” Luzardo said .
He got a little help from his defense during one of the Giants ’ only legitimate scoring threats .
Even Longoria and Donovan Solano knocked two of the five hits Luzardo would allow .
With two outs , Mauricio Dubon cracked a ground ball to shortstop Marcus Semien , who couldn ’ t get a clean grip as Dubon flew up the line .
True to form , Olson was already thinking a few steps ahead .
A peak into his mind while a play is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t get a clean grip on ground ball , I figured he was going to be safe , I think it was Dubon , ” he said .
“ I started watching Solano .
Sometimes guys can get aggressive rounding third in case something happens .
He took an aggressive turn and was able to get him.
” “ Huge , ” Luzardo said .
“ I mean it saved that inning and saved me a run at end of day so it was huge .
That ’ s the play we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s couldn ’ t give Luzardo too much run support against Giants right-hand starter Kevin Gausman , who had the A ’ s offense tied up with a mystifying splitter and a wicked fastball with movement .
The A ’ s didn ’ t get a base runner until Mark Canha ’ s walk in the fourth inning — no one on second until a wild pitch sent Canha into scoring position .
Their first hit off Gausman was also their first run with Olson knocking a single into shallow center field @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through enough tough at bats to force the Giants into a pitching change .
There , the A ’ s broke it open with a lot of help from a shoddy Giants ’ outfield .
Manager Bob Melvin considered having Khris Davis pinch hit for Jake Lamb with a runner on against left-handed reliever Sam Selman .
But , why ice a hot bat ?
Lamb hit his second home run in five games with the A ’ s .
“ He ’ s got a few key hits recently , ” Melvin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he comes up with a key hit.
” That ’ s been true , in essence .
Lamb has hit safely in all five games he ’ s suited up for the A ’ s .
He now has six RBI with two home runs and is batting .400 with a 1.171 OPS in green and gold .
Those other runs came with a little good luck , with som eproof that good things come with hard contact .
Tommy La Stella knocked a two-run triple when Dubon couldn ’ t track down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and La Stella scored on Marcus Semien ’ s shallow fly ball in left field that Darin Ruf dropped .
Ruf dropped another ball , hit by Ramón Laureano , following Lamb ’ s home run .
Robbie Grossman had reached base on a walk , and ran about 250 feet in the wrong direction to second , then back to first , then to second where the Giants managed a 7-3-4 putout .

OAKLAND — The A’s did their part to potentially clinch the American League West, beating the San Francisco Giants 6-0 Saturday afternoon. They’ll need a Houston Astros loss later in the afternoon to seal it.
There won’t be much of a collective celebration or virtual watch party this afternoon to see if the Astros can help them along.
“I’ll probably just check in on the MLB app,” Matt Olson said of the Astros’ game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
And if the Astros lose?
“In the world of Covid, I’ll probably celebrate by playing video games in my apartment,” Jesús Luzardo said.
The A’s aren’t ones to cede the emotions of victory around other teams’ loss. Claiming the American League West for the first time since 2013 is, and has been, up to them. So, this talented team will hope to sweep the Giants Sunday and celebrate a longstanding goal on their own terms.
“When you win and do it, it’s better than waiting for someone else to lose,” Olson said.
Luzardo hasn’t had much trouble showing off his immense talent. He’s spun opposing lineups into a tizzy with that high-90s mph fastball that twists into a two-seamer, a lively changeup and a slider that also registers as a curveball.
Where he’s found trouble is facing a lineup for a third time through, often his toughest innings occur when the rookie doesn’t make the sequencing adjustments needed against opponents that have grown familiar. He got a shot at half the Giants’ lineup a third time through, and did it in an efficient nine pitches despite giving up a leadoff single on Donovan Solano’s swinging bunt.
After the game, Luzardo wasn’t shy about acknowledging the accomplishment.
“I’m glad I was able to get through the lineup a third time through,” he said. “I was mixing it up better, keeping them off balance.”
The left-hander finished with six scoreless innings and seven strikeouts on five hits and no walks on 90 pitches. The start was a far cry from his previous against the Giants, where that potent lineup hunted his two-seamer and knocked Luzardo out of the game before the second inning.
A more balanced approach a third time through the lineup helped, but perhaps a brand new slider grip did the trick. Luzardo said he had been tinkering with it for a while, but got a good feel for it in his bullpen session right before his start Saturday.
“I just gripped it and said, ‘I’m going to throw this with conviction,’ and it worked,” he said. What came out was a breaking ball that, at times, looked like a curveball, sometimes with a little more slide, and even sometimes looked like a cutter.
That cut action came when Luzardo started throwing the pitch at a eyebrow-raising velocity, ranging from 87 to 89 mph a number of times. For reference, with his old grip, his slider and curveball (slurve) averaged 83-84 mph.
“I’ve never thrown a slider above 85, so it was pretty cool,” Luzardo said.
Jesús Luzardo, Filthy 87mph Slider. ✝🦎 pic.twitter.com/aqvueWHOW3 — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 19, 2020
He got a little help from his defense during one of the Giants’ only legitimate scoring threats. Even Longoria and Donovan Solano knocked two of the five hits Luzardo would allow. With two outs, Mauricio Dubon cracked a ground ball to shortstop Marcus Semien, who couldn’t get a clean grip as Dubon flew up the line.
True to form, Olson was already thinking a few steps ahead. A peak into his mind while a play is in action:
“Once Marcus couldn’t get a clean grip on ground ball, I figured he was going to be safe, I think it was Dubon,” he said. “I started watching Solano. Sometimes guys can get aggressive rounding third in case something happens. He took an aggressive turn and was able to get him.”
It kept Luzardo’s scoreless game intact.
“Huge,” Luzardo said. “I mean it saved that inning and saved me a run at end of day so it was huge. That’s the play we expect out of Olson.”
The A’s couldn’t give Luzardo too much run support against Giants right-hand starter Kevin Gausman, who had the A’s offense tied up with a mystifying splitter and a wicked fastball with movement.
The A’s didn’t get a base runner until Mark Canha’s walk in the fourth inning — no one on second until a wild pitch sent Canha into scoring position. Their first hit off Gausman was also their first run with Olson knocking a single into shallow center field.
The A’s could grind through enough tough at bats to force the Giants into a pitching change. There, the A’s broke it open with a lot of help from a shoddy Giants’ outfield.
Manager Bob Melvin considered having Khris Davis pinch hit for Jake Lamb with a runner on against left-handed reliever Sam Selman. But, why ice a hot bat?
Lamb hit his second home run in five games with the A’s.
“He’s got a few key hits recently,” Melvin said. “Feels like very day he comes up with a key hit.”
That’s been true, in essence. Lamb has hit safely in all five games he’s suited up for the A’s. He now has six RBI with two home runs and is batting .400 with a 1.171 OPS in green and gold.
Those other runs came with a little good luck, with som eproof that good things come with hard contact.
Tommy La Stella knocked a two-run triple when Dubon couldn’t track down his high fly in center field, and La Stella scored on Marcus Semien’s shallow fly ball in left field that Darin Ruf dropped.
Ruf dropped another ball, hit by Ramón Laureano, following Lamb’s home run. Robbie Grossman had reached base on a walk, and ran about 250 feet in the wrong direction to second, then back to first, then to second where the Giants managed a 7-3-4 putout.


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Giants’ playoff chances take another hit, sloppy mistakes against A’s drop team below .500

With other stars around the National League surging and Mike Yastrzemski ’ s eye-popping numbers beginning to decline during the final weeks of the season , the Giants outfielder was sliding out of the Most Valuable Player race .
All it took for Yastrzemski ’ s value to come into focus was a mild right calf strain .
An untimely injury kept Yastrzemski out of the Giants ’ lineup for the second straight game on Saturday and the team ’ s offense was once again silenced in a 6-0 loss to the Oakland A ’ s .
With their most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Alex Dickerson , missing Saturday ’ s game after being placed on the paternity list , the Giants ( 25-26 ) were shut out for the second consecutive game by an A ’ s pitching staff led by rookie Jesús Luzardo .
A punchless lineup kept the Giants from being competitive and an abysmal day for the outfield defense turned a game that could have been close into a blowout loss .
Left fielder Darin Ruf and center fielder Mauricio Dubón combined to drop three balls they got gloves on during a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two-run home run hit by A ’ s third baseman Jake Lamb .
Fewer than 48 hours after the Giants led the National League Wildcard standings , a pair of losses in Oakland have moved the club out of a playoff position with just nine games left to play .
“ I think what we need to do going forward is have a healthy balance of a sense of urgency because of how many games we have left and where we are in the playoff race and balance that with a calm , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gabe Kapler said .
“ Those two things can coexist and work in harmony.
” With eight days remaining in the regular season , it might be too soon for the Giants to smash the panic button , but it ’ s not too early to peek at the rest of the team ’ s schedule and see what a daunting challenge lies ahead .
A Giants team that fell to 5-16 against clubs with winning records is now 0-5 against the A ’ s and 1-5 against the San Diego Padres , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ four-game series during the final weekend of the regular season .
It might require rose-colored glasses to see any positive developments for the Giants over the last two days , but the club did receive an important start from Kevin Gausman .
After the last three Giants starters failed to complete four innings , the club desperately needed the veteran right-hander to save the team ’ s bullpen and pitch deep into Saturday ’ s game .
Gausman hadn ’ t started in 11 days because he had been scratched from his scheduled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to elbow tightness , but he didn ’ t show any signs of rust in a dominant performance against the A ’ s .
“ I thought his location was awesome , particularly in the earlier innings , ” Kapler said .
“ We saw a healthy velocity from him in his normal range , we saw him rip his changeup a couple of times which is something we wanted to see , saw him feature his splitter and we really saw him carve in the first few innings.
” Gausman finished his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one run over six dominant innings that gave the Giants every chance to take control of Saturday ’ s game , but he ended up taking the loss anyway .
“ We had a couple of bad games in a row , but we ’ re going to break out , ” Gausman said .
“ These guys do such a good job of putting quality at-bats together , but these last two games , I feel like it was more their pitching .
Their pitchers pitched really well agianst us and I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up as well against this team as some of the other teams we ’ ve played lately.
” Gausman didn ’ t allow a baserunner or a hit until the bottom of the fourth inning Saturday , but the A ’ s managed to capitalize on the minor mistakes he made en route to taking a 1-0 lead .
After walking Mark Canha with two outs and allowing the A ’ s designated hitter to reach second on a wild pitch , Gausman gave up a line drive RBI single to first baseman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance to rally and score first in the top of the fourth against Luzardo , but second baseman Donovan Solano made a terrible baserunning mistake as he overran third base and was tagged out to end the inning .
After Mauricio Dubón beat out an infield single , Olson saw Solano extend too far from third base and fired a strike across the infield to third baseman Jake Lamb to end the Giants ’ threat .
Leadoff batters reached base in the fourth , fifth and sixth innings against Luzardo , but the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inning and failed to challenge the A ’ s lefty out of the stretch in the others .
It ’ s impossible to know how Saturday ’ s game would have looked if Yastrzemski or Dickerson were available , but it ’ s clear the Giants don ’ t look like a playoff team with either out of the lineup .
The A ’ s are a fantastic club and potentially set up to play deep into October , and while the Giants still have a chance to make the postseason , their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any sort of a meaningful playoff run .
“ I know that we need to win everyday , ” third baseman Evan Longoria said .
“ That has to be our goal .
I think when you get caught up in looking at that , it just puts added pressure .
But there is an understanding we need to win a lot of games here down the stretch .
We ’ re not going to be able to limp in.
” Kapler announced postgame Saturday that right-hander Johnny Cueto ’ s scheduled start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday as the veteran pitcher is dealing with right hip discomfort .
Left-hander Tyler Anderson , who only threw two innings before being ejected for arguing from his start on Thursday , will return on short rest to face the A ’ s in the series finale .
We Need Your Support !
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I ’ ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you ’ ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com @ @ @ @ @ @ @ latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer .
Thank you !
— Kerry Crowley

With other stars around the National League surging and Mike Yastrzemski’s eye-popping numbers beginning to decline during the final weeks of the season, the Giants outfielder was sliding out of the Most Valuable Player race.
All it took for Yastrzemski’s value to come into focus was a mild right calf strain.
An untimely injury kept Yastrzemski out of the Giants’ lineup for the second straight game on Saturday and the team’s offense was once again silenced in a 6-0 loss to the Oakland A’s.
With their most important player sidelined and another key outfielder, Alex Dickerson, missing Saturday’s game after being placed on the paternity list, the Giants (25-26) were shut out for the second consecutive game by an A’s pitching staff led by rookie Jesús Luzardo. A punchless lineup kept the Giants from being competitive and an abysmal day for the outfield defense turned a game that could have been close into a blowout loss.
Left fielder Darin Ruf and center fielder Mauricio Dubón combined to drop three balls they got gloves on during a five-run seventh inning that also featured a two-run home run hit by A’s third baseman Jake Lamb. Fewer than 48 hours after the Giants led the National League Wildcard standings, a pair of losses in Oakland have moved the club out of a playoff position with just nine games left to play.
“I think what we need to do going forward is have a healthy balance of a sense of urgency because of how many games we have left and where we are in the playoff race and balance that with a calm, reasoned and even demeanor,” manager Gabe Kapler said. “Those two things can coexist and work in harmony.”
With eight days remaining in the regular season, it might be too soon for the Giants to smash the panic button, but it’s not too early to peek at the rest of the team’s schedule and see what a daunting challenge lies ahead.
A Giants team that fell to 5-16 against clubs with winning records is now 0-5 against the A’s and 1-5 against the San Diego Padres, who will visit San Francisco for a four-game series during the final weekend of the regular season. It might require rose-colored glasses to see any positive developments for the Giants over the last two days, but the club did receive an important start from Kevin Gausman.
After the last three Giants starters failed to complete four innings, the club desperately needed the veteran right-hander to save the team’s bullpen and pitch deep into Saturday’s game. Gausman hadn’t started in 11 days because he had been scratched from his scheduled outing last Sunday in San Diego due to elbow tightness, but he didn’t show any signs of rust in a dominant performance against the A’s.
“I thought his location was awesome, particularly in the earlier innings,” Kapler said. “We saw a healthy velocity from him in his normal range, we saw him rip his changeup a couple of times which is something we wanted to see, saw him feature his splitter and we really saw him carve in the first few innings.”
Gausman finished his start having allowed just one hit and one run over six dominant innings that gave the Giants every chance to take control of Saturday’s game, but he ended up taking the loss anyway.
“We had a couple of bad games in a row, but we’re going to break out,” Gausman said. “These guys do such a good job of putting quality at-bats together, but these last two games, I feel like it was more their pitching. Their pitchers pitched really well agianst us and I don’t know if we matched up as well against this team as some of the other teams we’ve played lately.”
Gausman didn’t allow a baserunner or a hit until the bottom of the fourth inning Saturday, but the A’s managed to capitalize on the minor mistakes he made en route to taking a 1-0 lead. After walking Mark Canha with two outs and allowing the A’s designated hitter to reach second on a wild pitch, Gausman gave up a line drive RBI single to first baseman Matt Olson.
The Giants had a chance to rally and score first in the top of the fourth against Luzardo, but second baseman Donovan Solano made a terrible baserunning mistake as he overran third base and was tagged out to end the inning. After Mauricio Dubón beat out an infield single, Olson saw Solano extend too far from third base and fired a strike across the infield to third baseman Jake Lamb to end the Giants’ threat.
Leadoff batters reached base in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings against Luzardo, but the Giants ran their way out of one inning and failed to challenge the A’s lefty out of the stretch in the others. It’s impossible to know how Saturday’s game would have looked if Yastrzemski or Dickerson were available, but it’s clear the Giants don’t look like a playoff team with either out of the lineup.
The A’s are a fantastic club and potentially set up to play deep into October, and while the Giants still have a chance to make the postseason, their recent performances make it difficult to envision any sort of a meaningful playoff run.
“I know that we need to win everyday,” third baseman Evan Longoria said. “That has to be our goal. I think when you get caught up in looking at that, it just puts added pressure. But there is an understanding we need to win a lot of games here down the stretch. We’re not going to be able to limp in.”
Pitching change
Kapler announced postgame Saturday that right-hander Johnny Cueto’s scheduled start will be pushed back from Sunday to Monday as the veteran pitcher is dealing with right hip discomfort. Left-hander Tyler Anderson, who only threw two innings before being ejected for arguing from his start on Thursday, will return on short rest to face the A’s in the series finale.
We Need Your Support!
Several Giants articles will remain free every 30 days – and I’ve launched a free newsletter and podcast that come Monday-Friday – but for access to all of my coverage you’ll need to subscribe to MercuryNews.com or EastBayTimes.com. Click here for our latest Mercury News offer and here for the latest East Bay Times offer. Thank you! — Kerry Crowley


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Father ‘learned lesson’ after he and young child were rescued from San Francisco cliff

SAN FRANCISCO — A father said he “ learned a lesson ” Saturday about the dangers of climbing on coastal cliffs after he and his young child became trapped while trying to climb down a cliff at Fort Funston to the ocean below , fire officials said .
The pair were safely rescued after their walk at Fort Funston at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday turned treacherous , according to San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter .
Fort Funston is known for its 200-foot-high sandy bluffs above the Pacific Ocean on San Francisco ’ s southwest coast .
“ They saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and they attempted to walk down the cliff , which is something we advise people not to do , ” Baxter said in a video posted to the department ’ s Twitter account .
When the pair got about halfway down the cliff , about 70 feet above the shore below , they realized they were stuck , Baxter said .
“ They couldn ’ t go down , and they couldn ’ t go back up , ” Baxter said .
Fortunately , the father was able to use his phone to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ precise details of his location , Baxter said .
Emergency crews had to hike into the area , about a mile from the parking lot .
Three rescue rope lines were lowered and it took about an hour to bring the pair to safety , Baxter said .
“ This could have had a much worse ending , ” Baxter said .
“ It could have resulted in injury or death.
” Baxter said the father “ did give some encouraging advice , that they had definitely learned a lesson today .
”

SAN FRANCISCO — A father said he “learned a lesson” Saturday about the dangers of climbing on coastal cliffs after he and his young child became trapped while trying to climb down a cliff at Fort Funston to the ocean below, fire officials said.
The pair were safely rescued after their walk at Fort Funston at about 11:30 a.m. Saturday turned treacherous, according to San Francisco Fire Lt. Jonathan Baxter. Fort Funston is known for its 200-foot-high sandy bluffs above the Pacific Ocean on San Francisco’s southwest coast.
“They saw how beautiful the water was below, and they attempted to walk down the cliff, which is something we advise people not to do,” Baxter said in a video posted to the department’s Twitter account.
CHILD AND DAD RESCUED OFF CLIFF AT FT FUNSTON WATCH STORY ON @abc7newsbayarea First photo credit @abc7newsbayarea additional 3 SFFDPIO free to use pic.twitter.com/qLP4fzSUCw — SAN FRANCISCO FIRE DEPARTMENT MEDIA (@SFFDPIO) September 19, 2020
When the pair got about halfway down the cliff, about 70 feet above the shore below, they realized they were stuck, Baxter said. “They couldn’t go down, and they couldn’t go back up,” Baxter said.
Fortunately, the father was able to use his phone to call 911 and give the dispatcher pretty precise details of his location, Baxter said. Emergency crews had to hike into the area, about a mile from the parking lot. Three rescue rope lines were lowered and it took about an hour to bring the pair to safety, Baxter said.
“This could have had a much worse ending,” Baxter said. “It could have resulted in injury or death.”
Baxter said the father “did give some encouraging advice, that they had definitely learned a lesson today.”


mercurynews--2020-09-19--Trump backs proposed TikTok deal with Oracle, Walmart

WASHINGTON ( AP ) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he ’ s given his “ blessing ” to a @ @ @ @ @ Walmart for the U.S. operations of TikTok , the Chinese-owned app he ’ s targeted @ @ @ @ @ privacy concerns .
Trump said the proposed deal will result in a new company likely @ @ @ @ @ and under the control of U.S.-based Oracle and Walmart .
“ I have given the @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ If they get it done , that ’ s great .
@ @ @ @ @ , that ’ s OK too.
” Trump has been targeting TikTok , a video @ @ @ @ @ , as well as WeChat , another Chinese-owned app .
The dispute over the two @ @ @ @ @ in the rising tensions between the world ’ s two largest economies .

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday he’s given his “blessing” to a proposed deal between Oracle and Walmart for the U.S. operations of TikTok, the Chinese-owned app he’s targeted for national security and data privacy concerns.
Trump said the proposed deal will result in a new company likely to be based in Texas and under the control of U.S.-based Oracle and Walmart.
“I have given the deal my blessing,” he said. “If they get it done, that’s great. If they don’t, that’s OK too.”
Trump has been targeting TikTok, a video app popular with younger people, as well as WeChat, another Chinese-owned app. The dispute over the two apps is the latest flashpoint in the rising tensions between the world’s two largest economies.