Bay Area Buzz 6/6: Colon Riding High, Dickey Flusters Giants, Niners Bolster Special Teams

Jun 5, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oakland Athletics pitcher Bartolo Colon bobbles the ball while fielding a bunt by Milwaukee Brewers right fielder Logan Schafer (not pictured) but still got the out in the 6th inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Bartolo Colon Riding High for Oakland Athletics in Spite of PED Mess

"So what affect will the PED garbage have on Colon? I suppose whatever affects the masters over at MLB executive offices decide on. Yeah I might be a conspiracy theorist or just half out of my mind but I find it very hard to believe that a few names scribbled or typed on a list mean anything other than some lame so-called doctor type wants his name in the news.MLB meanwhile seems to be just looking for someone to fine. Hey MLB I have an idea. Why not go after the umpires that constantly make terrible calls like Angel Hernandez and leave the stinking players like Colon alone for goodness sake.– David Miller, Rant Sports"

Dickey Flutter-Flusters SF Giants, Whose Interleague Woes Continue 

"If the Giants want to face an American League team in October, they better step up their game against the AL in interleague play.The Giants lost three of four to the A’s and Blue Jays, the latter home-and-home ending with Toronto’s 4-0 victory at AT&T Park.R.A. Dickey flustered San Francisco hitters all day with his assorted knuckleballs, holding them to a Pablo Sandoval single and a Hunter Pence walk until two Giants reached in the ninth and cost Dickey a shot at his first complete game as a Blue Jay.– Henry Schulman, San Francisco Chronicle"

What’s So Special About the 49ers Bolstering Special Teams? 

"Nobody pays attention to special teams until there’s a problem. For most fans, when special teams come in, they decide it is the most opportune time to grab a beer. Yet, according to Advanced NFL Stats, one in five plays involve the special teams. Statistically, 20% of the plays in the game (on average) hinge on the special teams.Last year, the San Francisco 49ers showed weakness on special teams. There are a few players within the unit who are experienced special teamers (e.g., Larry Grant and Anthony Dixon to name a few). But, look at the 53-man roster. Aside from the kicker, the punter, and the long snapper, the rest consist of players whose primary jobs are either on offense or defense. Simply, with the advent of the salary cap, no NFL team has the luxury of dressing an entire unit solely devoted to special teams. Players are expected to be well-rounded, capable on special teams and in their respective positions."

– Niners Nation