Bay Area Buzz 9/25: Brandon Moss, Dodgers Win NL West, MJD, Anthony Davis
Bay Area Topics
Brandon Moss
"Susan Slusser has learned that Brandon Moss, an integral factor in the A’s early season success and a 2014 all star, will undergo microfracture surgery on his right hip during the off season. While this injury left Moss unavailable during Wednesday’s game versus the Angels, a game that was desperate for a “Moss is Boss” moment, he will be available to finish the season and, presumably, play in the post. Slusser reports that Moss had a cortisone shot before the Wednesday game which is like putting a patch on your flat tire. Sure, you’ll get home but your tire is fundamentally broken. The injury, which has resulted in severe cartilage degeneration, has affected Moss’ range although he would not tell Slusser that the pain was a factor in his second half numbers."
Dodgers Win NL West
"As soon as Brian Wilson got the final out in the 9-1 Dodgers victory that and clinched the National League West title Wednesday night, the vast majority of Giants quickly retreated to their clubhouse, refusing to watch a celebration they felt they should have had.The odd history of 2014 might not have been forefront on the Giants’ minds, but they knew they led the West by 10 games on June 8, when they could have been forgiven for daydreaming about the kind of party the Dodgers threw in front of a full house in Chavez Ravine.“That lead was so long ago,” shortstop Brandon Crawford said. “I doubt most of us were thinking about it. It sucks, but it’s over with.”The Giants’ playoff chances are far from over, but even the players who have scrapped for 158 games should understand why the faithful are not overly excited about October."
–Henry Schulman, San Francisco Chronicle
Maurice Jones-Drew
"For the first time since he suffered a hand injury in the season opener that required minor surgery, Maurice Jones-Drew was full go at practice and is expected to play this week. Or as MJD put it today, he’s “ready to roll”.Dennis Allen added that “all signs point to” his starting running back will take the field again this week at Wembley.The Raiders need all the help they can get on offense this week. They scored just one meaningful touchdown in the two games while MJD was sidelined (though they very nearly scored a second last week but for a holding penalty)."
–Levi Damien, Silver & Black Pride
Anthony Davis
"The San Francisco 49ers may have just received a tremendous boost on Wednesday in the form of Anthony Davis. Davis, who has yet to play a snap this season, has been out with an injured hamstring since the end of the preseason. His replacement, Jonathan Martin has shown a lack of consistency that, while not incredibly awful, has been enough to severely hamper Colin Kaepernick at times.Anthony Davis’ return will most certainly mean a few extra milliseconds for Kaepernick in the pocket. This could be huge for the QB as he continues to develop his substantially-improved pocket presence. As for Kaepernick’s infamous rollouts, he once again should be able to roll out to the right with ease-something he has seemed to do less of this season while favoring moving to his left. Even at 70%, Davis, with his awareness of the game and pure ability, should serve as an upgrade to Martin who, while possessing a lot of potential, has imply been raw this season."