Today is more than just Wednesday though - it’s World Series Wednesday! I’m looking forward to watching this series get started. I’m blogging the World Series on Sports Cartel’s main page; you can see my series preview here and my Game 1 preview here.

But even with the Fall Classic beginning today, there are actually a couple A’s items to talk about:

1. Lew Wolff created some buzz with his statement yesterday that there is no way the A’s will stay in Oakland. There’s still a lot of uncertainty around the plans for Fremont and Cisco Field, so a statement like this just makes me roll my eyes. Don’t start throwing out the “it’s out of the question” smack until you have something finalized.

Being a non-resident A’s fan, I don’t feel strongly about where the A’s end up going (unless they come to my backyard - Green Bay, anyone??). I care that they get out of the concrete piece of crap they play in now and start becoming more Macy’s and less K-Mart, like a team that plays in the sixth largest television market in the country should be. I also care that, once they move, they are still called the A’s, still green and gold, and keep the elephant and the white cleats.

2. The A’s brought Hayward-native Don Wakamatsu on as bench coach. They’re still interviewing for one position - Rene Lachman’s vacancy - though there’s no indication what that will be as the coaches could be shuffled around before spring training. Bucky Dent and Tony DeFrancesco are both interviewing this week. The A’s seem to like to promote their AAA managers regularly so I expect it to be DeFrancesco, but I can’t help but like the idea of Bucky Dent, if only for the reason that the guy knows something about clutch hits. Anything to solve the A’s RISP woes…

3. J.J. Cooper of Baseball America answered my question during his chat today on ESPN.com. I asked him about Alexei Ramirez, who I brought up in the center field post the other day.

Kelly (Appleton, WI): J.J., what’s the word on Alexei Ramirez? What kind of attention do you think he’ll get on the FA market, and does he project as a starter?

J.J. Cooper: (2:15 PM ET ) There has been a ton of money wasted on Cuban prospects over the years so it’s hard to forecast stardom for anyone making the jump from Serie Nacional to the big leagues. But in Ramirez’ case he projects to be an everyday big leaguer, whether in the outfield, maybe third base or even shortstop. He’s got a good line-drive bat with a little bit of power. Teams will be interested.

So there you have it - likely not A’s-related, but it’s always fun when my question gets picked.

Enjoy Game 1 tonight. Former A Bobby Kielty should get in against the lefty Jeff Francis, so there’s a reason to watch - as if you needed one.