Lazy Sunday

It was supposed to rain this weekend, but nary a drop fell. The A's and Giants renewed their rivalry Sunday at Phoenix Muni before a sellout crowd of over 10,000. With Jason Schmidt and Barry Zito starting, this seemed to be more than just a spring training game. But really, that's all it was. Strangely, Schmidt was rocked, allowing nine hits and 10 runs, including three homers. That's not Schmidt-like. Having covered the Giants for 12 seasons, this was the first time I had a chance to watch my old team. I have to admit it was a little bit odd covering the A's with both teams meeting. I ventured into the visiting clubhouse before the game to chat with some old Giants, but Schmidt was the only one there. (The bus had not arrived from Scottsdale.) We renewed acquaintances. Schmidt was always up front and candid with me and we had a professional relationship that included barbs thrown both ways _ mostly at me. If you don't know Schmidt, he's a prankster, a jokester. What a minute! I'm getting off track here with those Giants. Wrong team, folks. ... Zito fared much better than Schmidt, allowing only a run in six innings. He's had an impressive spring and could have a big season. The teams meet again today in Scottsdale before another sellout.