FanFest Q&A (Photo: Mac/Third Street Kings)

I was hoping I would be able to have a lot to talk about when it came to FanFest, go over the Q&A sessions and talk about how amazing it was, but as it turns out, I spent about 3 of the 4 hours standing in line waiting for autographs and pictures.

This was the first FanFest in over 3 years, so I was very excited about this.  FanFest was held at the Oracle Arena this year instead of the Coliseum and, honestly, I hope they never use this venue again for something like this.

Anthony Recker, Daric Barton & I

There are two reasons why I think they had moved FanFest to the Oracle. First, because the motocross races were at the Coliseum on Saturday night, and second, I really don’t think they expected over 7,000 people to show up.  It was hard to move around in the Oracle at it’s peak, there were lines everywhere and I ended up having to stand in line for an hour and a half just to get an autograph from Eric Sogard and Jemile Weeks.

The good definitely outweighed the bad, it was nice to have FanFest back, and I loved the turnout from the players.  We had over 30 players from past and present so kudos to all of them!

The turnout for the fans was also excellent, as I said earlier, over 7,000 fans came out to FanFest and I hope to see them all back for games this year!

We did get some news out of FanFest regarding some of the players:

Bob Melvin hinted that Brandon McCarthy will be getting the start on Opening Day in Tokyo, Bartolo Colon will start the second game and the other three spots are up for grabs.

Daric Barton, who had shoulder surgery last, will be limited to DH’ing until mid-March.  He will be fighting for the first baseman job with Kila Ka’aihue, Chris Carter and Brandon Allen in Spring Training.

Dallas Braden threw off the mound on Monday for the first time since last May.  He says he is one month ahead of rehab and hopes to be back on time for opening weekend in Oakland.

 Big thanks to Mac of Third Street Kings for sharing her FanFest photos with the Oaktown Breakdown.